Deuteronomy 19:14
French (La Bible expliquée)
Quand vous serez installés sur les terres qui vous auront été attribuées, dans le pays que le Seigneur votre Dieu va vous donner en possession, vous ne déplacerez pas les bornes, posées par les premiers arrivés pour marquer le domaine de votre voisin. Les litiges au sujet des droits de propriété étaient fréquents et pouvaient facilement dégénérer en bagarre ou en meurtre. La règle qui fixe les bornes des terrains est destinée à éviter de telles disputes. La règle concernant la pluralité des témoins a déjà été exposée (17.6-7). Ce passage met en garde contre les faux témoignages, en imposant au faux témoin la peine qui serait celle de l'accusé s'il était reconnu coupable. Cette mesure applique la loi dite du talion (v. 21), qui veut d'abord limiter les excès de la vengeance: le châtiment ne doit pas dépasser le crime commis.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy warns that you should not move your neighbor's boundary markers. The speaker is God, through Moses, and the key message is to respect others' property and honor established boundaries.
Explained for Children
Imagine you and your friend each have a piece of land in the backyard. You have a stick marking where your land ends and your friend's begins. This verse is like God saying, 'Don't move that stick to get more space. Respect where the line is.'
Historical Background
Moses delivered these words to the Israelites around 1200 BCE, just before they entered the Promised Land. The audience was a nomadic people transitioning to a settled agricultural lifestyle, and the cultural setting emphasized communal living and respect for communal and individual property rights.
Living It Out Today
In modern terms, this can apply to not changing the terms of a lease or contract to unfairly benefit yourself. For example, a business owner should not alter the boundaries of a tenant's space without consent.
Topics
property rightsjusticehonestyrespectboundarieslaw
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'landmark' mean in this verse?
In this verse, 'landmark' refers to the markers that defined the boundaries of one's inherited land. These were often physical markers like stones or posts that signified property boundaries.
How does this verse relate to modern real estate?
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring property boundaries and respecting others' property rights, which is fundamental in modern real estate transactions and disputes.
What are the consequences of moving a neighbor's landmark?
Moving a neighbor's landmark is considered a serious offense because it undermines trust and disrupts the communal order. This can lead to conflict and legal issues.
Can this verse be applied beyond property?
Yes, the principle of respecting boundaries can be applied to personal space, privacy, and the terms of agreements in various relationships, not just property boundaries.