Deuteronomy 27:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moving a neighbor's boundary marker is cursed as a violation of property rights and justice.
The Context of Deuteronomy 27:17
The third curse condemns stealing property by moving boundaries.
What Does Deuteronomy 27:17 Mean?
Landmarks define land ownership—essential in an agrarian society where land is inheritance and livelihood. Moving a landmark steals land from its rightful owner through deception. This curse protects each family's inheritance and prevents exploitation. The prohibition extends beyond land to all forms of property theft and fraud.
The curse reflects God's concern for justice and fair dealing within the community. Each Israelite 'owns' their portion as a divine gift; taking from another steals what God has allocated. The corporate affirmation makes property justice a community responsibility. Each 'Amen' commits Israel to defend the boundaries—literal and figurative—that preserve justice.
Deuteronomy 27:17 in the Original Language
landmark (גְּבוּל, gevul) — a stone or marker that defines the boundary between properties, representing ownership and inheritance rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 27:17
What does Deuteronomy 27:17 mean?
Moving a neighbor's boundary marker is cursed as a violation of property rights and justice.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 27:17?
The third curse condemns stealing property by moving boundaries.