Proverbs 23:10 Meaning and Explanation
“Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not steal land from others, and do not exploit the vulnerable.
The Context of Proverbs 23:10
Commands against theft and exploitation of vulnerable people.
What Does Proverbs 23:10 Mean?
Ancient landmarks marked property boundaries; moving one was a form of theft that displaced neighbors and violated their inheritance. The prohibition reflects the sanctity of each person's rightful possession and the stability of community built on respect for what belongs to others.
The linked warning against entering the fatherless person's fields means do not take advantage of those without a male protector. The widow and orphan were vulnerable in ancient society; the law of God provided safeguards for them, and greed that ignores that protection invites judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 23:10
What does Proverbs 23:10 mean?
Do not steal land from others, and do not exploit the vulnerable.
What is the context of Proverbs 23:10?
Commands against theft and exploitation of vulnerable people.