What does the Bible say about home ownership?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents home ownership as a good gift and stewardship from God, not an ultimate right or source of security. God gives His people places to live and the ability to gain wealth, yet “the earth is the Lord’s” (Psalms 24:1; Deuteronomy 8:18). Israel was called to possess and dwell in the land God gave (Deuteronomy 11:31; Numbers 33:53), and Jeremiah 29:5 encourages faithful households to build, plant, and seek their community’s good. Proverbs 24:3-4 commends wise, diligent household building, while Isaiah 65:21-23 portrays secure homes as a blessing of God’s restoration. Acts 5:1-4 also affirms legitimate private property, while warning against deceit. Christians should therefore receive homes gratefully, manage them generously, and find their deepest dwelling in Christ (John 14:23).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Deuteronomy 11:31
For you are to pass over the Jordan to go in to possess the land which Yahweh your God gives you, and you shall possess it, and dwell therein.
- Jeremiah 29:5
Build you houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them.
- Psalms 24:1
> The earth is Yahweh's, with its fullness; The world, and those who dwell therein.
- Proverbs 24:3-4
[3] Through wisdom a house is built; By understanding it is established; [4] By knowledge the rooms are filled With all rare and beautiful treasure.
- Deuteronomy 8:18
But you shall remember Yahweh your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth; that he may establish his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as at this day.
- Isaiah 65:21-23
[21] They shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. [22] They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree shall be the days of my people, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. [23] They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for calamity; for they are the seed of the blessed of Yahweh, and their offspring with them.
- Deuteronomy 28:8
Yahweh will command the blessing on you in your barns, and in all that you put your hand to; and he will bless you in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.
- John 14:23
Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him.
- Acts 5:1-4
[1] But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession, [2] and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. [3] But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? [4] While you kept it, didn't it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn't it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven't lied to men, but to God."
- Numbers 33:53
and you shall take possession of the land, and dwell therein; for to you have I given the land to possess it.
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