Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, the concept of "estates" can be understood in various contexts, including land ownership, social status, and spiritual inheritance. The Bible provides numerous references to estates, reflecting their significance in the socio-economic and spiritual life of ancient Israel and the early Christian community.
Land Ownership and InheritanceThe Old Testament frequently addresses the distribution and inheritance of land, which was considered a divine gift and a sign of God's covenant with His people. The Promised Land was divided among the tribes of Israel, and each family received a portion as their inheritance. This land was to remain within the family, as seen in the laws of inheritance and the Year of Jubilee, which provided for the return of land to its original owners (
Leviticus 25:10-28). The importance of maintaining family estates is evident in the account of Naboth's vineyard, where Naboth refuses to sell his ancestral inheritance to King Ahab (
1 Kings 21:1-3).
Social Status and WealthEstates also refer to the social status and wealth of individuals. The Bible acknowledges the existence of different social classes, including the rich and the poor, and provides guidance on the responsibilities that come with wealth.
Proverbs 13:22 states, "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous." This highlights the importance of stewardship and the ethical use of one's estate.
The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the spiritual dangers of wealth. Jesus warns against the accumulation of earthly treasures, urging His followers to store up treasures in heaven (
Matthew 6:19-21). The parable of the rich fool (
Luke 12:16-21) serves as a cautionary tale about the futility of hoarding wealth without regard for one's spiritual estate.
Spiritual InheritanceBeyond material possessions, the Bible speaks of a spiritual inheritance that believers receive through faith in Christ. This spiritual estate is described as an eternal inheritance, incorruptible and undefiled, reserved in heaven for those who are in Christ (
1 Peter 1:4). The Apostle Paul writes in
Ephesians 1:11, "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will."
The concept of spiritual estates underscores the transformative power of the Gospel, which elevates believers to the status of co-heirs with Christ (
Romans 8:17). This inheritance is not based on earthly wealth or social status but on the grace and promise of God.
ConclusionIn summary, the biblical concept of estates encompasses land ownership, social status, and spiritual inheritance. Each aspect reflects the broader biblical themes of stewardship, justice, and the eternal promises of God to His people.
Greek
5561. chora -- a space, place, land... country-land (the ordinary word for ); a wide-open area; "a larger tract than
(68), . In two cases it refers to a rich man's
estates; and in Jn 4:35
...Library
The Downfall, 1616-1621.
... It was clearly provided in one clause of the Letter of Majesty that the Protestants
should have perfect liberty to build churches on all Royalestates....
Preface to the Emperor Charles V.
... Elector and Princes, with others joined with us, have been called to the aforesaid
Diet the same as the other Electors, Princes, andEstates, in obedient...
Bishop Hosius Said: Since no Case Should be Left Unprovided For...
... I think then permission should be given them, if they are to visit theirestates
and attend to the gathering of the harvest, to pass three Sundays, that is, to...
How when King Penda was Slain, the Province of the Mercians...
... him, and gave his daughter Elfled, who was scarce a year old, to be consecrated
to Him in perpetual virginity; bestowing also twelve smallestates of land...
Preface
... of which this principle would rob the Church;"the children it would leave without
a provision;"and that it would require those havingestates to sell them...
The King's Potters
... But they are also described as dwelling 'with the king.' That can only mean on
the royalestates, for the king himself resided in Jerusalem....
Boniface viii Ad 1294-1303.
... Philip, provoked by this, held meetings of what were called theestates of
France,"clergy, nobles, and commons,"and charged the pope with all sorts of...
The Life of Mr. James Guthrie.
... by a letter from the chancellor they were ordered to repair to Perth on Feb.19th,
1651, to answer before the king[103] and the committee ofestates for that...
Monos
... There they remain to rest after the voyage till they can be apportioned
by the Government officers to theestates which need them....
The Letter of Majesty, 1603-1609.
... He told theestates to end their babble, and again closed the Diet {March
31st.}.... He ordered theestates to appear in civilian's dress....
Thesaurus
Estates (4 Occurrences)...Estates (4 Occurrences).
... Acts 28:7 Now in the same part of the island there were
estates belonging to the Governor, whose name was Publius.
...Estate (40 Occurrences)
... community or state (as the clergy, the nobility, and the commonalty of England)
or their representatives who administer the government; as, theestates of the...
Code (6 Occurrences)
... The crown had, in every case, authority in reference toestates in fee which a vassal
could not sell, exchange or transmit to his wife or daughters (section...
Hammurabi
... The crown had, in every case, authority in reference toestates in fee which a vassal
could not sell, exchange or transmit to his wife or daughters (section...
Nero
... Nero vi: detestabile et malo publico). At the age of three the young Domitius lost
his father and was robbed of hisestates by the rapacity of Caius....
Esteem (25 Occurrences)
Lords (63 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a
supper to his lords, high captains, and chiefestates of Galilee; (KJV ASV BBE...
Generously (12 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Acts 28:7 Now in the same part of the island there wereestates
belonging to the Governor, whose name was Publius. He...
Garden (68 Occurrences)
... They are usually situated on the outskirts of a city (compare John 18:1, 26; John
19:41), except in the case of the more pretentiousestates of rich pashas or...
Welcomed (30 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Acts 28:7 Now in the same part of the island there were
estates belonging to the Governor, whose name was Publius....
Resources
Who are the Hospitaller Knights? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about how to humble yourself? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
