CINXE.COM

Proverbs 23:10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 23:10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/23-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/20_Pro_23_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 23:10 - True Riches" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/23-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/23-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm" title="Proverbs 23:9">&#9668;</a> Proverbs 23:10 <a href="/proverbs/23-11.htm" title="Proverbs 23:11">&#9658;</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible">&nbsp;Audio&nbsp;</a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References">&nbsp;Cross&nbsp;</a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible">&nbsp;Study&nbsp;</a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary">&nbsp;Comm&nbsp;</a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon">&nbsp;Heb&nbsp;</a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">&nbsp; (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don&#8217;t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don&#8217;t take the land of defenseless orphans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not remove the ancient landmark, Nor enter the fields of the fatherless;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not move the ancient boundary Or go into the fields of the fatherless,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not move the ancient boundary Or go into the fields of the fatherless,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not move the ancient boundary, Or go into the fields of the fatherless;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not move the ancient boundary And do not come into the fields of the orphans,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not move the ancient landmark [at the boundary of the property] And do not go into the fields of the fatherless [to take what is theirs],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217;t move an ancient boundary marker, and don&#8217;t encroach on the fields of the fatherless,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217t move an ancient boundary marker, and don&#8217t encroach on the fields of the fatherless, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Remove not the ancient landmark; And enter not into the fields of the fatherless:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't move a boundary marker or take the land that belongs to orphans. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Remove not the ancient landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/23.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />Do not move an ancient boundary marker or enter fields that belong to orphans,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Never move an old property line or take over land owned by orphans. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't move ancient boundaries or invade fields belonging to orphans;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not move an ancient boundary stone, or take over the fields of the fatherless, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not move the ancient boundary stone. Do not encroach on the fields of the fatherless:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217;t move the ancient boundary stone. Don&#8217;t encroach on the fields of the fatherless, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not remove a border of ancient times, "" And do not enter into fields of the fatherless,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Remove not a border of olden times, And into fields of the fatherless enter not,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not remove the old bound; and into the field of the orphans thou shalt not come:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Touch not the bounds of little ones: and enter not into the field of the fatherless: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Do not touch the boundaries of little ones, and do not enter into the field of the fatherless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not remove the ancient landmark, nor invade the fields of the fatherless; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not remove an ancient landmark or encroach on the fields of orphans,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Do not remove the old landmark; nor enter into the field of the fatherless;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not remove the boundary which is of old, and do not enter into the field of orphans<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Remove not the ancient landmark; And enter not into the fields of the fatherless;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Remove not the ancient landmarks; and enter not upon the possession of the fatherless:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/23-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4648" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">True Riches</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">9</span>Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: &#8217;al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5253.htm" title="5253: tas&#183;s&#234;&#7713; (V-Hifil-Imperf.Jus-2ms) -- Departing away, remove, take hold, turn away. A primitive root; to retreat.">move</a> <a href="/hebrew/5769.htm" title="5769: &#8216;&#333;&#183;w&#183;l&#257;m (N-ms) -- Long duration, antiquity, futurity. ">an ancient</a> <a href="/hebrew/1366.htm" title="1366: g&#601;&#183;&#7687;&#363;l (N-msc) -- Border, boundary, territory. Or gbul; from gabal; properly, a cord, i.e. a boundary; by extens. The territory inclosed.">boundary stone</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: &#8217;al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: t&#257;&#183;&#7687;&#333; (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">encroach</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: &#363;&#183;&#7687;i&#347;&#183;&#7695;&#234; (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-mpc) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">on the fields</a> <a href="/hebrew/3490.htm" title="3490: y&#601;&#183;&#7791;&#333;&#183;w&#183;m&#238;m (N-mp) -- An orphan. From an unused root meaning to be lonely; a bereaved person.">of the fatherless,</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-14.htm">Deuteronomy 19:14</a></span><br />You must not move your neighbor&#8217;s boundary marker, which was set up by your ancestors to mark the inheritance you shall receive in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/27-17.htm">Deuteronomy 27:17</a></span><br />&#8216;Cursed is he who moves his neighbor&#8217;s boundary stone.&#8217; And let all the people say, &#8216;Amen!&#8217;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22-24</a></span><br />You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. / If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. / My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-8.htm">Isaiah 5:8</a></span><br />Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field until no place is left and you live alone in the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/24-2.htm">Job 24:2</a></span><br />Men move boundary stones; they pasture stolen flocks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/5-10.htm">Hosea 5:10</a></span><br />The princes of Judah are like those who move boundary stones; I will pour out My fury upon them like water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/94-6.htm">Psalm 94:6</a></span><br />They kill the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3-4</a></span><br />Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Malachi 3:5</a></span><br />&#8220;Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,&#8221; says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Matthew 23:14</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men&#8217;s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a></span><br />Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-46.htm">Luke 20:46-47</a></span><br />&#8220;Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. / They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/12-38.htm">Mark 12:38-40</a></span><br />In His teaching Jesus also said, &#8220;Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces, / and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. / They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-38.htm">Matthew 21:38-41</a></span><br />But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, &#8216;This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.&#8217; / So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. / Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard returns, what will he do to those tenants?&#8221; ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:</p><p class="hdg">remove</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Proverbs 22:28</a></b></br> Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-14.htm">Deuteronomy 19:14</a></b></br> Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/27-17.htm">Deuteronomy 27:17</a></b></br> Cursed <i>be</i> he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.</p><p class="hdg">landmark</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/6-27.htm">Job 6:27</a></b></br> Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig <i>a pit</i> for your friend.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/22-9.htm">Job 22:9</a></b></br> Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/24-3.htm">Job 24:3,9</a></b></br> They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge&#8230; </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Ancient</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Border</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Boundary</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-37.htm">Encroach</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-6.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/psalms/146-9.htm">Fatherless</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-23.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Landmark</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Move</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Olden</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Times</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Widow</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/3-2.htm">Ancient</a> <a href="/isaiah/15-8.htm">Border</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-13.htm">Boundary</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-37.htm">Encroach</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-10.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Fatherless</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-15.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/hosea/5-10.htm">Landmark</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-29.htm">Move</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Olden</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-4.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-31.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-10.htm">Times</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Widow</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Consider carefully what is before you</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>Do not move an ancient boundary stone</b><br>This phrase refers to the practice of altering property lines, which was strictly prohibited in ancient Israel. Boundary stones were markers that defined the limits of a person's land, and moving them was considered a serious offense, akin to theft. In <a href="/deuteronomy/19-14.htm">Deuteronomy 19:14</a>, the law explicitly forbids moving a neighbor's boundary stone, emphasizing the importance of respecting property rights. This commandment reflects God's concern for justice and fairness in economic dealings. The boundary stones also symbolize the inheritance given by God to the tribes of Israel, as seen in <a href="/joshua/13.htm">Joshua 13-21</a>, where the land is divided among the tribes. Moving these stones would not only be an act of theft but also an affront to God's ordained order. <p><b>or encroach on the fields of the fatherless</b><br>The fatherless, or orphans, were among the most vulnerable members of society in biblical times. Without a father to protect and provide for them, they were often at risk of exploitation. The Bible frequently calls for the protection of orphans, widows, and foreigners, as seen in passages like <a href="/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22-24</a> and <a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a>. Encroaching on their fields would be an act of oppression, taking advantage of their inability to defend their property. This command underscores the biblical principle of caring for the marginalized and ensuring justice for those who cannot defend themselves. It also reflects God's character as a defender of the weak, as seen in <a href="/psalms/68-5.htm">Psalm 68:5</a>, where He is described as a "father to the fatherless."<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_boundary_stone.htm">Ancient Boundary Stone</a></b><br>In ancient Israel, boundary stones were physical markers that defined property lines. They were considered sacred and inviolable, representing the inheritance given by God to each tribe and family.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fatherless.htm">The Fatherless</a></b><br>This term refers to orphans or those without a father, who were often vulnerable and lacked protection in society. The Bible frequently emphasizes the need to care for and protect them.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelite_society.htm">Israelite Society</a></b><br>The context of this proverb is set within the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where land was a primary source of wealth and sustenance, and maintaining fair boundaries was crucial for justice and community stability.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_property_and_inheritance.htm">Respect for Property and Inheritance</a></b><br>God values justice and fairness in the distribution and protection of property. Respecting boundaries is a way to honor God's provision and maintain societal order.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/protection_of_the_vulnerable.htm">Protection of the Vulnerable</a></b><br>The fatherless and other vulnerable groups are under God's special care. We are called to protect their rights and ensure they are not exploited or oppressed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_business_and_personal_dealings.htm">Integrity in Business and Personal Dealings</a></b><br>Moving a boundary stone is symbolic of deceit and theft. Christians are called to act with integrity in all areas of life, ensuring honesty and fairness in their dealings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_righteousness.htm">God's Justice and Righteousness</a></b><br>God's laws reflect His character. By adhering to His commands regarding property and care for the vulnerable, we reflect His justice and righteousness in our communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The community has a role in upholding justice and protecting the rights of all its members, especially the vulnerable. This collective responsibility is a reflection of God's communal covenant with His people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_statism.htm">Should the ancient landmark be removed?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/should_the_ancient_landmark_be_removed.htm">Should the ancient landmark be removed?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_moving_boundary_stones.htm">Proverbs 23:10 forbids moving an ancient boundary stone; is there historical or archaeological evidence to confirm such practices?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_'boundary_moves'_in_hosea_5_10_recorded.htm">Hosea 5:10 - Do the described 'boundary moves' have any verifiable record in ancient Israel's land division or tribal borders?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) <span class= "bld">Remove not the old landmark.</span>--See above, on <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm" title="Remove not the ancient landmark, which your fathers have set.">Proverbs 22:28</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 10, 11.</span> - An enlargement of <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Proverbs 22:28</a> combined with <a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Proverbs 22:22, 28</a>. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Enter not into the fields of the fatherless.</span> Do not think to appropriate the fields of orphans, as if there were no our to defend their rights (comp. <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Proverbs 15:25</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/23-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1463;&#1500;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">move</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1514;&#1468;&#1463;&#1453;&#1505;&#1468;&#1461;&#1490;</span> <span class="translit">(tas&#183;s&#234;&#7713;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5253.htm">Strong's 5253: </a> </span><span class="str2">Departing away, remove, take hold, turn away </span><br /><br /><span class="word">an ancient</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1506;&#1493;&#1465;&#1500;&#1464;&#1425;&#1501;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8216;&#333;&#183;w&#183;l&#257;m)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5769.htm">Strong's 5769: </a> </span><span class="str2">Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always</span><br /><br /><span class="word">boundary stone</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1490;&#1468;&#1456;&#1489;&#1443;&#1493;&#1468;&#1500;</span> <span class="translit">(g&#601;&#183;&#7687;&#363;l)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1366.htm">Strong's 1366: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[or]</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1463;&#1500;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">encroach</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1514;&#1468;&#1464;&#1489;&#1465;&#1469;&#1488;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(t&#257;&#183;&#7687;&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on the fields</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1468;&#1489;&#1460;&#1513;&#1474;&#1456;&#1491;&#1461;&#1445;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(&#363;&#183;&#7687;i&#347;&#183;&#7695;&#234;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b &#124; Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> </span><span class="str2">Field, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the fatherless,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1456;&#1437;&#1514;&#1493;&#1465;&#1502;&#1460;&#1431;&#1497;&#1501;</span> <span class="translit">(y&#601;&#183;&#7791;&#333;&#183;w&#183;m&#238;m)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3490.htm">Strong's 3490: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bereaved person</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/23-10.htm">Proverbs 23:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23-10.htm">Proverbs 23:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/23-10.htm">Proverbs 23:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23-10.htm">Proverbs 23:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23-10.htm">Proverbs 23:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/23-10.htm">Proverbs 23:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/23-10.htm">Proverbs 23:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/23-10.htm">Proverbs 23:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/23-10.htm">Proverbs 23:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/23-10.htm">Proverbs 23:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/23-10.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:10 Don't move the ancient boundary stone (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 23:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/23-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 23:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:11" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10