Property in the Bible

Abstract

The Bible is a rich source of information about the theory and practice of property law in ancient times. The text deals insightfully with the concept of the root of title and sets forth sensible rules for defining property rights, protecting those rights against infringement, and facilitating transfers of ownership. Overall, the institutions of ancient Israel responded in an efficient way to the challenge of administering a regime of private property under technological conditions which were substantially less advanced than those which prevail today.