Owning, in the biblical context, refers to the possession or stewardship of property, goods, or resources. The concept of ownership is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where it is often associated with responsibility, stewardship, and the acknowledgment of God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation.

Biblical Foundations of Ownership

The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God establishes His ownership over the earth and everything in it. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." This foundational truth sets the stage for understanding human ownership as a form of stewardship under God's authority.

Stewardship and Responsibility

In Genesis 1:28 , God commands Adam and Eve to "fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth." This mandate implies a form of ownership that is characterized by stewardship. Humans are entrusted with the care and management of God's creation, reflecting His order and purpose.

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the principle of stewardship. The servants are given resources to manage on behalf of their master, and their faithfulness in handling these resources determines their reward. This parable underscores the expectation that individuals will use their possessions wisely and for the benefit of God's kingdom.

Wealth and Material Possessions

The Bible acknowledges the reality of wealth and material possessions, offering guidance on their proper use. Proverbs 3:9 advises, "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest." This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing God in the use of one's resources.

While wealth is not inherently evil, the Bible warns against the dangers of materialism and the love of money. 1 Timothy 6:10 cautions, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." Believers are encouraged to maintain a balanced perspective, recognizing that material possessions are temporary and should not overshadow spiritual priorities.

Generosity and Sharing

The biblical view of ownership also emphasizes generosity and the sharing of resources. Acts 4:32 describes the early Christian community: "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned." This communal approach reflects the principle that ownership should not lead to selfishness but rather to the support and edification of others.

The practice of tithing, as seen in Malachi 3:10 , "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house," is another expression of acknowledging God's provision and sharing with the community of faith.

Contentment and Trust in God

The Bible encourages contentment with what one owns, recognizing that true security and satisfaction come from God. Hebrews 13:5 exhorts, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" This assurance allows believers to trust in God's provision and to hold their possessions with an open hand.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on owning is multifaceted, encompassing stewardship, responsibility, generosity, and contentment. While individuals are entrusted with resources, they are called to manage them in a way that honors God and serves others, always mindful of the eternal values that transcend material wealth.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Own.

Jesus Declares Himself.
... And there was that in her manner of owning Him as a prophet, a frankness and a
simplicity in uttering her mind and listening to His explanations, that prompted ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/x jesus declares himself.htm

Let this be My Excuse to the Learned World...
... Let this be my excuse to the learned world, for owning no school of wisdom, but
where the one only lesson is divine love; and the one only teacher the Spirit ...
/.../address 142 0 0 let this be.htm

But is it not as Easy to See, that the Whole Christian Church are ...
... The Jew therefore with his Old Testament, not owning Christ in all his process to
be the truth and life, and fulfiller of their Law, is just in that same ...
/.../address 155 0 0 but is it.htm

The Life of Sir Rob^T. Hamilton of Preston.
... Lining, Shields and Boyd, were drawing and enticing those who had formerly been
faithful for, and owning and suffering for the Lord's covenanted cause into a ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of sir rob%5Et.htm

The Life of Mr. Alexander Shields.
... before the council, where he pled the liberty of his thoughts, putting them to prove
his accusation, and waving a direct answer anent owning the king's ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr alexander 4.htm

Confession of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and ...
... Villain as he was, on his own shewing, he could go the length of owning half
his crime, but then he started back and acted the liar. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/confession of sin illustrated by.htm

The Timeliness of Prayer
... a greater volume of personal prayer to-day than for generations we have had in this
somewhat silent people, and there is less embarrassment in owning it. ...
/.../forsyth/the soul of prayer/chapter iv the timeliness of.htm

Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
... criticism of Gentile histories and escape its contagion when we approach Hebrew
annals; nor acknowledge a Providence in Jewry without owning that it may have ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/bunsens biblical researches.htm

Their Dangerous Errors.
... For they think also the same thing regarding us. For what does it profit, if any
one commends me, but blasphemes my Lord, not owning Him to be God incarnate? ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the smyrnaeans/chapter v their dangerous errors.htm

The Providence Before us May have a Special Tendency to Improve ...
... as that which we feel, when we humbly refer ourselves in all Things to the Divine
Disposal, in an intire Suspension of our own Will, seeing and owning the Hand ...
/.../4 the providence before us.htm

Owning (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Own. Multi-Version Concordance
Owning (2 Occurrences). Numbers 36:8 And every daughter ...
/o/owning.htm - 7k

Acknowledgment (6 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The act of owning or recognized in a particular character or relationship;
recognition as regards the existence, authority, truth, or genuineness. ...
/a/acknowledgment.htm - 8k

Owns (13 Occurrences)

/o/owns.htm - 10k

Undivided (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Not set off, as a share in a firm; not made actually separate by division;
as, a partner, owning one half in a firm, is said to own an undivided half ...
/u/undivided.htm - 8k

Owneth (2 Occurrences)

/o/owneth.htm - 7k

Foreigner (99 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) A person belonging to or owning allegiance to a
foreign country; one not native in the country or jurisdiction under ...
/f/foreigner.htm - 41k

Sojourner (81 Occurrences)
... its kindred verb is applied with slightly varying meanings to anyone who resides
in a country or a town of which he is not a full native land-owning citizen; eg ...
/s/sojourner.htm - 48k

Stranger (152 Occurrences)
... its kindred verb is applied with slightly varying meanings to anyone who resides
in a country or a town of which he is not a full native land-owning citizen; eg ...
/s/stranger.htm - 57k

Marry (48 Occurrences)
... Numbers 36:8 And every daughter owning property in any tribe of the children of
Israel is to be married to one of the family of her father's tribe, so that ...
/m/marry.htm - 22k

Married (152 Occurrences)
... Numbers 36:8 And every daughter owning property in any tribe of the children of
Israel is to be married to one of the family of her father's tribe, so that ...
/m/married.htm - 35k

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