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 Inheritance

The 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 Wealth

Estates 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 Inheritance

Beyond 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.

Conclusion

In 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.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 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5561.htm - 7k

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 Royal estates. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiv the downfall 1616-1621.htm

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, and Estates, in obedient ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/preface to the emperor charles.htm

Bishop Hosius Said: Since no Case Should be Left Unprovided For...
... I think then permission should be given them, if they are to visit their estates
and attend to the gathering of the harvest, to pass three Sundays, that is, to ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xii bishop hosius said .htm

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 small estates of land ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxiv how when king.htm

Preface
... of which this principle would rob the Church;"the children it would leave without
a provision;"and that it would require those having estates to sell them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/groves/christian devotedness/preface.htm

The King's Potters
... But they are also described as dwelling 'with the king.' That can only mean on
the royal estates, for the king himself resided in Jerusalem. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the kings potters.htm

Boniface viii Ad 1294-1303.
... Philip, provoked by this, held meetings of what were called the estates of
France,"clergy, nobles, and commons,"and charged the pope with all sorts of ...
/.../chapter xvi boniface viii ad.htm

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 of estates for that ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 3.htm

Monos
... There they remain to rest after the voyage till they can be apportioned
by the Government officers to the estates which need them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vi monos.htm

The Letter of Majesty, 1603-1609.
... He told the estates to end their babble, and again closed the Diet {March
31st.}. ... He ordered the estates to appear in civilian's dress. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiii the letter of.htm

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. ...
/e/estates.htm - 7k

Estate (40 Occurrences)
... community or state (as the clergy, the nobility, and the commonalty of England)
or their representatives who administer the government; as, the estates of the ...
/e/estate.htm - 20k

Code (6 Occurrences)
... The crown had, in every case, authority in reference to estates in fee which a vassal
could not sell, exchange or transmit to his wife or daughters (section ...
/c/code.htm - 40k

Hammurabi
... The crown had, in every case, authority in reference to estates in fee which a vassal
could not sell, exchange or transmit to his wife or daughters (section ...
/h/hammurabi.htm - 47k

Nero
... Nero vi: detestabile et malo publico). At the age of three the young Domitius lost
his father and was robbed of his estates by the rapacity of Caius. ...
/n/nero.htm - 41k

Esteem (25 Occurrences)

/e/esteem.htm - 17k

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 chief estates of Galilee; (KJV ASV BBE ...
/l/lords.htm - 28k

Generously (12 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Acts 28:7 Now in the same part of the island there were estates
belonging to the Governor, whose name was Publius. He ...
/g/generously.htm - 9k

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 pretentious estates of rich pashas or ...
/g/garden.htm - 38k

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. ...
/w/welcomed.htm - 15k

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