Numbers 27 1

Numbers 27:1 kjv

Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.

Numbers 27:1 nkjv

Then came the daughters of Zelophehad the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, from the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph; and these were the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Numbers 27:1 niv

The daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah. They came forward

Numbers 27:1 esv

Then drew near the daughters of Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, from the clans of Manasseh the son of Joseph. The names of his daughters were: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Numbers 27:1 nlt

One day a petition was presented by the daughters of Zelophehad ? Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. Their father, Zelophehad, was a descendant of Hepher son of Gilead, son of Makir, son of Manasseh, son of Joseph.

Numbers 27 verses

Numbers 27 1 Meaning

Numbers 27:1 initiates a pivotal legal petition in Israel's wilderness journey. It records the deliberate approach of the five daughters of Zelophehad to Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the entire congregation. These women sought to establish their right to inherit land in the Promised Land, despite their father having died without male heirs, directly challenging traditional inheritance practices that favored male lineage. This verse names these five daughters, highlighting their collective identity and paving the way for a groundbreaking divine ruling that affirmed their rightful claim.

Numbers 27 1 Context

Numbers chapter 27 is situated near the end of the forty-year wilderness wanderings, specifically after the second census of the Israelites in Numbers 26. This census served a crucial purpose: to number the fighting men of each tribe for military strength and, more importantly, to determine the allocation of land in Canaan based on tribal size. Within this framework, a fundamental challenge arose. Zelophehad had died in the wilderness (though not among the generation who perished in rebellion), leaving five daughters but no sons. Under standard Mosaic law, land inheritance passed exclusively through the male line to prevent family lineages from being "cut off" and to ensure tribal land holdings remained intact. The daughters' courageous approach sought to rectify this seemingly insurmountable obstacle, emphasizing their lineage and demonstrating a deep understanding of the future importance of ancestral land.

Numbers 27 1 Word analysis

• Then came (וַתִּקְרַבְנָה, va'tık’ravnah): This Hebrew verb, derived from qarab, means "to approach" or "to draw near." The feminine plural indicates that the daughters collectively and deliberately approached. It suggests a proactive, intentional, and possibly bold action, indicating their determination to address a significant legal issue. Their initiative is central to the narrative.
• the daughters (בְּנוֹת, b'not): Refers to female offspring. In a patriarchal society, their standing to initiate such a petition was unusual and remarkable, underscoring their courage and the unique nature of their claim.
• of Zelophehad (צְלָפְחָד, Tselophchad): A unique personal name. Its meaning, possibly "first-born of trembling" or "shadow of fear," ironically contrasts with the boldness of his daughters. His lack of sons directly creates the legal dilemma. His death is noted in Num 27:3, ensuring his absence does not nullify his daughters' claim to his lineage.
• the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: This precise genealogy establishes the daughters' tribal affiliation and validates their right to petition. Machir was a prominent "man of war" in Manasseh (Jos 17:1), ensuring a strong familial legacy. The clear lineage to Joseph highlights their connection to one of the leading tribes of Israel, adding weight to their claim for a share of the land allotted to their ancestral tribe. It grounds their individual request in the larger tribal framework for land distribution.
• and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah: The listing of each daughter by name—Mahlah (possibly "sickness" or "weakness"), Noah ("movement" or "wandering"), Hoglah ("partridge," a tenacious bird), Milcah ("queen" or "counsel"), and Tirzah ("pleasantness" or "favor," also later a prominent city)—is significant. It emphasizes their individual identities within the collective, highlighting that God sees and acknowledges each person, not just the head of the household. The variety of meanings of their names could subtly foreshadow elements of their struggle or their ultimate success. The very act of naming them publicly grants them status and recognition, contrasting with typical ancient Near Eastern texts that often focus solely on male lineage for inheritance matters.

• "daughters of Zelophehad": This phrase establishes their identity not merely as individuals but as a collective unit tied to their father's house. It highlights their unique shared predicament – being without a male heir to continue their immediate family line – and underscores the common cause that bound them together in their petition.
• "families of Manasseh the son of Joseph": This group of words solidly places the daughters within their tribal context, Manasseh, one of the largest tribes derived from Joseph. This detail is crucial because land inheritance was strictly allocated according to tribes and their internal family divisions (mishpachot). Their claim directly impacts the allocation of land within the Manassite inheritance.

Numbers 27 1 Bonus section

The case of Zelophehad's daughters stands as a testament to the adaptable and responsive nature of God's law. Instead of a rigid, unchanging code, divine law, as revealed here, demonstrates its capacity for expansion and clarification through specific judicial rulings inspired by a pursuit of greater justice. This instance represents a unique legal precedent (Torah U'Vaa Hazzofeh) where an unforeseen circumstance leads to a new legal interpretation or addendum that is then incorporated into the existing law. It highlights that the spirit of the law – fairness and ensuring everyone receives their covenant blessing – takes precedence over the letter when unintended consequences arise. Their boldness reflects a deep understanding of the Abrahamic covenant's promise of land, indicating they desired to see God's promise fulfilled in their generation, even for those not traditionally recognized.

Numbers 27 1 Commentary

Numbers 27:1 introduces a landmark moment in biblical law, revealing a dynamic and just divine jurisprudence that goes beyond established norms. The five daughters of Zelophehad, faced with the loss of their inheritance due to the absence of a male heir, bravely approach the highest authorities, implicitly questioning a system that seemed to disenfranchise them. This act of drawing near is not rebellious but a faith-filled petition rooted in an understanding of God's covenant promise of land to Israel. Their precise presentation of lineage (to Joseph) emphasizes their legitimate claim as inheritors within the wider tribal system. By naming each daughter, the text elevates their individual identity and courage. This verse sets the stage for God's divine revelation, demonstrating His attentive and merciful nature as He addresses a genuine gap in the law, setting a new precedent for justice, fairness, and the affirmation of women's rights to property within the Mosaic covenant. This passage serves as a powerful testament to God's heart for the vulnerable and His readiness to extend His law to meet specific needs of justice.