King James Version

What Does Numbers 27:1 Mean?

Numbers 27:1 in the King James Version says “Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

1

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.

2

And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

3

Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD speaking to Moses 'Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel' is both mercy and judgment. The Hebrew re'eh (see) allowed Moses visual fulfillment of the promise, though he could not enter. This demonstrates that sin's consequences remain even for forgiven leaders—Moses' striking the rock (Numbers 20:11) disqualified him from entering Canaan. However, God's grace permitted him to see it, and later to enter the ultimate Promised Land (Jesus spoke with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration, Matthew 17:3). Partial earthly fulfillment pointed to complete heavenly fulfillment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mount Abarim (likely Mount Nebo, Deuteronomy 32:49) stood east of the Jordan opposite Jericho. From there, Moses could survey Canaan from Dan to the Negev. The location's significance continued—it was from Moabite territory (where Israel then camped) that they would launch the conquest. Moses' death location became a testimony that even the greatest leaders are merely servants; God accomplishes His purposes through successive generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God show mercy even within the consequences of sin?
  2. What does Moses seeing but not entering Canaan teach about partial earthly fulfillment pointing to complete heavenly fulfillment?
  3. How should we respond when consequences of past failures prevent complete earthly success?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַתִּקְרַ֜בְנָה1 of 23

“Then came”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

בְּנֹתָ֔יו2 of 23

“of his daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

צְלָפְחָ֗ד3 of 23

“of Zelophehad”

H6765

tselophchad, an israelite

בֶן4 of 23

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חֵ֤פֶר5 of 23

“of Hepher”

H2660

chepher, a place in palestine

בֶן6 of 23

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

גִּלְעָד֙7 of 23

“of Gilead”

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

בֶן8 of 23

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מָכִ֣יר9 of 23

“of Machir”

H4353

makir, an israelite

בֶן10 of 23

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מְנַשֶּׁ֣ה11 of 23

“of Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת12 of 23

“of the families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

מְנַשֶּׁ֣ה13 of 23

“of Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

בֶן14 of 23

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יוֹסֵ֑ף15 of 23

“of Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙16 of 23
H428

these or those

שְׁמ֣וֹת17 of 23

“and these are the names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בְּנֹתָ֔יו18 of 23

“of his daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

מַחְלָ֣ה19 of 23

“Mahlah”

H4244

machlah, the name apparently of two israelitesses

נֹעָ֔ה20 of 23

“Noah”

H5270

noah, an israelitess

וְחָגְלָ֥ה21 of 23

“and Hoglah”

H2295

choglah, an israelitess

וּמִלְכָּ֖ה22 of 23

“and Milcah”

H4435

milcah, the name of a hebrewess and of an israelite

וְתִרְצָֽה׃23 of 23

“and Tirzah”

H8656

tirtsah, a place in palestine; also an israelitess

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 27:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 27:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:33Galatians 3:281 Chronicles 7:15Numbers 36:1-12Joshua 17:3-6

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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