King James Version
What Does Numbers 27:10 Mean?
“And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father's brethren.”
Numbers 27:10 · KJV
Context
8
And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter.
9
And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.
10
And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father's brethren.
11
And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.
12
And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe law extends further: 'if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family.' The Hebrew she'ero ha-karov (his nearest kinsman) ensures someone would always inherit. This prevented escheat (property reverting to the state) and maintained family continuity. The principle teaches that covenant community maintains interconnected responsibilities—we are our brother's keeper. New Testament parallel: the church as family ensures no believer is truly orphaned or abandoned (Mark 10:29-30).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This law prevented the Israelite monarchy or tribal leadership from accumulating property from extinct families. Unlike ancient Near Eastern kingdoms where kings claimed ownerless property, Israel's theocratic system protected family rights even for distant kin. This limited state power and maintained economic decentralization, preventing the concentration of wealth that oppresses the poor.
Reflection Questions
- How does covenant community provide for those without immediate family?
- What modern structures ensure vulnerable believers aren't abandoned?
- How does limiting state power protect individual and family rights?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsוְאִם1 of 9
H518used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
ל֖וֹ3 of 9
H0לַֽאֲחֵ֥י4 of 9
“And if he have no brethren”
H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם5 of 9
“then ye shall give”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת6 of 9
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַֽחֲלָת֖וֹ7 of 9
“his inheritance”
H5159properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
לַֽאֲחֵ֥י8 of 9
“And if he have no brethren”
H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
אָבִֽיו׃9 of 9
“unto his father's”
H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
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 27:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.