King James Version

What Does Numbers 27:2 Mean?

Numbers 27:2 in the King James Version says “And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

Numbers 27:2 · 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.

4

Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father. done: Heb. diminished

Read Numbers 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The daughters of Zelophehad standing 'before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle' demonstrates public legal proceedings in Israel's theocratic system. The Hebrew amad lipnei (stand before) indicates formal court proceedings. Their case was brought to the highest authorities at the central sanctuary, ensuring divine guidance in the decision. This establishes that difficult legal cases should seek divine wisdom through authorized channels—a principle affirmed in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). God's law accommodates new circumstances without compromising justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This incident occurred after the wilderness generation's death sentence (Numbers 14) but before entering Canaan. The daughters' concern was about land inheritance in the soon-to-be-conquered territory. Their bold approach demonstrated faith that Israel would indeed possess the land despite the forty-year delay. Their question prompted permanent legislation (verses 6-11) governing female inheritance throughout Israel's history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does bringing difficult cases to divine wisdom through proper channels demonstrate faith?
  2. What does the daughters' boldness teach about approaching authority with legitimate concerns?
  3. How should churches handle unprecedented situations—by abandoning biblical principles or applying them faithfully?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַֽתַּעֲמֹ֜דְנָה1 of 14

“And they stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

וְלִפְנֵ֥י2 of 14

“and before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מֹשֶׁ֗ה3 of 14

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְלִפְנֵ֥י4 of 14

“and before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֶלְעָזָ֣ר5 of 14

“Eleazar”

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן6 of 14

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְלִפְנֵ֥י7 of 14

“and before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַנְּשִׂיאִ֖ם8 of 14

“the princes”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

וְכָל9 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽעֵדָ֑ה10 of 14

“and all the congregation”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

פֶּ֥תַח11 of 14

“by the door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֹֽהֶל12 of 14

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֖ד13 of 14

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

לֵאמֹֽר׃14 of 14

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 27:2 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 27:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 18:19-26Exodus 18:13-14Numbers 15:33-34Deuteronomy 17:8-10

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