King James Version

What Does Numbers 27:3 Mean?

Numbers 27:3 in the King James Version says “Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the L...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 27:3 · 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

5

And Moses brought their cause before the LORD.

Read Numbers 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The daughters' testimony about their father—'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'—establishes his righteous character. They distinguished their father from Korah's rebels (Numbers 16) who died under divine judgment. The phrase 'but died in his own sin' acknowledges that Zelophehad died under the wilderness generation's judgment for unbelief at Kadesh (Numbers 14:29-35), but had not committed the aggravated rebellion of Korah. This nuanced distinction shows that degrees of sin exist, though all sin brings death. Some die in general judgment; others in special judgment for particular wickedness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16) resulted in immediate, spectacular judgment—the earth swallowed the rebels and fire consumed their 250 followers. This divine wrath marked their sin as uniquely heinous—challenging God's appointed priesthood. The wilderness generation's death sentence, while still judgment, came through natural death over forty years. The daughters distinguished their father from the worse category, arguing he deserved inheritance despite dying under general judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Scripture distinguish between degrees of sin and judgment?
  2. What does it mean that all die for sin, but some face special judgment?
  3. How should we evaluate people who die under general judgment versus specific divine wrath?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אָבִינוּ֮1 of 20

“Our father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

מֵ֔ת2 of 20

“but died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בַּמִּדְבָּר֒3 of 20

“in the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

וְה֨וּא4 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֹֽא5 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָיָ֜ה6 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּת֣וֹךְ7 of 20

“and he was not in”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

בַּֽעֲדַת8 of 20

“in the company”

H5712

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

הַנּֽוֹעָדִ֛ים9 of 20

“of them that gathered themselves together”

H3259

to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or positi

עַל10 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְהוָ֖ה11 of 20

“against the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בַּֽעֲדַת12 of 20

“in the company”

H5712

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

קֹ֑רַח13 of 20

“of Korah”

H7141

korach, the name of two edomites and three israelites

כִּֽי14 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְחֶטְא֣וֹ15 of 20

“in his own sin”

H2399

a crime or its penalty

מֵ֔ת16 of 20

“but died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וּבָנִ֖ים17 of 20

“and had no sons”

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

לֹא18 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָ֥יוּ19 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לֽוֹ׃20 of 20
H0

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 27:3 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 27:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:64-65Numbers 14:35Ezekiel 18:4Numbers 16:32-35Numbers 26:33John 8:21

Test Your Knowledge

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