King James Version
What Does Numbers 27:6 Mean?
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”
Numbers 27:6 · KJV
Context
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.
6
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
7
The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.
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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryGod's response—'The daughters of Zelophehad speak right'—vindicates their claim and establishes case law. The Hebrew ken dovrot (rightly speak) affirms the justice of their petition. God's subsequent command to give them inheritance demonstrates divine commitment to justice even when existing law did not explicitly address the situation. This shows that God's law is not arbitrary but flows from His just character. Where law was silent, justice demanded provision for these women. New Testament parallel: the gospel extends to Gentiles whom law did not explicitly address, because grace flows from God's character (Acts 15).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This became landmark case law, establishing female inheritance rights in ancient Israel—a remarkable provision in the ancient Near East where women typically had few property rights. The legislation benefited not just these five women but countless daughters throughout Israel's history who would lack brothers. God's law protected the vulnerable and ensured no family line disappeared from the promised land.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's law protect the vulnerable even when specific statutes don't explicitly address their situation?
- What does divine vindication of a just claim teach about approaching God with legitimate needs?
- How does God's character ensure justice even where law seems silent?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 5 wordsיְהוָ֖ה2 of 5
“And the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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 27:6 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 27:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge