King James Version

What Does Numbers 27:6 Mean?

Numbers 27:6 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”

Numbers 27:6 · King James Version

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.

Read Numbers 27 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
God'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

  1. How does God's law protect the vulnerable even when specific statutes don't explicitly address their situation?
  2. What does divine vindication of a just claim teach about approaching God with legitimate needs?
  3. How does God's character ensure justice even where law seems silent?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
לֵּאמֹֽר׃1 of 5

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 5

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 5
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֥ה4 of 5

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לֵּאמֹֽר׃5 of 5

“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 27:6 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

Psalms 68:5-6Galatians 3:28

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