King James Version

What Does Numbers 27:7 Mean?

Numbers 27:7 in the King James Version says “The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 27:7 · KJV


Context

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.

9

And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God declared, 'The daughters of Zelophehad speak right'—divine approval of their petition. Their boldness in seeking justice was vindicated; God rewards those who pursue righteous claims. This case established that God's law serves justice and family preservation, not rigid tradition that harms rather than helps. Divine law has both stability and appropriate flexibility.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The ruling modified inheritance practice to allow daughters to inherit when no sons existed, with stipulation they marry within their tribe (36:6-9) to preserve tribal land allocation. This precedent balanced multiple values: family name, women's rights, and tribal integrity. Wise law serves multiple goods simultaneously.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance upholding scriptural principles with applying them justly to new situations?
  2. What does this teach about God's care for vulnerable people and family continuity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כֵּ֗ן1 of 17

right

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

בְּנ֣וֹת2 of 17

The daughters

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

צְלָפְחָד֮3 of 17

of Zelophehad

H6765

tselophchad, an israelite

דֹּֽבְרֹת֒4 of 17

speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

תִּתֵּ֤ן5 of 17

give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

תִּתֵּ֤ן6 of 17

give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶם֙7 of 17
H0
אֲחֻזַּ֣ת8 of 17

them a possession

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

נַֽחֲלַ֥ת9 of 17

and thou shalt cause the inheritance

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

בְּת֖וֹךְ10 of 17

among

H8432

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

אֲחֵ֣י11 of 17

brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אֲבִיהֶ֖ן12 of 17

of their father

H1

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

וְהַֽעֲבַרְתָּ֛13 of 17

to pass

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת14 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נַֽחֲלַ֥ת15 of 17

and thou shalt cause the inheritance

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

אֲבִיהֶ֖ן16 of 17

of their father

H1

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

לָהֶֽן׃17 of 17
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 27:7 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 27:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study