King James Version
What Does Numbers 27:9 Mean?
“And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.”
Numbers 27:9 · KJV
Context
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.
10
And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father's brethren.
11
And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe inheritance law continues: 'if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.' The Hebrew achav (his brothers) extends inheritance to lateral family when vertical descent fails. This comprehensive legislation covered all possibilities, ensuring no situation left a family without inheritance. The legal cascade—sons, daughters, brothers, uncles, nearest kinsman (verses 8-11)—demonstrates divine wisdom in preserving covenant inheritance. This finds ultimate fulfillment in Christ as our kinsman-redeemer who inherits all things and shares His inheritance with His brothers (Hebrews 2:11-12).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The kinsman-redeemer system (go'el) undergirded Israel's social structure, ensuring vulnerable individuals had family advocates. This system appears in Ruth (where Boaz redeems Ruth and Naomi's inheritance) and Job (who affirmed his living Redeemer). The system pictured Christ who became our kinsman through incarnation to redeem us and restore our lost inheritance.
Reflection Questions
- How does the kinsman-redeemer system picture Christ's redemptive work?
- What does comprehensive legal provision for all circumstances teach about divine wisdom?
- How should we think about Christ sharing His inheritance with us?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsוְאִם1 of 8
H518used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
ל֖וֹ3 of 8
H0בַּ֑ת4 of 8
“And if he have no daughter”
H1323a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם5 of 8
“then ye shall give”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת6 of 8
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַֽחֲלָת֖וֹ7 of 8
“his inheritance”
H5159properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
לְאֶחָֽיו׃8 of 8
“unto his brethren”
H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
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 27:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.