King James Version

What Does Numbers 36:11 Mean?

Numbers 36:11 in the King James Version says “For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father's brot...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father's brothers' sons:”

Numbers 36:11 · KJV

Context

9

Neither shall the inheritance remove from one tribe to another tribe; but every one of the tribes of the children of Israel shall keep himself to his own inheritance.

10

Even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad:

11

For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father's brothers' sons:

12

And they were married into the families of the sons of Manasseh the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their father. into: Heb. to some that were of the families

13

These are the commandments and the judgments, which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.

Read Numbers 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father's brothers' sons—The specific naming of all five daughters and their marriages to paternal cousins (Hebrew benei dodeihem, בְּנֵי דֹדֵיהֶם, 'sons of their uncles') provides concrete historical closure to their case. Cousin marriage, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, kept property within the extended family while fulfilling the tribal endogamy requirement. Their obedience ensured Manasseh's territory remained intact.

These women's names are preserved in Scripture—not erased despite their unusual situation. God honors those who trust His justice and submit to His wisdom. Their story demonstrates that biblical feminism isn't modern individualism but covenant faithfulness that benefits the entire community.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zelophehad was from the tribe of Manasseh (grandson of Gilead, Numbers 26:33). The family received land in both Transjordan and Canaan proper (Joshua 17:3-6). The daughters' marriages to cousins ensured their father's name and line continued—the original concern that prompted their petition (Numbers 27:4). This case shaped Israel's inheritance law permanently.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's preservation of these women's names in Scripture encourage you about His notice of faithful obedience?
  2. What does this case teach about how cultural practices (like cousin marriage) can serve biblical principles without being universal commands?
  3. In what areas might God be calling you to sacrifice personal preference for the good of your spiritual community?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַתִּֽהְיֶ֜ינָה1 of 11
H1961

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

מַחְלָ֣ה2 of 11

“For Mahlah”

H4244

machlah, the name apparently of two israelitesses

תִרְצָ֗ה3 of 11

“Tirzah”

H8656

tirtsah, a place in palestine; also an israelitess

וְחָגְלָ֧ה4 of 11

“and Hoglah”

H2295

choglah, an israelitess

וּמִלְכָּ֛ה5 of 11

“and Milcah”

H4435

milcah, the name of a hebrewess and of an israelite

וְנֹעָ֖ה6 of 11

“and Noah”

H5270

noah, an israelitess

בְּנ֣וֹת7 of 11

“the daughters”

H1323

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

צְלָפְחָ֑ד8 of 11

“of Zelophehad”

H6765

tselophchad, an israelite

לִבְנֵ֥י9 of 11

“brothers' 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

דֹֽדֵיהֶ֖ן10 of 11

“unto their father's”

H1730

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

לְנָשִֽׁים׃11 of 11

“were married”

H802

a woman

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 36:11 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 36:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 27:1Numbers 26:33

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