King James Version

What Does Numbers 36:7 Mean?

Numbers 36:7 in the King James Version says “So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the children of Isra...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. keep: Heb. cleave to the, etc”

Numbers 36:7 · KJV

Context

5

And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well.

6

This is the thing which the LORD doth command concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry. marry: Heb. be wives

7

So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. keep: Heb. cleave to the, etc

8

And every daughter, that possesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers.

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.

Read Numbers 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers.' This verse establishes the principle that tribal inheritances should remain within their designated tribe. The Hebrew 'nachalah' (נַחֲלָה, inheritance) refers to the permanent possession God allocated to each tribe. The concern was that if Zelophehad's daughters married outside Manasseh, their inheritance would transfer to another tribe when their sons inherited. God's solution required them to marry within their tribe, balancing individual rights (women's inheritance) with corporate good (tribal integrity). This shows God's law addresses both personal and communal concerns. The tribal land divisions represented God's specific provision for each group, not to be confused or lost. This anticipates believers' distinct rewards and callings within the one body of Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This regulation supplemented the earlier ruling about Zelophehad's daughters (Numbers 27). The issue arose as Israel prepared to divide the land, when tribal leaders of Manasseh raised concerns about inheritance transfer. The solution required female heirs to marry within their tribe to preserve land allocation. The Jubilee year provisions (Leviticus 25) also protected tribal inheritances from permanent alienation. Archaeological evidence shows ancient Israel maintained tribal territories until the exile, though boundaries shifted over time. The tribal land system differed from ancient Near Eastern feudalism by granting land to family units rather than centralizing under king or temple. Joshua 17:3-4 records the daughters actually receiving their inheritance. Later marriage records (1 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah) show Israelites generally married within tribes. The principle of maintaining distinct inheritances while belonging to one covenant people continues in the church's unity-in-diversity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's solution to the inheritance question demonstrate His concern for both individual justice and community well-being?
  2. What does the preservation of tribal inheritances teach about respecting the distinct gifts and callings God gives to different groups within His people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִסֹּ֤ב2 of 16

“remove”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

בְּנַֽחֲלַת֙3 of 16

“So shall not the inheritance”

H5159

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

בְּנֵ֥י4 of 16

“of the children”

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃5 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מַטֵּ֣ה6 of 16

“from tribe”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

אֶל7 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַטֵּ֣ה8 of 16

“from tribe”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

כִּ֣י9 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִ֗ישׁ10 of 16

“for every one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בְּנַֽחֲלַת֙11 of 16

“So shall not the inheritance”

H5159

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

מַטֵּ֣ה12 of 16

“from tribe”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

אֲבֹתָ֔יו13 of 16

“of his fathers”

H1

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

יִדְבְּק֖וּ14 of 16

“shall keep”

H1692

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

בְּנֵ֥י15 of 16

“of the children”

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃16 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 36:7 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 36:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 21:3Numbers 36:9

Test Your Knowledge

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