King James Version

What Does Numbers 36:8 Mean?

Numbers 36:8 in the King James Version says “And every daughter, that possesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 36:8 · KJV


Context

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.

10

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—The Hebrew construction emphasizes universality: kol bat yoresheth nachalah (כָּל־בַּת יֹרֶשֶׁת נַחֲלָה, 'every daughter possessing inheritance'). This wasn't merely advice but divine legislation ensuring tribal boundary preservation. The requirement for endogamous marriage (within the tribe) protected covenant structure while honoring women's inheritance rights established in Numbers 27.

This balance between individual rights and communal good reflects God's wisdom. Neither radical individualism nor oppressive collectivism characterizes biblical law, but rather ordered liberty within covenant community.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This law refined the precedent set by Zelophehad's daughters. It applied specifically to heiresses (daughters without brothers) who received tribal land inheritance. The restriction limited marriage options but was necessary to maintain the tribal land system fundamental to Israel's identity. This demonstrates how biblical law evolved to address complexities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage challenge both hyper-individualism ('I can do whatever I want') and authoritarianism?
  2. What does God's concern for tribal boundaries teach about the importance of community identity in the church?
  3. How might the principle of sacrificing personal preference for community good apply to Christian decision-making?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְכָל1 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בַּ֞ת2 of 20

And every daughter

H1323

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

יִֽירְשׁוּ֙3 of 20

may enjoy

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

נַֽחֲלַ֥ת4 of 20

an inheritance

H5159

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

מַטֵּ֥ה5 of 20

in any tribe

H4294

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

בְּנֵ֣י6 of 20

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל7 of 20

of Israel

H3478

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

לְאֶחָ֗ד8 of 20

unto one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מִמִּשְׁפַּ֛חַת9 of 20

of the family

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

מַטֵּ֥ה10 of 20

in any tribe

H4294

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

אֲבֹתָֽיו׃11 of 20

of her father

H1

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

תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה12 of 20
H1961

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

לְאִשָּׁ֑ה13 of 20

shall be wife

H802

a woman

לְמַ֗עַן14 of 20
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יִֽירְשׁוּ֙15 of 20

may enjoy

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

בְּנֵ֣י16 of 20

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל17 of 20

of Israel

H3478

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

אִ֖ישׁ18 of 20

every man

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)

נַֽחֲלַ֥ת19 of 20

an inheritance

H5159

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

אֲבֹתָֽיו׃20 of 20

of her father

H1

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


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 36:8 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 36:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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