King James Version

What Does Numbers 36:9 Mean?

Numbers 36:9 in the King James Version says “Neither shall the inheritance remove from one tribe to another tribe; but every one of the tribes of the children of Isr...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 36:9 · KJV

Context

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:

11

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands: '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.' This reiteration emphasizes the importance of maintaining tribal inheritances. The repetition (cf. v.7) stresses that this isn't suggestion but divine command. Each tribe's inheritance was God's specific gift, not to be traded or merged with others. This principle applies to believers - our spiritual inheritance in Christ is specific, purposeful, and to be maintained with vigilance. We're not to exchange our birthright for temporary satisfaction (Gen 25:29-34) or trade heavenly treasure for earthly gain (Matt 6:19-21). What God has given should be stewarded faithfully, not squandered.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This principle governed Israelite land tenure until the exile. The Jubilee year (Lev 25) ensured even sold land returned to original tribal owners every fiftieth year, preventing permanent tribal land loss. This system created economic stability and preserved tribal identities. After Babylonian exile, tribal boundaries became less distinct, though genealogical records maintained tribal affiliations (important for proving Messianic descent from Judah and David). The regulation demonstrated God's concern for long-term community health, preventing wealth concentration and tribal extinction. Spiritually, it teaches that God's gifts and callings are irrevocable (Rom 11:29) and should be maintained through generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How are you stewarding and passing on to the next generation the spiritual inheritance you've received?
  2. Are you treating your identity in Christ and spiritual gifts as precious inheritance to guard, or casually trading them for worldly acceptance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 13
H3808

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

תִסֹּ֧ב2 of 13

“remove”

H5437

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

בְּנַ֣חֲלָת֔וֹ3 of 13

“Neither shall the inheritance”

H5159

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

מַטּ֖וֹת4 of 13

“from one tribe”

H4294

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

מַטּ֖וֹת5 of 13

“from one tribe”

H4294

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

אַחֵ֑ר6 of 13

“to another”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

כִּי7 of 13
H3588

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

אִישׁ֙8 of 13

“but 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)

בְּנַ֣חֲלָת֔וֹ9 of 13

“Neither shall the inheritance”

H5159

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

יִדְבְּק֕וּ10 of 13

“shall keep”

H1692

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

מַטּ֖וֹת11 of 13

“from one tribe”

H4294

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

בְּנֵ֥י12 of 13

“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׃13 of 13

“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 36:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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