Numbers 26:33
And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
Original Language Analysis
בָּנִ֖ים
had no sons
H1121
בָּנִ֖ים
had no sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָ֥יוּ
H1961
הָ֥יוּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בָּנִ֖ים
had no sons
H1121
בָּנִ֖ים
had no sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
9 of 18
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בְּנ֣וֹת
but daughters
H1323
בְּנ֣וֹת
but daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
10 of 18
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וְשֵׁם֙
and the names
H8034
וְשֵׁם֙
and the names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
11 of 18
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
בְּנ֣וֹת
but daughters
H1323
בְּנ֣וֹת
but daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
12 of 18
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
מַחְלָ֣ה
were Mahlah
H4244
מַחְלָ֣ה
were Mahlah
Strong's:
H4244
Word #:
14 of 18
machlah, the name apparently of two israelitesses
Historical Context
Zelophehad died in the wilderness, possibly in Korah's rebellion era but not for that sin (Numbers 27:3). His daughters' petition came during this very census period, making their mention here a legal record. Their courage to approach Moses publicly, challenging patriarchal norms, led to landmark legislation (Numbers 36) ensuring daughters' inheritance rights while preserving tribal land integrity.
Questions for Reflection
- How do Zelophehad's daughters model godly assertiveness in challenging unjust systems while respecting proper authority?
- What does this passage teach about God's concern for preserving the 'name' and legacy of the faithful, even through unconventional means?
- How might these five women typologically represent the Church—born from 'sickness' and 'the pit' yet becoming God's 'delight' and receiving full inheritance in Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah (צְלָפְחָד)—This verse's placement within dry genealogy is stunning: it disrupts male-lineage recording to memorialize five women by name. Their case (Numbers 27:1-11) challenged Moses and required direct divine judgment, establishing that covenant inheritance flows through daughters when sons are absent.
The daughters' names carry meaning: Mahlah ('sickness'), Noah ('movement'), Hoglah ('partridge'), Milcah ('counsel'), Tirzah ('delight'). Together they represent completeness—from sickness to delight, weakness to beauty. Their faithfulness preserved their father's name (שֵׁם, shem) when he had no male heir, demonstrating that covenant loyalty, not gender, determines inheritance. This Old Testament text thus prophetically affirms women as covenant bearers, anticipating Galatians 3:28.