Numbers 27:10
And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father's brethren.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לַֽאֲחֵ֥י
And if he have no brethren
H251
לַֽאֲחֵ֥י
And if he have no brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
4 of 9
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם
then ye shall give
H5414
וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם
then ye shall give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַֽחֲלָת֖וֹ
his inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלָת֖וֹ
his inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
Historical Context
This law prevented the Israelite monarchy or tribal leadership from accumulating property from extinct families. Unlike ancient Near Eastern kingdoms where kings claimed ownerless property, Israel's theocratic system protected family rights even for distant kin. This limited state power and maintained economic decentralization, preventing the concentration of wealth that oppresses the poor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does covenant community provide for those without immediate family?
- What modern structures ensure vulnerable believers aren't abandoned?
- How does limiting state power protect individual and family rights?
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Analysis & Commentary
The law extends further: 'if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family.' The Hebrew she'ero ha-karov (his nearest kinsman) ensures someone would always inherit. This prevented escheat (property reverting to the state) and maintained family continuity. The principle teaches that covenant community maintains interconnected responsibilities—we are our brother's keeper. New Testament parallel: the church as family ensures no believer is truly orphaned or abandoned (Mark 10:29-30).