Numbers 27:7
The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.
Original Language Analysis
כֵּ֗ן
right
H3651
כֵּ֗ן
right
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
בְּנ֣וֹת
The daughters
H1323
בְּנ֣וֹת
The daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
2 of 17
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
דֹּֽבְרֹת֒
speak
H1696
דֹּֽבְרֹת֒
speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 17
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
תִּתֵּ֤ן
give
H5414
תִּתֵּ֤ן
give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
תִּתֵּ֤ן
give
H5414
תִּתֵּ֤ן
give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֲחֻזַּ֣ת
them a possession
H272
אֲחֻזַּ֣ת
them a possession
Strong's:
H272
Word #:
8 of 17
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
נַֽחֲלַ֥ת
and thou shalt cause the inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלַ֥ת
and thou shalt cause the inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
אֲחֵ֣י
brethren
H251
אֲחֵ֣י
brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
11 of 17
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
אֲבִיהֶ֖ן
of their father
H1
אֲבִיהֶ֖ן
of their father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
12 of 17
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְהַֽעֲבַרְתָּ֛
to pass
H5674
וְהַֽעֲבַרְתָּ֛
to pass
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
13 of 17
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַֽחֲלַ֥ת
and thou shalt cause the inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלַ֥ת
and thou shalt cause the inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
Historical Context
The ruling modified inheritance practice to allow daughters to inherit when no sons existed, with stipulation they marry within their tribe (36:6-9) to preserve tribal land allocation. This precedent balanced multiple values: family name, women's rights, and tribal integrity. Wise law serves multiple goods simultaneously.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance upholding scriptural principles with applying them justly to new situations?
- What does this teach about God's care for vulnerable people and family continuity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God declared, 'The daughters of Zelophehad speak right'—divine approval of their petition. Their boldness in seeking justice was vindicated; God rewards those who pursue righteous claims. This case established that God's law serves justice and family preservation, not rigid tradition that harms rather than helps. Divine law has both stability and appropriate flexibility.