Numbers 27:9
And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בַּ֑ת
And if he have no daughter
H1323
בַּ֑ת
And if he have no daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
4 of 8
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם
then ye shall give
H5414
וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם
then ye shall give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 8
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The kinsman-redeemer system (go'el) undergirded Israel's social structure, ensuring vulnerable individuals had family advocates. This system appears in Ruth (where Boaz redeems Ruth and Naomi's inheritance) and Job (who affirmed his living Redeemer). The system pictured Christ who became our kinsman through incarnation to redeem us and restore our lost inheritance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the kinsman-redeemer system picture Christ's redemptive work?
- What does comprehensive legal provision for all circumstances teach about divine wisdom?
- How should we think about Christ sharing His inheritance with us?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The inheritance law continues: 'if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.' The Hebrew achav (his brothers) extends inheritance to lateral family when vertical descent fails. This comprehensive legislation covered all possibilities, ensuring no situation left a family without inheritance. The legal cascade—sons, daughters, brothers, uncles, nearest kinsman (verses 8-11)—demonstrates divine wisdom in preserving covenant inheritance. This finds ultimate fulfillment in Christ as our kinsman-redeemer who inherits all things and shares His inheritance with His brothers (Hebrews 2:11-12).