Numbers 33:54
And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: and to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's inheritance shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit.
Original Language Analysis
תִּתְנֶחָֽלוּ׃
And ye shall divide
H5157
תִּתְנֶחָֽלוּ׃
And ye shall divide
Strong's:
H5157
Word #:
1 of 24
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
by lot
H1486
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
by lot
Strong's:
H1486
Word #:
4 of 24
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹֽתֵיכֶ֗ם
among your families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹֽתֵיכֶ֗ם
among your families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
5 of 24
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
לָרַ֞ב
and to the more
H7227
לָרַ֞ב
and to the more
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
6 of 24
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
9 of 24
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
וְלַמְעַט֙
and to the fewer
H4592
וְלַמְעַט֙
and to the fewer
Strong's:
H4592
Word #:
10 of 24
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
תַּמְעִ֣יט
ye shall give the less
H4591
תַּמְעִ֣יט
ye shall give the less
Strong's:
H4591
Word #:
11 of 24
properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
13 of 24
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֵ֨צֵא
falleth
H3318
יֵ֨צֵא
falleth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
16 of 24
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
שָׁ֛מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֛מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
18 of 24
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
by lot
H1486
הַגּוֹרָ֖ל
by lot
Strong's:
H1486
Word #:
19 of 24
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
יִֽהְיֶ֑ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֑ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
21 of 24
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְמַטּ֥וֹת
according to the tribes
H4294
לְמַטּ֥וֹת
according to the tribes
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
22 of 24
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
Historical Context
The census provided objective data for fair distribution. Tribal sizes varied significantly—Judah was large, Simeon small. Proportional allocation meant each tribe received adequate provision without excess or deficiency. This system prevented both accumulation by the strong and deprivation of the weak, maintaining peace and justice across tribal boundaries.
Questions for Reflection
- How does proportional distribution challenge both equal distribution and arbitrary allocation?
- What does equity (according to need) versus equality (regardless of need) teach about justice?
- In what ways should church resource distribution consider both fairness and actual needs?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The repetition of proportional distribution principles—'to more ye shall give the more inheritance, to fewer ye shall give the less'—emphasizes God's commitment to equity. Larger families needed more land; smaller families needed less. This wasn't equality (everyone receiving the same) but equity (everyone receiving according to need). This teaches that biblical justice considers circumstances while maintaining righteousness. The Reformed emphasis on both God's absolute justice and His wise application of it to particular situations is reflected here.