Numbers 36:8
And every daughter, that possesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers.
Original Language Analysis
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בַּ֞ת
And every daughter
H1323
בַּ֞ת
And every daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
2 of 20
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
יִֽירְשׁוּ֙
may enjoy
H3423
יִֽירְשׁוּ֙
may enjoy
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
3 of 20
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
נַֽחֲלַ֥ת
an inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלַ֥ת
an inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
מַטֵּ֥ה
in any tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֥ה
in any tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
5 of 20
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לְאֶחָ֗ד
unto one
H259
לְאֶחָ֗ד
unto one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
מִמִּשְׁפַּ֛חַת
of the family
H4940
מִמִּשְׁפַּ֛חַת
of the family
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
9 of 20
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
מַטֵּ֥ה
in any tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֥ה
in any tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
10 of 20
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
אֲבֹתָֽיו׃
of her father
H1
אֲבֹתָֽיו׃
of her father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
11 of 20
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
12 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְמַ֗עַן
H4616
לְמַ֗עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יִֽירְשׁוּ֙
may enjoy
H3423
יִֽירְשׁוּ֙
may enjoy
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
15 of 20
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
16 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
17 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אִ֖ישׁ
every man
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
18 of 20
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Historical Context
This law refined the precedent set by Zelophehad's daughters. It applied specifically to heiresses (daughters without brothers) who received tribal land inheritance. The restriction limited marriage options but was necessary to maintain the tribal land system fundamental to Israel's identity. This demonstrates how biblical law evolved to address complexities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage challenge both hyper-individualism ('I can do whatever I want') and authoritarianism?
- What does God's concern for tribal boundaries teach about the importance of community identity in the church?
- How might the principle of sacrificing personal preference for community good apply to Christian decision-making?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And every daughter, that possesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her father—The Hebrew construction emphasizes universality: kol bat yoresheth nachalah (כָּל־בַּת יֹרֶשֶׁת נַחֲלָה, 'every daughter possessing inheritance'). This wasn't merely advice but divine legislation ensuring tribal boundary preservation. The requirement for endogamous marriage (within the tribe) protected covenant structure while honoring women's inheritance rights established in Numbers 27.
This balance between individual rights and communal good reflects God's wisdom. Neither radical individualism nor oppressive collectivism characterizes biblical law, but rather ordered liberty within covenant community.