Numbers 27:8

The Daughters of Zelophehad · Numbers 27:1–11

Read Numbers 27

Translations

Modern

Furthermore, you shall say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, you are to transfer his inheritance to his daughter.

Traditional

And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter.

Literal

And you shall speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘If a man dies and does not have a son unto him, then you shall cause his inheritance to pass over to his daughter.

Latin

Homo cum mortuus fuerit absque filio, ad filiam ejus transibit hæreditas.

Original

Hebrew

English

Furthermore, you shall say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, you are to transfer his inheritance to his daughter.

Notes

Numbers 27:5–11

Moses brought their case before the Lord. The Lord accepted the women’s request.

God then established their case as a general rule. This new rule helped preserve property within families when there were no sons to inherit it.

Numbers 27:1–11

Zelophehad did not have any sons, which allowed for changes to the inheritance laws. They would later refine these laws more (compare 36:1–13).

Theme notes and profiles

Parallels

Numbers 36:1–13

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Courts and Trials Criminal Law and Punishment Deuteronomy, Book of Eleazar Family Life and Relations Genealogy Genealogy of Jesus Christ Heir Inheritance Joshua, Book of Milcah Noah Numbers, Book of Orphan

Topics

Children: Female: Inherited Property in Default of Sons Daughter: Property Rights of Heir: General Scriptures Concerning Inheritance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Israel: The Daughters of Zelophehad Sue for an Inheritance Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Return to the Plains of Moab: The Law of Female Inheritance Settled Land: Unmarried Woman's Rights In Legislation: Inheritance Property in Real Estate: Entail of The Theocracy: or Immediate Government by God: Consisted in His: Being the Supreme Judge Tirzah: A Daughter of Zelophehad: Special Legislation in Regard to the Inheritance of Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Women: Property Rights of in Inheritance Zelophehad: His Daughters Petition for his Inheritance