Numbers 27:4
Numbers 27:4 in Multiple Translations
Why should the name of our father disappear from his clan because he had no sons? Give us property among our father’s brothers.”
Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father.
Why should the name of our father be taken away from among his family, because he had no son? Give unto us a possession among the brethren of our father.
Why is the name of our father to be taken away from among his family, because he had no son? Give us a heritage among our father's brothers.
Why should our family name be lost simply because he didn't have a son? Give us land to own alongside our uncles.”
Wherefore should the name of our father be taken away from among his familie, because he hath no sonne? giue vs a possession among the brethren of our father.
why is the name of our father withdrawn from the midst of his family because he hath no son? give to us a possession in the midst of the brethren of our father;'
Why should the name of our father be taken away from among his family, because he had no son? Give to us a possession among the brothers of our father.”
Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give to us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father.
And Moses referred their cause to the judgment of the Lord.
◄Why should the name of his clan disappear with the result that we do not receive any land only because our father had no sons?/It is not right that the name of his clan disappear with the result that we do not receive any land only because our father had no sons.► [RHQ] So give us some land like our relatives will be getting!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 27:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 27:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ֣/מָּה
יִגָּרַ֤ע
שֵׁם
אָבִ֨י/נוּ֙
מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ
מִשְׁפַּחְתּ֔/וֹ
כִּ֛י
אֵ֥ין
ל֖/וֹ
בֵּ֑ן
תְּנָ/ה
לָּ֣/נוּ
אֲחֻזָּ֔ה
בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ
אֲחֵ֥י
אָבִֽי/נוּ
לָ֣/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
יִגָּרַ֤ע
gâraʻ
H1639
to dimish
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
שֵׁם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
אָבִ֨י/נוּ֙
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
מִשְׁפַּחְתּ֔/וֹ
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
N-fs | Suff
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
בֵּ֑ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
תְּנָ/ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
לָּ֣/נוּ
Prep | Suff
אֲחֻזָּ֔ה
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
possession
N-fs
בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
אֲחֵ֥י
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp
אָבִֽי/נוּ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 27:4
לָ֣/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יִגָּרַ֤ע
gâraʻ
H1639
"to dimish"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To diminish or reduce something means to make it smaller, like in the book of Genesis. This word can also mean to shave, remove, or withhold something. The KJV Bible translates it as diminish or restrain.
Definition: 1) to diminish, restrain, withdraw, abate, keep back, do away, take from, clip 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to diminish 1a2) to restrain 1a3) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be withdrawn 1b2) to be restrained 1c) (Piel) to withdraw, draw up
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: abate, clip, (di-) minish, do (take) away, keep back, restrain, make small, withdraw. See also: Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 13:1; Isaiah 15:2.
שֵׁם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אָבִ֨י/נוּ֙
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
מִשְׁפַּחְתּ֔/וֹ
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
בֵּ֑ן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
תְּנָ/ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָּ֣/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
אֲחֻזָּ֔ה
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
"possession"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to something owned or possessed, often land inherited from family. It appears in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus. This concept of possession is important in biblical times.
Definition: 1) possession, property 1a) land 1b) possession by inheritance
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: possession. See also: Genesis 17:8; Numbers 32:5; Psalms 2:8.
בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
אֲחֵ֥י
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
אָבִֽי/נוּ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
Study Notes — Numbers 27:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 27:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 27:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 27:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 27:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 27:4
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 27:4
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 27:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 27:4
- Sermons on Numbers 27:4
Context — The Daughters of Zelophehad
2the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole congregation, and said,
3“Our father died in the wilderness, but he was not among the followers of Korah who gathered together against the LORD. Instead, he died because of his own sin, and he had no sons.
4Why should the name of our father disappear from his clan because he had no sons? Give us property among our father’s brothers.”
5So Moses brought their case before the LORD, 6and the LORD answered him,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 17:4 | They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, and said, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” So Joshua gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers, in keeping with the command of the LORD. |
| 2 | Psalms 109:13 | May his descendants be cut off; may their name be blotted out from the next generation. |
| 3 | Exodus 32:11 | But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying, “O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? |
| 4 | Proverbs 13:9 | The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished. |
Numbers 27:4 Summary
[The daughters of Zelophehad wanted to make sure their father's name was not forgotten, even though he didn't have any sons, as stated in Numbers 27:4. They asked Moses for help, and this shows that they trusted in God's goodness and provision, just like it says in Psalm 37:3-4. This verse teaches us about the importance of preserving family legacy and trusting in God's plan, as seen in other passages like Genesis 48:18 and Deuteronomy 10:9. By trusting in God and following His instructions, we can ensure that our family's legacy is preserved and that we are living according to His will.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern of the daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27:4?
The daughters of Zelophehad are concerned that their father's name will disappear from his clan because he had no sons, as stated in Numbers 27:4, and they request property among their father's brothers to preserve his legacy, similar to the instructions given in Numbers 36:8.
Why did the daughters of Zelophehad approach Moses with their request?
The daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses because their father had died in the wilderness, but not as a result of the rebellion led by Korah, as mentioned in Numbers 27:3, and they sought a fair resolution to their situation, trusting in God's provision as seen in Deuteronomy 10:9.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of inheritance in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of preserving family lineage and inheritance, as seen in other passages such as Genesis 48:18 and Leviticus 25:23, where God provides instructions for the Israelites to manage their property and ensure that it remains within their families.
What can we learn from the daughters of Zelophehad's example in this verse?
The daughters of Zelophehad demonstrate faith, initiative, and a desire to honor their father's memory, as seen in Numbers 27:4, and their example encourages us to trust in God's goodness and provision, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 37:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can honor my family's legacy and preserve their memory, just like the daughters of Zelophehad wanted to preserve their father's name?
- How can I trust in God's provision and goodness, even in uncertain or difficult circumstances, like the daughters of Zelophehad did when they approached Moses with their request?
- What are some potential consequences of not having a clear plan for inheritance or preserving family legacy, and how can I apply the principles from Numbers 27:4 to my own life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate faith and initiative in my own life, just like the daughters of Zelophehad did in Numbers 27:4, and how can I trust in God's guidance and provision as I make decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 27:4
Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son.... Or be withdrawn, and his family lose their part and share on that account; this they thought was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 27:4
Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father. Give unto us ... a possession among the brethren of our father.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 27:4
Be done away; as it will be, if it be not preserved by an inheritance given to us in his name and for his sake. Hence some gather that the first son of each of these heiresses was called by their father’ s name, by virtue of that law, , whereby the brother’ s first son was to bear the name of his elder brother, whose widow he married. A possession in the land of Canaan upon the division of it, which, though not yet conquered, they concluded would certainly be so, and thereby gave glory to God by believing.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 27:4
Numbers 27:4 Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us [therefore] a possession among the brethren of our father.Ver. 4. Give unto us, therefore, a possession.] This plea for a part in a land not yet conquered is a proof of their faith, and could not but encourage others. Such a masculine faith was that of Mrs. Anne Askew, martyr, who thus subscribed her confession: Written by me, Anne Askew, that neither wisheth for death, nor feareth his might; and as merry as one that is bound for heaven. I will not bid you good night - said Helen Stirk, a Scotchwoman, to her husband, at the place where they both suffered martyrdom - for we shall suddenly meet in the heavenly Canaan. And was it not by the force of her faith, - that "substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen," - that Crispina gaudebat, cum tenebatur, cum audiebatur, cum damnabatur, cum ducibatur. Act. and Mon., fol. 1128. Ibid., 1154. Aug., in Psal. cxxxvi.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 27:4
1–11. A law on the inheritance of property. The Hebrews always adhered firmly to the principle that landed property must not be alienated from the tribe or family to which it belonged. In early days, inheritance by daughters was not contemplated. If a man died without children, his widow might be married to his brother in order to bear sons who should inherit the property (Deuteronomy 25:5-10; cf. Matthew 22:24). Or if a man wished to sell land, his next-of-kin had the first right of purchase (Jeremiah 32:8). And the same principle underlies the law of the Jubile (Leviticus 25:10; Leviticus 25:31). The present law is also based upon the principle, but marks a new departure in the privileges accorded to women.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 27:4
Give unto us - As representing our father; that so he, through us his representatives, may enjoy a like inheritance with his brethren.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 27:4
4. The name of our father — Their father having died without male issue, and there being at that time no provision whereby female children could perpetuate his name, nor his name and property could
Sermons on Numbers 27:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Esther - Prayer Meeting by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a fixed heart in times of trouble. He warns that America is heading towards serious trouble and those whose hearts |
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Marks of True Revival by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true revival, distinguishing between genuine and false revivals. It delves into the necessity of God's presence and the rapid spread of His |
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Who Qualifies to Stand in the Gap? by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the critical role of intercession in his sermon 'Who Qualifies to Stand in the Gap?', using Moses as a prime example of someone who stood in the gap for th |
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California & America Are Worth Fighting For! by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman passionately argues that California and America are worth fighting for, urging believers to take a stand against the moral decline in society. He emphasizes the impor |
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The Effectual Revival Prayer of Moses by Richard Owen Roberts | Richard Owen Roberts delves into the importance of studying and meditating on the prayers in the Bible, emphasizing the profound impact it can have on our spiritual lives. He focus |