Numbers 36:1

← Numbers 36:2 →

Numbers 36:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now the family heads of the clan of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh, one of the clans of Joseph, approached Moses and the leaders who were the heads of the Israelite families and addressed them,

King James Version KJV

And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:

American Standard Version ASV

And the heads of the fathers’ houses of the family of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the heads of the fathers’ houses of the children of Israel:

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now the heads of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came to Moses, the chiefs and the heads of families of the children of Israel being present,

Free Bible Version FBV

The family heads of the descendants of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Joseph, came and spoke before Moses and the Israelite leaders, the heads of families.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then the chiefe fathers of the familie of the sonnes of Gilead, the sonne of Machir, the sonne of Manasseh, of the families of the sones of Ioseph, came, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the chiefe fathers of the children of Israel,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the heads of the fathers of the families of the sons of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, come near, and speak before Moses, and before the princes, heads of the fathers of the sons of Israel,

World English Bible WEB

The heads of the fathers’ households of the family of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near and spoke before Moses and before the princes, the heads of the fathers’ households of the children of Israel.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spoke before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the princes of the families of Galaad, the son of Machir, the son of Manasses, of the stock Of the children of Joseph, came and spoke to Moses before the princes of Israel, and said:

Translation for Translators T4T

The family leaders of the clan of Gilead of the tribe of Manasseh went to Moses/me and the other family leaders of the Israeli people.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 36:1

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 36:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַֽ/יִּקְרְב֞וּ רָאשֵׁ֣י הָֽ/אָב֗וֹת לְ/מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת בְּנֵֽי גִלְעָד֙ בֶּן מָכִ֣יר בֶּן מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה מִֽ/מִּשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת בְּנֵ֣י יוֹסֵ֑ף וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֞וּ לִ/פְנֵ֤י מֹשֶׁה֙ וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֣י הַ/נְּשִׂאִ֔ים רָאשֵׁ֥י אָב֖וֹת לִ/בְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

וַֽ/יִּקְרְב֞וּ qârab H7126 to present Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

רָאשֵׁ֣י rôʼsh H7218 head N-mp

הָֽ/אָב֗וֹת ʼâb H1 father Art | N-mp

לְ/מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת mishpâchâh H4940 family Prep | N-fs

בְּנֵֽי bên H1121 son N-mp

גִלְעָד֙ Gilʻâd H1568 Gilead N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

מָכִ֣יר Mâkîyr H4353 Machir N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה Mᵉnashsheh H4519 Moses N-proper

מִֽ/מִּשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת mishpâchâh H4940 family Prep | N-fp

בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp

יוֹסֵ֑ף Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper

וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֞וּ dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp

לִ/פְנֵ֤י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

מֹשֶׁה֙ Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Conj | Prep | N-cp

הַ/נְּשִׂאִ֔ים nâsîyʼ H5387 leader Art | N-mp

רָאשֵׁ֥י rôʼsh H7218 head N-mp

אָב֖וֹת ʼâb H1 father N-mp

לִ/בְנֵ֥י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 36:1

וַֽ/יִּקְרְב֞וּ qârab H7126 "to present" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.

Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present

Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.

רָאשֵׁ֣י rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-mp

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

הָֽ/אָב֗וֹת ʼâb H1 "father" Art | N-mp

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.

לְ/מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת mishpâchâh H4940 "family" Prep | N-fs

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.

בְּנֵֽי bên H1121 "son" N-mp

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.

גִלְעָד֙ Gilʻâd H1568 "Gilead" N-proper

Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.

Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

מָכִ֣יר Mâkîyr H4353 "Machir" N-proper

Machir was an Israelite who lived during the United Monarchy, mentioned in 2 Samuel 9:4 as the son of Ammiel, and played a significant role in helping Saul and David. He was also the son of Manasseh and an Aramite woman. His name means 'sold'.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.9.4; son of: Ammiel (H5988H) § Machir = "sold" 1) eldest son of Manasseh by an Aramite or Syrian concubine and progenitor of a large family 2) son of Ammiel, a powerful chief of one of the Transjordanic tribes who rendered essential services to Saul and to David

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Machir. See also: Genesis 50:23; Judges 5:14; 1 Chronicles 7:17.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה Mᵉnashsheh H4519 "Moses" N-proper

Manasseh was a grandson of Jacob and the ancestor of a large tribe in the Bible, mentioned in Genesis 41:51 and throughout the book of Numbers.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) Another name of mo.sheh (מֹשֶׁה "Moses" H4872) § Manasseh = "causing to forget" 1) the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh 1a) the tribe descended from Manasseh 1b) the territory occupied by the tribe of Manasseh 2) son of king Hezekiah of Judah and himself king of Judah; he was the immediate and direct cause for the exile 3) a descendant of Pahath-moab who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) a descendant of Hashum who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Manasseh. See also: Genesis 41:51; Joshua 22:21; Psalms 60:9.

מִֽ/מִּשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת mishpâchâh H4940 "family" Prep | N-fp

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.

בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" N-mp

Definition: : child/son

יוֹסֵ֑ף Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" N-proper

Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.

וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֞וּ dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

לִ/פְנֵ֤י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

מֹשֶׁה֙ Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Conj | Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

הַ/נְּשִׂאִ֔ים nâsîyʼ H5387 "leader" Art | N-mp

This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.

Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader

Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.

רָאשֵׁ֥י rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-mp

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

אָב֖וֹת ʼâb H1 "father" N-mp

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.

לִ/בְנֵ֥י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp

Definition: : child/son

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — Numbers 36:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 36:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 36:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 36:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 36:1
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 36:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 36:1
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 36:1
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 36:1
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 36:1
Sermons on Numbers 36:1

Context — Zelophehad’s Daughters Marry

1Now the family heads of the clan of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh, one of the clans of Joseph, approached Moses and the leaders who were the heads of the Israelite families and addressed them,

2saying, “When the LORD commanded my lord to give the land as an inheritance to the Israelites by lot, He also commanded him to give the inheritance of our brother Zelophehad to his daughters. 3But if they marry any of the men from the other tribes of Israel, their inheritance will be withdrawn from the portion of our fathers and added to the tribe into which they marry. So our allotted inheritance would be taken away.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 27:1	Now the daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. These were the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached
2	1 Chronicles 7:14–16	The descendants of Manasseh: Through his Aramean concubine, Asriel, as well as Machir the father of Gilead. Machir took a wife from among the Huppites and Shuppites. The name of his sister was Maacah. Another descendant was named Zelophehad, who had only daughters. Machir’s wife Maacah gave birth to a son, and she named him Peresh. His brother was named Sheresh, and his sons were Ulam and Rekem.
3	Joshua 17:2–3	So this allotment was for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These are the other male descendants of the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. But Zelophehad son of Hepher (the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh) had no sons but only daughters. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
4	Numbers 26:29–33	These were the descendants of Manasseh: The Machirite clan from Machir, the father of Gilead, and the Gileadite clan from Gilead. These were the descendants of Gilead: the Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek, the Asrielite clan from Asriel, the Shechemite clan from Shechem, the Shemidaite clan from Shemida, and the Hepherite clan from Hepher. Now Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons but only daughters. The names of his daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Numbers 36:1 Summary

In Numbers 36:1, the family heads of the clan of Gilead approach Moses and the leaders of the Israelite families to address a concern about the inheritance of their brother Zelophehad's daughters. This verse shows that the family heads are seeking to follow God's instructions and maintain their tribal identity, just like God instructed the Israelites to do in Numbers 33:54 and Deuteronomy 1:38. By seeking guidance and wisdom, the family heads demonstrate their trust in God's plan, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. This verse reminds us that, like the family heads, we should seek to honor God's instructions and trust in His plan for our lives, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the family heads of the clan of Gilead mentioned in Numbers 36:1?

The family heads of the clan of Gilead are the leaders of one of the clans of Joseph, specifically the descendants of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh, as mentioned in Numbers 36:1, and their concern is rooted in the instructions given by God in Numbers 27:1-11 and Numbers 33:54.

Why did the family heads approach Moses and the leaders of the Israelite families?

The family heads approached Moses and the leaders to address a concern about the inheritance of their brother Zelophehad's daughters, as mentioned in Numbers 27:1-11, and to seek guidance on how to handle the potential withdrawal of their inheritance if the daughters marry men from other tribes, as stated in Numbers 36:3.

What is the significance of the clan of Gilead in the context of Numbers 36:1?

The clan of Gilead is significant because they are part of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Joseph, and their concern about the inheritance of Zelophehad's daughters reflects their desire to maintain their tribal identity and follow God's instructions, as seen in Numbers 33:54 and Deuteronomy 1:38.

How does Numbers 36:1 relate to the broader theme of inheritance in the Bible?

Numbers 36:1 is part of a larger narrative about the distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, as seen in Joshua 13-19, and it highlights the importance of following God's instructions regarding inheritance, as stated in Leviticus 25:23 and Deuteronomy 19:14.

Reflection Questions

What can we learn from the family heads' approach to Moses and the leaders, and how can we apply this to our own lives when seeking guidance and wisdom?
How does the concern about the inheritance of Zelophehad's daughters reflect the importance of family and tribal identity in the biblical context?
What role does faith and trust in God play in the decision-making process of the family heads, and how can we cultivate this kind of faith in our own lives?
In what ways can we, like the family heads, seek to honor God's instructions and maintain our spiritual heritage, as seen in Psalm 16:5-6 and Proverbs 13:22?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 36:1

And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead,.... The princes, as Aben Ezra; so the Septuagint version, which was the tribe of Manasseh, whose grandson Gilead was, as follows: the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 36:1

And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 36:1

NUMBERS CHAPTER 36 The inconvenience of daughters inheriting is remedied by a general command that all such marry in the tribe of their fathers, to which of them they shall think best, . They obey, . These commands God gave by Moses to Israel in the plains of Moab, . The chief fathers of the families, who had the care and management of the public affairs of that tribe committed to them.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 36:1

Numbers 36:1 And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:Ver. 1. And spake before Moses.] Who was their common oracle to inquire of in all doubtful cases. Like as at Rome, C. Scipio Nasica, whom the senate, by way of honour, called Optimus, had a house in the high street assigned him at the public charge, Quo faeilius consuli posset, that any man might go to him for counsel. And surely, as the Roman general never miscarried so long as he followed the advice of Polybius, his historian; so neither did or could this people do amiss, if ruled by Moses, who was the mouth of God.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 36:1

CHAPTER XXXVI The inconveniences which might be produced by daughters, inheritances, marrying out of their own tribe, remedied on the recommendation of certain chiefs of the tribe of Joseph, who stated the case of the daughters of Zelophehad, 1-4. The daughters of Zelophehad are commanded to marry in their own tribe, 5, 6; which is to be an ordinance in all similar circumstances, 7-9. The daughters of Zelophehad marry their father's brother's sons, and thus their inheritance is preserved in their own tribe, 10-12. The conclusion of the commandments given by the Lord to the Israelites in the plains of Moab, 13. NOTES ON CHAP. XXXVI

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 36:1

P. The chapter lays down a law that heiresses may not be married to anyone outside their own tribe. As in ch. 27, the present law is put in a concrete form. In ch. 27 it was ruled that the daughters of Zelophehad might inherit property, in order that the inheritance might not be alienated from the tribe of Manasseh. But it was realised that that law might, after all, be annulled if they were married to persons of other tribes. Here, therefore, the supplementary law is issued, forbidding them to do so.

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 36:1

The daughters of Zelophehad had obtained an ordinance Numbers 28:6-11 which permitted the daughters of an Israelite dying without male issue to inherit their father’s property.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 36:1

2. My lord — Moses, who had specially consulted Jehovah in reference to this case. Numbers 27:5-6, note. The Hebrews, in their use of the singular pronoun my instead of our before lord, follow the established custom.

Sermons on Numbers 36:1

	Sermon	Description
	Women's Rights - the Bible's First Suffragettes by Ian Paisley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and relying on God for peace and relief from unnecessary pain. The preacher also highlights the story of five young
	The Discipline or Hard Places by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of facing hard places in life as opportunities for spiritual growth and discipline. He illustrates this through the stories of the daughter
	Joshua Chapter 9 the Discipline or Hard Places by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson explores the lessons from Joshua Chapter 9, emphasizing the significance of hard places in our spiritual journey. He highlights the faith of the daughters of Zelopheha

← Numbers 36:2 →

Numbers 36:1

Numbers 36:1 in Multiple Translations

Cite / Share This Page

Study Highlights

Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 36:1

Numbers 36:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 36:1

Study Notes — Numbers 36:1

Context — Zelophehad’s Daughters Marry

Cross References

Numbers 36:1 Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Reflection Questions

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 36:1

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 36:1

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 36:1

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 36:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 36:1

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 36:1

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 36:1

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 36:1

Sermons on Numbers 36:1