Numbers 27:1

KJV

¶ Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these [are] the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then came {H7126} the daughters {H1323} of Zelophehad {H6765}, the son {H1121} of Hepher {H2660}, the son {H1121} of Gilead {H1568}, the son {H1121} of Machir {H4353}, the son {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519}, of the families {H4940} of Manasseh {H4519} the son {H1121} of Joseph {H3130}: and these are the names {H8034} of his daughters {H1323}; Mahlah {H4244}, Noah {H5270}, and Hoglah {H2295}, and Milcah {H4435}, and Tirzah {H8656}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the daughters of Tz'lof'chad the son of Hefer, the son of Gil'ad, the son of Machir, the son of M'nasheh, of the families of M'nasheh, the son of Yosef, approached. These were the names of his daughters: Machlah, No'ah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirtzah.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Then drew near the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph; and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 27:1 initiates a pivotal legal narrative within ancient Israel, introducing the five daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. This verse meticulously establishes their lineage through Zelophehad, Hepher, Gilead, Machir, and Manasseh, firmly rooting their identity within the tribe of Manasseh, a son of Joseph. By naming each daughter, the text sets the stage for their unprecedented and courageous petition to Moses and the Israelite leadership, challenging the prevailing inheritance customs to secure their family's land portion and name in the Promised Land, thereby highlighting themes of divine justice, female agency, and the evolving nature of God's law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 27:1 immediately follows the second census of Israel, detailed in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel"). This census was crucial for determining the allocation of land in Canaan, as the land was to be divided among the tribes and families based on the number of registered males (cf. [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution Principles")). The death of Zelophehad without male heirs, coupled with the imminent land distribution, created a unique legal dilemma that this verse introduces. The daughters' petition, beginning in [Numbers 27:2](/numbers/27-2 "Numbers 27:2 - Daughters of Zelophehad Petition Moses"), directly addresses this gap in the existing inheritance law, leading to a divine ruling that profoundly impacts future generations and demonstrates God's active involvement in the legal framework of His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, inheritance was predominantly patrilineal, meaning property and lineage passed through the male line. A family's name and land portion were vital for its identity, economic stability, and continuity within the tribal structure. The absence of male heirs typically meant the extinction of the family name and the forfeiture of its land inheritance within the tribe. Women generally did not inherit land directly, though provisions existed for widows or daughters to be provided for, often through marriage within the clan. The bold action of Zelophehad's daughters in approaching Moses and the entire congregation (as seen in [Numbers 27:2](/numbers/27-2 "Numbers 27:2 - Daughters of Zelophehad's Petition")) was highly unusual for women in a patriarchal society, underscoring their courage and the profound importance of their family's legacy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, by introducing the daughters of Zelophehad, immediately brings several key themes to the forefront. It underscores **Justice and Equity**, as the daughters seek a fair resolution to prevent their family's name and inheritance from vanishing, appealing to a higher sense of righteousness beyond strict legal precedent. It highlights **Divine Intervention and the Evolving Law**, demonstrating God's willingness to clarify and expand His statutes to ensure justice, rather than being bound by rigid interpretations, as seen in His direct ruling in [Numbers 27:6-7](/numbers/27-6 "Numbers 27:6-7 - God's Ruling on Inheritance"). The **Agency of Women** is powerfully displayed, as these five women take initiative in a male-dominated society, becoming catalysts for significant legal reform. Finally, the emphasis on their detailed **Lineage and Land Inheritance** from Manasseh reinforces the foundational importance of tribal allotments and the perpetuation of family identity within the Promised Land, a theme central to the books of Numbers and [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua - Conquest and Inheritance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Daughters (Hebrew, בָּנוֹת _banot_):** The specific mention of "daughters" is highly significant. In a society where male lineage was paramount for inheritance and continuity, the fact that daughters initiate a legal challenge and are subsequently granted their request is groundbreaking. It highlights their unique position as the sole surviving heirs of Zelophehad and underscores the divine recognition of their inherent value and right to a family legacy, even without male siblings.
* **Zelophehad (Hebrew, צְלָפְחָד _Tzelophchad_):** While Zelophehad himself is deceased, his name is central because his lack of sons is the catalyst for the entire legal dispute. The verse meticulously traces his lineage (son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph), establishing his tribal identity and connection to the land God promised. This detailed genealogy legitimizes his daughters' claim by firmly placing them within the tribal structure and the covenant community.
* **Manasseh (Hebrew, מְנַשֶּׁה _Menasheh_):** The repeated mention of Manasseh, both as a direct ancestor of Zelophehad and as the tribal affiliation ("of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph"), emphasizes the tribal context of land inheritance. Each tribe was allotted a specific portion of the Promised Land, and within that, families received their share. The daughters' concern was not just personal wealth, but the preservation of their family's specific portion within the tribe of Manasseh, ensuring their lineage would not be "cut off" from its divinely appointed inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came the daughters of Zelophehad":** This opening phrase immediately shifts the narrative focus from the census to a specific legal challenge. The "coming" implies a deliberate, direct approach to the authorities, indicating their initiative and courage in seeking justice.
* **"the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph":** This extensive genealogical chain serves several crucial purposes. First, it firmly establishes Zelophehad's (and thus his daughters') legitimate tribal identity within Manasseh, validating their claim to an inheritance. Second, it connects them directly to Joseph, one of the patriarchs, reinforcing their place within the covenant people. Third, the detail underscores the importance of lineage in ancient Israelite society, especially concerning land rights.
* **"and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah":** The explicit enumeration of each daughter's name is highly significant. It personalizes their collective petition, acknowledging their individual identities and agency. It ensures that their contribution to Israelite law is not forgotten, giving each woman a distinct place in the historical record. This naming also emphasizes the specific nature of the family unit whose inheritance is at stake.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 27:1 employs several effective literary devices. **Genealogy** is prominently featured, detailing Zelophehad's lineage back to Joseph through Manasseh. This device serves to legitimize the daughters' claim by establishing their tribal and familial roots, which are crucial for land inheritance in Israel. The meticulous listing of ancestors grounds their petition in the established social and legal framework. Closely related is **Enumeration**, as the verse precisely lists the names of all five daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. This specific naming not only personalizes the narrative but also underscores the collective nature of their bold action and ensures their individual recognition in a patriarchal society. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**. By introducing these women and their unique situation, it sets the stage for a groundbreaking legal precedent that will expand inheritance rights, demonstrating God's dynamic justice and responsiveness to specific needs within His covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 27:1, by introducing the daughters of Zelophehad, highlights God's character as a God of justice and equity who hears the cries of the marginalized and is willing to adapt or clarify His laws to ensure fairness. This passage demonstrates that divine law is not static or rigidly applied without consideration for specific circumstances, but rather is living and responsive to the pursuit of righteousness. It challenges the notion that traditional interpretations are always exhaustive, showing that God can reveal new facets of His will to address evolving needs and uphold justice for all, including those typically without voice or power in society. The proactive stance of these women, coupled with God's favorable response, serves as a powerful testament to His concern for every individual within His covenant community, regardless of gender or social standing.

* [Deuteronomy 21:15-17](/deuteronomy/21-15 "Deuteronomy 21:15-17 - Inheritance Rights of the Firstborn")
* [Job 42:15](/job/42-15 "Job 42:15 - Daughters of Job Inherit")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Male or Female in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The introduction of the daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27:1 serves as a profound reminder that God is deeply invested in justice and fairness for all people, even challenging established norms when necessary to uphold these principles. Their courage in seeking a legal remedy, despite societal expectations, encourages believers today to boldly and respectfully advocate for what is right, particularly on behalf of those who might otherwise be overlooked or disenfranchised. This narrative teaches us to trust in God's character as a just and compassionate provider, believing that He will ultimately make a way for His people, even in unexpected circumstances. It also calls us to recognize and affirm the inherent value and agency of every individual, regardless of their gender, social status, or traditional roles. Just as God heard and honored the plea of these five women, so too does He listen to and act on behalf of those who seek righteousness and equity in His name, inspiring us to be agents of His justice in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community might I be called to advocate for justice, even if it means challenging existing norms?**
* **How does the story of Zelophehad's daughters encourage me to trust in God's fairness and provision, especially when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the value of individual agency and the importance of listening to and empowering voices that might traditionally be marginalized?**
* **How can I apply the principle of God's evolving and clarifying law to contemporary ethical or social dilemmas?**

### FAQ

**Why was Zelophehad's family facing a unique problem regarding inheritance?**

Answer: Zelophehad had died in the wilderness without any sons, leaving behind only five daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. According to the prevailing custom and initial understanding of Israelite law, land inheritance typically passed through the male line. If his daughters could not inherit, his family name and their allotted portion of land within the tribe of Manasseh would be lost, essentially becoming extinct in the tribal register. This presented a significant challenge to the system of land distribution outlined after the census in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census of Israel"), which was based on the number of males.

**Did the daughters of Zelophehad's petition permanently change Israelite inheritance law?**

Answer: Yes, their petition led to a groundbreaking and permanent change in Israelite inheritance law. God directly intervened through Moses, ruling in favor of the daughters (as detailed in [Numbers 27:6-8](/numbers/27-6 "Numbers 27:6-8 - God's Ruling on Inheritance")). This established a new legal precedent: if a man died without sons, his inheritance was to pass to his daughters. If he had no daughters, it would go to his brothers; if no brothers, to his father's brothers; and if no father's brothers, to the nearest relative in his clan. This divine clarification ensured that families would not lose their land inheritance or their name due to the absence of male heirs, demonstrating God's concern for equity and the perpetuation of family lines within the tribal allotments. Their inheritance is confirmed later in [Joshua 17:3-6](/joshua/17-3 "Joshua 17:3-6 - Inheritance of Zelophehad's Daughters in Canaan").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the daughters of Zelophehad, introduced in Numbers 27:1, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Their courageous pursuit of justice for their family's inheritance foreshadows the ultimate justice and inheritance secured for all believers through Christ. Just as these women sought to preserve their family's name and portion, Jesus, the perfect Son, secures an eternal inheritance for those who believe in Him, ensuring that no one who is "in Christ" will be "cut off" from God's family or His promises (cf. [Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Furthermore, God's willingness to clarify and expand His law in response to the daughters' plea points to the dynamic and redemptive nature of God's character, which reaches its zenith in Christ. Jesus did not abolish the law but fulfilled it, bringing a deeper understanding of God's justice and grace (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His sacrifice, the barriers of gender, status, and ethnicity are broken down, as there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). The agency of these women in challenging patriarchal norms also subtly prefigures the radical inclusion and elevation of women in Jesus' ministry and the early church (cf. [Luke 8:1-3](/luke/8-1 "Luke 8:1-3 - Women Supporting Jesus' Ministry")), demonstrating that God's plan for redemption transcends cultural limitations and embraces all who seek His righteousness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 26:33

And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad [were] Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

1 Chronicles 7:15

And Machir took to wife [the sister] of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister's name [was] Maachah;) and the name of the second [was] Zelophehad: and Zelophehad had daughters.

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:

Numbers 36:12

[And] they were married into the families of the sons of Manasseh the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their father.

Joshua 17:3

But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these [are] the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Joshua 17:6

Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead.