### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Tsᵉlophchâd**, represented by `{{H6765}}`, identifies an Israelite named **Zelophehad**. It appears **11 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible. While Zelophehad himself is not a central actor, his name is foundational to a significant narrative concerning inheritance law and the rights of daughters in ancient Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical narrative concerning `{{H6765}}` is focused entirely on the inheritance of his daughters. Zelophehad, a descendant of Manasseh the son of Joseph, had no sons `{{H1121}}`, only five daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah ([[Numbers 27:1]], [[Joshua 17:3]]). His daughters `{{H1323}}` came `{{H7126}}` before Moses to claim a possession `{{H272}}` of an inheritance `{{H5159}}` among their father's brethren `{{H251}}` [[Numbers 27:7]]. The LORD `{{H3068}}` affirmed their case, declaring that they speak `{{H1696}}` right `{{H3651}}` and commanding `{{H6680}}` that their father's inheritance be passed `{{H5674}}` to them [[Numbers 27:7]]. A subsequent command stipulated that they must marry within the family `{{H4940}}` of their father's tribe `{{H4294}}` to ensure the inheritance remained with Manasseh [[Numbers 36:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are essential to understanding the context of Zelophehad's story:
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (daughter): This word is central to the account of Zelophehad, who is identified as having daughters but no sons [[Numbers 26:33]]. His five daughters `{{H1323}}` are the primary actors in the narrative, bringing their case for inheritance before Moses [[Numbers 27:1]].
* `{{H5159}}` **nachălâh** (inheritance): The entire story revolves around the daughters' right to their father's inheritance `{{H5159}}`. The LORD commands Moses to give `{{H5414}}` them a possession of an inheritance among their relatives and to cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them [[Numbers 27:7]].
* `{{H4940}}` **mishpâchâh** (family): The resolution of the inheritance issue is tied directly to the concept of family and tribe. The LORD’s command allows the daughters to marry whom they think best, but "only to the family `{{H4940}}` of the tribe of their father" [[Numbers 36:6]], preserving the land within their lineage.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6765}}` is demonstrated through the principles established by his daughters' case.
* **Divine Justice:** The case of Zelophehad's daughters establishes a key legal and theological precedent. The LORD `{{H3068}}` himself declares that the daughters "speak `{{H1696}}` right `{{H3651}}`" [[Numbers 27:7]], affirming a principle of justice for women who lacked male heirs to secure their family's lineage and property.
* **Preservation of Tribal Inheritance:** The story underscores the sacredness of the land `{{H776}}` which was given for an inheritance `{{H5159}}` by lot `{{H1486}}` to the children of Israel `{{H3478}}` [[Numbers 36:2]]. The ruling for Zelophehad’s daughters ensures that their inheritance does not pass from the tribe of Manasseh, maintaining the integrity of the tribal allotments.
* **Obedience to Commandment:** The narrative concludes by highlighting the faithfulness of Zelophehad's daughters. They are presented as models of obedience, as it is written, "Even as the LORD commanded `{{H6680}}` Moses `{{H4872}}`, so did `{{H6213}}` the daughters of Zelophehad" [[Numbers 36:10]]. They marry their father's brothers' sons `{{H1121}}` as instructed [[Numbers 36:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6765}}` is far more than the name of an Israelite man. It is a cornerstone for a biblical case study in law, justice, and faithfulness. The story of **Zelophehad** is told through his daughters, establishing the right of women to inherit property and emphasizing the vital importance of preserving familial and tribal lineage as commanded by the LORD.
TRV