Joshua 17:3 (KJV)

What does Joshua 17:3 mean?

Joshua 17:3 explains that a man named Zelophehad, from the tribe of Manasseh, had no sons but only daughters, and it lists the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. This sets up an important situation about inheritance rights for daughters in Israel.

The verse is part of a section where the land of Canaan is being divided among the tribes. The mention of Zelophehad’s daughters is significant because, in a society where inheritance usually passed through sons, these women’s situation led to a special case. Their story is referenced several times in the Bible because they asked for—and received—a share of land among their father’s relatives.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 17:3

• בֵּן (ben, “son”): Repeated several times, this word traces Zelophehad’s ancestry through the male line, showing his place in the tribe of Manasseh.
• בָּנוֹת (banot, “daughters”): This word highlights the unusual situation—Zelophehad had only daughters, not sons, which was rare and important for inheritance customs.
• שֵׁמוֹת (shemot, “names”): The verse carefully lists each daughter by name, underlining their individual identities and the importance of their role in Israel’s history.

Why Joshua 17:3 matters

• Joshua 17:3 highlights a unique case in Israel’s inheritance laws, showing that the daughters’ request for land changed how property could be passed down when there were no sons.
• The verse connects to earlier and later passages (like Numbers 27 and Joshua 17:4), showing the Bible’s attention to fairness and justice within the community.
• By naming each daughter, the verse gives them dignity and a place in Israel’s story, which was unusual for women in ancient genealogies.