Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.

NUMBERS 26:55KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 26:55 (KJV)

What does Numbers 26:55 mean?

Numbers 26:55 explains that the land of Canaan will be divided among the Israelites by drawing lots, with each tribe receiving its portion based on the names of their ancestral tribes. This method was meant to ensure fairness and that each tribe’s inheritance matched its identity and lineage.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land after their time in the wilderness. The verse comes after a census, and it sets out how the land will be distributed—not by human preference or power, but by a process that leaves the outcome to God’s decision through the casting of lots.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:55

  • The word for "land" is אֶרֶץ (’erets), meaning the territory or country being divided, which here refers specifically to Canaan.
  • "Divided" comes from חָלַק (chalaq), which means to apportion or distribute, highlighting the organized and deliberate process of giving out the land.
  • "Lot" is גּוֹרָל (goral), referring to a method like drawing lots or casting dice, often seen as a way to let God determine the outcome.
  • "Names" is שֵׁם (shem), pointing to the importance of tribal identity and lineage in deciding who receives which portion.

Why Numbers 26:55 matters

  • Numbers 26:55 clarifies that the distribution of land was not left to negotiation or favoritism, but was decided by a process seen as guided by God.
  • The verse emphasizes the continued importance of tribal identity and ancestral heritage in Israel’s life and organization.
  • This instruction connects to the broader narrative of Numbers, showing how the new generation of Israelites would receive what was promised to their ancestors, reinforcing God’s faithfulness and order.

Where else these words appear

“inherit” Hebrew H5157 · used in 59 verses

  • Exodus 23:30 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.
  • Deuteronomy 19:14 Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
  • Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

“divided” Hebrew H2505 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.
  • Proverbs 7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

“lot” Hebrew H1486 · used in 67 verses

  • Leviticus 16:8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
  • Joshua 19:32 The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.