Numbers 27:1 (KJV)

What does Numbers 27:1 mean?

Numbers 27:1 introduces the daughters of Zelophehad, listing their names and tracing their family line back through several generations of the tribe of Manasseh, a son of Joseph. This verse sets the stage for their approach to Moses and the leaders of Israel with a request about their family inheritance.

The verse is a formal introduction, giving the background needed to understand why these women’s story is significant. By naming each daughter—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—and connecting them to their ancestors, the verse highlights their legitimate place within the tribe and prepares the reader for the legal and social issue they will raise in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 27:1

• "Daughters" (בַּת, bat; plural בָּנוֹת, banot, H1323): The use of this word emphasizes that these are female descendants, which is important because inheritance typically passed through sons in ancient Israel.
• "Families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot, H4940): This term points to the clan structure of Israelite society, showing that the daughters’ claim is not just personal but tied to their family’s standing within the tribe.
• The repeated use of "son" (בֵּן, ben, H1121) in the genealogy underscores the patrilineal lineage, making the presence of daughters as heirs stand out even more in the coming story.

Why Numbers 27:1 matters

• This verse clarifies that the daughters of Zelophehad are fully legitimate members of their tribe, which is essential for understanding the fairness of their later request.
• By tracing their ancestry, Numbers 27:1 connects their personal story to the larger narrative of Israel’s tribal organization and inheritance laws.
• The careful listing of names and lineage signals that what follows is a significant legal and social moment, not just a private family issue.