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 36:1KJV
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Numbers 36:1 (KJV)

What does Numbers 36:1 mean?

Numbers 36:1 describes how the leaders of the families descended from Gilead, who was a descendant of Joseph through Manasseh and Machir, approached Moses and the other Israelite leaders to speak with them. This sets the stage for a discussion about inheritance and family rights among the tribes of Israel.

The verse introduces a group of family heads—specifically from the line of Gilead, Machir, and Manasseh—who come forward to address Moses and the other leaders. Their approach signals a formal concern or request, and the context is about how land inheritance should be handled among the tribes, especially regarding daughters who inherit land.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 36:1

  • רֹאשֵׁי (roshé, "chief"): This word refers to the heads or leaders of the families, emphasizing that those approaching Moses are the most authoritative figures in their clans.
  • אָבוֹת (avot, "fathers"): Used here for "fathers," this term often means ancestors or patriarchs, highlighting the importance of family lineage in the discussion.
  • מִשְׁפָּחוֹת (mishpachot, "families"): This word points to extended family groups or clans, showing that the issue at hand affects entire family units, not just individuals.
  • קָרַב (karav, "came near"): This verb indicates a respectful approach, suggesting that the leaders are bringing an important matter before Moses and the other officials.

Why Numbers 36:1 matters

  • Numbers 36:1 clarifies that the concern about inheritance is not just an individual issue but one that involves entire clans and their leaders, showing the communal nature of Israelite society.
  • The verse connects directly to earlier chapters where the daughters of Zelophehad raised questions about inheritance, showing continuity and the seriousness with which these matters were handled.
  • By naming the specific families and their lineage, Numbers 36:1 roots the discussion in real people and historical context, helping readers see the practical implications of Israel’s laws for actual families.

Where else these words appear

“Machir” Hebrew H4353 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 50:23 And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.
  • Joshua 13:31 And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.
  • 2 Samuel 17:27 And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

“princes” Hebrew H5387 · used in 120 verses

  • Genesis 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
  • Numbers 7:54 On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:
  • 2 Chronicles 5:2 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.

“Gilead” Hebrew H1568 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
  • Judges 10:18 And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
  • 2 Kings 9:4 So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramothgilead.

“Manasseh” Hebrew H4519 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
  • 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.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.