Numbers 36:7 (KJV)

What does Numbers 36:7 mean?

Numbers 36:7 says that the land each Israelite tribe received as an inheritance must not be transferred from one tribe to another; every Israelite is to keep the inheritance that belongs to their own ancestral tribe. This rule was meant to ensure that land stayed within the original family and tribal lines.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites about how the land of Canaan should be divided and kept. The situation comes from a question about what happens if an Israelite woman inherits land and then marries someone from another tribe. The verse clarifies that tribal inheritances should remain stable, so each tribe’s portion of land stays with that tribe’s descendants.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 36:7

• "Inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This word means a permanent possession passed down through generations. The use here stresses that land is not just property, but a lasting family trust.
• "Remove" (סָבַב, savav): This word often means to turn or move around. Here, it highlights the concern that land could shift from one tribe to another, disrupting the intended distribution.
• "Keep" (דָּבַק, davaq): This word means to cling or stick closely. The verse uses it to show that each person is to hold tightly to their ancestral inheritance, not letting it slip away to another tribe.

Why Numbers 36:7 matters

• Numbers 36:7 clears up how Israel was to prevent the mixing or loss of tribal lands, which was a real concern as families grew and intermarried.
• The verse emphasizes the importance of family and tribal identity in ancient Israel, showing that land was deeply tied to belonging and heritage.
• This instruction connects to the broader story of the daughters of Zelophehad, showing how the law was adjusted to protect both fairness and the original tribal boundaries.