Old Testament
Joshua 17:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, only daughters. The names of his daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
Compare translations
But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these are the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
What Joshua 17:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Joshua 17:3, we learn about Zelophehad, a descendant of Manasseh, who had no sons but five daughters. This detail is significant because it highlights the importance of women in the inheritance laws of Israel. The mention of his daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—indicates that they were recognized and named, which was not common in ancient times. Their existence raises questions about inheritance rights, as traditionally, property was passed down through male heirs. This situation sets the stage for a later legal decision regarding women's rights to inherit land, showcasing a shift in societal norms. The verse emphasizes the value of family lineage and the role of women in biblical history, illustrating that God's plans include all members of a family, regardless of gender. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of women in society.
How to apply Joshua 17:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and value the contributions of all individuals, regardless of gender. It reminds us to advocate for fairness and equality in our communities, ensuring that everyone has a voice and a place in the family and society.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Joshua 17:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Joshua 17:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Who was Zelophehad in the Bible?
Zelophehad was a descendant of Manasseh, mentioned in Joshua 17:3. He is notable for having no sons, only daughters, which was unusual in ancient Israelite culture. His daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—play a significant role in the discussion of inheritance rights, as they later petition for their right to inherit their father's land.
What is the significance of Zelophehad's daughters?
The significance of Zelophehad's daughters lies in their challenge to traditional inheritance laws in Israel, which favored male heirs. Their names are recorded in the Bible, highlighting their importance and recognition in society. This situation leads to a legal decision that allows women to inherit property, marking a progressive shift in cultural norms regarding gender and inheritance.
What does Joshua 17:3 teach about women's rights?
Joshua 17:3 teaches that women can have a rightful claim to inheritance, as demonstrated by Zelophehad's daughters who sought to inherit their father's land. This verse is pivotal in illustrating the evolving understanding of women's roles and rights in biblical times, emphasizing that God's plans include all members of a family, regardless of gender.
How does Joshua 17:3 relate to social justice?
Joshua 17:3 relates to social justice by highlighting the importance of equality and fairness in inheritance laws. The verse showcases a moment in biblical history where women's rights are acknowledged, encouraging a broader understanding of justice that includes advocating for the rights of marginalized groups, including women.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.