Old Testament
Numbers 26:33
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Now Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons — only daughters. Their names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
Compare translations
And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
What Numbers 26:33 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about Zelophehad, a man from the tribe of Manasseh, who had no sons, only daughters. This detail is significant because, in ancient Israelite culture, inheritance typically passed through male heirs. The mention of his daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—highlights a unique situation where women are recognized in the lineage and inheritance discussions. This sets the stage for later events in the book of Numbers, where these daughters will advocate for their right to inherit their father's property. Their names are important as they represent a shift in the traditional understanding of inheritance laws, emphasizing that women can also be rightful heirs. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of family lineage and the evolving roles of women in society, particularly in matters of inheritance and rights.
How to apply Numbers 26:33 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and support the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender. It reminds us to challenge outdated norms and advocate for fairness and equality in our communities. Everyone deserves a voice and the opportunity to inherit their rightful place in society.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers 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 Numbers 26:33
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 Numbers 26:33
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 26:33 mean?
Numbers 26:33 highlights Zelophehad, a man from the tribe of Manasseh, who had only daughters and no sons. This situation is significant as it challenges traditional inheritance norms, showing that women can also be recognized as heirs in their father's lineage.
What is the significance of Zelophehad's daughters in Numbers 26:33?
The daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—are significant because they represent a shift in inheritance laws, advocating for their rights to inherit their father's property in a male-dominated society.
What does the verse Numbers 26:33 tell us about family lineage?
This verse emphasizes the importance of family lineage by mentioning Zelophehad's daughters, illustrating that lineage can include women and that they can have a rightful place in inheritance discussions.
How does Numbers 26:33 relate to women's rights?
Numbers 26:33 is an early example of women's rights in inheritance, as it acknowledges Zelophehad's daughters and sets the stage for their future advocacy for equal rights to inherit, challenging cultural norms of the time.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.