Old Testament
Numbers 27:1
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The daughters of Zelophehad came forward. Zelophehad was the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh — from the clan of Manasseh son of Joseph. His daughters' names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
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Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.
What Numbers 27:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about the daughters of Zelophehad, who is a descendant of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel. The genealogy is important as it establishes their family lineage and connection to the larger Israelite community. The daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—are significant because they are about to advocate for their rights to inherit their father's land, which was a crucial issue in a patriarchal society. This moment highlights the importance of women in biblical narratives and their roles in seeking justice and equality. The mention of their names emphasizes their individuality and the importance of their claim, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in Israel's history regarding inheritance laws. This verse serves as a reminder of the value of family heritage and the courage to stand up for one's rights, especially in challenging societal norms.
How to apply Numbers 27:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of standing up for our rights and the rights of others, especially in situations where societal norms may be unjust. It reminds us to value our heritage and advocate for fairness in our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: The Daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27:1–11)
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Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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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 27:1 mean?
Numbers 27:1 introduces the daughters of Zelophehad, highlighting their lineage from the tribe of Manasseh. This verse sets the stage for their significant role in advocating for their inheritance rights in a patriarchal society.
Who are the daughters of Zelophehad mentioned in Numbers 27:1?
The daughters of Zelophehad are Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. Their names are important as they represent women who challenge societal norms regarding inheritance.
What is the significance of the genealogy in Numbers 27:1?
The genealogy in Numbers 27:1 establishes the family lineage of Zelophehad and his daughters, connecting them to the broader Israelite community. It emphasizes their rightful claim to inheritance based on their ancestry.
What issue do the daughters of Zelophehad address in Numbers 27:1?
In Numbers 27:1, the daughters of Zelophehad come forward to advocate for their right to inherit their father's land, addressing the issue of inheritance laws in a male-dominated society.
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