Old Testament
Numbers 27:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan, and that person will take possession of it.' This will be a permanent legal rule for the people of Israel, just as the LORD commanded Moses."
Compare translations
And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.
What Numbers 27:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 27:11, God establishes a rule regarding inheritance for the Israelites. If a man dies without brothers, his inheritance should go to the closest male relative in his family. This ensures that property remains within the family and clan, preserving their heritage and resources. The verse emphasizes the importance of familial ties and the responsibility of relatives to care for one another. This command was given to Moses, highlighting its significance as a divine statute for the Israelites. It reflects God's concern for justice and order within the community, ensuring that no one is left without support or resources. This legal rule is meant to be followed permanently, reinforcing the idea that God's laws are timeless and meant to guide the people in their daily lives and interactions. Overall, this verse illustrates the importance of community, family, and the continuity of inheritance among the Israelites, ensuring that their lineage and possessions are respected and maintained.
How to apply Numbers 27:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider our responsibilities to family and community. We should ensure that our loved ones are cared for and that we uphold fairness in our relationships. It reminds us to think about how we can support those around us, especially in times of loss.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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 Moses's story: The Daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27:1–11)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 27:11
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 27:11
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 27:11 mean?
Numbers 27:11 establishes a rule for inheritance among the Israelites. It states that if a man dies without brothers, his inheritance should go to the closest male relative in his family, ensuring that property stays within the family and clan.
What is the significance of inheritance in Numbers 27:11?
The significance of inheritance in Numbers 27:11 lies in its emphasis on preserving family heritage and resources. It reflects the importance of familial ties and the responsibility of relatives to care for one another.
How does Numbers 27:11 relate to community support?
Numbers 27:11 relates to community support by highlighting the responsibility of family members to care for each other. It ensures that no one is left without support or resources, reinforcing the idea of communal responsibility.
What themes are present in Numbers 27:11?
Themes present in Numbers 27:11 include inheritance, family responsibility, divine law, community support, justice, and the preservation of heritage. These themes illustrate the importance of maintaining familial ties and ensuring fairness in resource distribution.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.