Old Testament
Numbers 27:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the daughters of Zelophehad are speaking about their father, who died in the wilderness during the Israelites' journey.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
"Our father died in the wilderness. He wasn't part of the group that rebelled against the LORD with Korah — he died for his own sin. But he had no sons.
Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the daughters of Zelophehad are speaking about their father, who died in the wilderness during the Israelites' journey. They clarify that he was not part of the rebellion led by Korah against God, indicating that his death was due to his own personal sin rather than a collective punishment. This distinction is important because it highlights their father's character and faithfulness to God. The daughters are concerned about their inheritance rights since their father had no sons, which sets the stage for their appeal to Moses for justice. This verse emphasizes the importance of individual accountability and the legacy one leaves behind, as well as the need for fairness in matters of inheritance and rights within the community.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 27:3 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of personal responsibility for our actions. It encourages us to live faithfully and to consider how our lives impact those around us. Additionally, it highlights the need for fairness and justice in our communities, especially regarding rights and inheritance.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 27:3 mean?
Numbers 27:3 describes the daughters of Zelophehad explaining that their father died in the wilderness due to his own sin, not as part of Korah's rebellion. This verse highlights their father's character and raises their concern about inheritance rights since he had no sons.
What is the significance of Zelophehad's daughters in Numbers 27:3?
The daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27:3 are significant because they advocate for their inheritance rights, emphasizing the importance of individual accountability and justice in matters of family legacy and community inheritance.
What does 'died in his own sin' mean in Numbers 27:3?
The phrase 'died in his own sin' in Numbers 27:3 indicates that Zelophehad's death was a result of his personal actions rather than a punishment for collective rebellion against God, underscoring the theme of individual accountability.
Why is the context of Korah's rebellion mentioned in Numbers 27:3?
The mention of Korah's rebellion in Numbers 27:3 serves to clarify that Zelophehad was not part of that group, which helps to distinguish his character and the nature of his death, reinforcing the daughters' claim for their inheritance.

The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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