Old Testament
Numbers 36:11
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Numbers 36:11, we learn about the daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah—who married their cousins.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah — the daughters of Zelophehad — each married cousins on their father's side.
For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father’s brothers’ sons:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 36:11, we learn about the daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah—who married their cousins. This was significant because it upheld the family lineage and inheritance rights within the tribe of Manasseh. The daughters had previously fought for their right to inherit their father's land, and their marriages to their father's brothers' sons ensured that the land remained within their family. This practice highlights the importance of family ties and the preservation of inheritance in ancient Israelite culture. It also reflects the broader theme of God's justice in ensuring that the rights of individuals, especially women, were recognized and upheld. The marriages were not just personal choices but were also strategic decisions that reinforced family unity and stability in the community. This verse illustrates how the laws and customs of the time were designed to protect family heritage and ensure that property rights were maintained across generations.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 36:11 to your life
This passage encourages us to value family connections and consider how our choices impact our loved ones. It reminds us to uphold justice and fairness in our relationships, ensuring that everyone’s rights are respected and that we support one another in maintaining our legacies and values.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 36:11 mean?
Numbers 36:11 describes how the daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah—married their cousins to keep their father's inheritance within the family. This verse emphasizes the importance of family ties and the preservation of land rights in ancient Israel.
What is the significance of the daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 36:11?
The daughters of Zelophehad are significant because they fought for their right to inherit their father's land, which was a rare occurrence for women in that time. Their marriages to their cousins ensured that the inheritance remained within their family, highlighting the importance of lineage.
What cultural practices are reflected in Numbers 36:11?
Numbers 36:11 reflects the cultural practice of marrying within the family to maintain inheritance rights and strengthen family ties. This practice was common in ancient Israelite society to ensure that property and lineage were preserved.
How does Numbers 36:11 relate to women's rights?
This verse illustrates a moment where women's rights to inheritance were recognized, as the daughters of Zelophehad successfully claimed their father's land. Their marriages were strategic, ensuring that their rights and family legacy were upheld.
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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