Old Testament
Numbers 36:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah — the daughters of Zelophehad — each married cousins on their father's side.
Compare translations
For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father’s brothers’ sons:
What Numbers 36:11 means
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.
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
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 Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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 36:11
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 36:11
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 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.