Old Testament
Numbers 36:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But if they marry men from other Israelite tribes, their land will be transferred away from our ancestral inheritance and added to whatever tribe they marry into. That means our allotted inheritance will shrink.
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And if they be married to any of the sons of the other tribes of the children of Israel, then shall their inheritance be taken from the inheritance of our fathers, and shall be put to the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they are received: so shall it be taken from the lot of our inheritance.
What Numbers 36:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 36:3, the concern is raised about the inheritance of land among the Israelite tribes. If daughters from a specific tribe marry men from other tribes, their inherited land would be transferred to the tribe of their husbands. This would result in a loss of land for their original tribe, diminishing their ancestral inheritance. The verse highlights the importance of maintaining tribal boundaries and the integrity of family inheritances within the Israelite community. The leaders are worried that intermarriage could disrupt the distribution of land, which was a vital part of their identity and heritage. This situation emphasizes the significance of land ownership and the cultural implications of marriage in ancient Israel, where tribal affiliations were closely tied to one's identity and social standing.
How to apply Numbers 36:3 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of understanding how our choices can impact our community and heritage. When making decisions, especially regarding relationships, consider how they align with your values and the potential effects on your family and community. Maintaining strong ties to our roots can help preserve our identity.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Keep studying Numbers 36:3
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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 36:3 mean?
Numbers 36:3 addresses the concern that if daughters from a specific Israelite tribe marry men from other tribes, their inherited land will be transferred to their husbands' tribe. This could lead to a reduction in land for their original tribe, highlighting the importance of preserving tribal inheritance.
What is the significance of inheritance in Numbers 36:3?
The significance of inheritance in Numbers 36:3 lies in its reflection of tribal identity and heritage. The verse emphasizes how marriage decisions can affect land ownership and the distribution of ancestral inheritance among the Israelite tribes.
How does Numbers 36:3 relate to marriage?
Numbers 36:3 relates to marriage by illustrating how marrying outside one's tribe can lead to the loss of inherited land. It underscores the cultural importance of marriage choices in preserving tribal identity and heritage.
What are the themes in Numbers 36:3?
The themes in Numbers 36:3 include inheritance, tribal identity, marriage, land ownership, and cultural heritage. These themes highlight the connection between land, family, and community in ancient Israel.
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