Old Testament
Numbers 36:4
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And when the Year of Jubilee comes for the children of Israel, their inheritance will be added to the inheritance of the tribe into which they marry, and it will be taken away from the inheritance of our ancestral tribe.
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And when the jubile of the children of Israel shall be, then shall their inheritance be put unto the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they are received: so shall their inheritance be taken away from the inheritance of the tribe of our fathers.
What Numbers 36:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 36:4, the verse discusses the implications of the Year of Jubilee for the inheritance of the tribes of Israel. When a member of a tribe marries into another tribe, their inheritance will be transferred to the new tribe. This means that when the Year of Jubilee arrives, which is a time of restoration and return of property, the inheritance of the individual will be added to the tribe they married into. However, this also means that their original tribe will lose that portion of their inheritance. This regulation was established to maintain the integrity of tribal inheritances and ensure that land remained within the original tribes, preventing the dilution of tribal identities and holdings over generations. It highlights the importance of family lineage and the careful management of land and resources within the community.
How to apply Numbers 36:4 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of understanding our commitments and the impact of our choices on our families and communities. When making significant life decisions, such as marriage, we should consider how they affect our heritage and responsibilities to our community.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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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 36:4 mean?
Numbers 36:4 explains that during the Year of Jubilee, if a member of a tribe marries into another tribe, their inheritance will be transferred to the new tribe. This means their original tribe will lose that part of their inheritance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining tribal identity and land ownership.
What is the significance of the Year of Jubilee in Numbers 36:4?
The Year of Jubilee is a time of restoration for the Israelites, where land and property are returned to their original owners. In Numbers 36:4, it highlights how marriages can affect tribal inheritances and the need to preserve the integrity of tribal lands.
How does marriage affect inheritance according to Numbers 36:4?
According to Numbers 36:4, when a person from one tribe marries into another tribe, their inheritance is added to their spouse's tribe. This results in the loss of that inheritance from their original tribe, which underscores the impact of marriage on tribal land ownership.
What does Numbers 36:4 teach about tribal identity?
Numbers 36:4 teaches that tribal identity is crucial in Israelite society, as it regulates how inheritances are managed. The verse shows that marriages can change inheritance patterns, which could dilute tribal identity if not carefully controlled.
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