Old Testament
Numbers 36:8
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Numbers 36:8, the instruction is given that any woman in Israel who inherits land must marry within her father's tribe.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Any woman in Israel who inherits land must marry someone from a clan within her father's tribe. This ensures that every Israelite keeps the inheritance that belonged to their ancestors.
And every daughter, that possesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 36:8, the instruction is given that any woman in Israel who inherits land must marry within her father's tribe. This rule is designed to maintain the integrity of family inheritances and ensure that land remains within the original tribal boundaries. By marrying someone from her father's clan, the daughter helps to preserve her family's legacy and prevents the land from being transferred to another tribe. This practice reflects the importance of tribal identity and heritage in ancient Israel, emphasizing the need for stability and continuity in land ownership. It also highlights the role of women in maintaining family ties and the significance of marriage in securing inheritance rights. Overall, this verse underscores the value placed on ancestral land and the social structures that support the preservation of these inheritances across generations.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 36:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider the importance of our family heritage and the responsibilities that come with it. It reminds us to honor our ancestors by maintaining connections to our roots and ensuring that our values and traditions are passed down through generations, fostering unity within our families.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 36:8 say about women's inheritance in Israel?
Numbers 36:8 states that any woman in Israel who inherits land must marry someone from her father's tribe. This rule is intended to keep the land within the original tribal boundaries, ensuring that inheritances remain with the family and tribe of the ancestors. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining tribal identity and family legacy.
Why is it important for women to marry within their father's tribe according to Numbers 36:8?
The instruction in Numbers 36:8 highlights the significance of preserving family inheritances and tribal identity. By marrying within her father's tribe, a woman helps to ensure that her inherited land stays within her family and does not get transferred to another tribe, thus maintaining the integrity of ancestral legacies.
How does Numbers 36:8 reflect on the role of women in ancient Israel?
Numbers 36:8 illustrates that women played a crucial role in maintaining family ties and inheritance rights. By marrying within their father's tribe, women contributed to the stability of land ownership and the continuity of family legacies, highlighting their importance in the social structure of ancient Israel.
What can we learn from Numbers 36:8 about family heritage today?
Numbers 36:8 teaches us the value of honoring our family heritage and the responsibilities that come with it. It encourages us to maintain connections to our roots, ensuring that our values and traditions are passed down through generations, which fosters unity and strengthens family bonds.
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.
Unlock the full Numbers summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Numbers — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 36 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Numbers summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.