Numbers 26:33 Meaning and Explanation
“And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Zelophehad, Hepher's descendant, had five daughters but no sons, named Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
The Context of Numbers 26:33
Zelophehad's unique family situation (no sons, five daughters) sets up a landmark legal case.
What Does Numbers 26:33 Mean?
This verse introduces a legal case that challenged Israel's inheritance system. Normally, property passed to sons; daughters had no direct claim unless no male heir existed. Zelophehad's daughters would later petition Moses for the right to inherit their father's land.
The daughters are named individually—unusual for scripture—suggesting their significance in establishing a legal precedent that affirmed women's property rights within Israel's covenant framework.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 26:33
What does Numbers 26:33 mean?
Zelophehad, Hepher's descendant, had five daughters but no sons, named Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
What is the context of Numbers 26:33?
Zelophehad's unique family situation (no sons, five daughters) sets up a landmark legal case.