Numbers 36:1 Meaning and Explanation
“And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Tribal leaders from Joseph's descendants petition Moses about the inheritance of Zelophehad's daughters.
The Context of Numbers 36:1
Tribal leaders raise a concern about the inheritance laws affecting Zelophehad's daughters.
What Does Numbers 36:1 Mean?
The chiefs of the Gileadite families—descendants of Manasseh and Joseph—approach Moses with a concern. Their delegation includes both Machir's lineage and the broader leadership of Israel, indicating this is a formal, significant matter affecting tribal inheritance.
This gathering reflects the careful governance structure established in the wilderness: major questions go to Moses and the princes, showing respect for divinely established authority and communal decision-making in matters that affect the whole assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 36:1
What does Numbers 36:1 mean?
Tribal leaders from Joseph's descendants petition Moses about the inheritance of Zelophehad's daughters.
What is the context of Numbers 36:1?
Tribal leaders raise a concern about the inheritance laws affecting Zelophehad's daughters.