Numbers 36:3 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The leaders identify a problem: if the daughters marry outside their tribe, their land will transfer to their husbands' tribes, diminishing Manasseh's inheritance.
The Context of Numbers 36:3
Leaders explain how the daughters' marriages could threaten their tribe's inheritance.
What Does Numbers 36:3 Mean?
The concern articulates a legitimate administrative consequence: marriage under ancient Near Eastern custom transferred a woman's property rights to her husband's family and tribe. If Zelophehad's daughters married into other tribes of Israel, the land Moses awarded them would automatically pass to those tribes at the next jubilee celebration, reducing Manasseh's total holdings.
This isn't mere selfishness—tribal inheritance preserved each family's stake in the promised land and maintained stable land distribution. The leaders fear legal precedent without remedy would systematically erode their tribal portion through intermarriage, a practical problem that required clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 36:3
What does Numbers 36:3 mean?
The leaders identify a problem: if the daughters marry outside their tribe, their land will transfer to their husbands' tribes, diminishing Manasseh's inheritance.
What is the context of Numbers 36:3?
Leaders explain how the daughters' marriages could threaten their tribe's inheritance.