Numbers 36:9 Meaning and Explanation
“Neither shall the inheritance remove from one tribe to another tribe; but every one of the tribes of the children of Israel shall keep himself to his own inheritance.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Tribal inheritance is permanent and protected; each tribe preserves its own land.
The Context of Numbers 36:9
Restatement of the principle: tribal inheritance remains intact and stable.
What Does Numbers 36:9 Mean?
This restatement emphasizes the absolute nature of the principle: inheritance does not move between tribes. The repetition in Deuteronomic style (restating a rule in different words for emphasis) shows the importance of this stability. God is establishing a permanent structure for how the promised land remains distributed among the tribes.
Each tribe 'keeping itself to its own inheritance' reflects both practical land management and theological reality: God assigned each tribe a specific territory as part of His covenant promise. The law protects those assignments from being altered by the cumulative effects of individual marriages or property transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 36:9
What does Numbers 36:9 mean?
Tribal inheritance is permanent and protected; each tribe preserves its own land.
What is the context of Numbers 36:9?
Restatement of the principle: tribal inheritance remains intact and stable.