What does Numbers 27:11 mean?
"And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses." - Numbers 27:11

The Bible verse Numbers 27:11 in the King James Version (KJV) reads: "And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the Lord commanded Moses."
This verse is part of the story of the daughters of Zelophehad, as recounted in the book of Numbers. Zelophehad had died in the wilderness, leaving no sons, only daughters. According to the laws of inheritance at that time, land and property were passed down from father to son, and in the absence of sons, the daughters would not have been able to inherit their father's land. The daughters brought their case before Moses and the elders of Israel, and ultimately, with the guidance of God, the law was changed to allow daughters to inherit their father's land if there were no sons.
The verse itself is a specific instruction given by God to Moses regarding the inheritance of land in cases where a man has no sons and no brothers. It outlines the process by which the inheritance should be passed on to the closest kinsman of the deceased, ensuring that the land remains within the family and tribe of Israel. This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of family inheritance and the significance of the land as a heritage for the children of Israel.
In a broader context, this verse speaks to the fairness and justice of God's laws and the importance of ensuring that all members of society are treated equitably. It reflects a concern for the rights of women and the recognition of their role in the inheritance of property, which was a significant departure from the prevailing cultural norms of the time. This demonstrates God's concern for the marginalized and the vulnerable, and His desire for fairness and justice in society.
The themes present in this verse include justice, inheritance, family, and God's guidance. The concept of inheritance is significant in the Bible, as it represents the passing on of blessings and responsibilities from one generation to the next. In this case, the inheritance of land is not only a material possession but also a symbol of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It is a reminder of God's promises to the descendants of Israel and His faithfulness in providing for their needs.
The broader context of the book of Numbers includes the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness, their organization as a community, and the establishment of laws and rituals. This verse specifically addresses the issue of land inheritance, which was a crucial aspect of the Israelite society at that time. It reflects the practical concerns of the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land and establish their identity as a nation.
Symbolically, this verse represents the idea of God's provision and protection for His people. The inheritance of land is a tangible expression of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. It also emphasizes the importance of family and community in the life of the Israelites, as the inheritance is passed down within the tribe and the family unit. Ultimately, it highlights the divine order and the sovereignty of God in establishing laws and statutes for the well-being of His people.
In conclusion, Numbers 27:11 in the King James Version of the Bible conveys a powerful message about justice, inheritance, and the providence of God. It showcases God's concern for the equitable treatment of all members of society, particularly women, and His desire for fairness and righteousness in the distribution of land and property. This verse also carries a symbolic significance in representing God's faithfulness and provision for His people, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land and establish their identity as the children of Israel.
Have questions about Numbers 27:11?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Numbers 27:11 Artwork
Numbers 27:11 - "And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses."
"And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses." - Numbers 27:11
Numbers 11:27 - "And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp."
NUMBERS 27:2
"And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp." - Numbers 11:27
Numbers 27 1
Numbers 27:5 - "And Moses brought their cause before the LORD."
Numbers 27:15 - "¶ And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying,"
Numbers 27:6 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 33:27 - "And they departed from Tahath, and pitched at Tarah."
Numbers 34:27 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Asher, Ahihud the son of Shelomi."
Numbers 11
Inheritance issue with The daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27
Numbers 26:27 - "These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those that were numbered of them, threescore thousand and five hundred."
Numbers 10:27 - "And over the host of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan."
Numbers 29:27 - "And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:"
Numbers 11:17
Numbers 11 quail
Numbers 11:15
Numbers 11:5
Numbers 6:27 - "And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them."
Numbers 1:27 - "Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred."
Numbers 27:16 - "Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,"
Numbers 27:9 - "And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren."
Numbers 3:27 - "¶ And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites."
Numbers 7:27 - "One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:"
Numbers 21:27 - "Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared:"
Numbers 20:27 - "And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation."
Numbers 11:16-26
Numbers 27:10 - "And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father's brethren."