New International VersionZelophehad’s daughters—Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milkah and Noah—married their cousins on their father’s side.
New Living TranslationMahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah all married cousins on their father’s side.
English Standard Versionfor Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to sons of their father’s brothers.
Berean Standard BibleMahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to cousins on their father’s side.
King James BibleFor Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father's brothers' sons:
New King James Versionfor Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to the sons of their father’s brothers.
New American Standard BibleMahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad married their uncles’ sons.
NASB 1995Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad married their uncles’ sons.
NASB 1977Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad married their uncles’ sons.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad married their uncles’ sons.
Amplified BibleFor Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to sons of their father’s brothers.
Christian Standard BibleMahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, married cousins on their father’s side.
Holman Christian Standard BibleMahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, married cousins on their father’s side.
American Standard Versionfor Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophedad, were married unto their father's brothers' sons.
English Revised Versionfor Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father's brothers' sons.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationMahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah married their cousins on their father's side of the family.
International Standard Versionfor Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah: Zelophehad's daughters married their uncle's sons.
NET BibleFor the daughters of Zelophehad--Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah--were married to the sons of their uncles.
New Heart English Biblefor Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to their father's brothers' sons.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to their father's brothers' sons: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to cousins on their father’s side.
World English Biblefor Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to their father’s brothers’ sons. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, daughters of Zelophehad, are for wives to the sons of their fathers’ brothers;
Young's Literal Translation and Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, daughters of Zelophehad, are to the sons of their fathers' brethren for wives;
Smith's Literal TranslationFor Mahlah, Tirzah and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, shall be to the sons of their uncles for wives. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Maala, and Thersa, and Hegla, and Melcha, and Noa were married to the sons of their uncle by their father
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Mahlah, and Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noa were wed to the sons of their paternal uncle,
New American BibleMahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah and Noah, Zelophehad’s daughters, married sons of their uncles on their father’s side.
New Revised Standard VersionMahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, married sons of their father’s brothers. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor Mahlah, Tirzah, Hagla, Milcah, and Joah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to the sons of their father's brothers;
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Makhla and Tartsa and Khagla and Melka and Yaa, the daughters of Tsalphkhad, were married to the sons of their father's brothers: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father's brothers' sons.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationSo Thersa, and Egla, and Melcha, and Nua, and Malaa, the daughters of Salpaad, married their cousins;
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Zelophehad's Daughters Marry… 10So the daughters of Zelophehad did as the LORD had commanded Moses. 11Mahlah,Tirzah,Hoglah,Milcah,and Noah,the daughtersof Zelophehad,were marriedto cousins on theirfather’s side.12They married within the clans of the descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained within the tribe of their father’s clan.…
Cross References Numbers 27:1-11Now the daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. These were the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached / the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole congregation, and said, / “Our father died in the wilderness, but he was not among the followers of Korah who gathered together against the LORD. Instead, he died because of his own sin, and he had no sons. ...
Joshua 17:3-6But Zelophehad son of Hepher (the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh) had no sons but only daughters. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. / They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, and said, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” So Joshua gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers, in keeping with the command of the LORD. / Thus ten shares fell to Manasseh, in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan beyond the Jordan, ...
Genesis 21:10-12and she said to Abraham, “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac!” / Now this matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son Ishmael. / But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.
Genesis 24:60And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands upon thousands. May your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.”
Genesis 31:14-16And Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we have any portion or inheritance left in our father’s house? / Are we not regarded by him as outsiders? Not only has he sold us, but he has certainly squandered what was paid for us. / Surely all the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. So do whatever God has told you.”
Exodus 21:9And if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her as with a daughter.
Leviticus 25:10So you are to consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty in the land for all its inhabitants. It shall be your Jubilee, when each of you is to return to his property and to his clan.
Deuteronomy 25:5-6When brothers dwell together and one of them dies without a son, the widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother is to take her as his wife and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law for her. / The first son she bears will carry on the name of the dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel.
Ruth 4:5-10Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.” / The kinsman-redeemer replied, “I cannot redeem it myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it.” / Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel. ...
1 Chronicles 23:22Eleazar died without having any sons; he had only daughters. Their cousins, the sons of Kish, married them.
Job 42:15No women as beautiful as Job’s daughters could be found in all the land, and their father granted them an inheritance among their brothers.
Isaiah 54:17No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.
Matthew 22:24-28“Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother. / The same thing happened to the second and third brothers, down to the seventh. ...
Mark 12:19-23“Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. / Then the second one married the widow, but he also died and left no children. And the third did likewise. ...
Luke 20:28-33“Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a wife but died childless. / Then the second ...
Treasury of Scripture For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to their father's brothers' sons: Numbers 27:1 Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and theseare the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah. Jump to Previous CousinsDaughtersHoglahHusbandsMarriedMilcahNoahSideTirzahWivesZelophehadZeloph'ehadZelophehad'sJump to Next CousinsDaughtersHoglahHusbandsMarriedMilcahNoahSideTirzahWivesZelophehadZeloph'ehadZelophehad'sNumbers 36 1.The inheritance of daughters is remedied by marrying in their own tribes7.Lest the inheritance should be removed from the tribe10.The daughters of Zelophehad marry their father's brothers' sonsMahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of ZelophehadThese five daughters are significant figures in the narrative of Israel's journey to the Promised Land. Their story begins in Numbers 27, where they courageously approach Moses to claim their inheritance rights, as their father died without male heirs. This act highlights the progressive nature of God's law, allowing for the protection and provision of women in a patriarchal society. Their names are mentioned multiple times, emphasizing their importance and the justice of their cause. The inclusion of their names in the biblical text underscores the value of each individual in God's eyes, regardless of gender. were married to cousins on their father’s side
This marriage arrangement was in accordance with the command given by Moses inNumbers 36:6-9, which was intended to keep the inheritance within the tribe of Manasseh. This reflects the cultural and legal practices of ancient Israel, where land inheritance was crucial for maintaining tribal identity and economic stability. By marrying within their father's clan, the daughters ensured that their father's name and property remained within the tribe, fulfilling the law and preserving the family lineage. This also prefigures the New Testament teaching of spiritual inheritance and the importance of maintaining faith within the community of believers. Persons / Places / Events 1. Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and NoahThese are the daughters of Zelophehad, who were granted the right to inherit their father's land in the absence of a male heir. Their account is significant in the context of inheritance laws in ancient Israel. 2. ZelophehadA member of the tribe of Manasseh, who died without male heirs. His daughters' appeal for inheritance rights led to a change in the law, allowing daughters to inherit if there were no sons. 3. Tribe of ManassehOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Manasseh. The daughters' inheritance was within this tribe, highlighting the importance of tribal identity and land inheritance. 4. Cousins on their father’s sideThe daughters married within their tribe to preserve the inheritance within the tribe of Manasseh, as instructed by Moses to maintain tribal boundaries and inheritance rights. 5. MosesThe leader of Israel who, under God's guidance, established the laws regarding inheritance and ensured the daughters of Zelophehad received their rightful inheritance. Teaching Points God's Justice and FairnessThe account of Zelophehad's daughters illustrates God's concern for justice and fairness, ensuring that everyone receives their rightful inheritance. This teaches us about God's character and His desire for equity among His people. Courage to Seek ChangeThe daughters' boldness in approaching Moses serves as an example of how we can seek change and justice within our communities, trusting in God's guidance and provision. Preservation of Community and FamilyThe instruction for the daughters to marry within their tribe underscores the importance of maintaining community and family ties, which can be applied to how we value and preserve our own familial and spiritual communities. Obedience to God's CommandsThe daughters' compliance with the command to marry within their tribe demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's laws, which is a principle that remains relevant for believers today. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Numbers 36:11?
2.How does Numbers 36:11 illustrate obedience to God's commands on inheritance laws?
3.What role does family lineage play in Numbers 36:11's context of inheritance?
4.How does Numbers 36:11 connect with earlier inheritance laws in Numbers 27?
5.How can we apply the principles of Numbers 36:11 to modern family disputes?
6.What does Numbers 36:11 teach about respecting God's established order in our lives?
7.Why were Zelophehad's daughters specifically named in Numbers 36:11?
8.How does Numbers 36:11 address inheritance rights for women?
9.What cultural significance do the daughters of Zelophehad hold in biblical history?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 36?
11.Numbers 27:1-11 compared to Deuteronomy 21:15-17: Why do inheritance rules seem to evolve, potentially contradicting the idea of unchanging divine law?
12.Why does Numbers 36 emphasize preserving land within a tribe if elsewhere (e.g., Leviticus 25:23) all land is deemed to belong ultimately to God?
13.Joshua 17:3-6: Is the story of Zelophehad's daughters inheriting land plausible in a strict patriarchal society, or does it conflict with known ancient customs?
14.Numbers 27:1-11: If God's law was perfect, why did He only address women's inheritance rights after Zelophehad's daughters complained?What Does Numbers 36:11 Mean Mahlah,The first daughter named reminds us that God notices individuals. Back inNumbers 27:1-7 she stood beside her sisters to ask Moses for their father’s inheritance. Here, years later, she still walks in obedient faith, marrying within her own clan just asNumbers 36:6-8 prescribed so that her land would remain with the tribe of Manasseh. Compare the same pattern of obedience inJoshua 17:3-4, where the inheritance is confirmed.
Tirzah,Tirzah’s name later becomes a royal city in Israel (Joshua 12:24), a quiet testimony that faithfulness can grow into far-reaching influence. By accepting the boundaries God set for their marriages, she showed the wisdom praised inProverbs 3:5-6—trusting the Lord rather than leaning on personal preference.
Hoglah,Hoglah’s inclusion underscores that no faithful believer is overlooked. Her choice to marry as directed parallels Mary’s humble “May it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), displaying the same spirit of submission to God’s revealed will.
Milcah,Milcah illustrates how obedience protects blessing. If she had married outside the tribe, her land would have shifted to another tribe at Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10-13). Staying within Manasseh preserved the inheritance promised inGenesis 48:19-20, reinforcing that God’s covenant purposes move forward through human cooperation.
and Noah,Noah, the youngest, demonstrates that every generation has a role in safeguarding God’s promises. Her compliance anticipates Paul’s counsel in2 Corinthians 6:14 about wisely choosing a marriage partner who supports God’s calling.
the daughters of Zelophehad,Their collective identity ties back to their father, whose name (Numbers 27:3) means “shadow of fear,” yet his legacy is fearless faith. Together they echoPsalm 68:6, where God “sets the lonely in families,” providing both inheritance and community.
were married to cousins• “Cousins” clarifies that they wed within their own clan, upholding Moses’ directive (Numbers 36:6). • This protected tribal boundaries established when the land was allotted (Joshua 14–19). • It foreshadows later safeguards inEzra 10:2-3, where right relationships are key to preserving covenant purity.
on their father’s side.The phrase stresses patrilineal continuity. By aligning with their father’s side, they honored the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12) and kept Joseph’s tribal share intact, fulfilling Jacob’s prophetic blessing inGenesis 49:22-26.
summaryNumbers 36:11 records the joyful obedience of Zelophehad’s daughters: each willingly married a paternal cousin so their newfound inheritance would stay inside Manasseh. Their actions validate God’s earlier ruling inNumbers 27, safeguard tribal boundaries, and model trustful submission. In them we see that honoring God’s Word in practical choices secures both present blessing and future legacy. (11) Were married unto their father's brothers' sons.--Better, unto the sons of their near kinsmen.The word dodgenerally denotes an uncleon the father's side, and probably does so in the present case; but in Jeremiah 32:12 it seems to denote a cousin.#define description=DESC #define abbreviation=ABBR #define comments=CMTS #define version=3Verse 11. -Mahlah, etc. It is a curious instance of the inartificial character of the sacred records that these five names, which have not the least interest in themselves, are repeated thrice in this Book, and once in Joshua (Joshua 17:3). It is evident that the case made a deep impression upon the mind of the nation at the time.Theirfather's brothers' sons. The Hebrew wordדּוד is always translated "father's brother," or "uncle;" and that seems to be its ordinary meaning, although inJeremiah 32:12 it stands for uncle's son. There is no reason to depart from the customary reading here. No doubt the daughters of Zelophehad acted according to the spirit as well as the letter of the law, and married the nearest male relatives who were open to their choice. The Septuagint
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Mahlah,
מַחְלָ֣ה(maḥ·lāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4244:Mahlah -- a daughter of Zelophehad, also a Gileadite
Tirzah,
תִרְצָ֗ה(ṯir·ṣāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8656:Tirzah -- daughter of Zelophehad, also a Canaanite city
Hoglah,
וְחָגְלָ֧ה(wə·ḥā·ḡə·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2295:Hoglah -- 'partridge', a female descendant of Manasseh
Milcah,
וּמִלְכָּ֛ה(ū·mil·kāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4435:Milcah -- two Israelite women
and Noah,
וְנֹעָ֖ה(wə·nō·‘āh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5270:Noah -- a woman of Manasseh
the daughters
בְּנ֣וֹת(bə·nō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 1323:A daughter
of Zelophehad,
צְלָפְחָ֑ד(ṣə·lā·p̄ə·ḥāḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6765:Zelophehad -- a man of Manasseh
were married
לְנָשִֽׁים׃(lə·nā·šîm)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, female
to cousins on their
לִבְנֵ֥י(liḇ·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A son
father’s side.
דֹדֵיהֶ֖ן(ḏō·ḏê·hen)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine plural
Strong's 1730:To love, a love-token, lover, friend, an uncle
Links Numbers 36:11 NIV
Numbers 36:11 NLT
Numbers 36:11 ESV
Numbers 36:11 NASB
Numbers 36:11 KJV
Numbers 36:11 BibleApps.com
Numbers 36:11 Biblia Paralela
Numbers 36:11 Chinese Bible
Numbers 36:11 French Bible
Numbers 36:11 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Numbers 36:11 For Mahlah Tirzah and Hoglah and Milcah (Nu Num.) |
