Numbers 26:33
New International Version
(Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons; he had only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah.)

New Living Translation
(One of Hepher’s descendants, Zelophehad, had no sons, but his daughters’ names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.)

English Standard Version
Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters. And the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Berean Standard Bible
Now Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons but only daughters. The names of his daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

King James Bible
And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

New King James Version
Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters; and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

New American Standard Bible
Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, only daughters; and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

NASB 1995
Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but only daughters; and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah.

NASB 1977
Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but only daughters; and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but only daughters; and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah.

Amplified Bible
Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but only daughters, and the names of Zelophehad’s daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Christian Standard Bible
Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons—only daughters. The names of Zelophehad’s daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons—only daughters. The names of Zelophehad’s daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

American Standard Version
And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

English Revised Version
And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
(Zelophehad, son of Hepher, had no sons-only daughters. Their names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.)

Good News Translation
Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons, but only daughters; their names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

International Standard Version
Hepher's son Zelophehad had no sons, but the names of Zelophehad's daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

NET Bible
Now Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons, but only daughters; and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

New Heart English Bible
Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters; and these are the names of the daughters of Zelophehad: Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Now Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons but only daughters. The names of his daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

World English Bible
Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons, but [only] daughters, and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad [are] Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Young's Literal Translation
And Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons but daughters, and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad are Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, there were no sons to him, but daughters; and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad, Mahlah, and Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Hepher was the father of Salphaad, who had no sons, but only daughters, whose names are these: Maala, and Noa, and Hegla, and Melcha, and Thersa.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now Hepher was the father of Zelophehad, who had no sons, but only daughters, whose names are these: Mahlah, and Noa, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.

New American Bible
As for Zelophehad, son of Hepher—he had no sons, but only daughters. The names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah.

New Revised Standard Version
Now Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters; and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Joah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Tsalphkhad son of Khaphar did not have sons, but daughters; and the names of the daughters of Tsalphkhad: Mekhla and Yaa and Khagla and Melka and Tartsa.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters; and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And to Salpaad the son of Opher there were no sons, but daughters: and these were the names of the daughters of Salpaad; Mala, and Nua, and Egla, and Melcha, and Thersa.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Tribe of Manasseh
32the Shemidaite clan from Shemida, and the Hepherite clan from Hepher. 33Now Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons but only daughters. The names of his daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 34These were the clans of Manasseh, and their registration numbered 52,700.…

Cross References
Joshua 17:3-6
But 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, ...

Numbers 27:1-11
Now 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. ...

Numbers 36:1-12
Now the family heads of the clan of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh, one of the clans of Joseph, approached Moses and the leaders who were the heads of the Israelite families and addressed them, / saying, “When the LORD commanded my lord to give the land as an inheritance to the Israelites by lot, He also commanded him to give the inheritance of our brother Zelophehad to his daughters. / But if they marry any of the men from the other tribes of Israel, their inheritance will be withdrawn from the portion of our fathers and added to the tribe into which they marry. So our allotted inheritance would be taken away. ...

1 Chronicles 7:15
Machir took a wife from among the Huppites and Shuppites. The name of his sister was Maacah. Another descendant was named Zelophehad, who had only daughters.

Genesis 21:10-12
and 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 25:5-6
Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. / But while he was still alive, Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east.

Deuteronomy 21:15-17
If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and both bear him sons, but the unloved wife has the firstborn son, / when that man assigns his inheritance to his sons he must not appoint the son of the beloved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife. / Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.

Job 42:15
No women as beautiful as Job’s daughters could be found in all the land, and their father granted them an inheritance among their brothers.

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Matthew 22:30
In the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven.

Luke 20:34-36
Jesus answered, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. / But those who are considered worthy to share in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. / In fact, they can no longer die, because they are like the angels. And since they are sons of the resurrection, they are sons of God.

Acts 2:17-18
‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. / Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

2 Corinthians 6:18
And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Numbers 1:34,35
Of the children of Manasseh, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; …

Numbers 2:20,21
And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur…

Jump to Previous
Daughters Hepher Hoglah Mahlah Milcah Names Noah Tirzah Zeloph'ehad
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Daughters Hepher Hoglah Mahlah Milcah Names Noah Tirzah Zeloph'ehad
Numbers 26
1. The sum of all Israel is taken in the plains of Moab
52. The law of dividing among them the inheritance of the land
57. The families and number of the Levites
63. None but Caleb and Joshua was left of those who were numbered at Sinai














Now Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons but only daughters.
Zelophehad was a member of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel. The mention of his lack of sons is significant in the context of ancient Israelite society, where inheritance and family lineage were typically passed through male descendants. This situation sets the stage for a pivotal legal case regarding inheritance rights for daughters, which is later addressed in Numbers 27. The absence of sons in Zelophehad's family highlights the importance of preserving family names and property within the tribes of Israel, a concern that is addressed by God through Moses.

The names of his daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
The listing of Zelophehad's daughters by name is notable, as it underscores their importance in the biblical narrative. Each name carries its own meaning and significance. Mahlah means "sickness" or "disease," Noah means "motion" or "rest," Hoglah means "partridge," Milcah means "queen" or "counsel," and Tirzah means "delight" or "pleasure." These names reflect the cultural practice of naming children with meanings that may reflect circumstances of birth or parental hopes. The daughters of Zelophehad are later recognized for their faith and boldness in approaching Moses to claim their inheritance rights, which leads to a change in the law that allows daughters to inherit if there are no sons. This legal precedent is a significant moment in biblical history, demonstrating God's justice and care for all members of His people, regardless of gender.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zelophehad
A member of the tribe of Manasseh, son of Hepher. He had no sons, which was significant in the context of inheritance laws in ancient Israel.

2. Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah
The five daughters of Zelophehad. Their mention is significant as they later petition Moses for the right to inherit their father's land, challenging the traditional inheritance laws.

3. Tribe of Manasseh
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Manasseh. The tribe's inheritance and lineage are part of the broader account of the Israelites' journey and settlement in the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Courage to Challenge Injustice
Zelophehad's daughters exemplify the courage to stand up for what is right, even when it goes against societal norms. Believers are encouraged to seek justice and fairness in their communities.

God's Provision and Justice
The account illustrates God's concern for justice and provision for all His people, regardless of gender. It reminds us that God sees and cares for the marginalized.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
This account highlights the significant role women can play in God's unfolding plan, encouraging believers to recognize and support the contributions of women in the church and society.

Faith in Action
The daughters' faith in God's promises led them to take action. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises and act in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 26:33?

2. Why is Zelophehad's daughters' mention in Numbers 26:33 significant for inheritance laws?

3. How does Numbers 26:33 highlight God's provision for women in Israelite society?

4. What does Numbers 26:33 teach about God's fairness in family inheritance rights?

5. How can Numbers 26:33 inspire modern Christians to advocate for equitable treatment?

6. How does Numbers 26:33 connect with Galatians 3:28 on equality in Christ?

7. Why is Zelophehad's daughters' inheritance significant in Numbers 26:33?

8. How does Numbers 26:33 challenge traditional gender roles in biblical times?

9. What does Numbers 26:33 reveal about women's rights in ancient Israel?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 26?

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. Who inherits if a man dies without sons?
What Does Numbers 26:33 Mean
Now Zelophehad son of Hepher

Zelophehad is introduced during the second wilderness census, placed within the clan of Gilead, the tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 26:28–29). God’s Word is intentional in preserving family lines, underscoring His covenant faithfulness generation after generation (Genesis 17:7; Exodus 3:15). This detail anchors the upcoming inheritance discussion squarely in real history—Zelophehad was an actual man in a particular tribe, not a fictional illustration. His life links earlier promises to future fulfillment when the land will be divided (Joshua 17:3).


Had no sons

In ancient Israel, sons normally carried the family name and received the land (Deuteronomy 21:16–17). The absence of a male heir placed a family’s inheritance at risk of disappearing. Here Scripture sets the stage for God to reveal more of His just character. The census identifies every household circumstance, showing that God does not overlook anyone, even a seemingly vulnerable family line (Psalm 68:5; Isaiah 40:11).


But only daughters

Rather than viewing the phrase as a deficiency, the text highlights five young women whom God Himself will soon commend (Numbers 27:6–7). Their presence challenges cultural norms and points forward to the wider biblical theme that women also bear God’s image and have a place in His purposes (Genesis 1:27; Galatians 3:28). The upcoming narrative will demonstrate that faith-filled initiative, not gender, is what pleases the Lord (Hebrews 11:6).


The names of his daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah

Scripture deliberately records each name, honoring these sisters individually.

• They approach Moses, Eleazar, and the whole assembly to petition for their father’s inheritance (Numbers 27:1–4).

• God affirms their claim and establishes a lasting statute that protects daughters throughout Israel (Numbers 27:5–11).

• They obey the Lord’s further instruction to marry within their tribe, preserving the assigned allotment (Numbers 36:10–12).

• Their names reappear when the land is finally divided, proof that God kept His promise decades later (Joshua 17:3–6).

Tirzah later becomes the name of a significant city in the northern kingdom (1 Kings 15:21), suggesting their legacy endured far beyond their own lifetimes.


summary

Numbers 26:33 introduces Zelophehad’s family in a single verse yet opens a window into God’s heart. By noting a father with no sons but five courageous daughters, the Spirit prepares us for a lesson on divine justice, covenant faithfulness, and the dignity God grants every person. The record assures us that the Lord knows each name, attends to every detail, and weaves even unconventional circumstances into His flawless plan.

Verse 33. - Zelophehad... had no sons, but daughters. This is mentioned here because the case was to come prominently before the lawgiver and the nation (cf. Numbers 27:1; Numbers 36:1; 1 Chronicles 7:15).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now Zelophehad
וּצְלָפְחָ֣ד (ū·ṣə·lā·p̄ə·ḥāḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6765: Zelophehad -- a man of Manasseh

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Hepher
חֵ֗פֶר (ḥê·p̄er)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2660: Hepher -- three Israelites

had
הָ֥יוּ (hā·yū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

no
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

sons—
בָּנִ֖ים (bā·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1121: A son

only
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

daughters.
בָּנ֑וֹת (bā·nō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1323: A daughter

The names
וְשֵׁם֙ (wə·šêm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

of the daughters
בְּנ֣וֹת (bə·nō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 1323: A daughter

of Zelophehad
צְלָפְחָ֔ד (ṣə·lā·p̄ə·ḥāḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6765: Zelophehad -- a man of Manasseh

were Mahlah,
מַחְלָ֣ה (maḥ·lāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4244: Mahlah -- a daughter of Zelophehad, also a Gileadite

Noah,
וְנֹעָ֔ה (wə·nō·‘āh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5270: Noah -- a woman of Manasseh

Hoglah,
חָגְלָ֥ה (ḥā·ḡə·lāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2295: Hoglah -- 'partridge', a female descendant of Manasseh

Milcah,
מִלְכָּ֖ה (mil·kāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4435: Milcah -- two Israelite women

and Tirzah.
וְתִרְצָֽה׃ (wə·ṯir·ṣāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8656: Tirzah -- daughter of Zelophehad, also a Canaanite city


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OT Law: Numbers 26:33 Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no (Nu Num.)
Numbers 26:32
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