Numbers 27:11 And if his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the next of kin from his clan, that he may take possession of it. This is to be a statutory ordinance for the Israelites, as the LORD has commanded Moses.'"

◄ Numbers 27:11 ►

New International Version
If his father had no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan, that he may possess it. This is to have the force of law for the Israelites, as the LORD commanded Moses.’”

New Living Translation
But if his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan. This is a legal requirement for the people of Israel, just as the LORD commanded Moses.”

English Standard Version
And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to the nearest kinsman of his clan, and he shall possess it. And it shall be for the people of Israel a statute and rule, as the LORD commanded Moses.’”

Berean Standard Bible
And if his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the next of kin from his clan, that he may take possession of it. This is to be a statutory ordinance for the Israelites, as the LORD has commanded Moses.’ ”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to the relative closest to him in his family, and he shall possess it.’ ” And it shall be to the children of Israel a statute of judgment, just as the LORD commanded Moses.

New American Standard Bible
And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his nearest relative in his own family, and he shall take possession of it; and it shall be a statutory ordinance to the sons of Israel, just as the LORD has commanded Moses.’”

NASB 1995
‘If his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his nearest relative in his own family, and he shall possess it; and it shall be a statutory ordinance to the sons of Israel, just as the LORD commanded Moses.’”

NASB 1977
‘And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his nearest relative in his own family, and he shall possess it; and it shall be a statutory ordinance to the sons of Israel, just as the LORD commanded Moses.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his blood relative in his own family, and he shall possess it; and it shall be a statutory judgment to the sons of Israel, just as Yahweh commanded Moses.’”

Amplified Bible
If his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his nearest relative in his own family, and he shall take possession of it. It shall be a statute and ordinance to the Israelites, just as the LORD has commanded Moses.’”

Christian Standard Bible
If his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative of his clan, and he will take possession of it. This is to be a statutory ordinance for the Israelites as the LORD commanded Moses.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative of his clan, and he will take possession of it. This is to be a statutory ordinance for the Israelites as the LORD commanded Moses.”

American Standard Version
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 and ordinance, as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Contemporary English Version
And if his father has no brothers, the land must be given to his nearest relative in the clan. This is my law, and the Israelites must obey it.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If he has no uncles, give his property to the nearest relative in his family, and that relative will take possession of it. This will be a rule for the Israelites, as the LORD commanded Moses."

Good News Translation
If he has no brothers or uncles, then his nearest relative is to inherit it and hold it as his own property. The people of Israel are to observe this as a legal requirement, just as I, the LORD, have commanded you."

International Standard Version
If his father doesn't have brothers, then give his inheritance to a relative who is nearest to him from the family and he'll take possession of it. This is to be a permanent ordinance for the Israelis, just as the LORD commanded Moses."

Majority Standard Bible
And if his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the next of kin from his clan, that he may take possession of it. This is to be a statutory ordinance for the Israelites, as the LORD has commanded Moses.’”

NET Bible
and if his father has no brothers, then you are to give his inheritance to his relative nearest to him from his family, and he will possess it. This will be for the Israelites a legal requirement, as the LORD commanded Moses.'"

New Heart English Bible
If his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his kinsman who is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be to the children of Israel a statute and ordinance, as the LORD commanded Moses.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
And if his father shall have no brethren, then ye shall give inheritance to his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be to the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.

World English Bible
If his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his kinsman who is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it. This shall be a statute and ordinance for the children of Israel, as Yahweh commanded Moses.’”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and if his father has no brothers, then you have given his inheritance to his relation who is near to him of his family, and he has possessed it”; and it has been to the sons of Israel for a statute of judgment, as YHWH has commanded Moses.

Young's Literal Translation
and if his father have no brethren, then ye have given his inheritance to his relation who is near unto him of his family, and he hath possessed it;' and it hath been to the sons of Israel for a statute of judgment, as Jehovah hath commanded Moses.

Smith's Literal Translation
And if no brethren to his father, give his inheritance to his remainder being near to him from his family; and he shall possess it, and it shall be to the sons of Israel for a law of judgment, as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But if he have no uncles by the father, the inheritance shall be given to them that are the next akin. And this shall be to the children of Israel sacred by a perpetual law, as the Lord hath commanded Moses.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if he has no paternal uncles, the inheritance shall be given to those who are closest to him. And this shall be, for the sons of Israel, consecrated as a perpetual law, just as the Lord has instructed Moses.”

New American Bible
if his father had no brothers, you shall give his heritage to his nearest relative in his clan, who shall then take possession of it. This will be the statutory procedure for the Israelites, as the LORD commanded Moses.

New Revised Standard Version
And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to the nearest kinsman of his clan, and he shall possess it. It shall be for the Israelites a statute and ordinance, as the LORD commanded Moses.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it; and it shall be to the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if he has no father's brother, give his inheritance to one who is near to him from his family, and he shall inherit it; and it shall be for the children of Israel the law of justice, according to what LORD JEHOVAH commanded Moshe.’”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And if there be no brethren of his father, ye shall give the inheritance to his nearest relation of his tribe, to inherit his possessions; and this shall be to the children of Israel an ordinance of judgment, as the Lord commanded Moses.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Daughters of Zelophehad
…10If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. 11And if his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the next of kin from his clan, that he may take possession of it. This is to be a statutory ordinance for the Israelites, as the LORD has commanded Moses.’”

Berean Standard Bible · Download

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 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. ...

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.

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
When 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. / But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.” ...

Ruth 4:5-10
Then 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 23:22
Eleazar died without having any sons; he had only daughters. Their cousins, the sons of Kish, married them.

Ezekiel 46:16-18
This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘If the prince gives a gift to any of his sons as an inheritance, it will belong to his descendants. It will become their property by inheritance. / But if he gives a gift from his inheritance to one of his servants, it will belong to that servant until the year of freedom; then it will revert to the prince. His inheritance belongs only to his sons; it shall be theirs. / The prince must not take any of the inheritance of the people by evicting them from their property. He is to provide an inheritance for his sons from his own property, so that none of My people will be displaced from his property.’”

Galatians 3:28-29
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. / And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

Ephesians 1:11
In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,

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.

Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Luke 12:13-14
Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” / But Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed Me judge or executor between you?”

Acts 20:32
And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.

Hebrews 9:15
Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

Colossians 3:24
because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Treasury of Scripture

And if his father have no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be to the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.

mount

Numbers 33:47,48
And they removed from Almondiblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo…

Deuteronomy 3:27
Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

Deuteronomy 32:49
Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:

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Numbers 27

1. The daughters of Zelophehad ask for an inheritance
6. The law of inheritances
12. Moses, being told of his death, asks for a successor
18. Joshua is appointed to succeed him

Berean Study Bible

If his father has no brothers
This phrase addresses the situation where a man dies without leaving a direct male heir. In ancient Israelite society, inheritance was typically passed through the male line. The Hebrew word for "brothers" is "אַחִים" (achim), which can refer to both literal brothers and close male relatives. This reflects the patriarchal structure of the society, where family lineage and property were closely tied to male descendants. The absence of brothers necessitated a broader search within the family to maintain the inheritance within the clan.

give his inheritance
The term "inheritance" in Hebrew is "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah), which signifies not just property but a divinely allotted portion of the Promised Land. This concept underscores the theological belief that the land was a gift from God to the Israelites, and thus, it was crucial to keep it within the family and tribe. The act of giving the inheritance to another relative ensures the continuity of God's promise and the stability of the tribal structure.

to the nearest relative of his clan
The Hebrew word for "nearest relative" is "קָרוֹב" (qarov), indicating the closest kinship ties. This provision highlights the importance of family solidarity and the preservation of tribal identity. The clan, or "מִשְׁפָּחָה" (mishpachah), was a fundamental social unit in Israel, and maintaining property within the clan was essential for its economic and social stability. This reflects God's concern for order and justice within the community.

that he may possess it
The phrase "may possess" comes from the Hebrew "וְיָרַשׁ" (veyarash), meaning to inherit or take possession. This is not merely a legal transaction but a fulfillment of divine promise. Possession of the land was a sign of God's blessing and favor, and it was a tangible expression of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The act of possessing the land was both a privilege and a responsibility.

This is to be a statutory ordinance
The term "statutory ordinance" in Hebrew is "חֻקַּת מִשְׁפָּט" (chukat mishpat), indicating a binding legal decree. This underscores the divine authority behind the law, as it was not merely a human decision but a command from God. Such ordinances were meant to provide clear guidance and ensure justice within the community. It reflects the orderly nature of God's governance over His people.

for the Israelites
The Israelites, or "בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" (benei Yisrael), were the chosen people of God, set apart to be a holy nation. This ordinance was specific to them, highlighting their unique covenant relationship with God. It served as a reminder of their identity and calling as God's people, entrusted with His laws and promises.

as the LORD has commanded Moses
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the command. The LORD, or "יְהוָה" (YHWH), is the covenant name of God, signifying His eternal and unchanging nature. The command given to Moses, the great leader and prophet, underscores the authority and authenticity of the law. It reassures the Israelites that these instructions are not arbitrary but are rooted in God's wisdom and purpose for His people.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 11. - A statute of judgment, לְחֻםקּת מִשְׁפָט. Septuagint, δικαίωμα κρίσεως. A statute determining a legal right.

CHAPTER 27:12-23 MOSES AND JOSHUA (verses 12-23).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And if
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

his father
לְאָבִיו֒ (lə·’ā·ḇîw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

has no
אֵ֣ין (’ên)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

brothers,
אַחִים֮ (’a·ḥîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )

give
וּנְתַתֶּ֣ם (ū·nə·ṯat·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

his inheritance
נַחֲלָת֗וֹ (na·ḥă·lā·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion

to the next
הַקָּרֹ֥ב (haq·qā·rōḇ)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7138: Near

of kin
לִשְׁאֵר֞וֹ (liš·’ê·rōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7607: Flesh, as living, for, food, food of any kind, kindred by blood

from his clan,
מִמִּשְׁפַּחְתּ֖וֹ (mim·miš·paḥ·tōw)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

that he may take possession of it.
וְיָרַ֣שׁ (wə·yā·raš)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3423: To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin

This is to be
וְֽהָ֨יְתָ֜ה (wə·hā·yə·ṯāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a statutory
מִשְׁפָּ֔ט (miš·pāṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

ordinance
לְחֻקַּ֣ת (lə·ḥuq·qaṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2708: Something prescribed, an enactment, statute

for the Israelites,
לִבְנֵ֤י (liḇ·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

as
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר (ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

has commanded
צִוָּ֥ה (ṣiw·wāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

Moses.’”
מֹשֶֽׁה׃ (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

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OT Law: Numbers 27:11 If his father have no brothers then (Nu Num.)