Numbers 27:11 - 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.’”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Numbers 27:11" mean?
This verse from Numbers 27:11 outlines the order of inheritance when a man dies without a son and also without any brothers. It establishes a legal precedent for such situations in ancient Israel. Let's break it down:
"If his father has no brothers..." This sets the condition: The deceased had no sons (as covered in previous verses) and his father had no brothers. This means there are no uncles on the father's side to inherit.
"...then you shall give his inheritance to his kinsman who is next to him of his family..." This is the key instruction. The inheritance should go to the closest male relative within the family. This could be a cousin, a more distant male relative, or even a nephew if the deceased had sisters who have male offspring.
"...and he shall possess it." The designated relative becomes the rightful owner of the inheritance.
"This shall be a statute and ordinance for the children of Israel, as Yahweh commanded Moses." This emphasizes the divine origin and binding nature of the law. It's not just a suggestion; it's a commandment from God (Yahweh) through Moses, meant to be followed by all Israelites.
In essence, this verse addresses a specific scenario in inheritance law, ensuring that property stays within the family line. It prioritizes male relatives, reflecting the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society. The rule is meant to preserve family lineage and land ownership within that lineage.
Numbers 27:11 - 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.’”
What does "Numbers 27:11" mean?
This verse from Numbers 27:11 outlines the order of inheritance when a man dies without a son and also without any brothers. It establishes a legal precedent for such situations in ancient Israel. Let's break it down:
"If his father has no brothers..." This sets the condition: The deceased had no sons (as covered in previous verses) and his father had no brothers. This means there are no uncles on the father's side to inherit.
"...then you shall give his inheritance to his kinsman who is next to him of his family..." This is the key instruction. The inheritance should go to the closest male relative within the family. This could be a cousin, a more distant male relative, or even a nephew if the deceased had sisters who have male offspring.
"...and he shall possess it." The designated relative becomes the rightful owner of the inheritance.
"This shall be a statute and ordinance for the children of Israel, as Yahweh commanded Moses." This emphasizes the divine origin and binding nature of the law. It's not just a suggestion; it's a commandment from God (Yahweh) through Moses, meant to be followed by all Israelites.
In essence, this verse addresses a specific scenario in inheritance law, ensuring that property stays within the family line. It prioritizes male relatives, reflecting the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society. The rule is meant to preserve family lineage and land ownership within that lineage.