Joshua 17:2-6 · Bible study
Joshua 17:2-6 Commentary: Faithful Inheritance
Hebrew · 9 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Joshua 17:2-6 reveals how God honoured the inheritance rights of Zelophehad's daughters, expanding Manasseh's territory and showing His justice.
Research Summary
- Meaning: God honours his earlier command to grant inheritance to daughters when there is no son, expanding Manasseh’s western portion.
- Key words: “Inheritance” (H5159), possession or portion; “ten portions” (H2256), literally ‘cords’ or lots; the verb “commanded” (H6680) anchors the daughters’ appeal in divine authority.
- Main debate: How the ten portions were calculated, whether five families plus five daughters, or a more complex arrangement involving a double portion for Hepher as firstborn.
- Theological theme: God’s justice reaches those outside the standard inheritance system; divine word given earlier remains binding under new leadership.
- Best use: A case study in trusting God’s previous promises and advocating for inclusion within the covenant community.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
2So this allotment was for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These are the other male descendants of the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph.
3But 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.
4They 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.
5Thus ten shares fell to Manasseh, in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan beyond the Jordan,
6because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons. And the land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the sons of Manasseh.
WEB World English Bible 2000
2So this was for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, for the children of Helek, for the children of Asriel, for the children of Shechem, for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida. These were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.
3But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
4They came to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the princes, saying, “Yahweh commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” Therefore according to the commandment of Yahweh he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.
5Ten parts fell to Manasseh, in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is beyond the Jordan;
6because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons. The land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the sons of Manasseh.
KJV King James Version 1769
2There was also a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.
3But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these are the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
4And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. Therefore according to the commandment of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.
5And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;
6Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh’s sons had the land of Gilead.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
2So the lot was for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.
3But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
4And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, Jehovah commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren: therefore according to the commandment of Jehovah he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.
5And there fell ten parts to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is beyond the Jordan;
6because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons. And the land of Gilead belonged unto the rest of the sons of Manasseh.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
2And there is for the sons of Manasseh who are left, for their families; for the sons of Abiezer, and for the sons of Helek, and for the sons of Asriel, and for the sons of Shechem, and for the sons of Hepher, and for the sons of Shemida; these are the children of Manasseh son of Joseph--the males--by their families.
3As to Zelophehad, son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, he hath no children except daughters, and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah,
4and they draw near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, `Jehovah commanded Moses to give to us an inheritance in the midst of our brethren;' and he giveth to them, at the command of Jehovah, an inheritance in the midst of the brethren of their father.
5And ten portions fall to Manasseh, apart from the land of Gilead and Bashan, which are beyond the Jordan;
6for the daughters of Manasseh have inherited an inheritance in the midst of his sons, and the land of Gilead hath been to the sons of Manasseh who are left.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
2There was also [a portion] for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these are the children of Manasseh, the son of Joseph, the males, according to their families.
3And Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters; and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
4And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, Jehovah commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. And he gave them according to the commandment of Jehovah an inheritance among the brethren of their father.
5And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which are beyond the Jordan.
6For the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons; and the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
2And to the rest of the children of Manasses according to their families: to the children of Abiezer, and to the children of Helec, and to the children of Esriel, and to the children of Sechem, and to the children of Hepher, and to the children of Semida: these are the male children of Manasses the son of Joseph, by their kindreds.
3But Salphaad the son of Hepher the son of Galaad the son of Machir the son of Manasses had no sons, but only daughters: whose names are these, Maala and Noa and Hegla and Melcha and Thersa.
4And they came in the presence of Eleazar the priest and of Joshua the son of Nun, and of the princes, saying: The Lord commanded by the hand of Moses, that a possession should be given us in the midst of our brethren. And he gave them according to the commandment of the Lord a possession amongst the brethren of their father.
5And there fell ten portions to Manasses, beside the land of Galaad and Basan beyond the Jordan.
6For the daughters of Manasses possessed inheritance in the midst of his sons. And the land of Galaad fell to the lot of the rest of the children of Manasses.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Joshua 17:2
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that Joshua 17:2-6 records how the western half-tribe of Manasseh received its inheritance. The six male clans listed in verse 2, Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida, are the descendants of Gilead, the grandson of Manasseh. Matthew Henry notes that these families had not settled east of Jordan, unlike Machir's line. The passage then introduces a surprising twist: Zelophehad, from Hepher's clan, had no sons, only five named daughters (verse 3). The daughters appear before Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the tribal leaders, citing the Lord's command to Moses (Numbers 27) that they should receive an inheritance among their male relatives (verse 4). Joshua honours the command, granting them land. This results in ten allotments for Manasseh on the west side, the five male families (Hepher being deceased without sons) plus five portions for the daughters. The Cambridge Bible and Barnes agree the ten portions represent these divisions. The narrative emphasises that God's justice extends to those without a male heir, and that previous divine commands remain binding under new leadership.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Direct count view: The five male families of Gilead (excluding Hepher who had no sons) received five portions, and the five daughters each received one, totalling ten. This is the simplest reading of v.5-6 and is favoured by Barnes, Wesley, and the Cambridge Bible.
- Complex inheritance view: Some Jewish traditions and Calvin suggest that the calculation is not straightforward. They propose that families may have been subdivided differently, or that Hepher as firstborn received a double portion, and the daughters received four portions (one for their father, one for themselves, etc.). The text does not give enough detail to be certain.
What is clear: The daughters of Zelophehad received a legitimate inheritance among the sons of Manasseh, fulfilling the command that the Lord gave through Moses, and this resulted in ten allotments for the western half-tribe.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions and distribution | Manasseh received ten portions in the land west of Jordan, in addition to Gilead and Bashan east of Jordan. | How those ten were distributed. Barnes and Wesley see five shares for male clans and five for the five daughters. Gill records a Jewish tradition giving six shares to male clans and four to the daughters, with a double portion for Hepher as firstborn. The text does not specify the exact division. |
| Role of the daughters | The daughters inherited because their father had no sons, and they appealed based on Moses’ command (Numbers 27). | Whether they inherited as individuals or as representatives of Hepher’s line. Some see each daughter as a new clan head; others see them as temporary stewards until marriage (Numbers 36). |
| Theological significance of female inheritance | God shows care for those without male heirs and honours faith that claims his promises. | Whether this establishes a permanent principle of gender equality in inheritance, or remains a special case limited to tribal land distribution. Christians differ on how to apply this to modern contexts. |
Historical & Cultural Context
This passage is set at the close of the conquest of Canaan, as the land is being apportioned among the tribes. The larger context (Joshua 13-21) describes detailed boundary lists and allotments under Joshua, Eleazar the priest, and ten tribal princes. Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn, is divided into two halves: one half (descendants of Machir) settled east of the Jordan, Gilead and Bashan (Joshua 17:1; Numbers 32:39-42). The other half, the focus here, inherits west of the Jordan within Canaan proper.
The listing of six clans reflects the census of Numbers 26:29-34, where Gilead's sons are named. The last clan, Hepher, produced Zelophehad, a man who died in the wilderness without sons (Numbers 27:3). Ancient Israelite inheritance law normally passed land only to male heirs. However, a unique case had already been decided: when Zelophehad's daughters appealed to Moses, the Lord himself ruled that daughters could inherit if no sons existed (Numbers 27:1-11). Later, restrictions were added that such daughters must marry within their own tribe to keep land within the tribe (Numbers 36:1-12). The daughters' approach to Eleazar and Joshua is a direct application of that earlier revelation. “They came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes” (v.4), the same leadership structure appointed to divide the land (Numbers 34:17-18). By citing Yahweh's command, they remind the leaders that the Lord's word is not limited by custom. The number “ten portions” (v.5) confirms that each of the five daughters received a share, effectively adding five portions to the five male-line clans. This arrangement preserved the inheritance of Hepher's line through his granddaughters, ensuring their father's name did not perish.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants in Joshua 17:2-6. The differences between translations, such as “lot” (KJV, ASV) vs. “allotment” (BSB) or “portion” (Darby), reflect translation choices for the same Hebrew term (gōrāl implied or חבלי chabley). The names of the six clans and five daughters are consistent across manuscripts and versions.
Reception History
In Jewish tradition, this passage was central to debates about daughters’ inheritance, linking to the ruling in Numbers 27 and 36. The Talmud and later commentators used it to define the rights of daughters when no sons existed. In early Christian interpretation, the passage was seen as evidence that God’s promises extend to all who trust him, regardless of gender or status. During the Reformation, Calvin wrestled with the arithmetic of ten portions, admitting the details were not fully certain but affirming the justice of God’s provision. In modern evangelical and mainline churches, the story has been used to advocate for the dignity and rights of women within the church and society. It is often read on Mothers’ Day or occasions focusing on families and inheritance.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God’s promises include the overlooked. The six clans are listed carefully, but the story pivots to daughters without a male advocate. God’s justice reaches those who seem to fall outside the standard system.
- Previous revelation guides present decisions. The daughters appeal to a command God gave to Moses years earlier. Joshua obeys the earlier word, showing that God’s instructions are not superseded by new circumstances.
- Inheritance in God’s kingdom is not limited by human categories. The ten portions show that God can multiply provision and includes those whom tradition might exclude. The Church is called to reflect this same inclusive justice.
Five-point outline
- Setting: Manasseh receives its western allotment alongside Ephraim. Six male clans are identified.
- Problem: Zelophehad left only daughters. Without a male heir, his line risked losing its place in the promised land.
- Appeal: The five daughters step forward to the leaders, reminding them of God’s command through Moses.
- Resolution: Joshua grants them inheritance, creating ten portions instead of the expected six.
- Significance: God's faithfulness to a previous word and his care for vulnerable families shape the possession of the land.
Illustration hooks
- Family wills: Imagine a modern family where a daughter is left out of a will because of tradition. A precedent changes the outcome. The daughters of Zelophehad cite existing law.
- Tax dispute settled by precedent: A person argues their case based on a previous ruling. The daughters do not make a new law; they remind the authorities of one already given.
- Dividing a shared asset: A group of siblings inherits a property. One sibling dies childless; the nieces/nephews claim a share. The story shows how fairness can reshape expected divisions.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Does God care about my specific situation of being overlooked or left out of family provisions?
- How do we know when to apply an old command to a new situation, and when to develop new practices?
- What does this passage say about women’s roles and rights in God’s plan?
Leading a Discussion
Joshua 17:2-6 may look like a dry list, but it is a story of faith, justice, and the reliability of God’s word. The daughters of Zelophehad refused to be silent. They trusted that what God commanded through Moses still held force under Joshua’s leadership. This small narrative models how to appeal to God’s promises when the system seems to exclude us. As you discuss, keep in mind that the original readers would have seen this as proof that God keeps his commitments to every family, not just the powerful.
Discussion questions
- Observation: What is the main reason the daughters of Zelophehad are mentioned in a chapter about dividing land?
- Observation: Who did they approach, and what was their argument? (see verse 4)
- Interpretation: Why does the text list all the male clans before introducing the daughters? What purpose does that list serve?
- Interpretation: The passage says “ten parts fell to Manasseh.” How does the inclusion of the five daughters change the expected number of shares?
- Interpretation: What does this story reveal about God’s character, especially toward those who lack a male heir?
- Application: Where in your life or community have you seen people appeal to God’s word to secure fair treatment?
- Application: How can we as a church ensure that those on the edges of inheritance or inclusion are not overlooked?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Numbers 26:29 | The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir became the father of Gilead; of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites. |
| Numbers 26:30 | These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the family of the Iezerites; of Helek, the family of the Helekites; |
| Numbers 26:31 | and Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and Shechem, the family of the Shechemites; |
| Numbers 26:32 | and Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites; and Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. |
| Judges 6:11 | Yahweh’s angel came and sat under the oak which was in Ophrah, that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite. His son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites. |
| Judges 8:2 | He said to them, “What have I now done in comparison with you? Isn’t the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? |
| I Chronicles 7:18 | His sister Hammolecheth bore Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahlah. |
| Numbers 26:33 | 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. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke highlights that the Hebrew word for "portions" literally means "cords" or "cables," implying the land was measured with a chain. This reference, he argues, shows the Hebrews possessed more advanced geographical knowledge than is often assumed. He then explains that Manasseh's ten portions came from five sons of Gilead and the five daughters of Zelophehad, with Zelophehad himself not counted.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes explains that ten portions were allocated west of Jordan: five for the male heirs of Gilead, and five more specifically for the five daughters of Zelophehad, who represented the Hepherite family line.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin warns against trying to calculate exactly how Manasseh received ten portions, because the narrative does not give the precise number of families involved in the allotment. He dismisses clever attempts to solve this puzzle as futile, since the missing information makes certainty impossible.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible notes that the six Manassite families were divided into ten portions because Hepher's family was further subdivided among his five granddaughters, the daughters of Zelophehad. These daughters successfully claimed their father's inheritance by reminding Joshua of Moses' earlier ruling in their favor, and each received a separate share.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Notes highlight that Zelophehad's daughters received their inheritance because they appealed directly to the command the Lord had given through Moses. This case shows that God's specific instruction overruled the usual custom of passing land only to sons. The daughters' claim was granted as a matter of divine command, not human favor.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill explains that the ten portions allotted to Manasseh west of the Jordan arose because Hepher’s family had no sons, so his single portion was divided among Zelophehad’s five daughters. He notes Jewish traditions that this was the reason the daughters received four parts, but he sees it simply as a fair division among the six families plus those five daughters.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange reads Joshua's reply to the complaining sons of Joseph not as biting mockery, as some have claimed, but as fine, morally allowable irony. He sees a noble, unselfish leader who uses this ironic challenge to turn their complaint into a call to action. Joshua refuses special favors for his own tribe and instead insists they clear the forest and conquer the Canaanites themselves.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry highlights that Machir, Manasseh’s firstborn, proved to be a man of war, likely in contests with the men of Gath. This warlike disposition passed to his descendants, so Moses gave them Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan. The rest of Manasseh’s sons received
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley notes that the daughters of Zelophehad received ten portions, five for the sons and five for the daughters, showing the daughters were not given less than the sons. He emphasizes that the sex of the child was no barrier to their inheritance.