Zelophehad
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Zelophehad in the Bible?
Zelophehad was a member of the tribe of Manasseh from the clan of Gilead who died during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. He is primarily known for having only daughters and no male heirs.
SIGNIFICANCE
The narrative of his daughters' petition to Moses establishes a legal precedent for female inheritance in the absence of male heirs, offering insight into the evolution of kinship structures and property distribution within ancient Israelite society as recorded in the Pentateuch.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Zelophehad reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Zelophehad in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Zelophehad clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Zelophehad." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zelophehad/