Numbers 27:10 - Brotherless? Uncles inherit land.

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Hebrew Text

וְאִם־אֵין לוֹ אַחִים וּנְתַתֶּם אֶת־נַחֲלָתוֹ לַאֲחֵי אָבִיו׃

English Translation

And if he have no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his father’s brothers.

Transliteration

Ve-im ein lo achim unetatem et-nachalato la'achei aviv.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־אֵ֥ין ל֖וֹ אַחִ֑ים וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם אֶת־נַחֲלָת֖וֹ לַאֲחֵ֥י אָבִֽיו׃

Parasha Commentary

Inheritance Laws in the Torah

The verse (Numbers 27:10) discusses the laws of inheritance when a deceased man has no brothers. According to the Torah's system of inheritance, the order of succession is clearly outlined, with priority given to male relatives in a specific hierarchy. Rashi explains that this verse comes to teach that if the deceased has no sons or brothers, the inheritance passes to his father's brothers—his paternal uncles.

Hierarchy of Inheritance

The Talmud (Bava Batra 109a-110b) elaborates on the order of inheritance based on this verse and others:

Sons inherit first (as established in earlier verses).
If there are no sons, daughters inherit (as discussed in Numbers 27:8).
If there are no children at all, the inheritance goes to the deceased's brothers.
If there are no brothers, it passes to the father's brothers (as stated in this verse).

Rambam's Legal Codification

Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Nachalot 1:3-4) codifies this law, emphasizing that the paternal uncles inherit only when there are no closer male relatives. He further clarifies that if the father's brothers are also deceased, the inheritance continues to more distant male relatives in the paternal line.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:8) connects this law to the broader theme of maintaining family continuity in Eretz Yisrael. By ensuring that land remains within the family, the Torah safeguards the tribal divisions and the divine promise of the Land to the descendants of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.

Practical Implications

This verse underscores the Torah's emphasis on preserving family legacy and property. The Sages derive from this that even distant relatives have a responsibility to uphold the deceased's inheritance, ensuring that land remains within the tribe as commanded in the Torah (Numbers 36:7-9).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 27:10 mean?
A: Numbers 27:10 discusses the laws of inheritance in the Torah. If a man dies without any sons or brothers, his inheritance is passed to his father's brothers (his uncles). This verse is part of a larger section detailing the order of inheritance to ensure property stays within the family.

Q: Why is this inheritance law important in Judaism?
A: This law is important because it ensures that land and property remain within the family tribe, as commanded in the Torah (Bamidbar 36:7-9). The Talmud (Bava Batra 109a) elaborates on inheritance laws, emphasizing fairness and continuity of family legacy according to Halacha (Jewish law).

Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: While the Torah's inheritance laws were specifically tied to the Land of Israel, the principle of fair inheritance remains relevant. Today, Jewish law (Halacha) still governs wills and inheritance, often requiring consultation with a rabbi to align with Torah values and Mishnaic/Talmudic guidelines (Rambam, Hilchot Nachalot).

Q: What can we learn from this verse about family responsibility?
A: This verse teaches that family members have a responsibility to preserve each other's legacy. The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 133) highlights how these laws foster unity and prevent disputes, reflecting the Torah's emphasis on maintaining strong family bonds and ethical financial conduct.