Clan

A social unit, larger than a family but smaller than a tribe.

Membership of a clan

Judges 6:15 See also Leviticus 25:10; Joshua 7:14–18; Ruth 2:1; 1 Samuel 9:21, 1 Samuel 10:17–21, 1 Samuel 18:18

“Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.”

Marriage and the clan

Judges 12:9 See also Genesis 24:34–41; Numbers 36:1–12

He had thirty sons, as well as thirty daughters whom he gave in marriage to men outside his clan; and for his sons he brought back thirty wives from elsewhere. Ibzan judged Israel seven years.

Inheritance within the clan

Numbers 27:8–11

Furthermore, you shall say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, you are to transfer his inheritance to his daughter. If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. 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.’”

The responsibility of the clan for protection and revenge

Leviticus 25:47–49 See also Ruth 3:7–12, Ruth 4:1–12; 2 Samuel 14:5–7

If a foreigner residing among you prospers, but your countryman dwelling near him becomes destitute and sells himself to the foreigner or to a member of his clan, he retains the right of redemption after he has sold himself. One of his brothers may redeem him: either his uncle or cousin or any close relative from his clan may redeem him. Or if he prospers, he may redeem himself.