Joshua 13 23

Joshua 13:23 kjv

And the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and the border thereof. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben after their families, the cities and the villages thereof.

Joshua 13:23 nkjv

And the border of the children of Reuben was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and their villages.

Joshua 13:23 niv

The boundary of the Reubenites was the bank of the Jordan. These towns and their villages were the inheritance of the Reubenites, according to their clans.

Joshua 13:23 esv

And the border of the people of Reuben was the Jordan as a boundary. This was the inheritance of the people of Reuben, according to their clans with their cities and villages.

Joshua 13:23 nlt

The Jordan River marked the western boundary for the tribe of Reuben. The towns and their surrounding villages in this area were given as a homeland to the clans of the tribe of Reuben.

Joshua 13 verses

Joshua 13 23 Meaning

This verse precisely defines the western boundary of the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben in Transjordan (east of the Jordan River), identifying the Jordan River itself as its decisive and defining limit. It signifies the confirmation of the land promised to and settled by the Reubenites, securing their inheritance.

Joshua 13 23 Context

Joshua 13 marks a shift in the book, moving from conquest to the division of the land. This chapter specifically focuses on the land given to the tribes on the east side of the Jordan River: Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Although these tribes had already received their inheritance from Moses (Numbers 32, Deuteronomy 3), Joshua's detailed account reaffirms and officially records their boundaries as part of the overall divinely mandated distribution to all twelve tribes of Israel. This particular verse, 13:23, concludes the specific description of the Reubenite territory, firmly establishing their western frontier as the Jordan River. It sets the stage for the intricate detailing of the inheritance for the tribes west of the Jordan that follows in subsequent chapters.

Joshua 13 23 Word analysis

• ויהי (va-yehi): "and was," or "so it was." This common Hebrew conjunction acts as a narrative connector, introducing a subsequent statement, often a consequence or the next point in a list. Here, it introduces the boundary definition as a clear statement of fact.
• גבול (gevul): "border," "boundary," "territory." This noun denotes a precisely marked or defined limit. In the context of ancient land division, a "gevul" was not merely a theoretical line but a tangible and legally recognized demarcation, often marked by cairns or natural features. Its repetition in the verse (once at the beginning, once at the end) emphasizes the exactness and finality of the boundary. It underscores divine sovereignty over the land and its allocation.
• בני ראובן (bene Reuven): "the children of Reuben," referring to the tribal descendants of Jacob's firstborn son. Despite Reuben's loss of his birthright pre-eminence (Gen 49:3-4), his tribe was still accorded a distinct and secure inheritance as part of God's covenant with Israel, confirming His faithfulness to all His people.
• הירדן (ha-Yarden): "the Jordan." This is the Jordan River, a prominent and unmistakable geographical feature that served as a natural barrier and a key boundary throughout Israelite history. Its designation here highlights a clear, physical, and readily identifiable demarcation. The river played a crucial role in Israel's history, symbolizing a transition (crossing) and a fixed boundary for distinct regions of the promised land.
• גבולו (gevulo): "its border." This reiteration of "gevul" (with a possessive suffix) for "the Jordan" further emphasizes the finality and self-contained nature of the border, making the Jordan itself the entire extent of that specific boundary for the tribe.

Words-group analysis

• "The border of the children of Reuben": This phrase directly links the specific land allocation to the identity of the tribe, signifying that this designated territory belongs uniquely to them as part of their tribal inheritance from God.
• "was Jordan, and its border": This concisely states the definitive western limit of Reuben's land. The "Jordan" provides the specific natural feature, and "its border" reiterates the absolute nature of that river serving as the line of demarcation. This clarity minimizes future disputes regarding this specific boundary.

Joshua 13 23 Bonus section

• Theological Significance of Borders: In the ancient Near East, precise borders were crucial for identity, security, and agricultural rights. For Israel, God himself was the one who drew these boundaries (Deut 32:8; Acts 17:26), reinforcing His sovereign ownership of the earth and His active role in the affairs of humanity, especially His covenant people.
• Eastern vs. Western Inheritance: The territories of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh (east of the Jordan) were obtained by their request under Moses' leadership (Num 32) before the main conquest of Canaan, while the land west of the Jordan was divided by lot under Joshua. This verse, therefore, represents a retrospective confirmation of an earlier divine arrangement.
• Fulfillment of God's Word: The detailed enumeration of boundaries, seemingly mundane, is vital evidence that every aspect of God's covenant promises, especially concerning the land, was literally fulfilled (Josh 21:43-45; 23:14). It underscores God's meticulous nature and reliability.

Joshua 13 23 Commentary

Joshua 13:23 provides the precise definition of the Reubenites' western boundary as the Jordan River. This verse is part of a meticulous record-keeping section in the book of Joshua, affirming the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel regarding their land inheritance. Even though Moses had already allocated this territory (Numbers 32, Deuteronomy 3), Joshua's re-confirmation underscores the continuity of divine purpose and the detailed execution of God's plan through His chosen leaders. The emphasis on "border" and "Jordan" highlights the tangible and identifiable nature of this sacred gift. It signifies God's faithfulness not just in promising but also in concretely dividing the land among the tribes, demonstrating divine order and sovereignty over His people's lives and their designated dwelling places. This exactness speaks to the literal nature of the divine promise.