Joshua 17 5

Joshua 17:5 kjv

And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;

Joshua 17:5 nkjv

Ten shares fell to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side of the Jordan,

Joshua 17:5 niv

Manasseh's share consisted of ten tracts of land besides Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan,

Joshua 17:5 esv

Thus there fell to Manasseh ten portions, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is on the other side of the Jordan,

Joshua 17:5 nlt

As a result, Manasseh's total allocation came to ten parcels of land, in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan across the Jordan River,

Joshua 17 verses

Joshua 17 5 Meaning

Joshua 17:5 describes the division of land given to the tribe of Manasseh. It states that Manasseh received "ten portions" in the territory west of the Jordan River, which was in addition to the lands of Gilead and Bashan that the half-tribe of Manasseh had already settled on the eastern side of the Jordan. This verse highlights the practical allocation of land during the division of Canaan.

Joshua 17 5 Context

Joshua 17 falls within the larger section of the book of Joshua (chapters 13-19) that details the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel by lot. Chapter 17 specifically outlines the boundaries and inheritances for the tribe of Manasseh. Manasseh, being a half-tribe, had unique considerations because half of its descendants (Machir and Gilead) had already received their inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan River from Moses, as recorded in Numbers 32 and Joshua 13.

The immediate context leading to verse 5 is the account of the daughters of Zelophehad (verses 3-4), who, having no brothers, successfully petitioned Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the tribal leaders for their inheritance rights. Their petition was based on the Lord's prior command in Numbers 27. Joshua 17:5 thus summarizes the total allotments given to Manasseh, distinguishing between the portions acquired west of the Jordan and those already possessed east of the Jordan. This methodical distribution underscored God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning the land. The allocation by lot affirmed divine appointment rather than human strategizing, ensuring justice in the distribution.

Joshua 17 5 Word analysis

• Thus (כֵּן, kēn): An adverb indicating consequence, manner, or confirmation. Here, it signifies "accordingly" or "in this manner," linking the allocation described to the prior discussion, particularly the unique claim of Zelophehad's daughters, and how their petition shaped the final division. It reinforces that the process aligns with established divine or communal decisions.
• there fell (וַיִּפֹּל, vay-yippol): Derived from the verb נָפַל (naphal), meaning "to fall" or "to be cast." In the context of land division, it refers to the outcome of casting lots. This emphasizes that the distribution was not arbitrary human choice but providentially determined, signifying divine allocation. The passive construction highlights that the portions were received rather than forcefully taken or merely selected.
• to Manasseh (לִמְנַשֶּׁה, li-Menasheh): Refers to the tribe of Manasseh, one of the two half-tribes descended from Joseph. The land was formally assigned to the collective tribal entity. Their inheritance was particularly complex due to their division across the Jordan.
• ten portions (חֲבָלִים עֲשָׂרָה, ḥǎḇālîm ʿăśārâ):
  • Portions (חֲבָלִים, ḥǎḇālîm): From the root חֶבֶל (ḥebel), meaning "rope" or "cord." Figuratively, it denotes a measured land area or "a portion measured by cord" (hence, lot or share). It implies specific, surveyed boundaries.
  • Ten (עֲשָׂרָה, ʿăśārâ): This number is significant. It is widely understood to refer to the five main male clans of Manasseh that settled west of the Jordan (Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Shemida, as per Num 26:30-32, often cited as the male heirs of Gilead's non-Zelophehad lineage) plus the five portions specifically granted to the daughters of Zelophehad (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah) who belonged to the clan of Hepher (from Gilead). This arrangement ensured that women without male heirs retained their family's land rights.
• besides (מִלְּבַד, millevad): A preposition meaning "apart from," "other than," or "in addition to." It explicitly distinguishes the newly allotted territories in Canaan proper from the land already settled east of the Jordan.
• the land of Gilead and Bashan (אֶרֶץ הַגִּלְעָד וְהַבָּשָׁן, ʾereṣ ha-Gilʿād wə-ha-Bāšān): Specific geographical regions east of the Jordan River.
  • Gilead: A mountainous region known for its Balm of Gilead. It was originally conquered by Moses.
  • Bashan: A fertile, basaltic plateau north of Gilead, renowned for its strong oaks and cattle. These lands were conquered from King Sihon and King Og by Moses and given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (specifically Machir, son of Manasseh, and his descendant Jair).
• which are on the other side of the Jordan (אֲשֶׁר מֵעֵבֶר לַיַּרְדֵּן, ʾǎšer mēʿēḇer la-Yarđēn): Clarifies the location of Gilead and Bashan. "Beyond the Jordan" from the perspective of someone in Canaan (west of the Jordan), denoting the Transjordanian territory. This emphasizes Manasseh's unique status among the tribes for having a substantial inheritance divided by the river.

Joshua 17 5 Bonus section

The historical and legal background concerning Zelophehad's daughters (first in Num 27, then elaborated for marriage implications in Num 36) underscores a crucial aspect of Israelite law regarding property and lineage. This saga within Manasseh’s inheritance demonstrates that God’s law was dynamic enough to address unforeseen circumstances (like a man dying without sons) while safeguarding the intent of tribal integrity and perpetual family holdings. The 'ten portions' reflect a highly specific administrative partitioning, likely representing areas allocated to primary clans and sub-clans for governance and resource management. It underscores the practical implications of theological directives. While the exact geographical boundaries for each of these ten 'portions' are not fully detailed in the biblical text, their recognition highlights a systematic approach to tribal inheritance, validating the intricate process overseen by Joshua and Eleazar.

Joshua 17 5 Commentary

Joshua 17:5 provides a concise summary of the extensive land inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh, an allocation notably complex due to its split geographical distribution. The statement that "ten portions" fell to Manasseh west of the Jordan River is critical. This unique number results from acknowledging both the traditional five male-line clans of Manasseh within western Canaan and the five distinct inheritance shares given to the daughters of Zelophehad. This demonstrates the legal precedent established by Moses, reaffirming God's meticulous care for individual justice and ensuring the preservation of family lineages even through female inheritance, a progressive move for its time. The mention of Gilead and Bashan clarifies that Manasseh's western land was supplementary to the fertile eastern territories already secured and settled under Moses. This verse therefore highlights not only the physical partitioning of the land by lot, signaling divine appointment over human choice, but also the meticulous record-keeping and equitable (within the divine framework) distribution principles applied to each tribal inheritance. It shows God's faithfulness in bringing His promises of land to full realization, acknowledging tribal complexities and ensuring that His covenant purposes were precisely fulfilled through Israel's settlement.