Numbers 34 14

Numbers 34:14 kjv

For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to the house of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to the house of their fathers, have received their inheritance; and half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance:

Numbers 34:14 nkjv

For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to the house of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to the house of their fathers, have received their inheritance; and the half-tribe of Manasseh has received its inheritance.

Numbers 34:14 niv

because the families of the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance.

Numbers 34:14 esv

For the tribe of the people of Reuben by fathers' houses and the tribe of the people of Gad by their fathers' houses have received their inheritance, and also the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Numbers 34:14 nlt

The families of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh have already received their grants of land

Numbers 34 verses

Numbers 34 14 Meaning

Numbers 34:14 states that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh had already received their inheritance. This inheritance was located east of the Jordan River, specifically identified as being eastward relative to Jericho. The verse serves as a parenthetical explanation within a passage outlining the boundaries and division of the land west of the Jordan, reminding the reader and the people that these specific tribes were already settled and would not be part of the land allocation process detailed immediately prior (Num 34:1-12) or subsequent (Num 34:13, 15-29). It highlights the established agreement and divine provision for these tribes before the main conquest of Canaan proper.

Numbers 34 14 Context

Numbers chapter 34 provides precise instructions for the allocation of the land of Canaan (west of the Jordan) among the tribes of Israel, outlining the specified borders of this promised land. Verse 14 is an interjection or clarification, preceding the list of tribal representatives appointed to assist Eleazar and Joshua in dividing the land (Num 34:16-29). It clarifies why the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh would not be included in the land distribution for the western side of the Jordan. Historically, these tribes, having large flocks and herds, requested land in Transjordan (the eastern side of the Jordan) which they had helped conquer from Sihon and Og (Num 32). Moses, after an initial rebuke, granted their request on the condition that their fighting men would cross the Jordan with the other tribes and assist in the conquest of Canaan proper, a condition they agreed to fulfill. This verse, therefore, highlights the fulfillment of that prior arrangement, ensuring no confusion regarding the division of the main inheritance promised to Abraham's descendants west of the Jordan. It emphasizes the orderly and just distribution of territory under divine direction.

Numbers 34 14 Word analysis

• For (כִּי, kî): A conjunction indicating causation, explanation, or reinforcement. Here, it functions to explain why the general instruction to distribute land by lot (implied by the upcoming mention of tribal leaders) does not apply to these particular tribes. It refers back to the general land allocation theme established earlier in the chapter.
• the tribe (מַטֵּה, maṭṭeh): This Hebrew term primarily means "rod" or "staff," then extends to signify a branch or distinct family group, hence a "tribe." It signifies a distinct administrative and social unit within Israel, emphasizing their corporate identity and individual apportionment.
• of the children of Reuben (בְּנֵי רְאוּבֵן, bᵊnê Rᵊ'ûḇēn): Lit. "sons of Reuben." Reuben was Jacob's firstborn. This phrasing highlights their lineal descent and connection to their patriarch. Reuben's tribe was counted as one of the twelve, destined for a specific inheritance.
• and the tribe of the children of Gad (וּמַטֵּה בְּנֵי גָ֑ד, ûmaṭṭê bᵊnê Gāḏ): Gad was also a son of Jacob. Like Reuben, their tribal identity and separate land request were prominent in earlier accounts (Num 32).
• have received (לָקְחוּ, lāqᵉḥû): From the root laqah (לָקַח), meaning "to take, to seize, to receive, to obtain." The Hebrew perfect tense here indicates a completed action—they have already taken possession of their inheritance. This emphasizes that the matter of their land was settled and confirmed prior to this moment, underscoring the finality and validity of that agreement (Num 32:33).
• their inheritance (נַחֲלָתָם, naḥălātām): From naḥălâ (נַחֲלָה), meaning "inheritance," "possession," "heritage," or "allotment." It is divinely granted land, not merely acquired by conquest or purchase. This term stresses that the land was a gift from God, foundational to Israel's identity and blessing. It suggests a secure, permanent possession given by divine decree.
• and half the tribe of Manasseh (וַחֲצִי מַטֵּה מְנַשֶּׁה, waḥăṣî maṭṭê Mᵊnaššeh): Manasseh was Joseph's older son. The distinction of "half" is crucial, as the other half of Manasseh was to inherit land west of the Jordan. This division highlights a unique circumstance within the tribal allocation, specifically relating to the descendants of Machir, Manasseh's son, who conquered Gilead and Bashan (Num 32:39-40).
• has received its inheritance (לָקְח֖וּ נַחֲלָתָם, lāqᵉḥû naḥălātām): A repetition of the phrase for emphasis, affirming that the "half tribe of Manasseh" likewise had a finalized, divinely-granted inheritance. The repetition stresses the legal and theological finality for all specified parties.
• beyond the Jordan (עֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן, ʿēḇer hayyarḍēn): Lit. "across the Jordan" or "the crossing of the Jordan." From the perspective of the Promised Land (Canaan) and the people assembled on its eastern side preparing to cross, "beyond the Jordan" refers to the land on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. It sets a clear geographical boundary. This region was fertile and good for livestock, leading to their earlier request (Num 32:1-5).
• east of Jericho (מִזְרָחָה קֵדְמָה יְרֵח֑וֹ, mizrāḥâ qêḏmâ Yᵊrêḥô): "East of" is intensified by the double expression mizrāḥâ (eastward) and qêḏmâ (forward/eastward). This geographical detail precisely locates their inheritance relative to a highly significant landmark that they were about to confront. Jericho (יְרֵחוֹ, Yᵊrêḥô) was a Canaanite city crucial for entry into the central part of the land, emphasizing the clear division and placement of these tribes outside of the initial conquest target area, yet still connected to the larger promised territory. This specification delineates the eastern boundaries, contrasting with the detailed western boundaries of Canaan being described in the chapter.

• "the tribe of the children of Reuben and the tribe of the children of Gad": These two tribes, directly mentioned by their full patriarchal names, represent the collective identity and distinct status in the inheritance distribution. Their names link them directly to Jacob's sons, symbolizing the continuity of God's covenant with the descendants of Abraham.
• "have received their inheritance": This phrase highlights divine sovereignty and faithfulness. The land is not merely "conquered" but "received," indicating that it is a gift from God. The past tense shows the agreement of Num 32 has already been ratified and fulfilled by God's provision. It also indicates these tribes' decision and proactive engagement with Moses' proposal for Transjordan land.
• "and half the tribe of Manasseh has received its inheritance": The specific inclusion of only "half" Manasseh shows meticulous record-keeping and highlights that inheritance was precise and legally binding, even subdividing a tribe based on distinct historical actions and preferences. This particularity emphasizes the detailed divine plan for each group.
• "beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho": This spatial definition reinforces the geographic and theological separation. The Jordan River, which was the physical and symbolic entrance to the main Promised Land, serves as their western boundary. "East of Jericho" marks their specific location, affirming their placement outside the primary conquest zone of Canaan. This also serves as a polemic against any fluid or undefined territorial claims of surrounding pagan nations, as Israel's land was precisely mapped and divinely assigned.

Numbers 34 14 Bonus section

• Geographical and Strategic Significance: The Transjordan region, though fertile, lay on the exposed frontier and was historically more vulnerable to invasion from the east. Their willingness to settle here underscored their trust in God's protection and their responsibility to defend this flank of the greater Israelite territory.
• Polemics of Orderly Division: The very act of such precise, divinely ordained land distribution stands in stark contrast to the common ancient Near Eastern practices of chaotic conquest, usurpation, and undefined tribal territories often seen in pagan societies. God's careful plan for each tribe highlights His sovereignty and justice, showing a coherent, deliberate provision for His people rather than haphazard acquisition.
• A "Fulfillment" Verse: This verse can be seen as a statement of fulfilled prophecy or agreement. The land in Transjordan was not just arbitrarily taken; it was "received" (from God's decree via Moses) and settled based on prior conditions, highlighting divine integrity and commitment to His word.
• Typological Significance of Inheritance: The concept of an "inheritance" of land served as a foundational promise, laying the groundwork for a theological understanding of God's provision. For New Testament believers, this earthly inheritance finds its ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance received in Christ, which is incorruptible and eternal (1 Pet 1:4; Eph 1:11). The precision of the earthly inheritance points to the security and specificity of the heavenly one.

Numbers 34 14 Commentary

Numbers 34:14 acts as a crucial parenthetical clarification within the larger discussion of dividing the land of Canaan. It reiterates a previous, significant agreement (detailed in Numbers 32) where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh chose to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River, having been granted that territory after it was conquered from Sihon and Og. This verse confirms that their inheritance was already secured, distinguishing them from the tribes that would participate in the lottery-based distribution of the land west of the Jordan. It highlights several key points: the faithfulness of God in providing inheritance; the importance of past agreements being honored; the orderly, precise nature of divine allocation, contrasting with potentially chaotic human territorial claims; and the specific identity of each tribe within Israel. It shows God's plan encompassed distinct provisions for various parts of His people, upholding their choices while still requiring their participation in the corporate mission.