Deuteronomy 3:16
And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;
Original Language Analysis
וְלָרֽאוּבֵנִ֨י
And unto the Reubenites
H7206
וְלָרֽאוּבֵנִ֨י
And unto the Reubenites
Strong's:
H7206
Word #:
1 of 17
a reubenite or descendant of reuben
וְלַגָּדִ֜י
and unto the Gadites
H1425
וְלַגָּדִ֜י
and unto the Gadites
Strong's:
H1425
Word #:
2 of 17
a gadite (collectively) or descendants of gad
נָתַ֤תִּי
I gave
H5414
נָתַ֤תִּי
I gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַגִּלְעָד֙
from Gilead
H1568
הַגִּלְעָד֙
from Gilead
Strong's:
H1568
Word #:
5 of 17
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַנַּ֔חַל
even unto the river
H5158
הַנַּ֔חַל
even unto the river
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
7 of 17
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
אַרְנֹ֔ן
Arnon
H769
אַרְנֹ֔ן
Arnon
Strong's:
H769
Word #:
8 of 17
the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory
הַנַּ֔חַל
even unto the river
H5158
הַנַּ֔חַל
even unto the river
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
10 of 17
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
גְּב֖וּל
and the border
H1366
גְּב֖וּל
and the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
וְעַד֙
H5704
וְעַד֙
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
12 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַנַּ֔חַל
even unto the river
H5158
הַנַּ֔חַל
even unto the river
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
14 of 17
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
גְּב֖וּל
and the border
H1366
גְּב֖וּל
and the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
Cross References
Numbers 21:24And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong.Deuteronomy 2:37Only unto the land of the children of Ammon thou camest not, nor unto any place of the river Jabbok, nor unto the cities in the mountains, nor unto whatsoever the LORD our God forbad us.2 Samuel 24:5And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:
Historical Context
Using rivers as natural boundaries was common in ancient land distribution. The Arnon River valley's midpoint as Reuben and Gad's southern border, and the Jabbok as their northern limit with Ammon, created easily identifiable, defensible borders that lasted throughout Israel's history.
Questions for Reflection
- What clarity do you need in defining roles, responsibilities, or boundaries?
- How does clear definition of limits enhance rather than restrict freedom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The detailed boundary description for Reuben and Gad—'from Gilead unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok'—provides clear property rights. The phrase 'the middle of the river' as a border shows practical wisdom in boundary-setting. Clear boundaries prevent disputes and preserve peace. God values both generosity in giving and clarity in defining what's given.