Joshua 13:29
And Moses gave inheritance unto the half tribe of Manasseh: and this was the possession of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן
gave
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לַֽחֲצִ֛י
and this was the possession of the half
H2677
לַֽחֲצִ֛י
and this was the possession of the half
Strong's:
H2677
Word #:
3 of 11
the half or middle
שֵׁ֣בֶט
tribe
H7626
שֵׁ֣בֶט
tribe
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
4 of 11
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה
of Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה
of Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
5 of 11
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לַֽחֲצִ֛י
and this was the possession of the half
H2677
לַֽחֲצִ֛י
and this was the possession of the half
Strong's:
H2677
Word #:
7 of 11
the half or middle
מַטֵּ֥ה
tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֥ה
tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
8 of 11
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
בְנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
Gad's territory included approximately 30-40 settlements ranging from fortified cities like Heshbon to smaller villages and encampments. The clan-based distribution system ensured that land remained within family lines, preventing concentration of wealth and maintaining tribal cohesion. This system functioned for centuries until the Assyrian exile (circa 732 BC), when the Transjordan tribes were first deported (2 Kings 15:29, 1 Chronicles 5:26).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the balance between tribal and family inheritance structure reflect God's design for both corporate church identity and individual household stewardship?
- What does the inclusion of 'villages' alongside 'cities' teach about God's concern for both prominent and humble places?
- How should the concept of inheritance as gift rather than achievement shape Christian understanding of salvation and sanctification?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages—This concluding formula parallels verse 15's opening for Reuben, creating a bookend structure. The Hebrew nachalah (נַחֲלָה, "inheritance") emphasizes that land wasn't earned but given—a permanent possession passed through generations. The phrase he'arim v'chatsreyhen (הֶעָרִים וְחַצְרֵיהֶן, "the cities and their villages") indicates comprehensive holdings: both fortified urban centers and surrounding agricultural settlements.
The double emphasis—"the children of Gad after their families"—reinforces that inheritance was both corporate (tribal) and familial (clan-based). This structure balanced community identity with family stewardship. In God's kingdom, blessing is never purely individualistic but operates within covenantal relationships. Gad's cities and villages became places where successive generations would live out covenant faithfulness or failure, confirming that inheritance brings responsibility. Land given by grace must be stewarded in obedience.