Joshua 13:30
And their coast was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan, threescore cities:
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
גְבוּלָ֗ם
And their coast
H1366
גְבוּלָ֗ם
And their coast
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
כָּֽל
H3605
כָּֽל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן
all Bashan
H1316
בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן
all Bashan
Strong's:
H1316
Word #:
5 of 17
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan
כָּֽל
H3605
כָּֽל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַמְלְכ֣וּת׀
all the kingdom
H4468
מַמְלְכ֣וּת׀
all the kingdom
Strong's:
H4468
Word #:
7 of 17
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן
all Bashan
H1316
בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן
all Bashan
Strong's:
H1316
Word #:
10 of 17
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
The half-tribe of Manasseh that settled east of Jordan consisted primarily of the clans descended from Machir, Manasseh's son (Numbers 32:39-40). This eastern territory stretched from the Jabbok River northward to Mount Hermon, including Bashan and parts of Gilead. The western half of Manasseh later received land in central Canaan. This geographical split continued throughout Israel's history, with the eastern half falling first to Assyrian conquest.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the division of Manasseh into two half-tribes teach about the long-term consequences of choosing comfort over God's primary calling?
- How might the geographical separation between the two halves of Manasseh illustrate family or church divisions caused by competing priorities?
- In what ways do believers today settle for 'half portions' when God intends complete, undivided inheritance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Moses gave inheritance unto the half tribe of Manasseh—The division of Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה) into two half-tribes created unique dynamics: familial unity split by geographical separation. Joseph's son Manasseh received a double portion through this division (Genesis 48:5-6), fulfilling Jacob's blessing. Yet half dwelling in Transjordan while half inherited within Canaan proper created permanent tension between unity and separation.
And this was the possession of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families—The eastern half-tribe consisted of clans who chose, like Reuben and Gad, to settle east of Jordan (Numbers 32:39-42). Their inheritance demonstrates that God accommodates human choices within His sovereign purposes. Yet this accommodation carried consequences: geographical division from the other half-tribe and from the central sanctuary. The half-tribe structure stands as perpetual testimony that settling for good rather than best, choosing convenience over calling, results in divided identity and reduced blessing.