Joshua 13:31

Authorized King James Version

And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לַֽחֲצִ֥י

H2677

And half

the half or middle

הַגִּלְעָד֙

H1568

Gilead

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

וְעַשְׁתָּר֣וֹת

H6252

and Ashtaroth

ashtaroth, the name of a sidonian deity, and of a place east of the jordan

וְאֶדְרֶ֔עִי

H154

and Edrei

edrei, the name of two places in palestine

עָרֵ֛י

H5892

cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מַמְלְכ֥וּת

H4468

of the kingdom

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

ע֖וֹג

H5747

of Og

og, a king of bashan

בַּבָּשָׁ֑ן

H1316

in Bashan

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

בְנֵֽי

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#10

מָכִ֖יר

H4353

of Machir

makir, an israelite

#11

בְנֵֽי

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#12

מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה

H4519

of Manasseh

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#13

לַֽחֲצִ֥י

H2677

And half

the half or middle

#14

בְנֵֽי

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#15

מָכִ֖יר

H4353

of Machir

makir, an israelite

#16

לְמִשְׁפְּחוֹתָֽם׃

H4940

by their families

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
In what ways does understanding kingdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
How might the original audience's understanding of kingdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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