Numbers Chapter 34 · Verse 14
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:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לָֽקְח֖וּ
have received
H3947
לָֽקְח֖וּ
have received
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
2 of 17
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מַטֵּ֣ה
For the tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֣ה
For the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
3 of 17
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 #:
4 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְבֵ֣ית
according to the house
H1004
לְבֵ֣ית
according to the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
6 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֲבֹתָ֑ם
of their fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָ֑ם
of their fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
7 of 17
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
מַטֵּ֣ה
For the tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֣ה
For the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
8 of 17
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 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַגָּדִ֖י
H1410
הַגָּדִ֖י
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
10 of 17
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
לְבֵ֣ית
according to the house
H1004
לְבֵ֣ית
according to the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
11 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֲבֹתָ֑ם
of their fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָ֑ם
of their fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
12 of 17
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
מַטֵּ֣ה
For the tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֣ה
For the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
14 of 17
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
of Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
of Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
15 of 17
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
Historical Context
In Numbers 32, Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh requested Transjordan's pasturelands for their large herds, conditional on fighting for Canaan's conquest. Moses approved with stipulations (32:20-32). By Numbers 34 (c. 1406 BC), their eastern territory was formalized. This created Israel's first permanent settlement—a prelude to Canaan's allotment. Joshua 22 later records tension this division caused.
Questions for Reflection
- What dangers arise when God's people settle for blessings outside the promised inheritance, even with permission?
- How does Transjordan settlement foreshadow later tribal division and the northern kingdom's separation?
- What does ancestral land allocation teach about the importance of family legacy and generational stewardship?
Analysis & Commentary
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—The Hebrew לָקְחוּ נַחֲלָתָם (laqechu nachalatam, "they have taken/received their inheritance") uses the perfect tense, indicating completed action. Reuben and Gad's נַחֲלָה (nachalah, "inheritance/possession") east of Jordan was already secured (ch. 32). And half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance—Manasseh's division (half east, half west of Jordan) created unique tribal identity spanning both sides of the river.
The phrase לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם (le-veit avotam, "according to the house of their fathers") emphasizes patriarchal land allocation—each clan received specific territory based on genealogical identity. This verse explains why the upcoming land division (vv. 16-29) involves only nine and a half tribes—2½ tribes had already settled, creating permanent geographic division within Israel.