King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 5:16 Mean?

1 Chronicles 5:16 in the King James Version says “And they dwelt in Gilead in Bashan, and in her towns, and in all the suburbs of Sharon, upon their borders. their: Heb. ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they dwelt in Gilead in Bashan, and in her towns, and in all the suburbs of Sharon, upon their borders. their: Heb. their goings forth”

1 Chronicles 5:16 · KJV

Context

14

These are the children of Abihail the son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz;

15

Ahi the son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, chief of the house of their fathers.

16

And they dwelt in Gilead in Bashan, and in her towns, and in all the suburbs of Sharon, upon their borders. their: Heb. their goings forth

17

All these were reckoned by genealogies in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel.

18

The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war. valiant: Heb. sons of valour

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they dwelt in Gilead in Bashan, and in her towns, and in all the suburbs of Sharon, upon their borders—this verse maps Gadite territory east of Jordan: גִּלְעָד (Gilead, 'heap of testimony') signified the covenant boundary between Jacob and Laban (Genesis 31:47-48), while בָּשָׁן (Bashan) denoted fertile highlands famous for cattle and oaks. שָׁרוֹן (Sharon) here differs from coastal Sharon, referring to Transjordan pasturelands.

The territorial description emphasizes borders and suburbs (מִגְרְשֵׁיהֶן, migrasheihen, 'pasture lands'), showing tribal inheritance included both settlements and grazing lands. God's land promises weren't abstract but concrete—specific territories for specific tribes. The Transjordanian tribes' choice to settle east of Jordan (Numbers 32) required Moses' conditional approval: they must fight alongside their brothers before enjoying inheritance. Privilege always accompanies responsibility in covenant relationship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gilead and Bashan, conquered under Moses (Numbers 21:21-35) and distributed to Reuben, Gad, and half-tribe Manasseh, provided rich pasturelands ideal for livestock. Their exposed position made them vulnerable to foreign invasion, suffering first in Assyrian deportations (734-732 BC). The territories' fertility made them contested throughout Old Testament period.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Gad's inheritance east of Jordan, requiring them to fight before settling, illustrate that spiritual blessing requires faithful service?
  2. What does the precision of tribal boundaries teach about God's detailed planning and provision for His people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיֵּ֥שְׁב֛וּ1 of 9

“And they dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בַּגִּלְעָ֥ד2 of 9

“in Gilead”

H1568

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

בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן3 of 9

“in Bashan”

H1316

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

וּבִבְנֹתֶ֑יהָ4 of 9

“and in her towns”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וּבְכָֽל5 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִגְרְשֵׁ֥י6 of 9

“and in all the suburbs”

H4054

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

שָׁר֖וֹן7 of 9

“of Sharon”

H8289

sharon, the name of a place in palestine

עַל8 of 9
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

תּֽוֹצְאוֹתָֽם׃9 of 9

“upon their borders”

H8444

(only in plural collective) exit, i.e., (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 5:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 5:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 27:29Song of Solomon 2:1Isaiah 35:2

Places in This Verse

BashanRegion · Modern: Saham al Jawlan · 32.78°N, 35.93°E53 verses across 15 books
Gilead 1Region · Modern: Tell edh Dhahab esh Sherqiyeh · 32.19°N, 35.69°E86 verses across 21 books
Sharon 2Region · Modern: Transjordan · 31.95°N, 35.93°E1 verse across 1 book
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