King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 3:12 Mean?

Deuteronomy 3:12 in the King James Version says “And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.”

Deuteronomy 3:12 · KJV

Context

10

All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

11

For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.

12

And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.

13

And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants.

14

Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashanhavothjair , unto this day.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' distribution of the conquered land 'at that time' shows prompt fulfillment of God's promises. Giving territory 'unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites' honored these tribes' request (Numbers 32) while ensuring they fulfilled military obligations. The specific boundaries 'from Aroer... by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead' provide clear property lines. Just land distribution reflects God's order and fairness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Reuben and Gad, along with half of Manasseh, chose to settle east of Jordan due to the region's suitability for their extensive livestock. This distribution occurred before crossing Jordan, with the condition that these tribes would help conquer western Canaan first (Joshua 1:12-18).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance personal preferences with community obligations in God's kingdom?
  2. What blessings has God given you that come with responsibilities to help others?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאֶת1 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאָ֧רֶץ2 of 18

“And this land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַזֹּ֛את3 of 18
H2063

this (often used adverb)

יָרַ֖שְׁנוּ4 of 18

“which we possessed”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

בָּעֵ֣ת5 of 18

“at that time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֑וא6 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מֵֽעֲרֹעֵ֞ר7 of 18

“from Aroer”

H6177

aror, the name of three places in or near palestine

אֲשֶׁר8 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל9 of 18
H5921

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

נַ֣חַל10 of 18

“which is by the river”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

אַרְנֹ֗ן11 of 18

“Arnon”

H769

the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory

וַֽחֲצִ֤י12 of 18

“and half”

H2677

the half or middle

הַֽר13 of 18

“mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

הַגִּלְעָד֙14 of 18

“Gilead”

H1568

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

וְעָרָ֔יו15 of 18

“and the cities”

H5892

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

נָתַ֕תִּי16 of 18

“thereof gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָרֻֽאוּבֵנִ֖י17 of 18

“I unto the Reubenites”

H7206

a reubenite or descendant of reuben

וְלַגָּדִֽי׃18 of 18

“and to the Gadites”

H1425

a gadite (collectively) or descendants of gad

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 3:12 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 Deuteronomy 3:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 2:36Numbers 32:32-382 Kings 10:33Joshua 13:8-28Deuteronomy 4:48Joshua 12:2-6

Places in This Verse

Aroer 1Settlement · Modern: Arair · 31.47°N, 35.82°E13 verses across 9 books
Gilead 1Region · Modern: Tell edh Dhahab esh Sherqiyeh · 32.19°N, 35.69°E86 verses across 21 books
Valley of the ArnonValley · Modern: Wadi Mujib · 31.47°N, 35.57°E11 verses across 3 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 3 →

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