King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 3:16 Mean?

Deuteronomy 3:16 in the King James Version says “And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the borde... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;

Deuteronomy 3:16 · KJV


Context

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.

15

And I gave Gilead unto Machir.

16

And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;

17

The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward. Ashdothpisgah; or, the springs of Pisgah, or, the hill

18

And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war. meet: Heb. sons of power


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The detailed boundary description for Reuben and Gad—'from Gilead unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok'—provides clear property rights. The phrase 'the middle of the river' as a border shows practical wisdom in boundary-setting. Clear boundaries prevent disputes and preserve peace. God values both generosity in giving and clarity in defining what's given.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Using rivers as natural boundaries was common in ancient land distribution. The Arnon River valley's midpoint as Reuben and Gad's southern border, and the Jabbok as their northern limit with Ammon, created easily identifiable, defensible borders that lasted throughout Israel's history.

Reflection Questions

  1. What clarity do you need in defining roles, responsibilities, or boundaries?
  2. How does clear definition of limits enhance rather than restrict freedom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְלָרֽאוּבֵנִ֨י1 of 17

And unto the Reubenites

H7206

a reubenite or descendant of reuben

וְלַגָּדִ֜י2 of 17

and unto the Gadites

H1425

a gadite (collectively) or descendants of gad

נָתַ֤תִּי3 of 17

I gave

H5414

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

מִן4 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַגִּלְעָד֙5 of 17

from Gilead

H1568

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

וְעַד6 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַנַּ֔חַל7 of 17

even unto 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)

אַרְנֹ֔ן8 of 17

Arnon

H769

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

תּ֥וֹךְ9 of 17

half

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַנַּ֔חַל10 of 17

even unto 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)

גְּב֖וּל11 of 17

and the border

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

וְעַד֙12 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

יַבֹּ֣ק13 of 17

Jabbok

H2999

jabbok, a river east of the jordan

הַנַּ֔חַל14 of 17

even unto 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)

גְּב֖וּל15 of 17

and the border

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

בְּנֵ֥י16 of 17

of the children

H1121

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

עַמּֽוֹן׃17 of 17

of Ammon

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country


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 3:16 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 Deuteronomy 3:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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