King James Version
What Does Joshua 13:28 Mean?
“This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages.”
Joshua 13:28 · KJV
Context
26
And from Heshbon unto Ramathmizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim unto the border of Debir;
27
And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border, even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.
28
This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages.
29
And Moses gave inheritance unto the half tribe of Manasseh: and this was the possession of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families.
30
And their coast was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan, threescore cities:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border—This phrase summarizes Gad's territory as comprising the northern portion of Sihon's former kingdom, with the Jordan River forming the western boundary. The Hebrew g'vul (גְּבוּל, "border/boundary") emphasizes definite limits. The Jordan (יַרְדֵן, Yarden, "descender") served as a natural boundary, descending from Mount Hermon through the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea.
Even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward—The Sea of Chinnereth (יָם כִּנֶּרֶת, later called Galilee) formed Gad's northwest boundary. The phrase "on the other side Jordan eastward" reminds readers that Gad's inheritance, though legitimate, lay outside Canaan proper. This geographical detail carried perpetual theological significance: the Transjordan tribes received full inheritance yet remained physically separated from the central sanctuary. Their situation foreshadows believers who are "in the world but not of it"—fully blessed yet geographically distinct, requiring intentional connection to covenant community.
Even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward—The Sea of Chinnereth (יָם כִּנֶּרֶת, later called Galilee) formed Gad's northwest boundary. The phrase "on the other side Jordan eastward" reminds readers that Gad's inheritance, though legitimate, lay outside Canaan proper. This geographical detail carried perpetual theological significance: the Transjordan tribes received full inheritance yet remained physically separated from the central sanctuary. Their situation foreshadows believers who are "in the world but not of it"—fully blessed yet geographically distinct, requiring intentional connection to covenant community.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The Sea of Chinnereth (Galilee) is approximately 13 miles long and 7 miles wide, lying 690 feet below sea level. Gad's territory stretched along the eastern shore and inland through the Gilead highlands. This provided access to fishing, agriculture, trade routes, and defensive positions, making it economically valuable. The Jordan River valley formed a natural boundary that was crossable at numerous fords but still served as a clear demarcation between territories.
Reflection Questions
- How does the Jordan River as boundary illustrate that God's blessings can be legitimate even when they place us in unexpected or separated positions?
- What spiritual disciplines might the Transjordan tribes have needed to maintain connection with the central sanctuary, and how does this apply to modern believers?
- How does Gad's comprehensive inheritance ('all the kingdom of Sihon') demonstrate that God doesn't give partial or incomplete blessings?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsנַֽחֲלַ֥ת2 of 7
“This is the inheritance”
H5159properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
בְּנֵי3 of 7
“of the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם5 of 7
“after their families”
H4940a 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
הֶֽעָרִ֖ים6 of 7
“the cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְחַצְרֵיהֶֽם׃7 of 7
“and their villages”
H2691a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Joshua 13:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.