King James Version

What Does Joshua 13:32 Mean?

Joshua 13:32 in the King James Version says “These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by J...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward.”

Joshua 13:32 · KJV

Context

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:

31

And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.

32

These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward.

33

But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance: the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan—This verse specifies the major cities within Manasseh's territory. The northern portion of Gilead (גִּלְעָד) was divided between Gad (southern) and Manasseh (northern). Ashtaroth (עַשְׁתָּרוֹת) was named after the Canaanite goddess Astarte, indicating the pagan religious landscape. That this city became Levitical (1 Chronicles 6:71) demonstrates redemptive transformation—what was dedicated to false gods became dedicated to serving the true God.

Edrei (אֶדְרֶעִי) was Og's second capital, site of his final defeat (Numbers 21:33-35, Deuteronomy 3:1-7). Archaeological excavations have revealed extensive underground complexes at Edrei, possibly explaining how Og's forces initially seemed impregnable. The mention of these royal cities as now belonging to Manasseh illustrates complete victory: Israel didn't merely defeat Og but inherited his infrastructure, economy, and strategic positions. This previews New Testament reality where believers inherit what Satan claimed—the earth is the Lord's (Psalm 24:1), and His people shall possess it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ashtaroth and Edrei were major Bronze Age cities in Bashan. Ashtaroth (modern Tell Ashtara) was a significant cult center for goddess worship. Edrei (modern Daraa, Syria) sits at a strategic crossroads controlling trade routes. The underground city discovered there contains miles of tunnels and chambers carved from basalt, providing defensive advantages. These cities continued as important regional centers throughout Old Testament history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the transformation of Ashtaroth from a pagan cult center to a Levitical city illustrate the gospel's power to redeem?
  2. What does Israel's inheritance of Og's royal cities teach about believers receiving kingdom authority through Christ's victory?
  3. How might the underground complexes of Edrei symbolize hidden strongholds that must be conquered in spiritual warfare?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אֵ֕לֶּה1 of 10
H428

these or those

אֲשֶׁר2 of 10
H834

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

נִחַ֥ל3 of 10

“did distribute for inheritance”

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

מֹשֶׁ֖ה4 of 10

“These are the countries which Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בְּעַֽרְב֣וֹת5 of 10

“in the plains”

H6160

a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea

מוֹאָ֑ב6 of 10

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

מֵעֵ֛בֶר7 of 10

“on the other side”

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

לְיַרְדֵּ֥ן8 of 10

“Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

יְרִיח֖וֹ9 of 10

“by Jericho”

H3405

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine

מִזְרָֽחָה׃10 of 10

“eastward”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

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 13:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

Jericho 1Settlement · Modern: Tell es Sultan · 31.87°N, 35.44°E63 verses across 13 books
JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
Moab 2Region · Modern: Tall el Hammam · 31.84°N, 35.67°E12 verses across 3 books
View all places in Joshua 13 →

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