King James Version

What Does Joshua 13:33 Mean?

Joshua 13:33 in the King James Version says “But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance: the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Joshua 13:33 · KJV

Context

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
Were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families—Machir (מָכִיר) was Manasseh's son, and Gilead was Machir's son (Numbers 26:29). This verse emphasizes that only half of Machir's descendants settled east of Jordan; the other half later received inheritance west of Jordan. The Machirites became renowned warriors: "Machir came down from Machir" in Judges 5:14 celebrates their military prowess, and 1 Chronicles 7:14-19 details their genealogy.

The phrase "by their families" (l'mishpechotam, לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם) again emphasizes structured, equitable distribution. The division of Machir's descendants between Transjordan and Canaan proper created family ties spanning both sides of the Jordan, potentially serving as bridge between separated tribes. Yet it also meant families divided between territories, foreshadowing how human choices create complications even within God's overall provision. This verse completes the Transjordan allocation, documenting that Moses fulfilled his promise to give these tribes their requested inheritance before Israel's main conquest began.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Machir's descendants became one of the most militarily significant clans in Israel. Their territory in Bashan and Gilead required constant defense against Aramean and later Assyrian pressures. First Chronicles 5:18-22 records their victories over Hagrites and other peoples. The family's division between Transjordan and Cisjordan territories created both opportunity (extensive holdings, diverse economic base) and challenge (maintaining unity across geographical separation).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the division of Machir's descendants between two territories illustrate the complexity that human choices introduce into divine blessing?
  2. What does the military reputation of the Machirites suggest about how frontier life develops strength and courage?
  3. How might families divided between territories serve as bridge-builders in maintaining unity, and what does this suggest for Christians in different contexts today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּלְשֵׁ֙בֶט֙1 of 14

“But unto the tribe”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

הַלֵּוִ֔י2 of 14

“of Levi”

H3878

levi, a son of jacob

לֹֽא3 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נָתַ֥ן4 of 14

“gave”

H5414

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

מֹשֶׁ֖ה5 of 14

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

נַֽחֲלָתָ֔ם6 of 14

“not any inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

יְהוָ֞ה7 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֤י8 of 14

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙9 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

ה֣וּא10 of 14
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

נַֽחֲלָתָ֔ם11 of 14

“not any inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר12 of 14
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֥ר13 of 14

“as he said”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

לָהֶֽם׃14 of 14
H0

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 13:33 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 Joshua 13:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 18:7Joshua 13:14Deuteronomy 18:1-2Deuteronomy 10:9Numbers 18:20

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