King James Version

What Does Joshua 13:8 Mean?

Joshua 13:8 in the King James Version says “With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward,...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them;”

Joshua 13:8 · KJV

Context

6

All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, and all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee.

7

Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh,

8

With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them;

9

From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon;

10

And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Beginning distribution: 'With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them.' The half-tribe of Manasseh, along with Reuben and Gad, received Transjordan territory. The phrase 'which Moses gave them' emphasizes prior authorization—this wasn't Joshua's innovation but continuing Moses's directives (Numbers 32). The double mention of Moses—by name and as 'servant of the LORD'—validates the Transjordan allocation. The title 'servant of the LORD' appears frequently for Moses, emphasizing his faithful stewardship of God's directives. The passage teaches continuity in godly leadership: Joshua honors Moses's decisions while fulfilling his own distinct calling. This models how successive generations build on previous faithful service without either slavish repetition or proud innovation. Each generation serves faithfully in its context while honoring faithful predecessors.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Transjordan territory allocation (Numbers 32) came after Israel defeated Sihon and Og but before crossing into Canaan proper. Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh requested this territory because it was excellent pastureland for their extensive livestock. Moses initially resisted, fearing it echoed the faithless spies' refusal to enter Canaan (Numbers 32:6-15). He agreed only after they committed to help conquer Canaan proper before settling their own territory (Numbers 32:16-27). This arrangement was honored—these tribes participated fully in conquest (1:12-18, 4:12-13) before returning to possess their Transjordan inheritance (22:1-9). The mention here validates that this allocation, though east of Jordan, was legitimate part of Israel's inheritance. Later history shows mixed results: these tribes were geographically separated from main Israelite population, making them vulnerable to both Aramean incursions and cultural assimilation with neighboring peoples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you honor previous generations' faithful decisions while discerning your own distinct calling?
  2. What does the Transjordan tribes' commitment to help others before settling their own inheritance teach about serving corporate good over personal interest?
  3. When have geographic or cultural separation (like Transjordan tribes) created challenges for maintaining unity and shared identity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
עִמּ֗וֹ1 of 18
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הָרֽאוּבֵנִי֙2 of 18

“With whom the Reubenites”

H7206

a reubenite or descendant of reuben

וְהַגָּדִ֔י3 of 18

“and the Gadites”

H1425

a gadite (collectively) or descendants of gad

לָֽקְח֖וּ4 of 18

“have received”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

נַֽחֲלָתָ֑ם5 of 18

“their inheritance”

H5159

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

אֲשֶׁר֩6 of 18
H834

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

נָתַ֣ן7 of 18

“gave”

H5414

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

לָהֶ֜ם8 of 18
H0
מֹשֶׁ֖ה9 of 18

“even as Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בְּעֵ֤בֶר10 of 18

“them beyond”

H5676

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

הַיַּרְדֵּן֙11 of 18

“Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

מִזְרָ֔חָה12 of 18

“eastward”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙13 of 18
H834

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

נָתַ֣ן14 of 18

“gave”

H5414

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

לָהֶ֔ם15 of 18
H0
מֹשֶׁ֖ה16 of 18

“even as Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עֶ֥בֶד17 of 18

“the servant”

H5650

a servant

יְהוָֽה׃18 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 13:8 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 13:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 12:6Numbers 32:33-42Joshua 4:12Deuteronomy 3:12-17Joshua 22:4

Places in This Verse

JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
View all places in Joshua 13 →

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