King James Version
What Does Joshua 17:5 Mean?
“And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;”
Joshua 17:5 · KJV
Context
3
But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these are the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
4
And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.
5
And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;
6
Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead.
7
And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of Entappuah.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan—The Hebrew chavalim (חֲבָלִים, "portions" or "measured cords") refers to surveyed allotments. Simple arithmetic explains the ten portions: six for the male clans listed in verse 2 (Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher's remaining sons, and Shemida), plus four more because Hepher's inheritance passed to his five daughters (the fifth portion being Hepher's own), resulting in ten total divisions.
Actually, the better calculation: six sons of Gilead received portions, but Hepher died, so his portion was divided among his five daughters, making (6-1)+5=10 portions total. This careful accounting demonstrates divine precision in fulfilling promises—every family received its inheritance exactly as God ordained. The phrase beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan reminds readers that Manasseh's Transjordanian territory (already distributed to Machir's descendants) was additional to this western allotment, making Manasseh the largest tribe territorially.
Actually, the better calculation: six sons of Gilead received portions, but Hepher died, so his portion was divided among his five daughters, making (6-1)+5=10 portions total. This careful accounting demonstrates divine precision in fulfilling promises—every family received its inheritance exactly as God ordained. The phrase beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan reminds readers that Manasseh's Transjordanian territory (already distributed to Machir's descendants) was additional to this western allotment, making Manasseh the largest tribe territorially.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The western territory of Manasseh included exceptionally fertile regions: the Jezreel Valley (Israel's breadbasket), the Sharon Plain (famous for roses and fertility, Song of Solomon 2:1), and the Samarian highlands. This agricultural wealth made Manasseh economically powerful but also attracted Canaanite resistance and later foreign invasions. The division into ten portions required careful surveying, likely using measuring cords (hence chavalim), similar to Egyptian and Mesopotamian land survey practices. Surviving ancient Near Eastern boundary stones and cadastral surveys show sophisticated mathematical knowledge in dividing territory equitably. Manasseh's size meant it played major roles in Israel's history, though unfortunately often as the site of idolatry (the golden calf at Dan was in Manasseh's territory).
Reflection Questions
- How does the precise mathematical division of inheritance reflect God's character as a God of order who fulfills promises exactly?
- What does Manasseh's double portion (east and west of Jordan) teach about how God sometimes gives beyond what we expect?
- How should the inclusion of Zelophehad's daughters in this count encourage us that God's accounting includes those whom society might overlook?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsוַיִּפְּל֥וּ1 of 11
“And there fell”
H5307to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה3 of 11
“to Manasseh”
H4519menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
לְבַ֞ד5 of 11
H905properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
הַגִּלְעָד֙7 of 11
“of Gilead”
H1568gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
אֲשֶׁ֖ר9 of 11
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מֵעֵ֥בֶר10 of 11
“which were on the other side”
H5676properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
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 17:5 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 17:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge