King James Version

What Does Joshua 22:7 Mean?

Joshua 22:7 in the King James Version says “Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given possession in Bashan: but unto the other half thereof gave ...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given possession in Bashan: but unto the other half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward. And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them,”

Joshua 22:7 · KJV

Context

5

But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

6

So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents.

7

Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given possession in Bashan: but unto the other half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward. And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them,

8

And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.

9

And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, whereof they were possessed, according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

Read Joshua 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given possession in Bashan: but unto the other half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward. And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them,

This verse explains Manasseh's unique divided inheritance. Bashan, northeast of the Sea of Galilee, was extraordinarily fertile territory conquered from Og (Numbers 21:33-35; Deuteronomy 3:13). The "other half" received land in western Canaan among the nine and a half tribes (Joshua 17:1-13). The phrase "among their brethren" emphasizes that both halves of Manasseh maintained kinship despite geographical separation—family ties transcended the Jordan River.

The repetition "then he blessed them" underscores Joshua's pastoral care for all departing tribes. The blessing wasn't perfunctory but deliberate, ensuring each group received proper honor and invocation of divine favor. The divided Manasseh would soon symbolize potential division between eastern and western tribes—when the altar controversy erupts (22:10-34), Manasseh's presence on both sides helps mediate reconciliation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Manasseh's division resulted from tribal size and land availability. Manasseh was Jacob's firstborn grandson through Joseph (Genesis 48:13-20), though Ephraim received the greater blessing. Together, Joseph's sons inherited a double portion, fulfilling Jacob's adoption blessing (Genesis 48:5). The eastern half-tribe received Bashan—famous for its oaks (Isaiah 2:13), cattle (Psalm 22:12), and grain production. The western half received central Canaan including Shechem, a strategic and religiously significant site. This geographical split created both blessing (extensive territory) and challenge (divided tribal identity). The Jordan River, while not wide, created psychological and logistical separation that would contribute to later Israelite division (1 Kings 12). Manasseh's unique position made them bridge-builders—literally and figuratively—between eastern and western Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. What relationships or communities in your life are geographically separated but require intentional maintenance of spiritual unity?
  2. How can those who span different groups or contexts serve as bridge-builders and peacemakers when misunderstandings arise?
  3. What family or church divisions exist where deliberate blessing and affirmation could help maintain covenant unity despite distance or differences?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וּלְחֶצְי֗וֹ1 of 21

“Now to the one half”

H2677

the half or middle

שֵׁ֣בֶט2 of 21

“of the tribe”

H7626

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

הַֽמְנַשֶּׁ֗ה3 of 21

“of Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

נָתַ֤ן4 of 21

“had given”

H5414

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

מֹשֶׁה֮5 of 21

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בַּבָּשָׁן֒6 of 21

“possession in Bashan”

H1316

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

וּלְחֶצְי֗וֹ7 of 21

“Now to the one half”

H2677

the half or middle

נָתַ֤ן8 of 21

“had given”

H5414

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

יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ9 of 21

“And when Joshua”

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

עִם10 of 21

“among”

H5973

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

אֲחֵיהֶ֔ם11 of 21

“their brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

מְעֵ֥בֶר12 of 21

“on this 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

הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן13 of 21

“Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

יָ֑מָּה14 of 21

“westward”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וְ֠גַם15 of 21
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

כִּ֣י16 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שִׁלְּחָ֧ם17 of 21

“sent them away”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ18 of 21

“And when Joshua”

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

אֶל19 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָֽהֳלֵיהֶ֖ם20 of 21

“also unto their tents”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וַיְבָרֲכֵֽם׃21 of 21

“then he blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

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 22:7 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 22:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 17:1-12Numbers 32:33Joshua 13:29-31

Places in This Verse

BashanRegion · Modern: Saham al Jawlan · 32.78°N, 35.93°E53 verses across 15 books
JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
View all places in Joshua 22 →

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