King James Version

What Does Numbers 32:1 Mean?

Numbers 32:1 in the King James Version says “Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of J... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

Numbers 32:1 · KJV


Context

1

Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

2

The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying,

3

Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Reuben and Gad, possessing large cattle herds, saw that Transjordan land was 'a place for cattle.' Their focus on economic opportunity at the threshold of Canaan would lead to requesting settlement east of Jordan (verse 5)—a choice with troubling implications about priorities and commitment to the whole community's mission.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jazer and Gilead were conquered from Sihon and Og (21:21-35). The land was indeed suitable for grazing, as Reuben and Gad accurately observed. Yet their observation of material advantage tempted them to settle short of the full promise. Recognizing opportunity isn't wrong, but prioritizing it above God's purposes is.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do material opportunities tempt you to settle for less than God's best?
  2. When is pragmatic thinking about resources actually lack of faith in God's provision?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
מִקְנֶֽה׃1 of 20

for cattle

H4735

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

רַ֗ב2 of 20

multitude

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

הָיָ֞ה3 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וְלִבְנֵי4 of 20

Now the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

רְאוּבֵ֛ן5 of 20

of Reuben

H7205

reuben, a son of jacob

וְלִבְנֵי6 of 20

Now the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

גָ֖ד7 of 20

of Gad

H1410

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

עָצ֣וּם8 of 20

great

H6099

powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous

מְאֹ֑ד9 of 20

had a very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַיִּרְא֞וּ10 of 20

and when they saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת11 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶ֣רֶץ12 of 20

and the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יַעְזֵר֙13 of 20

of Jazer

H3270

jaazer or jazer, a place east of the jordan

וְאֶת14 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶ֣רֶץ15 of 20

and the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

גִּלְעָ֔ד16 of 20

of Gilead

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

וְהִנֵּ֥ה17 of 20
H2009

lo!

מְק֥וֹם18 of 20

that behold the place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

מְק֥וֹם19 of 20

that behold the place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

מִקְנֶֽה׃20 of 20

for cattle

H4735

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 32:1 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 Numbers 32:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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