King James Version

What Does Numbers 34:13 Mean?

Numbers 34:13 in the King James Version says “And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD comma...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe:”

Numbers 34:13 · KJV

Context

11

And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward: side of the sea: Heb. shoulder of the sea

12

And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.

13

And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe:

14

For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to the house of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to the house of their fathers, have received their inheritance; and half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance:

15

The two tribes and the half tribe have received their inheritance on this side Jordan near Jericho eastward, toward the sunrising.

Read Numbers 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses commands the nine and a half tribes to receive their inheritance 'by lot,' emphasizing divine sovereignty in distribution. The Hebrew 'goral' (lot) was used to discern God's will, removing human favoritism or strife. Proverbs 16:33 affirms, 'The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.' This method demonstrated that each tribe's portion came from God's hand, not human merit or power. The principle continues in the New Testament: believers are chosen 'according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will' (Eph 1:11), and we 'have obtained an inheritance' by divine appointment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This distribution occurred after Canaan's conquest under Joshua (Josh 13-21). Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had already received territory east of Jordan (Num 32), leaving nine and a half tribes to inherit west of Jordan. The lot-casting likely used Urim and Thummim or similar sacred method, possibly stones drawn from a container, ensuring divine direction. The practice prevented tribal conflicts over superior land, as each tribe received God's specific assignment for them.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you trust that God has sovereignly assigned your 'inheritance' - your life circumstances, gifts, and calling?
  2. How does understanding God's sovereign distribution help you avoid envy of others' portions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
צִוָּ֣ה1 of 20

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֹשֶׁ֔ה2 of 20

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 20
H853

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

בְּנֵ֥י4 of 20

“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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל5 of 20

“of Israel”

H3478

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר6 of 20

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

זֹ֣את7 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הָאָ֗רֶץ8 of 20

“This is the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר9 of 20
H834

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

תִּתְנַֽחֲל֤וּ10 of 20

“which ye shall inherit”

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

אֹתָהּ֙11 of 20
H853

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

בְּגוֹרָ֔ל12 of 20

“by lot”

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

אֲשֶׁר֙13 of 20
H834

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

צִוָּ֣ה14 of 20

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֔ה15 of 20

“which the LORD”

H3068

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

לָתֵ֛ת16 of 20

“to give”

H5414

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

לְתִשְׁעַ֥ת17 of 20

“unto the nine”

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

הַמַּטֶּֽה׃18 of 20

“tribe”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

וַֽחֲצִ֥י19 of 20

“and to the half”

H2677

the half or middle

הַמַּטֶּֽה׃20 of 20

“tribe”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

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 34:13 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 34:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 14:1-5Numbers 34:1

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