King James Version

What Does Numbers 34:14 Mean?

Numbers 34:14 in the King James Version says “For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to the house of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad ac...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Numbers 34:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Read Numbers 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—The Hebrew לָקְחוּ נַחֲלָתָם (laqechu nachalatam, "they have taken/received their inheritance") uses the perfect tense, indicating completed action. Reuben and Gad's נַחֲלָה (nachalah, "inheritance/possession") east of Jordan was already secured (ch. 32). And half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance—Manasseh's division (half east, half west of Jordan) created unique tribal identity spanning both sides of the river.

The phrase לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם (le-veit avotam, "according to the house of their fathers") emphasizes patriarchal land allocation—each clan received specific territory based on genealogical identity. This verse explains why the upcoming land division (vv. 16-29) involves only nine and a half tribes—2½ tribes had already settled, creating permanent geographic division within Israel.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Numbers 32, Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh requested Transjordan's pasturelands for their large herds, conditional on fighting for Canaan's conquest. Moses approved with stipulations (32:20-32). By Numbers 34 (c. 1406 BC), their eastern territory was formalized. This created Israel's first permanent settlement—a prelude to Canaan's allotment. Joshua 22 later records tension this division caused.

Reflection Questions

  1. What dangers arise when God's people settle for blessings outside the promised inheritance, even with permission?
  2. How does Transjordan settlement foreshadow later tribal division and the northern kingdom's separation?
  3. What does ancestral land allocation teach about the importance of family legacy and generational stewardship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּ֣י1 of 17
H3588

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

לָֽקְח֖וּ2 of 17

“have received”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מַטֵּ֣ה3 of 17

“For the tribe”

H4294

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

בְנֵֽי4 of 17

“of 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

הָרֽאוּבֵנִי֙5 of 17

“of Reuben”

H7206

a reubenite or descendant of reuben

לְבֵ֣ית6 of 17

“according to the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲבֹתָ֑ם7 of 17

“of their fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

מַטֵּ֣ה8 of 17

“For the tribe”

H4294

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

בְנֵֽי9 of 17

“of 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

הַגָּדִ֖י10 of 17
H1410

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

לְבֵ֣ית11 of 17

“according to the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲבֹתָ֑ם12 of 17

“of their fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַֽחֲצִי֙13 of 17

“their inheritance and half”

H2677

the half or middle

מַטֵּ֣ה14 of 17

“For the tribe”

H4294

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

מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה15 of 17

“of Manasseh”

H4519

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

לָֽקְח֖וּ16 of 17

“have received”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

נַֽחֲלָתָֽם׃17 of 17

“their inheritance”

H5159

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

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 34:14 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 34:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 32:33Joshua 14:2-3Deuteronomy 3:12-17Numbers 32:23Joshua 13:8-12

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