And eastward he inhabited unto the entering in of the wilderness from the river Euphrates: because their cattle were multiplied in the land of Gilead.

1 CHRONICLES 5:9KJV
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1 Chronicles 5:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 5:9 mean?

1 Chronicles 5:9 describes how a group from the tribe of Reuben lived as far east as the edge of the wilderness, reaching from the river Euphrates, because their livestock had greatly increased in the land of Gilead. The verse explains the extent of their territory and the reason for their settlement there.

This verse is part of a genealogy and territory description, focusing on the descendants of Reuben, one of the tribes of Israel. The writer is recording how the Reubenites expanded their living area eastward, all the way to the Euphrates River, due to the abundance of their cattle in Gilead. The verse highlights both the geographical spread and the practical reason—growing herds—for their movement.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 5:9

  • "eastward" (מִזְרָחָה, mizrachah): This word means "toward the east" and shows the direction in which the Reubenites expanded, emphasizing the broad range of their territory.
  • "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar): This term refers to a wild, uncultivated area, often a desert or steppe, marking the boundary of their land and showing they lived on the edge of settled territory.
  • "Euphrates" (פְּרָת, perat): Naming the Euphrates River sets a clear and distant eastern border, highlighting how far their territory reached.
  • "cattle" (מִקְנֶה, miqneh) and "multiplied" (רָבָה, rabah): These words together stress that the main reason for their expansion was the significant increase in their livestock, which required more land for grazing.

Why 1 Chronicles 5:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Reubenites’ territory was not fixed but expanded based on practical needs, such as caring for their growing herds.
  • The mention of the Euphrates as a border connects the story to larger biblical geography, showing the tribe’s reach into areas that were significant in ancient times.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain why certain tribes lived in areas outside the main boundaries of Israel, tying their movements to economic and environmental factors rather than just military conquest.

Where else these words appear

“Euphrates” Hebrew H6578 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 2 Kings 23:29 In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
  • Jeremiah 13:6 And it came to pass after many days, that the LORD said unto me, Arise, go to Euphrates, and take the girdle from thence, which I commanded thee to hide there.

“cattle” Hebrew H4735 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 4:20 And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.
  • Exodus 9:3 Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.
  • Judges 6:5 For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.

“eastward” Hebrew H4217 · used in 71 verses

  • Exodus 27:13 And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.
  • Joshua 16:5 And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;
  • 2 Chronicles 4:4 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

“river” Hebrew H5104 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 2:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
  • Ezra 8:36 And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.
  • Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.