From Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, even Gilead and Bashan.

2 KINGS 10:33KJV
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2 Kings 10:33 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 10:33 mean?

2 Kings 10:33 lists the territories east of the Jordan River that were taken away from Israel, naming the regions of Gilead, Bashan, and the lands belonging to the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh, stretching from Aroer by the Arnon River. The verse marks a major loss of land for Israel during a time of political upheaval.

This verse comes as part of a summary of the consequences following Jehu’s violent rise to power in Israel. The writer is describing how Israel lost control over its eastern territories, which had been settled by these tribes since the time of Moses. The verse gives specific geographic markers to show the extent of what was lost, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 10:33

  • יַרְדֵּן (Yarden, "Jordan"): This is the main river dividing the land, and mentioning it "eastward" sets the boundary for the lost territories.
  • גִּלְעָד (Gil'ad, "Gilead"): This region was known for its fertile land and strategic importance, so its loss would have been deeply felt.
  • בָּשָׁן (Bashan): This area was famous for its rich pastures and strong cities, highlighting the magnitude of what Israel lost.
  • עֲרוֹעֵר (Aroer): Naming Aroer and the river Arnon gives a precise southern border, showing the full stretch of the territory lost.

Why 2 Kings 10:33 matters

  • This verse clarifies the scale of Israel’s defeat, showing that the loss was not just a single city but a whole region east of the Jordan, affecting three entire tribes.
  • By listing specific places and tribal lands, the verse connects the loss to earlier promises and conquests, underlining how much was at stake.
  • The verse helps the reader understand the historical context of Israel’s weakening, setting up the reasons for later events and further losses in the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Manassites” Hebrew H4520 · used in 4 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:43 Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.
  • Deuteronomy 29:8 And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:32 And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.

“Gadites” Hebrew H1425 · used in 16 verses

  • Numbers 34:14 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:
  • Joshua 1:12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,
  • 1 Chronicles 5:18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.

“Aroer” Hebrew H6177 · used in 16 verses

  • Numbers 32:34 And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,
  • Joshua 13:9 From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon;
  • 1 Samuel 30:28 And to them which were in Aroer, and to them which were in Siphmoth, and to them which were in Eshtemoa,

“Reubenites” Hebrew H7206 · used in 17 verses

  • Numbers 26:7 These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty.
  • Deuteronomy 29:8 And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:6 Beerah his son, whom Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites.