And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.

JOSHUA 13:31KJV
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Joshua 13:31 (KJV)

What does Joshua 13:31 mean?

Joshua 13:31 states that half of the region of Gilead, including the cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei—important cities in the kingdom of Og in Bashan—was given to the descendants of Machir, who was the son of Manasseh, specifically to one half of Machir’s descendants by their family groups. This verse records how the land east of the Jordan River was divided among the tribes of Israel, with this portion going to a specific branch of the tribe of Manasseh.

Joshua 13:31 is part of a larger section where God, through Joshua, is distributing the conquered territories to the tribes of Israel. The verse highlights the careful and specific allocation of land, naming both the territory (half Gilead) and the key cities (Ashtaroth and Edrei) that were once ruled by King Og. The focus on Machir’s descendants shows the importance of family lines and inheritance in Israel’s tribal structure.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 13:31

  • גִּלְעָד (Gilead, "Gilead"): This name refers to a fertile and strategic region east of the Jordan River, known for its hills and balm. Mentioning "half Gilead" emphasizes that the land was divided, not given entirely to one group.
  • עַשְׁתָּרוֹת (Ashtaroth, "Ashtaroth") and אֶדְרֶעִי (Edrei, "Edrei"): These were major cities in the kingdom of Og. Naming them highlights the significance of what was given—these were not just small villages, but important centers.
  • מָכִיר (Machir, "Machir"): Machir was a son of Manasseh, and his descendants received this land. The verse’s focus on "half of the children of Machir by their families" underscores the detailed and equitable division among extended family groups.

Why Joshua 13:31 matters

  • Joshua 13:31 clarifies that the land distribution was not random but was based on family lines, showing the importance of heritage and fairness in Israel’s society.
  • The verse connects the story of Israel’s conquest to earlier promises made to the tribes, especially regarding the land east of the Jordan, fulfilling God’s word to the ancestors.
  • By naming specific cities and regions, Joshua 13:31 helps the reader understand the real, historical geography involved, making the biblical account more concrete and grounded.

Where else these words appear

“Edrei” Hebrew H154 · used in 8 verses

  • Numbers 21:33 And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei.
  • Deuteronomy 3:1 Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.
  • Joshua 12:4 And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,

“kingdom” Hebrew H4468 · used in 9 verses

  • Joshua 13:12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.
  • Joshua 13:27 And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border, even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.
  • 2 Samuel 16:3 And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.

“Ashtaroth” Hebrew H6252 · used in 12 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:4 After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:
  • Joshua 13:12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.
  • 1 Samuel 7:4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.

“Machir” Hebrew H4353 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 50:23 And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.
  • Deuteronomy 3:15 And I gave Gilead unto Machir.
  • 2 Samuel 17:27 And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,