With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them;

JOSHUA 13:8KJV
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Joshua 13:8 (KJV)

What does Joshua 13:8 mean?

Joshua 13:8 explains that the tribes of Reuben and Gad had already received their share of land on the east side of the Jordan River, a territory given to them by Moses, the servant of the LORD. This verse highlights that their inheritance was settled before the rest of the tribes received land west of the Jordan.

In this part of the book of Joshua, the narrative is describing how the land of Canaan was divided among the Israelite tribes. Joshua is leading the people, but this verse points back to an earlier decision made by Moses. The verse clarifies that Reuben and Gad’s territory was not part of the new allotments Joshua was about to oversee, since Moses had already given them land east of the Jordan.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 13:8

  • "Inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This word refers to a permanent possession or allotted share. Here, it emphasizes that the land given to Reuben and Gad was not temporary but a lasting grant.
  • "Beyond" (עֵבֶר, eber): This word means "across" or "on the other side." In this context, it makes clear that the land given to these tribes was on the far side of the Jordan River, distinct from the land west of the river.
  • "Servant" (עֶבֶד, eved): Used for Moses, this word highlights his role as someone who carried out God’s instructions, showing that the land grant was not Moses’ own idea but part of God’s plan.

Why Joshua 13:8 matters

  • Joshua 13:8 clarifies that not all the tribes were waiting for their inheritance; some had already received theirs under Moses’ leadership, which helps explain why only certain tribes are mentioned in the following distribution.
  • The verse connects the leadership of Moses and Joshua, showing continuity in how God’s promises and instructions were carried out through both men.
  • By specifying the location "beyond Jordan eastward," the verse helps readers understand the geography of Israel’s tribal lands and why some tribes were settled outside the main land of Canaan.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“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.

“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 16:6 And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah;
  • 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.

“beyond” Hebrew H5676 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 50:10 And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.
  • Joshua 7:7 And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!
  • 2 Samuel 10:16 And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.