And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;

JOSHUA 17:5KJV
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Joshua 17:5 (KJV)

What does Joshua 17:5 mean?

Joshua 17:5 says that the tribe of Manasseh received ten portions of land in addition to the territory they already had in Gilead and Bashan, which were located east of the Jordan River. This verse highlights how the land was divided among Manasseh’s descendants, showing they received a significant inheritance on both sides of the river.

In the book of Joshua, Joshua is overseeing the distribution of land among the tribes of Israel after they enter Canaan. Manasseh, one of the sons of Joseph, is given a large inheritance because his descendants were numerous and some had already settled east of the Jordan. This verse emphasizes the careful and fair division of land, reflecting the importance of each tribe’s inheritance in Israel’s new homeland.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 17:5

  • "portions" (חֶבֶל, chevel): This word often means a measured piece of land or territory. It suggests a formal, allotted share, not just any piece of ground.
  • "side" (עֵבֶר, ever): This word means "across" or "the other side," clarifying that Gilead and Bashan are on the far side of the Jordan River from the main land of Canaan.
  • "fell" (נָפַל, naphal): In this context, the word means "was allotted" or "was given by lot," pointing to the process of dividing the land by casting lots, which was seen as a way of letting God decide.

Why Joshua 17:5 matters

  • Joshua 17:5 clarifies that Manasseh’s inheritance was unusually large, with land on both sides of the Jordan, which helps explain later references to their territory and influence.
  • The verse shows the fairness and order in how Joshua and the leaders distributed the land, reinforcing the idea that each tribe’s needs and history were considered.
  • This detail connects to earlier promises made to the descendants of Joseph and sets up later stories about the tribes living east and west of the Jordan.

Where else these words appear

“Bashan” Hebrew H1316 · used in 53 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.
  • Joshua 12:5 And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:62 And to the sons of Gershom throughout their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

“portions” Hebrew H2256 · used in 58 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:4 And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
  • Job 21:17 How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.
  • Isaiah 66:7 Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.

“side” 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.

“Gilead” Hebrew H1568 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
  • Judges 10:18 And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
  • 2 Kings 9:4 So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramothgilead.