And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein.

NUMBERS 32:40KJV
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Numbers 32:40 (KJV)

What does Numbers 32:40 mean?

Numbers 32:40 describes how Moses gave the region of Gilead to Machir, who was the son of Manasseh, and Machir settled there. This verse records a specific act of land distribution as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, showing how certain tribes received territory east of the Jordan River.

In this situation, Moses is acting as the leader of Israel, assigning land to different groups based on their requests and circumstances. Machir, representing a clan within the tribe of Manasseh, is given Gilead because his descendants had already shown initiative in conquering it. The verse highlights the practical arrangements being made for Israel’s settlement and the fulfillment of earlier promises regarding land.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 32:40

  • "gave" (נָתַן, natan): This word often means to grant or assign, emphasizing that Moses had the authority to officially allocate the land, not just acknowledge what Machir had already taken.
  • "dwelt" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This verb means to settle or live in a place, indicating that Machir’s group established themselves in Gilead, not just passing through or occupying it temporarily.
  • "Gilead" (גִּלְעָד, Gil'ad): The name refers to a specific region east of the Jordan, known for its hills and pastureland, which helps explain why it was desirable for Machir’s descendants, who were herders.

Why Numbers 32:40 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the land east of the Jordan was not taken by force alone but was officially assigned by Moses, showing orderly leadership and fulfillment of agreements.
  • It connects to the broader story of how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh received land outside Canaan, which is a key detail in understanding Israel’s tribal boundaries.
  • The mention of Machir and Gilead ties back to earlier promises and actions, showing continuity in the narrative and the importance of family lines in Israel’s history.

Where else these words appear

“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.
  • Joshua 13:31 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.
  • 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,

“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.

“Manasseh” Hebrew H4519 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
  • Joshua 17:6 Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead.
  • 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.