Joshua 13:23
New International Version
The boundary of the Reubenites was the bank of the Jordan. These towns and their villages were the inheritance of the Reubenites, according to their clans.

New Living Translation
The Jordan River marked the western boundary for the tribe of Reuben. The towns and their surrounding villages in this area were given as a homeland to the clans of the tribe of Reuben.

English Standard Version
And the border of the people of Reuben was the Jordan as a boundary. This was the inheritance of the people of Reuben, according to their clans with their cities and villages.

Berean Standard Bible
And the border of the Reubenites was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the clans of the Reubenites, including the cities and villages.

King James Bible
And the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and the border thereof. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben after their families, the cities and the villages thereof.

New King James Version
And the border of the children of Reuben was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and their villages.

New American Standard Bible
The border of the sons of Reuben was the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the sons of Reuben according to their families, the cities and their villages.

NASB 1995
The border of the sons of Reuben was the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the sons of Reuben according to their families, the cities and their villages.

NASB 1977
And the border of the sons of Reuben was the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the sons of Reuben according to their families, the cities and their villages.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the border of the sons of Reuben was the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the sons of Reuben according to their families, the cities and their villages.

Amplified Bible
The border of the sons of Reuben was the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the sons of Reuben according to their families, with their cities and villages.

Christian Standard Bible
The border of the Reubenites was the Jordan and its plain. This was the inheritance of the Reubenites by their clans, with the cities and their settlements.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The border of the Reubenites was the Jordan and its plain. This was the inheritance of the Reubenites by their clans, with the cities and their villages.

American Standard Version
And the border of the children of Reuben was the Jordan, and the border thereof. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and the villages thereof.

Contemporary English Version
This region with its towns and villages was the land for the Reuben tribe, and the Jordan River was its western border.

English Revised Version
And the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and the border thereof. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and the villages thereof.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The border of Reuben's territory was the Jordan River. This was Reuben's inheritance for its families. It included cities with their villages.

Good News Translation
The Jordan was the western border of the tribe of Reuben. These were the cities and towns given to the families of the tribe of Reuben as their possession.

International Standard Version
The border of the descendants of Reuben was the Jordan River and its banks. This was the inheritance belonging to the descendants of Reuben, divided according to their families, cities, and villages.

Majority Standard Bible
And the border of the Reubenites was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the clans of the Reubenites, including the cities and villages.

NET Bible
The border of the tribe of Reuben was the Jordan. The land allotted to the tribe of Reuben by its clans included these cities and their towns.

New Heart English Bible
The border of the people of Reuben was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the people of Reuben according to their families, the cities and its villages.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and its border. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben after their families, the cities and their villages.

World English Bible
The border of the children of Reuben was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and its villages.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the border of the sons of Reuben is the Jordan, and [its] border; this [is] the inheritance of the sons of Reuben, for their families, the cities and their villages.

Young's Literal Translation
And the border of the sons of Reuben is the Jordan, and its border; this is the inheritance of the sons of Reuben, for their families, the cities and their villages.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the bound of the sons of Reuben shall be Jordan and the boundary. This the inheritance of the sons of Reuben according to their families, their cities and their enclosures.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the river Jordan was the herder of the children of Ruben. This is the possession of the Rubenites, by their kindreds, of cities and villages.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the river Jordan was made the border of the sons of Reuben; this is the possession of the Reubenites, by their families, in cities and villages.

New American Bible
The boundary of the Reubenites was the Jordan. These cities and their villages were the heritage of the Reubenites by their clans.

New Revised Standard Version
And the border of the Reubenites was the Jordan and its banks. This was the inheritance of the Reubenites according to their families with their towns and villages.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the border of the Reubenites was the region of the Jordan. This is the inheritance of the Reubenites according to their families, the cities and the villages thereof.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the border of the children of Rubil was the Jordan; this is the inheritance of the children of Rubil for their families, the towns and their fields
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And as for the border of the children of Reuben, the Jordan was their border. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and the villages thereof.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the borders of Ruben were - even Jordan was the boundary; this is the inheritance of the children of Ruben according to their families, these were their cities and their villages.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Reuben's Inheritance
22The Israelites also killed the diviner Balaam son of Beor along with the others they put to the sword. 23And the border of the Reubenites was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the clans of the Reubenites, including the cities and villages.

Cross References
Numbers 32:33
So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan—the land including its cities and the territory surrounding them.

Deuteronomy 3:12-17
So at that time we took possession of this land. To the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the land beyond Aroer along the Arnon Valley, and half the hill country of Gilead, along with its cities. / To the half-tribe of Manasseh I gave the rest of Gilead and all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og. (The entire region of Argob, the whole territory of Bashan, used to be called the land of the Rephaim.) / Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, took the whole region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites. He renamed Bashan after himself, Havvoth-jair, by which it is called to this day. ...

Numbers 32:39-42
The descendants of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, captured it, and drove out the Amorites who were there. / So Moses gave Gilead to the clan of Machir son of Manasseh, and they settled there. / Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, went and captured their villages and called them Havvoth-jair. ...

Deuteronomy 29:8
We took their land and gave it as an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Numbers 34:14-15
For the tribes of the Reubenites and Gadites, along with the half-tribe of Manasseh, have already received their inheritance. / These two and a half tribes have received their inheritance across the Jordan from Jericho, toward the sunrise.”

Deuteronomy 2:9
Then the LORD said to me, “Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession.”

Deuteronomy 2:19
But when you get close to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them, for I will not give you any of the land of the Ammonites. I have given it to the descendants of Lot as their possession.”

1 Chronicles 5:9-10
They also settled in the east as far as the edge of the desert that extends to the Euphrates River, because their livestock had increased in the land of Gilead. / During the days of Saul they waged war against the Hagrites, who were defeated at their hands, and they occupied the dwellings of the Hagrites throughout the region east of Gilead.

1 Chronicles 5:18-22
The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 warriors—valiant men who carried the shield and sword, drew the bow, and were trained for battle. / They waged war against the Hagrites, as well as Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. / And because they cried out to God in battle, they were helped against their enemies, and the Hagrites and all their allies were delivered into their hands. Because they put their trust in God, He answered their prayers. ...

1 Kings 4:19
Geber son of Uri in the land of Gilead, including the territories of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan. There was also one governor in the land of Judah.

Ezekiel 48:27-28
And Gad will have one portion bordering the territory of Zebulun from east to west. / The southern border of Gad will run from Tamar to the waters of Meribath-kadesh, then along the Brook of Egypt and out to the Great Sea.

Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Luke 22:30
so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Acts 13:19
And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance.

Hebrews 4:8
For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.


Treasury of Scripture

And the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and the border thereof. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben after their families, the cities and the villages thereof.

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Bank Border Boundary Children Cities Clan Edge Hamlets Heritage Inheritance Jordan Limit Places Reuben Reubenites Thereof Towns Unwalled Villages
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Bank Border Boundary Children Cities Clan Edge Hamlets Heritage Inheritance Jordan Limit Places Reuben Reubenites Thereof Towns Unwalled Villages
Joshua 13
1. The bounds of the land not yet conquered
8. The inheritance of the two tribes and a half
14. The Lord and his sacrifices are the inheritance of Levi
15. The bounds of the inheritance of Reuben
22. Balaam slain
24. The bounds of the inheritance of God
29. and of the half tribe of Manasseh














The border of the Reubenites
This phrase refers to the territorial boundary assigned to the tribe of Reuben. In the Hebrew context, "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul) signifies a defined limit or boundary, which is crucial in understanding the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. The Reubenites, descendants of Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, were given land on the east side of the Jordan River. This allocation reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs regarding the land.

was the bank of the Jordan
The "bank of the Jordan" indicates the natural boundary formed by the Jordan River. The Jordan River is a significant geographical and spiritual landmark in the Bible, symbolizing transition and divine provision. Historically, the river served as a critical boundary for the Israelites, marking the edge of the land they were to inherit. The Reubenites' territory being adjacent to the Jordan underscores their role as a frontier tribe, tasked with guarding the eastern approaches to the land.

This was the inheritance
"Inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah) in Hebrew conveys the idea of a possession or heritage passed down through generations. In the biblical context, it emphasizes the divine allotment of land to the tribes of Israel, as promised by God. This inheritance is not merely a physical possession but a testament to God's covenantal faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

of the clans of the Reubenites
The term "clans" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot) refers to the family groups within the tribe of Reuben. Each clan received a portion of the land, ensuring that the inheritance was distributed among the families. This distribution highlights the importance of family and community in Israelite society, where land ownership was tied to identity and legacy.

including the cities and their villages
This phrase indicates that the inheritance comprised not only the land but also the established urban and rural settlements. "Cities" (עָרִים, arim) and "villages" (חַצְרֵיהֶם, chatzerehem) reflect the organized and settled nature of the Reubenite territory. The mention of cities and villages underscores the completeness of the inheritance, providing the Reubenites with both agricultural and urban resources necessary for sustaining their community. This allocation demonstrates God's provision for His people, ensuring they have the means to thrive in the land He has given them.

Verse 23. - And the border thereof. These words have been omitted in the Vulgate, which does not understand them. The LXX. translates, "And the borders of Reuben were the Jordan-border." This seems to be the meaning of the original. The phrase often occurs, as in Joshua 15:12 and Numbers 34:6. Knobel's explanation is probably the correct one, that the phrase means to refer to the natural boundary marked out by the river or sea and its banks. "The boundary of the children of Reuben was Jordan and the natural boundary thus formed." As Dean Stanley reminds us in his 'Lectures on the Jewish Church,' Reuben, as predicted by Jacob (Genesis 49:4), sank at once into insignificance. No ruler, no judge arose from this tribe and its territory. Villages. Hebrew חַצְרֵי, LXX. ἐπαύλεις, Vulgate viculi. The original meaning is a piece of ground enclosed by a hedge or wall. Here it would mean,either with Gesenins and Keil, farm hamlets, or perhaps clearings of cultivated ground, which in Palestine would naturally be enclosed in some way, to prevent the ravages of wild beasts. In the primitive villages of Servia, where wild beasts are not entirely extirpated, not only are all the homesteads enclosed, but a fence is placed across the road, and removed when a vehicle has to pass through. Or perhaps the primitive Jewish community was similar to the primitive Teutonic community as described by Marshall in his 'Elementary and Practical Treatise on Landed Property,' published in 1804, who described the early distribution of land in this country as follows: "Round the village lay a few small enclosures for rearing young stock. Further a field the best land for arable purposes was chosen, and divided into three parts, for the necessary, rotation of fallow, wheat or rye, and spring crops. The meadows near the water courses were set aside for the growth of fodder for the cattle or for pasturage for milch cows, etc. The irreclaimable lands were left for what we now call 'common' uses for fuel, and the inferior pasturage." These arrangements are found to exist in India (see Sir H. Maine, 'Village Communities,' sec. 4.). But there, as in Palestine, the necessity for water was the cause of important modifications. Since the word is used to denote the court

(1) of a prison, Jeremiah 32:2;

(2) of a palace, 1 Kings 7:8;

(3) of a private house, 2 Samuel 17:18; . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And the border
גְּבוּל֙ (gə·ḇūl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed

of the Reubenites
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

was
וַיְהִ֗י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

the bank
וּגְב֑וּל (ū·ḡə·ḇūl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed

of the Jordan.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

This
זֹ֣את (zōṯ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

was the inheritance
נַחֲלַ֤ת (na·ḥă·laṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion

of the clans
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔ם (lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

of the Reubenites,
בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

including the cities
הֶעָרִ֖ים (he·‘ā·rîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

and villages.
וְחַצְרֵיהֶֽן׃ (wə·ḥaṣ·rê·hen)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common plural construct | third person feminine plural
Strong's 2691: A yard, a hamlet


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OT History: Joshua 13:23 The border of the children of Reuben (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 13:22
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