Deuteronomy 3:16 and to the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the territory from Gilead to the Arnon Valley (the middle of the valley was the border) and up to the Jabbok River, the border of the Ammonites.

Bible > Deuteronomy > Chapter 3 > Verse 16

◄ Deuteronomy 3:16 ►

New International Version
But to the Reubenites and the Gadites I gave the territory extending from Gilead down to the Arnon Gorge (the middle of the gorge being the border) and out to the Jabbok River, which is the border of the Ammonites.

New Living Translation
But I also gave part of Gilead to the tribes of Reuben and Gad. The area I gave them extended from the middle of the Arnon Gorge in the south to the Jabbok River on the Ammonite frontier.

English Standard Version
and to the Reubenites and the Gadites I gave the territory from Gilead as far as the Valley of the Arnon, with the middle of the valley as a border, as far over as the river Jabbok, the border of the Ammonites;

Berean Standard Bible
and to the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the territory from Gilead to the Arnon Valley (the middle of the valley was the border) and up to the Jabbok River, the border of the Ammonites.

King James Bible
And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;

New King James Version
And to the Reubenites and the Gadites I gave from Gilead as far as the River Arnon, the middle of the river as the border, as far as the River Jabbok, the border of the people of Ammon;

New American Standard Bible
To the Reubenites and the Gadites I gave from Gilead even as far as the Valley of Arnon, the middle of the valley as a border, and as far as the river Jabbok, the border of the sons of Ammon;

NASB 1995
“To the Reubenites and to the Gadites I gave from Gilead even as far as the valley of Arnon, the middle of the valley as a border and as far as the river Jabbok, the border of the sons of Ammon;

NASB 1977
“And to the Reubenites and to the Gadites, I gave from Gilead even as far as the valley of Arnon, the middle of the valley as a border and as far as the river Jabbok, the border of the sons of Ammon;

Legacy Standard Bible
And to the Reubenites and to the Gadites I gave from Gilead even as far as the valley of Arnon, the middle of the valley as a border and as far as the river Jabbok, the border of the sons of Ammon;

Amplified Bible
To the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the territory from Gilead as far as the Valley of Arnon, with the middle of the Valley as a boundary, and as far as the Jabbok River, the boundary of the sons of Ammon;

Christian Standard Bible
and I gave to the Reubenites and Gadites the area extending from Gilead to the Arnon Valley (the middle of the valley was the border) and up to the Jabbok River, the border of the Ammonites.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and I gave to the Reubenites and Gadites the area extending from Gilead to the Arnon Valley (the middle of the valley was the border) and up to the Jabbok River, the border of the Ammonites.

American Standard Version
And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the valley of the Arnon, the middle of the valley, and the border thereof, even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;

English Revised Version
And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the valley of Arnon, the middle of the valley, and the border thereof; even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I gave the tribes of Reuben and Gad some of Gilead from the Arnon Valley (the middle of the valley is the border) to the Jabbok River, which is the border of Ammon.

Good News Translation
And to the tribes of Reuben and Gad I assigned the territory from Gilead to the Arnon River. The middle of the river was their southern boundary, and their northern boundary was the Jabbok River, part of which formed the Ammonite border.

International Standard Version
And I've given Gilead to the descendants of Reuben and the descendants of Gad as far as the Arnon Valley, designating the middle of the valley as its boundary, including up to the Jabbok River as a boundary with the Ammonites.

Majority Standard Bible
and to the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the territory from Gilead to the Arnon Valley (the middle of the valley was the border) and up to the Jabbok River, the border of the Ammonites.

NET Bible
To the Reubenites and Gadites I allocated the territory extending from Gilead as far as Wadi Arnon (the exact middle of the wadi was a boundary) all the way to the Wadi Jabbok, the Ammonite border.

New Heart English Bible
To the Reubenites and to the Gadites I gave from Gilead to the Valley of the Arnon, the middle of the valley, and its border, even to the river Jabbok, which is the border of the people of Ammon;

Webster's Bible Translation
And to the Reubenites and to the Gadites I gave from Gilead even to the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even to the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon:

World English Bible
To the Reubenites and to the Gadites I gave from Gilead even to the valley of the Arnon, the middle of the valley, and its border, even to the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And to the Reubenite and to the Gadite I have given from Gilead even to the Brook of Arnon, the middle of the valley and the border, even to the Brook of Jabbok, the border of the sons of Ammon,

Young's Literal Translation
'And to the Reubenite and to the Gadite I have given from Gilead even unto the brook Arnon, the middle of the valley and the border, even unto Jabbok the brook, the border of the sons of Ammon,

Smith's Literal Translation
And to the Reubemtes and to the Gadites I gave from Gilead even to the torrent Anion, the midst of the torrent and the boundary and even to the emptying of the torrent, the boundary of the sons of Ammon.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And to the tribes of Ruben and Cad I gave of the land of Galaad as far as the torrent Amen, half the torrent, and the confines even unto the torrent Jeboc, which is the border of the children of Ammon:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And to the tribes of Ruben and Gad, I gave from the land of Gilead as far as the torrent Arnon, one half of the torrent and its confines, even to the torrent Jabbok, which is along the border of the sons of Ammon,

New American Bible
and to Reuben and Gad the territory from Gilead to the Wadi Arnon—the middle of the wadi being its boundary—and to the Wadi Jabbok, which is the border of the Ammonites,

New Revised Standard Version
And to the Reubenites and the Gadites I gave the territory from Gilead as far as the Wadi Arnon, with the middle of the wadi as a boundary, and up to the Jabbok, the wadi being boundary of the Ammonites;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And to the Reubenites and to the Gadites I gave the region from Gilead as far as the valley of Arnon, and the inside of the valley, and its border as far as the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And to Rubil and to Gad I have given from Gelad and unto the Torrent of Arnon and the inside of the valley and its border and unto Yabaq of the valley of the borders of the children of Amon;

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the valley of Arnon, the middle of the valley for a border; even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And to Ruben and to Gad I gave the land under Galaad as far as the brook of Arnon, the border between the brook and as far as Jaboc; the brook is the border to the children Amman.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Land Division East of the Jordan
…15To Machir I gave Gilead, 16and to the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the territory from Gilead to the Arnon Valley (the middle of the valley was the border) and up to the Jabbok River, the border of the Ammonites. 17The Jordan River in the Arabah bordered it from Chinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) with the slopes of Pisgah to the east.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Joshua 13:8-12
The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites and Gadites, had received the inheritance Moses had given them beyond the Jordan to the east, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had assigned to them: / The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, the whole plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon, / and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites who reigned in Heshbon, as far as the border of the Ammonites; ...

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.

Joshua 12:1-6
Now these are the kings of the land whom the Israelites struck down and whose lands they took beyond the Jordan to the east, from the Arnon Valley to Mount Hermon, including all the Arabah eastward: / Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon. He ruled from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along the middle of the valley, up to the Jabbok River (the border of the Ammonites), that is, half of Gilead, / as well as the Arabah east of the Sea of Chinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea), eastward through Beth-jeshimoth, and southward below the slopes of Pisgah. ...

Numbers 32:29-32
And Moses said to them, “If the Gadites and Reubenites cross the Jordan with you, with every man armed for battle before the LORD, and the land is subdued before you, then you are to give them the land of Gilead as a possession. / But if they do not arm themselves and go across with you, then they must accept their possession among you in the land of Canaan.” / The Gadites and Reubenites replied, “As the LORD has spoken to your servants, so we will do. ...

Joshua 1:12-15
But to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, / “Remember what Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you when he said, ‘The LORD your God will give you rest, and He will give you this land.’ / Your wives, your young children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But all your mighty men of valor must be armed for battle to cross over ahead of your brothers and help them, ...

1 Chronicles 5:23
Now the people of the half-tribe of Manasseh were numerous. They settled in the land from Bashan to Baal-hermon (that is, Senir, also known as Mount Hermon).

Joshua 22:1-4
Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh / and told them, “You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you. / All this time you have not deserted your brothers, up to this very day, but have kept the charge given you by the LORD your God. ...

Numbers 21:24-26
And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok—but only up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified. / Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites and occupied them, including Heshbon and all its villages. / Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and taken all his land as far as the Arnon.

Joshua 13:15-23
This is what Moses had given to the clans of the tribe of Reuben: / The territory from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, to the whole plateau beyond Medeba, / to Heshbon and all its cities on the plateau, including Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon, ...

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 47:18
On the east side the border will run between Hauran and Damascus, along the Jordan between Gilead and the land of Israel, to the Eastern Sea and as far as Tamar. This will be the eastern boundary.

2 Kings 10:33
from the Jordan eastward through all the land of Gilead (the region of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh), and from Aroer by the Arnon Valley through Gilead to Bashan.

1 Chronicles 5:9
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.

Matthew 4:15
“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—

Mark 5:1
On the other side of the sea, they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes.

Treasury of Scripture

And to the Reubenites and to the Gadites I gave from Gilead even to the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even to the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;

Reubenites

Numbers 32:33-38
And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, even the cities of the country round about…

2 Samuel 24:5
And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:

river Jabbok

Deuteronomy 2:37
Only unto the land of the children of Ammon thou camest not, nor unto any place of the river Jabbok, nor unto the cities in the mountains, nor unto whatsoever the LORD our God forbad us.

Genesis 32:22
And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.

Numbers 21:24
And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong.

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Ammon Ammonites Arnon Border Boundary Brook Children Extending Half Jabbok Limit Middle Ravine Reubenite Reubenites River Territory Valley

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Ammon Ammonites Arnon Border Boundary Brook Children Extending Half Jabbok Limit Middle Ravine Reubenite Reubenites River Territory Valley

Deuteronomy 3

1. The conquest of Og, king of Bashan
11. This size of his bed
12. The distribution of his lands to the two tribes and half
23. Moses prays to enter into the land
26. He is permitted to see it

Berean Study Bible

To the Reubenites and Gadites
This phrase identifies the two tribes of Israel, Reuben and Gad, who were granted land on the east side of the Jordan River. Historically, these tribes requested this land because it was suitable for their large herds of livestock (Numbers 32:1-5). The Reubenites and Gadites were descendants of Jacob's sons, Reuben and Gad, and their settlement here reflects God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises to the patriarchs. The allocation of land to these tribes underscores the importance of community and shared heritage in the Israelite identity.

I gave
The use of "I gave" emphasizes the divine authority and sovereignty of God in the distribution of the land. It is a reminder that the land is a gift from God, not a result of human conquest or negotiation. This reflects the biblical principle that all blessings and provisions come from God, and it calls the Israelites to a posture of gratitude and stewardship.

from Gilead
Gilead is a region known for its balm, a healing ointment, and is often associated with fertility and abundance. The Hebrew root for Gilead can mean "heap of testimony," which may signify the region's role as a witness to God's faithfulness. Gilead's mention here highlights the richness of the land and God's desire to provide abundantly for His people.

as far as the Valley of the Arnon
The Valley of the Arnon served as a natural boundary between the territories of Moab and the land given to the Reubenites and Gadites. The Arnon River, flowing into the Dead Sea, was a significant geographical marker. This boundary setting reflects the importance of order and structure in the allocation of land, ensuring peace and clarity among neighboring tribes and nations.

with the middle of the valley as a border
This phrase indicates a precise demarcation of territory, which was crucial for maintaining peace and preventing disputes. The middle of the valley as a border signifies fairness and clarity in God's provision, ensuring that each tribe received its rightful inheritance. It also symbolizes the balance and justice inherent in God's governance.

as far as the Jabbok River
The Jabbok River is another significant geographical feature, marking the northern boundary of the land given to the Reubenites and Gadites. Historically, the Jabbok is where Jacob wrestled with God and was renamed Israel (Genesis 32:22-32). This connection adds a layer of spiritual significance to the land, reminding the Israelites of their covenant relationship with God and His transformative power.

the border of the Ammonites
The Ammonites were descendants of Lot and often in conflict with Israel. The mention of their border signifies the need for vigilance and the reality of living among other nations with different beliefs and practices. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' call to be a distinct and holy people, set apart for God's purposes, while living in a world with diverse cultures and influences.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16, 17) And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave.--The circumstances are detailed in Numbers 32. They desired the land for their cattle.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 16, 17. - The possession of the tribes of Reuben and Gad is here more exactly defined. Its southern boundary was the middle of the valley (the wady) of the Arnon; half the valley, and the border, i.e. the middle of the ravine (or wady) and its edge; a more precise definition of the river Arnon; the brook which flowed through the middle of the ravine was to be their boundary line to the south. On the northeast the Upper Jabbok (Nahr Amman) was to be their boundary; this separated them from Ammonitis, the region of the children of Ammon (Numbers 21:24). On the west the 'Arabah (Ghor), and the Jordan and its border (its east bank), from Chinnereth (Kinnereth), a fenced city by the sea of Galilee, thence called "the sea of Chinnereth" (Numbers 34:11; Joshua 12:3; Joshua 19:35), to the sea of the 'Arabah, the salt sea, under Ashdoth-pisgah - the slopes (literally, the outpourings, the place where the mountain torrents flow out, hence the base of the hill) of Pisgah (Numbers 21:15; Numbers 27:12) - eastward; i.e. simply the east side of the 'Arabah and the Jordan. CONCLUSION OF HISTORICAL RECAPITULATION. Vers. 18-29.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

and to the Reubenites
וְלָרֻאוּבֵנִ֨י‪‬ (wə·lā·ru·’ū·ḇê·nî)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7206: Reubenites -- a Reubenite

and Gadites
וְלַגָּדִ֜י (wə·lag·gā·ḏî)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1425: Gadites -- descendants of Gad

I gave
נָתַ֤תִּי (nā·ṯat·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

the territory from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

Gilead
הַגִּלְעָד֙ (hag·gil·‘āḏ)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1568: Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites

to
וְעַד־ (wə·‘aḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the Arnon
אַרְנֹ֔ן (’ar·nōn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 769: Arnon -- 'a roaring stream', a wadi and stream in Moab

Valley
נַ֣חַל (na·ḥal)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5158: A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft

(the middle
תּ֥וֹךְ (tō·wḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

of the valley
הַנַּ֖חַל (han·na·ḥal)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5158: A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft

was the border)
וּגְבֻ֑ל (ū·ḡə·ḇul)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed

and up to
וְעַד֙ (wə·‘aḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the Jabbok
יַבֹּ֣ק (yab·bōq)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2999: Jabbok -- a river East of the Jordan

River,
הַנַּ֔חַל (han·na·ḥal)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5158: A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft

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

of the Ammonites.
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

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OT Law: Deuteronomy 3:16 To the Reubenites and to the Gadites (Deut. De Du)