Joshua 13:29
New International Version
This is what Moses had given to the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the family of the descendants of Manasseh, according to its clans:

New Living Translation
Moses had assigned the following area to the clans of the half-tribe of Manasseh.

English Standard Version
And Moses gave an inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh. It was allotted to the half-tribe of the people of Manasseh according to their clans.

Berean Standard Bible
This is what Moses had given to the clans of the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the tribe of the descendants of Manasseh:

King James Bible
And Moses gave inheritance unto the half tribe of Manasseh: and this was the possession of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families.

New King James Version
Moses also had given an inheritance to half the tribe of Manasseh; it was for half the tribe of the children of Manasseh according to their families:

New American Standard Bible
Moses also gave an inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh; and it was for the half-tribe of the sons of Manasseh according to their families.

NASB 1995
Moses also gave an inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh; and it was for the half-tribe of the sons of Manasseh according to their families.

NASB 1977
Moses also gave an inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh; and it was for the half-tribe of the sons of Manasseh according to their families.

Legacy Standard Bible
Moses also gave an inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh; and it was for the half-tribe of the sons of Manasseh according to their families.

Amplified Bible
Moses also gave an inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh; and it was for the half-tribe of the sons of Manasseh according to their families.

Christian Standard Bible
And to half the tribe of Manasseh (that is, to half the tribe of Manasseh’s descendants by their clans) Moses gave

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And to half the tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the tribe of Manasseh’s descendants by their clans, Moses gave

American Standard Version
And Moses gave inheritance unto the half-tribe of Manasseh: and it was for the half-tribe of the children of Manasseh according to their families.

Contemporary English Version
Moses gave land east of the Jordan River to half of the clans from the Manasseh tribe.

English Revised Version
And Moses gave inheritance unto the half tribe of Manasseh: and it was for the half tribe of the children of Manasseh according to their families.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Moses gave some land as an inheritance to half of the tribe of Manasseh. It was only for the families of that half of the tribe.

Good News Translation
Moses had given a part of the land to the families of half the tribe of Manasseh as their possession.

International Standard Version
Moses also allocated territory to the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, for the half-tribe of the descendants of Manasseh according to their tribes.

NET Bible
Moses assigned land to the half-tribe of Manasseh by its clans.

New Heart English Bible
Moses gave an inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh. It was for the half-tribe of the people of Manasseh according to their families.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Moses gave inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh: and this was the possession of the half-tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
This is what Moses had given to the clans of the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the tribe of the descendants of Manasseh:

World English Bible
Moses gave an inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh. It was for the half-tribe of the children of Manasseh according to their families.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Moses gives to the half-tribe of Manasseh; and it is to the half-tribe of the sons of Manasseh, for their families.

Young's Literal Translation
And Moses giveth to the half of the tribe of Manasseh; and it is to the half of the tribe of the sons of Manasseh, for their families.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Moses will give to the half of the tribe of Manasseh; and it shall be to half of the tribe of the sons of Manasseh, according to their families.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He gave also to the half tribe of Manasses and his children possession according to their kindreds,

Catholic Public Domain Version
He also gave, to the one half tribe of Manasseh and to his sons, a possession according to their families,

New American Bible
This is what Moses gave to the half-tribe of Manasseh; the half-tribe of the Manassites, by their clans, had

New Revised Standard Version
Moses gave an inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh; it was allotted to the half-tribe of the Manassites according to their families.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Moses gave an inheritance to the half tribe of Manasseh; and this was the possession of the half tribe of Manasshites by their families.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Moshe gave to the half of the tribe of Menasheh, and their half belonged to the children of Manasheh for their families
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Moses gave inheritance unto the half-tribe of Manasseh; and it was for the half-tribe of the children of Manasseh according to their families.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Moses gave to half the tribe of Manasse according to their families.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Manasseh's Eastern Inheritance
29This is what Moses had given to the clans of the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the tribe of the descendants of Manasseh: 30The territory from Mahanaim through all Bashan—all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, including all the towns of Jair that are in Bashan, sixty cities;…

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.

1 Chronicles 5:23-26
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). / These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their families. / But they were unfaithful to the God of their fathers, and they prostituted themselves with the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. ...

Numbers 32:1-5
Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, and they saw that the region was suitable for livestock. / So the Gadites and Reubenites came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, and said, / “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, ...

Numbers 32:16-19
Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones. / But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Meanwhile, our little ones will remain in the fortified cities for protection from the inhabitants of the land. / We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has taken possession of his inheritance. ...

Deuteronomy 2:12
The Horites used to live in Seir, but the descendants of Esau drove them out. They destroyed the Horites from before them and settled in their place, just as Israel did in the land that the LORD gave them as their possession.)

Deuteronomy 2:24-37
“Arise, set out, and cross the Arnon Valley. See, I have delivered into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to take possession of it and engage him in battle. / This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.” / So from the Wilderness of Kedemoth I sent messengers with an offer of peace to Sihon king of Heshbon, saying, ...

Deuteronomy 3:1-11
Then we turned and went up the road to Bashan, and Og king of Bashan and his whole army came out to meet us in battle at Edrei. / But the LORD said to me, “Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.” / So the LORD our God also delivered Og king of Bashan and his whole army into our hands. We struck them down until no survivor was left. ...

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.

2 Kings 10:32-33
In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory / 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.

Ezekiel 48:1-7
“Now these are the names of the tribes: At the northern frontier, Dan will have one portion bordering the road of Hethlon to Lebo-hamath and running on to Hazar-enan on the border of Damascus with Hamath to the north, and extending from the east side to the west side. / Asher will have one portion bordering the territory of Dan from east to west. / Naphtali will have one portion bordering the territory of Asher from east to west. ...

Ezekiel 48:23-29
As for the rest of the tribes: Benjamin will have one portion extending from the east side to the west side. / Simeon will have one portion bordering the territory of Benjamin from east to west. / Issachar will have one portion bordering the territory of Simeon from east to west. ...

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.


Treasury of Scripture

And Moses gave inheritance to the half tribe of Manasseh: and this was the possession of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families.

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Allotted Children Clan Descendants Half Half-Tribe Heritage Inheritance Manasseh Manas'seh Manas'sites Moses Portion Possession Tribe
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Allotted Children Clan Descendants Half Half-Tribe Heritage Inheritance Manasseh Manas'seh Manas'sites Moses Portion Possession Tribe
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














This is what Moses had given to the clans of the half-tribe of Manasseh
Moses, as the leader of the Israelites, was responsible for allocating the land east of the Jordan River before his death. The half-tribe of Manasseh received their inheritance on this side of the Jordan, which was part of the Transjordan region. This allocation was significant because it demonstrated Moses' role in fulfilling God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land. The division of the tribe of Manasseh into two parts, one on each side of the Jordan, reflects the tribe's size and influence. This allocation also highlights the importance of family and clan structures in ancient Israelite society, as land was distributed according to these divisions.

that is, to half the tribe of the descendants of Manasseh
The tribe of Manasseh was one of the two sons of Joseph, who was one of Jacob's twelve sons. The division of Manasseh into two half-tribes, one on each side of the Jordan River, is unique among the tribes of Israel. This division is a fulfillment of Jacob's blessing in Genesis 48, where he adopts Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own, effectively giving Joseph a double portion among the tribes. The descendants of Manasseh who settled east of the Jordan were known for their valor and played a significant role in the military campaigns of Israel. This division also foreshadows the later division of the kingdom of Israel, where tribal loyalties and geographical boundaries would play a crucial role.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He was responsible for dividing the land east of the Jordan among the tribes before his death.

2. Half-Tribe of Manasseh
One of the tribes of Israel, descended from Manasseh, the son of Joseph. This tribe was divided, with half settling east of the Jordan River.

3. Territory Allocation
The event of dividing the land among the tribes of Israel, which was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

4. Clans of Manasseh
The subdivisions within the tribe of Manasseh, each receiving a portion of the land according to their family lineage.

5. East of the Jordan
The region where the half-tribe of Manasseh, along with Reuben and Gad, received their inheritance. This area was conquered under Moses' leadership.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives today.

The Importance of Obedience and Faith
The tribes' willingness to settle east of the Jordan required faith and obedience to God's plan. Christians are called to trust and obey God's direction, even when it leads to unexpected places.

Unity and Diversity within God's People
The division of the tribe of Manasseh into two parts shows the diversity within the unity of God's people. The church today is made up of diverse members, each with unique roles and gifts.

Inheritance and Spiritual Legacy
Just as the tribes received a physical inheritance, believers have a spiritual inheritance in Christ. We are called to live in a way that honors this legacy and passes it on to future generations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Joshua 13:29?

2. How does Joshua 13:29 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?

3. What can we learn about God's provision from Joshua 13:29?

4. How does Joshua 13:29 connect to God's covenant with Abraham?

5. How can we apply the principles of inheritance in Joshua 13:29 today?

6. What does Joshua 13:29 teach about God's plan for each tribe's inheritance?

7. What is the significance of Joshua 13:29 in the division of the Promised Land?

8. How does Joshua 13:29 reflect God's promise to the Israelites?

9. What historical evidence supports the land allocation in Joshua 13:29?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 13?

11. What lies east of the Jordan River?

12. Do the cities assigned in Joshua 21 conflict with the earlier tribal boundaries in Joshua 14-20?

13. Who are the Sons of Jacob?

14. Judges 6:14–15: If Gideon was the least in his family, do other biblical records or genealogical data contradict or confirm his lowly status?
What Does Joshua 13:29 Mean
This is what Moses had given

– Moses, acting under God’s direct instruction (Numbers 34:1–2), had already distributed land on the east side of the Jordan before Joshua ever led Israel across the river.

– The phrase anchors the reader in a historical fact: the allotment was not Joshua’s idea but a continuation of what “the servant of the LORD” began (Deuteronomy 3:12–17; Joshua 13:8).

– It underscores continuity in leadership and covenant promise: God’s plan moves seamlessly from Moses to Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).

– We’re reminded that every square mile is a gift, not a human conquest (Psalm 24:1).


to the clans of the half-tribe of Manasseh

– “Clans” highlights that the inheritance was parceled fairly within extended families (Numbers 26:29-34).

– Manasseh, Joseph’s firstborn (Genesis 41:51), receives special attention: his tribe is so large it will need territory on both sides of the Jordan (Joshua 17:1-5).

– God values orderly distribution; no family is overlooked (Joshua 18:8-10).

– This detail also shows God’s personal touch—He knows each clan by name (Isaiah 43:1).


that is

– The small phrase signals clarification, making sure readers understand exactly who is in view. Scripture often pauses to clarify so no promise is misunderstood (e.g., Galatians 3:16).

– It guards against jealousy or confusion among the remaining tribes (Joshua 22:10-12).

– God’s Word is precise; He leaves no room for guessing about inheritance (Psalm 19:7).


to half the tribe of the descendants of Manasseh

– Only half the tribe settled east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:33; Joshua 14:4). The other half would inherit west of the river (Joshua 17:7-11), demonstrating that God can bless in diverse locations while keeping unity of identity.

– The split anticipates future challenges (Joshua 22:11-34), yet also showcases faithfulness: both halves remain sons of Manasseh and heirs of the same covenant.

– This division foreshadows the broader truth that God’s family can be geographically scattered yet spiritually one (John 17:20-23).

– It encourages believers today that God’s gifts fit our specific assignments, even when they differ from those of our brothers and sisters (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).


summary

Joshua 13:29 confirms that God’s promises made through Moses remain intact under Joshua. The verse highlights divine generosity, orderly inheritance, and meticulous care for every clan within Manasseh. By specifying that only half the tribe settled east of the Jordan, Scripture showcases God’s ability to distribute blessings uniquely while preserving unity. The passage urges us to trust God’s precise, faithful provision for His people—then and now.

Verse 29. - The halftribe of Manasseh. The word used for "tribe" in the first and second half of this verse is not the same. Some German critics have derived an argument for the hypothesis that the historical and geographical portions of the book are not by the same hand, from the supposed fact that the former of these words is used almost exclusively in the first, or historical portion, and the latter in the second, or geographical portion, of the book. The word "almost" would be almost sufficient to overthrow the theory, but this verse is an insuperable objection to it. Is it seriously contended that one half of this verse is taken from one author, and the other from another? Or is it possible that the writer of the book may actually have understood the language he was using, and meant to use the two words in somewhat different senses? Gesenius, it is true, would explain the words as being precisely synonymous. But his own etymological remarks are fatal to his theory. מטה the latter of the two words, is a bough, or shoot (derived from a word signifying to grow), capable of throwing out blossoms (Ezekiel 7:10). It refers, therefore, to the natural descent of the tribe from Manasseh their father. But שבט is allied to שׁפט; to judge, and the Greek σκήπτρον, and perhaps the English shaft, and signifies a rod as the emblem of authority. Thus it is used in Genesis 49:10, of a royal sceptre. So Psalm 2:9, an iron sceptre, Psalm 45:6. Thus the latter word has reference to the tribe as an organised community, the former to it in reference to its ancestral derivation. This view would seem to be supported by ver. 24, where the מטה of Gad is further explained to mean his sons and their families, as well as by this verse, where the שׁבט is used absolutely, the מטה in connection with the family

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[This is what] Moses
מֹשֶׁ֔ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

had given
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן (way·yit·tên)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

to the clans
לְמִשְׁפְּחוֹתָֽם׃ (lə·miš·pə·ḥō·w·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 half-tribe
לַחֲצִ֖י (la·ḥă·ṣî)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2677: The half, middle

of Manasseh,
מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה (mə·naš·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4519: Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites

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

to half
לַחֲצִ֛י (la·ḥă·ṣî)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2677: The half, middle

the tribe
מַטֵּ֥ה (maṭ·ṭêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4294: A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe

of the descendants
בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Manasseh:
מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה (mə·naš·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4519: Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites


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OT History: Joshua 13:29 Moses gave an inheritance to the half-tribe (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 13:28
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