Joshua 17:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And there fell {H5307} ten {H6235} portions {H2256} to Manasseh {H4519}, beside the land {H776} of Gilead {H1568} and Bashan {H1316}, which were on the other side {H5676} Jordan {H3383};

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus ten parts fell to M'nasheh, in addition to the land of Gil'ad and Bashan beyond the Yarden,

Berean Standard Bible

Thus ten shares fell to Manasseh, in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan beyond the Jordan,

American Standard Version

And there fell ten parts to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is beyond the Jordan;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 17:5 precisely details the extensive land inheritance granted to the tribe of Manasseh, specifying that ten distinct portions were allotted to them on the west side of the Jordan River, in addition to the significant territories of Gilead and Bashan that half of the tribe had already received on the east side. This verse underscores the meticulous fulfillment of God's promises regarding the division of the Promised Land and highlights Manasseh's unique, bifurcated territorial claim as a large and strategically important tribe within Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 17:5 is situated within the latter half of the Book of Joshua, specifically chapters 13-19, which meticulously document the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes following the successful conquest. This section transitions from military campaigns to the administrative and theological implications of settling the Promised Land. Chapter 17 focuses entirely on the inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh, a complex allocation due to their large size and the prior settlement of half the tribe east of the Jordan. Immediately preceding this verse, [Joshua 17:1-4](/joshua/17-1 "Joshua 17:1-4 - Manasseh's Inheritance and Zelophehad's Daughters") outlines the initial allocation to Manasseh's families and, crucially, records the petition of the daughters of Zelophehad, ensuring their right to inherit land among their father's relatives, which directly impacts the number of "portions" mentioned in verse 5. The subsequent verses ([Joshua 17:6-13](/joshua/17-6 "Joshua 17:6-13 - Boundaries and Challenges of Manasseh's Territory")) delineate the specific boundaries and challenges faced by Manasseh in fully possessing their allotted territory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of land was a monumental undertaking, reflecting ancient Near Eastern practices of land tenure and tribal inheritance, yet uniquely guided by divine instruction. The land west of the Jordan River, Canaan proper, was the primary focus of God's promise to Abraham's descendants. However, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had requested and received land east of the Jordan (Transjordan) earlier, as documented in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Transjordan Tribes' Inheritance") and reaffirmed in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of Land East of Jordan"). This prior arrangement created the unique "dual" inheritance for Manasseh. Culturally, land ownership was foundational to Israelite identity, economic stability, and adherence to the covenant. It ensured tribal continuity, provided a base for agricultural sustenance, and prevented the accumulation of land by a few, thereby promoting social equity as mandated by Mosaic Law. The geographical distinction between the fertile plains of Gilead and Bashan (east) and the more varied terrain of central Canaan (west) also played a role in the strategic importance and perceived value of these territories.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 17:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the grant of land to Israel, as first articulated in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). The precise and detailed allocation of land, including Manasseh's "ten portions," underscores God's meticulous care in fulfilling His word. Another crucial theme is **Tribal Identity and Inheritance**. Land was not merely property; it was the physical embodiment of a tribe's identity, its place within the covenant community, and its source of livelihood. Manasseh's unique dual inheritance highlights the complexities of maintaining tribal cohesion across a significant geographical divide. Lastly, the verse subtly touches upon the theme of **Justice and Equity in Distribution**, particularly when read in light of the daughters of Zelophehad's petition in [Joshua 17:3-4](/joshua/17-3 "Joshua 17:3-4 - The Daughters of Zelophehad's Petition"), ensuring that even within the patriarchal system, the rights of women to inherit were upheld, contributing to the "ten portions" that fell to Manasseh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Portions (Hebrew, _cheleq'_):** This term (חֵלֶק) denotes a "share," "part," "allotment," or "inheritance." While the KJV uses "portions," the underlying Hebrew phrase for "ten portions" (עֲשָׂרָה חֲבָלִים, _‘asarah chavalim_) literally means "ten cords" or "ten measuring lines," referring to the method of dividing land by lot with a measuring cord. It signifies a precisely measured and legally assigned piece of territory. The use of "ten portions" indicates a significant and carefully calculated number of distinct land divisions, reflecting the various family units within the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled west of the Jordan, including the five daughters of Zelophehad who received their own portions ([Joshua 17:3-4](/joshua/17-3 "Joshua 17:3-4 - The Daughters of Zelophehad's Petition")). This highlights the meticulous nature of the land distribution.
* **Gilead (Hebrew, _Gil'ad'_):** (גִּלְעָד) A mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known for its fertility and strategic importance. It was settled by Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Its inclusion here clarifies that the "ten portions" are *in addition to* the territory Manasseh already possessed across the Jordan, emphasizing the extensive nature of their total inheritance.
* **Bashan (Hebrew, _Bashan'_):** (בָּשָׁן) A fertile plateau region north of Gilead, also east of the Jordan, renowned for its rich pastures and strong cattle. Like Gilead, its mention serves to distinguish the Transjordan inheritance from the new allocation in Canaan proper, reinforcing the unique dual territorial claim of Manasseh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there fell ten portions to Manasseh":** This clause signifies the outcome of the land allocation process for the half-tribe of Manasseh settling on the west side of the Jordan. The phrase "there fell" (וַיִּפֹּל, _vayyipol_) implies the casting of lots, a divinely guided method used to determine each tribe's inheritance, as commanded by God ([Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55-56 - Land Divided by Lot")). The "ten portions" specifically account for the original five families descended from Manasseh's son Machir, and then the five daughters of Zelophehad ([Joshua 17:2-4](/joshua/17-2 "Joshua 17:2-4 - Manasseh's Families and Zelophehad's Daughters")), who, through their petition, secured their own distinct inheritances, thereby increasing the number of familial "portions" within the half-tribe. This demonstrates the detailed and equitable nature of the land distribution.
* **"beside the land of Gilead and Bashan":** This crucial phrase clarifies that the "ten portions" allocated in Canaan are *additional* to the territory already possessed by the other half of the tribe of Manasseh. The regions of Gilead and Bashan, located east of the Jordan River, had been conquered and distributed earlier ([Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Transjordan Tribes' Inheritance"); [Joshua 13:29-31](/joshua/13-29 "Joshua 13:29-31 - Inheritance of Half-Tribe of Manasseh East of Jordan")). This underscores Manasseh's unique status as a tribe with a bifurcated inheritance, spanning both sides of the Jordan, reflecting their numerical strength and strategic importance.
* **"which [were] on the other side Jordan;":** This final phrase explicitly reiterates the geographical distinction, reinforcing that Gilead and Bashan are located "across the Jordan" from the perspective of the main Israelite camp and the newly distributed land in western Canaan. It serves as a clear geographical marker, preventing any confusion regarding the extent of Manasseh's total inheritance and emphasizing the two distinct geographical components of their tribal territory.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Enumeration** and **Geographical Specificity** to convey precise information about the land distribution. The explicit mention of "ten portions" provides a specific numerical detail, highlighting the meticulous and orderly nature of the inheritance process, which was guided by divine decree and human petition (as seen with Zelophehad's daughters). This numerical detail draws attention to Manasseh's unique situation compared to more general descriptions of other tribal allocations. The use of **Geographical Specificity** by naming "Gilead and Bashan" and clarifying "on the other side Jordan" serves to orient the reader, distinguishing Manasseh's Transjordan inheritance from their newly acquired territory in Canaan proper. This precision reinforces the historical accuracy and administrative detail of the biblical narrative, underscoring the fulfillment of God's promises in tangible, verifiable ways. The verse also implicitly uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing the "ten portions" (west) with the "land of Gilead and Bashan" (east), emphasizing the dual nature of Manasseh's extensive inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 17:5, while seemingly a dry administrative detail, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants. The precise allocation of land, down to "ten portions" for a single half-tribe, demonstrates divine order and commitment to every detail of His word. It underscores that God's promises are not vague assurances but tangible realities, realized with precision and justice, even accommodating specific petitions like those of Zelophehad's daughters. This divine care in distributing physical land foreshadows God's careful provision for His people in all aspects of life, ensuring each receives their rightful inheritance and place within His kingdom.

* [Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55-56 - Land Divided by Lot")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalms/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Provision of Inheritance")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God Determines Boundaries of Habitation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail of Joshua 17:5, outlining the precise "ten portions" for Manasseh in addition to their Transjordan inheritance, invites us to reflect on the nature of God's providence and faithfulness. Just as God painstakingly divided the land for each tribe, ensuring every family received its due, so too does He orchestrate the details of our lives. This verse reminds us that our "inheritance" – whether spiritual gifts, opportunities, or even the circumstances of our birth – is not random but part of a divine design. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He is a God of order, justice, and meticulous care, who fulfills His promises with precision. We are called to steward the "portions" He has given us, recognizing them as gifts from His hand, and to live faithfully within the boundaries and blessings He has established for us, just as the tribes were to inhabit and cultivate their allotted lands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of God's land distribution in Joshua 17:5 deepen your understanding of His character and faithfulness?**
* **In what ways do you see God's "portions" or provisions at work in your own life, both spiritually and practically?**
* **What does Manasseh's unique dual inheritance teach us about navigating different aspects of our identity or responsibilities within God's broader plan?**

### FAQ
**Why did Manasseh receive "ten portions" when other tribes received a single allocation?**

Answer: The "ten portions" allocated to the half-tribe of Manasseh on the west side of the Jordan reflect a unique situation arising from their tribal structure and a specific legal precedent. Manasseh was a large tribe, and while half of it had already settled east of the Jordan (in Gilead and Bashan), the remaining half on the west side was still substantial. The "ten portions" account for the five sons of Manasseh's son Machir ([Joshua 17:2](/joshua/17-2 "Joshua 17:2 - Manasseh's Families")). Crucially, this number was augmented by the successful petition of the five daughters of Zelophehad ([Joshua 17:3-4](/joshua/17-3 "Joshua 17:3-4 - The Daughters of Zelophehad's Petition")), who, having no brothers, sought and were granted their own inheritance among their father's relatives. This divine ruling, initially given in [Numbers 27:1-11](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1-11 - The Daughters of Zelophehad's Petition"), ensured that their family line would not lose its tribal inheritance. Thus, the "ten portions" represent the five original male lines (through Machir) plus the five female lines (Zelophehad's daughters), totaling ten distinct family shares within the western half-tribe of Manasseh. This highlights God's meticulous justice and the flexibility within the Mosaic Law to ensure equitable distribution of the Promised Land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 17:5 details a specific land distribution in the Old Testament, its underlying themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The meticulous division of the land by lot, ensuring each tribe received its designated "portion," foreshadows the spiritual inheritance secured for believers in Christ. Just as Israel received a physical inheritance in Canaan, believers receive a spiritual inheritance in Christ, described as "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The land was a promise, and Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, the true "Promised Land" in whom all spiritual blessings are found ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Manasseh's unique dual inheritance, spanning two territories, can be seen as a faint echo of the believer's dual citizenship – in this world but not of it, with our true citizenship being in heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). Ultimately, the meticulous care God took in dividing the land for His people in Joshua points to the even greater, more precise, and eternally secure inheritance that Christ has purchased for us through His sacrifice, establishing us as co-heirs with Him in His glorious kingdom ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 17:14

¶ And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me [but] one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I [am] a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?

Numbers 32:30

But if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.

Numbers 32:42

And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.

Joshua 13:29

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.

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.

Joshua 17:2

There was also [a lot] for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these [were] the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.

Joshua 17:3

But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these [are] the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.