Numbers 32:1
New International Version
The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock.

New Living Translation
The tribes of Reuben and Gad owned vast numbers of livestock. So when they saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were ideally suited for their flocks and herds,

English Standard Version
Now the people of Reuben and the people of Gad had a very great number of livestock. And they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, and behold, the place was a place for livestock.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

New King James Version
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock; and when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that indeed the region was a place for livestock,

New American Standard Bible
Now the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad had a very large number of livestock. So when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that it was indeed a place suitable for livestock,

NASB 1995
Now the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad had an exceedingly large number of livestock. So when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that it was indeed a place suitable for livestock,

NASB 1977
Now the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad had an exceedingly large number of livestock. So when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that it was indeed a place suitable for livestock,

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad had an exceedingly large number of livestock. And they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that it was indeed a place suitable for livestock,

Amplified Bible
Now the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad had very large herds of cattle, and they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead [on the east side of the Jordan River], and indeed, the place was suitable for raising livestock.

Christian Standard Bible
The Reubenites and Gadites had a very large number of livestock. When they surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, they saw that the region was a good one for livestock.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Reubenites and Gadites had a very large number of livestock. When they surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, they saw that the region was a good one for livestock.

American Standard Version
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

Contemporary English Version
The tribes of Reuben and Gad owned a lot of cattle and sheep, and they saw that the regions of Jazer and Gilead had good pastureland.

English Revised Version
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The tribes of Reuben and Gad had a large number of livestock. They saw that the regions of Jazer and Gilead were a good place for livestock.

Good News Translation
The tribes of Reuben and Gad had a lot of livestock. When they saw how suitable the land of Jazer and Gilead was for cattle,

International Standard Version
Now, the descendants of Reuben and descendants of Gad happened to be joint owners of a very large herd of cattle. When they observed that Jazer and Gilead were good grazing lands for cattle,

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Now the Reubenites and the Gadites possessed a very large number of cattle. When they saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were ideal for cattle,

New Heart English Bible
Now the people of Reuben and the people of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that look, the place was a place for livestock;

Webster's Bible Translation
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that behold, the place was a place for cattle;

World English Bible
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock. They saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead. Behold, the place was a place for livestock.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And much livestock has [belonged] to the sons of Reuben and to the sons of Gad—very many; and they see the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, and behold, the place [is] a place [for] livestock;

Young's Literal Translation
And much cattle hath been to the sons of Reuben and to the sons of Gad, very many; and they see the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, and lo, the place is a place for cattle;

Smith's Literal Translation
And much cattle was to the sons of Reuben and to the sons of Gad exceedingly strong: and they will see the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, and behold, the place a place of cattle.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the sons of Ruben and Gad had many flocks of cattle, and their substance in beasts was infinite. And when they saw the lands of Jazer and Galaad fit for feeding cattle,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now the sons of Ruben and of Gad had many herds, and their substance in cattle was inestimable. And when they had seen that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for feeding animals,

New American Bible
Now the Reubenites and Gadites had a very large number of livestock. Noticing that the land of Jazer and of Gilead was a place suited to livestock,

New Revised Standard Version
Now the Reubenites and the Gadites owned a very great number of cattle. When they saw that the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead was a good place for cattle,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
NOW the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle; and when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And great herds belonged to the children of Rubil and to the children of Gad, and they were very strong, and they saw Yazir and the land of Gelad as a place to go graze herds;
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle; and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the children of Ruben and the children of Gad had a multitude of cattle, very great; and they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Galaad; and the place was a place for cattle:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Tribes East of the Jordan
1Now 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. 2So the Gadites and Reubenites came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, and said,…

Cross References
Joshua 22:9-10
So the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh left the Israelites at Shiloh in the land of Canaan to return to their own land of Gilead, which they had acquired according to the command of the LORD through Moses. / And when they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan.

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. ...

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, ...

Joshua 13:24-28
This is what Moses had given to the clans of the tribe of Gad: / The territory of Jazer, all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites as far as Aroer, near Rabbah; / the territory from Heshbon to Ramath-mizpeh and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir; ...

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. ...

Judges 5:16-17
Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. / Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors.

1 Kings 22:3
who said to his servants, “Do you not know that Ramoth-gilead is ours, but we have failed to take it from the hand of the king of Aram?”

Ezekiel 25:8-11
This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Moab and Seir said, “Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,” / therefore I will indeed expose the flank of Moab beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land. / I will give it along with the Ammonites as a possession to the people of the East, so that the Ammonites will no longer be remembered among the nations. ...

Jeremiah 49:1-2
Concerning the Ammonites, this is what the LORD says: “Has Israel no sons? Is he without heir? Why then has Milcom taken possession of Gad? Why have his people settled in their cities? / Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will sound the battle cry against Rabbah of the Ammonites. It will become a heap of ruins, and its villages will be burned. Then Israel will drive out their dispossessors, says the LORD.

Matthew 8:28-34
When Jesus arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, He was met by two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. / “What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?” / In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding. ...

Mark 5:1-20
On the other side of the sea, they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes. / As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, He was met by a man with an unclean spirit, who was coming from the tombs. / This man had been living in the tombs and could no longer be restrained, even with chains. ...

Luke 8:26-39
Then they sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. / When Jesus stepped ashore, He was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothing or lived in a house, but he stayed in the tombs. / When the man saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before Him, shouting in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You not to torture me!” ...

Acts 7:39
But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.

Hebrews 11:9-10
By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. / For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.


Treasury of Scripture

Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

the children

Numbers 2:10-15
On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur…

Numbers 26:5-7,15-18
Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites: …

Genesis 29:32
And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

Jazer

Numbers 32:3,35
Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon, …

Numbers 21:32
And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.

Joshua 13:25
And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that is before Rabbah;

the place

Numbers 32:26
Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead:

Genesis 13:2,5,10,11
And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold…

Genesis 47:4
They said moreover unto Pharaoh, For to sojourn in the land are we come; for thy servants have no pasture for their flocks; for the famine is sore in the land of Canaan: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen.

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Numbers 32
1. The Reubenites and Gadites ask for inheritance on the east side of Jordan
6. Moses reproves them
16. They offer him conditions with which he is content
33. Moses assigns them the land
39. They conquer it.














The Reubenites and Gadites
The tribes of Reuben and Gad were among the twelve tribes of Israel, descendants of Jacob's sons. Historically, these tribes were known for their pastoral lifestyle, which is evident in their request for land suitable for their livestock. The Reubenites, as the firstborn tribe, often had a leadership role, while the Gadites were known for their warrior spirit. This request reflects their practical needs and foreshadows their role in the settlement of the Promised Land.

who had very large herds and flocks
The mention of "very large herds and flocks" indicates the wealth and prosperity of these tribes. In ancient times, livestock was a primary measure of wealth and sustenance. The Hebrew word for "herds" (מִקְנֶה, miqneh) suggests possession and acquisition, emphasizing the tribes' need to secure a land that could sustain their economic base. This detail underscores the importance of stewardship and resource management in biblical times.

saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead
The lands of Jazer and Gilead were located east of the Jordan River. Jazer was a region known for its fertile land and strategic location, while Gilead was famous for its balm and rugged terrain. The Hebrew root for "saw" (רָאָה, ra'ah) implies not just physical sight but also perception and understanding. The tribes' recognition of the land's potential reflects their discernment and foresight in choosing a place that aligns with their needs.

were suitable for livestock
The suitability of the land for livestock is a critical factor in the tribes' decision-making. The Hebrew word for "suitable" (מָקוֹם, maqom) can also mean "place" or "location," indicating a fitting or appropriate environment. This choice highlights the tribes' desire for a land that could support their livelihood and ensure their future prosperity. It also reflects God's provision in leading them to a place that meets their needs, aligning with the biblical theme of divine guidance and care.

XXXII.

(1) Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad . . . --These tribes had occupied a contiguous position in their encampments for the space of thirty-eight years (Numbers 2:10; Numbers 2:14), and it was natural that they should desire to be permanently located near each other.

The land of Jazer.--See Numbers 21:32. This district was remarkable for its rich pasture-land.

The land of Gilead.--This land lay north and south of the Jabbok, and even in its present desolation shows traces of its great fertility.

Verse 1. - The children of Reuben and the children of Gad. Reuben and Gad had both been camped on the same (southern) side of the tabernacle, but had not apparently been neighbours, since Simeon intervened on the march (see on Numbers 2:10-14). Simeon, however, was at this time enfeebled and disgraced, and was not likely to assert himself in any way. The "great multitude of cattle" belonging to the two tribes probably point to pastoral habits of long standing, since the cattle of the Amorites and Midianites would be equally divided among all. The land of Jazer. Jazer, or Jaazer, probably stood near the northern source of the Wady Hesban, which enters the Jordan not far from its mouth. The "land of Jazer" would seem to mean the Mishor, or plateau, of Heshbon, over which the Israelites had passed on their way to the plains of Moab (see on Deuteronomy 3:10, "all the cities of the Mishor"). The land of Gilead. Gilead as the name of a district only previously occurs in Genesis 37:25. It is used with a considerable latitude of meaning in this and the following books. In its widest sense it stands for the whole territory to the east of Jordan (see on verses 26, 29), including even the rugged, volcanic districts of Bashan (Deuteronomy 34:1; 1 Chronicles 5:16); but more properly it denoted the lands on both sides the Jabbok, from the Wady Hesban on the south, to the Yermuk and lake of Tiberias on the north, now known as the provinces of Belka and Jebel Ajlun. These lands are by no means uniformly flat, as the name "Mount Gilead" testifies, but include mountains and hills covered with fine open forests of oak (cf. 2 Samuel 18:8, 9) as well as rolling downs and treeless plains. The soil is almost everywhere of great fertility, and the water supply, although very scanty in summer, is sufficient if carefully husbanded. Even now these provinces produce great store of grain, and are depastured by vast flocks of sheep. In Roman times, as the innumerable ruins testify, they were filled with a large and opulent population. Indeed there could be no comparison in point of agricultural and pastoral value between these open and fertile lands and the broken, stony country of Southern Palestine. If they ever enjoy again the blessing of a strong government and continuous peace they will again justify the choice of Reuben and Gad. A place for cattle. מָקום (Septuagint, τόπος) is used here in the broader sense of district (cf. Genesis 1:9), and is equivalent to אֶרֶצ in verse 4.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now the Reubenites
לִבְנֵ֧י (liḇ·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

and Gadites,
וְלִבְנֵי־ (wə·liḇ·nê-)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

who had
הָיָ֞ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

very
מְאֹ֑ד (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

large
עָצ֣וּם (‘ā·ṣūm)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6099: Powerful, numerous

herds and flocks,
וּמִקְנֶ֣ה ׀ (ū·miq·neh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4735: Something bought, property, livestock, acquisition

surveyed
וַיִּרְא֞וּ (way·yir·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

the lands
אֶ֤רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Jazer
יַעְזֵר֙ (ya‘·zêr)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3270: Jazer -- a place East of the Jordan

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

and they saw
וְהִנֵּ֥ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

that the region
הַמָּק֖וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

was suitable
מְק֥וֹם (mə·qō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

for livestock.
מִקְנֶֽה׃ (miq·neh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4735: Something bought, property, livestock, acquisition


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OT Law: Numbers 32:1 Now the children of Reuben and (Nu Num.)
Numbers 31:54
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