and they lived in Gilead, in Bashan and in its towns, and in all the pasturelands of Sharon to their limits.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
1 Chronicles 5:16
What does 1 Chronicles 5:16 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
1 Chronicles 5:16
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
While it seems like a simple geographical statement, this verse subtly emphasizes the abundance God granted these tribes, not just territory but all the pasturelands up to their borders. It’s a quiet testament to God’s generous provision, highlighting that they possessed not only land but also the resources within it, fully and without restriction.
and they lived in Gilead, in Bashan and in its towns, and in all the pasturelands of Sharon to their limits.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a genealogy that traces the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, emphasizing their strength and territorial holdings. It highlights how these tribes, settled east of the Jordan River, were capable warriors who expanded their influence and controlled significant pasturelands. This sets the stage for understanding their military prowess and the eventual exile they faced because of their unfaithfulness to God, which is discussed in the verses that follow.
Imagine being given a home, a place to belong, that God himself designated for your family. This isn't just real estate; it's a piece of the divine promise.
God's Faithful Provision
This verse highlights the settled lives of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They resided in specific, fertile regions: Gilead, Bashan, and Sharon.
These weren't just random settlements. This was a profound shift for tribes that once roamed. What does this stability reveal about their relationship with God?
A Foundation for Faith
The settled existence described here was more than just a change in lifestyle; it had implications for their spiritual lives.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
Gil'ad · Hebrew Proper Noun
The term refers to a region east of the Jordan River known for its fertility, livestock, and dense forests; biblically, it is associated with tribal territories, refuge, and covenant boundaries.
Bashan · Hebrew Proper Noun
A region north of Gilead, often associated with powerful kings, fertile soil, and in prophetic literature, with symbols of prosperity or divine judgment.
migrash · Hebrew Noun
Broadly, these are open grazing lands; in biblical contexts, they often symbolize the provision of God for the sustenance of his people and their livestock.
This verse roots the descendants of Reuben in the fertile, strategic lands east of the Jordan River, territories that historically formed part of the Northern Kingdom and were among the first to be conquered by the Assyrians, highlighting their vulnerability and eventual displacement.
~1400 BC
Israelites Conquer Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, conquered the Promised Land. This established their presence and inheritance within the territories west of the Jordan River.
c. 13th-11th Century BC
Tribal Settlements and Expansion
After the conquest, the Israelite tribes settled and expanded their territories. Some tribes, like Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, were granted lands east of the Jordan River due to their large herds.
c. 11th Century BC— this verse
Consolidation of East Jordan Territories
These tribes fully consolidated their holdings in Gilead, Bashan, and surrounding regions, developing distinct identities and facing regional challenges. This period saw the establishment of their communities in these fertile lands.
c. 1050 BC
Rise of the United Monarchy
Saul, David, and Solomon unified the tribes of Israel. This period saw increased interaction and sometimes conflict between the territories east and west of the Jordan.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's death, the united monarchy split into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The territories east of the Jordan, including Gilead and Bashan, largely remained part of the Northern Kingdom.
734-732 BC
Assyrian Conquest of the North
The Neo-Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting large populations. The territories east of the Jordan, including the areas mentioned, were among the first to fall.
This passage describes the initial settlement of the Transjordanian tribes, including Gad and Reuben (whose descendants were likely part of the groups mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5), in the very same regions of Gilead and Bashan.
1 Chronicles 5:1-2These verses provide context for the prominence of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, highlighting their leadership and genealogical importance which led to their prominent settlements described in verse 16.
Joshua 13:24-28This passage details the inheritance of the tribes of Gad and Reuben, specifically mentioning Gilead, Bashan, and their territories, confirming the geographical areas settled by these people.
1 Chronicles 5:18-22These verses immediately follow, detailing a military campaign by these same Transjordanian tribes against the Hagrites and their allies, showcasing their strength and the territories they defended and expanded within.
While it seems like a simple geographical statement, this verse subtly emphasizes the abundance God granted these tribes, not just territory but all the pasturelands up to their borders. It’s a quiet testament to God’s generous provision, highlighting that they possessed not only land but also the resources within it, fully and without restriction.
This passage is part of a genealogy that traces the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, emphasizing their strength and territorial holdings. It highlights how these tribes, settled east of the Jordan River, were capable warriors who expanded their influence and controlled significant pasturelands. This sets the stage for understanding their military prowess and the eventual exile they faced because of their unfaithfulness to God, which is discussed in the verses that follow.
This passage is part of a genealogy that traces the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, emphasizing their strength and territorial holdings. It highlights how these tribes, settled east of the Jordan River, were capable warriors who expanded their influence and controlled significant pasturelands. This sets the stage for understanding their military prowess and the eventual exile they faced because of their unfaithfulness to God, which is discussed in the verses that follow.
"and they lived in Gilead, in Bashan and in its towns, and in all the pasturelands of Sharon to their limits." — While it seems like a simple geographical statement, this verse subtly emphasizes the abundance God granted these tribes, not just territory but all the pasturelands up to their borders. It’s a qui…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026