Thus there fell to Manasseh ten portions, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is on the other side of the Jordan,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights a remarkable adjustment to the inheritance system: Manasseh's portion was divided into ten parts, not just for his sons but also to include the five daughters of Zelophehad, ensuring they received an inheritance alongside their male relatives. This underscores how God’s justice, even in ancient times, could lead to unprecedented provisions for women.
Thus there fell to Manasseh ten portions, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is on the other side of the Jordan,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage dives into the distribution of land for the tribe of Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn son. It clarifies that Manasseh's inheritance was divided into ten portions within Canaan, in addition to the significant territories of Gilead and Bashan already assigned to them east of the Jordan River. This complex division is particularly noteworthy because it ensures that Zelophehad's five daughters receive their rightful inheritance alongside the male heirs, fulfilling a divine command given earlier.
Did you notice Manasseh received land on both sides of the Jordan River? This wasn't just one inheritance, but two distinct blessings.
The tribe of Manasseh, despite being one of the half-tribes of Joseph, received a significant inheritance. Verse 5 clearly states they received 'ten portions' within Canaan, in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan on the eastern side of the Jordan.
This dual inheritance highlights a few things:
Manasseh's inheritance is described as 'ten portions.' But how did they arrive at that specific number, especially with the unique case of daughters inheriting?
The division into 'ten portions' for Manasseh requires a bit of unpacking, especially considering the context of Zelophehad's daughters inheriting their father's share.
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Here's the most commonly understood breakdown:
~1446-1406 BC
Wilderness Wanderings and Laws Given
During the 40 years in the desert, God gave specific laws, including those concerning inheritance, which set the stage for disputes and decisions later addressed in Joshua.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelite tribes began the military campaign to conquer the Promised Land from its inhabitants.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Land Allotment Begins
After the conquest, the land was systematically divided by lot among the twelve tribes. This process involved careful measurement and allocation, as described in Joshua.
c. 1400 BC
Case of Zelophehad's Daughters
The daughters of Zelophehad successfully petitioned to inherit their father's portion, establishing a precedent for female inheritance rights.
This passage directly lays the groundwork for Joshua 17, as it contains God's command to Moses that daughters should inherit if there are no sons, setting the precedent for the daughters of Zelophehad receiving a portion.
Joshua 14:1This verse highlights that the inheritance distribution was guided by lots, reinforcing the divine method used for dividing the land as seen in Manasseh's portion.
Genesis 48:14This verse shows Jacob deliberately crossing his hands to place his right hand on Ephraim (the younger) and his left on Manasseh (the elder), foreshadowing how God's purposes often elevate the less obvious or seemingly less deserving, mirroring the inclusion of the daughters in Manasseh's inheritance.
Ruth 4:13This passage shows Ruth, a foreigner, being brought into the lineage of David through Boaz, illustrating how God can bring unexpected individuals and families into His plan and inheritance, much like Zelophehad's daughters securing their place.
1 Chronicles 7:14-15This passage lists the descendants of Manasseh, including the sons of Machir and the sons of Hepher, providing the genealogical context that explains the basis for the divisions of land mentioned in Joshua 17.
calvinJoshua 17:1-10: "There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph; to wit, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan."
There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph; to wit, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.
Fuit quoque sors tribui Manasse (ipse en…
clarkeJoshua 17:5: "And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;"
There fell ten portions to Manasseh - The Hebrew word חבלי chabley, which we translate portions, signifies literally cords or cables, and intimates that by means of a cord, cable, or what we call a chain, the land was divided. We have but little account of the arts and sciences of the Hebrews, yet from the sketches which we find in different parts of the Old Testam…
This verse highlights a remarkable adjustment to the inheritance system: Manasseh's portion was divided into ten parts, not just for his sons but also to include the five daughters of Zelophehad, ensuring they received an inheritance alongside their male relatives. This underscores how God’s justice, even in ancient times, could lead to unprecedented provisions for women.
This passage dives into the distribution of land for the tribe of Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn son. It clarifies that Manasseh's inheritance was divided into ten portions within Canaan, in addition to the significant territories of Gilead and Bashan already assigned to them east of the Jordan River. This complex division is particularly noteworthy because it ensures that Zelophehad's five daughters receive their rightful inheritance alongside the male heirs, fulfilling a divine command given earlier.
This passage dives into the distribution of land for the tribe of Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn son. It clarifies that Manasseh's inheritance was divided into ten portions within Canaan, in addition to the significant territories of Gilead and Bashan already assigned to them east of the Jordan River. This complex division is particularly noteworthy because it ensures that Zelophehad's five daughters receive their rightful inheritance alongside the male heirs, fulfilling a divine command given earlier.
"Thus there fell to Manasseh ten portions, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is on the other side of the Jordan," — This verse highlights a remarkable adjustment to the inheritance system: Manasseh's portion was divided into ten parts, not just for his sons but also to include the five daughters of Zelophehad, ens…
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Last reviewed October 2026