Numbers 32:37
Numbers 32:37 in Multiple Translations
The Reubenites built up Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim,
And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,
And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kiriathaim,
And the children of Reuben were the builders of Heshbon and Elealeh and Kiriathaim;
The people of Reuben rebuilt Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim,
And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kiriathaim,
And the sons of Reuben have build Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,
The children of Reuben built Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim,
And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,
But the children of Ruben built Hesebon, and Eleale, and Cariathaim,
The people of the tribe of Reuben rebuilt Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim,
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 32:37
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 32:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בְנֵ֤י
רְאוּבֵן֙
בָּנ֔וּ
אֶת
חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן
וְ/אֶת
אֶלְעָלֵ֑א
וְ/אֵ֖ת
קִרְיָתָֽיִם
וּ/בְנֵ֤י
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-mp
רְאוּבֵן֙
Rᵉʼûwbên
H7205
Reuben
N-proper
בָּנ֔וּ
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן
Cheshbôwn
H2809
Heshbon
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אֶלְעָלֵ֑א
ʼElʻâlêʼ
H500
Elealeh
N-proper
וְ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
קִרְיָתָֽיִם
Qiryâthayim
H7156
Kiriathaim
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 32:37
וּ/בְנֵ֤י
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
רְאוּבֵן֙
Rᵉʼûwbên
H7205
"Reuben"
N-proper
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben. He is mentioned in Genesis as the brother of Simeon, Levi, and Judah, and the father of Hanoch and Pallu.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.32; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hanoch (H2585J), Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756) § Reuben = "behold a son" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Leah 2) the tribe descended from Reuben 3) the territory inhabited by the tribe of Reuben
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Reuben. See also: Genesis 29:32; Deuteronomy 27:13; Ezekiel 48:31.
בָּנ֔וּ
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן
Cheshbôwn
H2809
"Heshbon"
N-proper
Heshbon was a city east of the Jordan River, serving as the capital of the Amorites under King Sihon, and later becoming part of the tribes of Reuben and Gad.
Definition: § Heshbon = "stronghold" the capital city of Sihon, king of the Amorites, located on the western border of the high plain and on the border line between the tribes of Reuben and Gad
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Heshbon. See also: Numbers 21:25; Joshua 12:5; Isaiah 15:4.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֶלְעָלֵ֑א
ʼElʻâlêʼ
H500
"Elealeh"
N-proper
Elealeh was a place east of the Jordan River, a village of the Reubenites. Its name means 'God is ascending'. It is mentioned in the Bible as a location near Heshbon, and its ruins can still be found today.
Definition: § Elealeh = "God is ascending" a Reubenite village near Heshbon (in ruins)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Elealeh. See also: Numbers 32:3; Isaiah 15:4; Isaiah 16:9.
וְ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
קִרְיָתָֽיִם
Qiryâthayim
H7156
"Kiriathaim"
N-proper
Kiriathaim means two cities, referring to a town in Naphtali allotted to the Gershonite Levites. It is mentioned in the book of Chronicles as a place in Palestine, also known as Kirjathaim.
Definition: Kiriathaim, villages (1Ch.6.76) § Kiriathaim = "two cities" a town in Naphtali allotted to the Gershonite Levites
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Kiriathaim, Kirjathaim. See also: Genesis 14:5; 1 Chronicles 6:61; Jeremiah 48:1.
Study Notes — Numbers 32:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Tribes East of the Jordan
35Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah,
36Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran as fortified cities, and they built folds for their flocks.
37The Reubenites built up Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim,
38as well as Nebo and Baal-meon (whose names were changed), and Sibmah. And they renamed the cities they rebuilt. 39The descendants of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, captured it, and drove out the Amorites who were there.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 21:27 | That is why the poets say: “Come to Heshbon, let it be rebuilt; let the city of Sihon be restored. |
| 2 | Numbers 32:3 | “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, |
| 3 | Isaiah 15:4 | Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far as Jahaz. Therefore the soldiers of Moab cry out; their souls tremble within. |
Numbers 32:37 Summary
In Numbers 32:37, we see the Reubenites building up and fortifying cities like Heshbon, Elealeh, and Kiriathaim, which provided them with protection and a sense of security. This shows us the importance of being good stewards of the resources and opportunities God gives us, and trusting in His guidance and provision, as seen in Psalms 37:3-7. Just like the Reubenites, we can trust that God will provide for us and help us make wise decisions, as long as we seek to follow His will and trust in His goodness, as seen in Romans 8:28. By doing so, we can build strong foundations for our lives, just like the Reubenites built up their cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the cities mentioned in Numbers 32:37?
The cities mentioned, such as Heshbon, Elealeh, and Kiriathaim, were important strongholds for the Reubenites, providing them with protection and a sense of security, as seen in Numbers 32:36 where they built folds for their flocks and fortified cities like Beth-nimrah and Beth-haran.
Why did the Reubenites focus on building up these specific cities?
The Reubenites likely chose to build up these cities because of their strategic locations and potential for growth, much like the Israelites were instructed to do in Deuteronomy 19:1-3, where they were to build cities and roads to facilitate travel and commerce.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Numbers 32?
This verse is part of a larger narrative where the Reubenites and Gadites request to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, and Moses grants them permission, as long as they help the other tribes conquer Canaan, as seen in Numbers 32:1-6 and Numbers 32:20-24.
What can we learn from the Reubenites' actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of being good stewards of the resources and opportunities God provides, just as the Reubenites were, and to trust in God's guidance and provision, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can be a good steward of the resources God has given me, just like the Reubenites were with their cities?
- How can I trust in God's guidance and provision, even when faced with uncertainty or challenges, as the Israelites did in Numbers 32?
- What are some ways I can contribute to the growth and well-being of my community, just as the Reubenites did by building up their cities?
- How can I balance my own desires and needs with the needs of others, as the Reubenites had to do when requesting to settle on the east side of the Jordan River?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 32:37
And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 32:37
And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim, Heshbon - now Hesban. Elealeh (the high) - now Elaal. Kirjathaim - the double city.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 32:37
34–38. Many of these towns have been identified with some probability. But the list represents a tradition very different from that in Joshua 13:15-28 , and must be ultimately derived from an earlier source, though in its present form it was probably written by a priestly writer. In Joshua 13:15-28 Reuben occupies the position which is ordinarily represented on modern maps, on the south of Gad, the dividing line between them running east from about the northern point of the Dead Sea. But in the present passage Reuben’s position is not so independent. Five of the six towns assigned to them in Numbers 32:37-38 are situated in a district about midway between the Jabbok and the Arnon, and lie between Gadite towns to the north and south of them. They are thus represented as occupying an enclave within the Gadite area. Sibmah is unknown, as also are Atroth-shophan and Beth-nimrah. See G. A.
Smith, Hist. Geogr. p. 567.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 32:37
The Reubenites established themselves more compactly than the Gadites.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 32:37
37. Kirjathaim is known only by conjecture.