Numbers 33:54
Numbers 33:54 in Multiple Translations
And you are to divide the land by lot according to your clans. Give a larger inheritance to a larger clan and a smaller inheritance to a smaller one. Whatever falls to each one by lot will be his. You will receive an inheritance according to the tribes of your fathers.
And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: and to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man’s inheritance shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit.
And ye shall inherit the land by lot according to your families; to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer thou shalt give the less inheritance: wheresoever the lot falleth to any man, that shall be his; according to the tribes of your fathers shall ye inherit.
And you will take up your heritage in the land by the decision of the Lord, to every family its part; the greater the family the greater its heritage, and the smaller the family the smaller will be its heritage; wherever the decision of the Lord gives to any man his part, that will be his; distribution will be made to you by your fathers' tribes.
You are to divide the land and allocate it by lot to the different tribal families. Give a larger portion to a larger family, and a smaller portion to a smaller family. Each one's allocation is decided by lot, and you will all receive an allocation depending on your tribe.
And ye shall inherite the land by lot according to your families: to the more yee shall giue more inheritance, and to the fewer the lesse inheritance. Where the lot shall fall to any man, that shall be his: according to the tribes of your fathers shall ye inherite.
'And ye have inherited the land by lot, by your families; to the many ye increase their inheritance, and to the few ye diminish their inheritance; whither the lot goeth out to him, it is his; by the tribes of your fathers ye inherit.
You shall inherit the land by lot according to your families; to the larger groups you shall give a larger inheritance, and to the smaller you shall give a smaller inheritance. Wherever the lot falls to any man, that shall be his. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers.
And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's inheritance shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit.
And you shall divide it among you by lot. To the more you shall give a larger part, and to the fewer a lesser. To every one as the lot shall fall, so shall the inheritance be given. The possession shall be divided by the tribes and the families.
“Divide up the land by throwing ◄lots/small stones which have been marked► to decide which group will get which area. Give the larger areas to the groups that have more people, and give the smaller areas to the groups that have fewer people. Each tribe will receive its own land.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 33:54
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 33:54 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִתְנַחַלְתֶּם֩
אֶת
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ
בְּ/גוֹרָ֜ל
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹֽתֵי/כֶ֗ם
לָ/רַ֞ב
תַּרְבּ֤וּ
אֶת
נַחֲלָת/וֹ֙
וְ/לַ/מְעַט֙
תַּמְעִ֣יט
אֶת
נַחֲלָת֔/וֹ
אֶל֩
אֲשֶׁר
יֵ֨צֵא
ל֥/וֹ
שָׁ֛מָּ/ה
הַ/גּוֹרָ֖ל
ל֣/וֹ
יִהְיֶ֑ה
לְ/מַטּ֥וֹת
אֲבֹתֵי/כֶ֖ם
תִּתְנֶחָֽלוּ
וְ/הִתְנַחַלְתֶּם֩
nâchal
H5157
to inherit
Conj | V-Hithpael-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
בְּ/גוֹרָ֜ל
gôwrâl
H1486
allotted
Prep | N-ms
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹֽתֵי/כֶ֗ם
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
Prep | N-fp | Suff
לָ/רַ֞ב
rab
H7227
many
Prep | Adj
תַּרְבּ֤וּ
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נַחֲלָת/וֹ֙
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
N-fs | Suff
וְ/לַ/מְעַט֙
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
Conj | Prep | Adj
תַּמְעִ֣יט
mâʻaṭ
H4591
to diminish
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נַחֲלָת֔/וֹ
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
N-fs | Suff
אֶל֩
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יֵ֨צֵא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ל֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
שָׁ֛מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
הַ/גּוֹרָ֖ל
gôwrâl
H1486
allotted
Art | N-ms
ל֣/וֹ
Prep | Suff
יִהְיֶ֑ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/מַטּ֥וֹת
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
Prep | N-mp
אֲבֹתֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
תִּתְנֶחָֽלוּ
nâchal
H5157
to inherit
V-Hithpael-Imperf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 33:54
וְ/הִתְנַחַלְתֶּם֩
nâchal
H5157
"to inherit"
Conj | V-Hithpael-2mp
This Hebrew verb means to inherit or to take possession of something, as seen in the story of the Israelites inheriting the Promised Land in Joshua 1:6. It can also mean to distribute or divide something among people, like the division of the land in Joshua 13-19. The word is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to get as a possession, acquire, inherit, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession, inherit 1a2) to have or get as a possession or property (fig.) 1a3) to divide the land for a possession 1a4) to acquire (testimonies) (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to divide for a possession 1c) (Hithpael) to possess oneself of 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to give as a possession 1d2) to cause to inherit, give as an inheritance 1e) (Hophal) to be allotted, be made to possess
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: divide, have (inheritance), take as a heritage, (cause to, give to, make to) inherit, (distribute for, divide (for, for an, by), give for, have, leave for, take (for)) inheritance, (have in, cause to, be made to) possess(-ion). See also: Exodus 23:30; Joshua 17:6; Psalms 69:37.
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.
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
בְּ/גוֹרָ֜ל
gôwrâl
H1486
"allotted"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a pebble or small stone used for making decisions by casting lots. It symbolizes a portion or destiny assigned by chance, like the drawing of lots to determine an outcome. This concept is central to ancient Israelite decision-making practices.
Definition: 1) lot 1a) lot-pebbles used for systematically making decisions 2) portion 2a) lot, portion (thing assigned by casting lots) 2b) recompense, retribution
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: lot. See also: Leviticus 16:8; Judges 1:3; Psalms 16:5.
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹֽתֵי/כֶ֗ם
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
לָ/רַ֞ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
תַּרְבּ֤וּ
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
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.
נַחֲלָת/וֹ֙
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
N-fs | Suff
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
וְ/לַ/מְעַט֙
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
Conj | Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
תַּמְעִ֣יט
mâʻaṭ
H4591
"to diminish"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to make something smaller or less. It can describe reducing a quantity or making something less effective. The KJV translates it as diminish or make few.
Definition: 1) to be or become small, be few, be diminished 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to diminish 1a2) to be too small 1b) (Piel) to become few 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make small, make few, diminish 1c2) to give less
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: suffer to decrease, diminish, (be, [idiom] borrow a, give, make) few (in number, -ness), gather least (little), be (seem) little, ([idiom] give the) less, be minished, bring to nothing. See also: Exodus 12:4; 2 Kings 4:3; Psalms 107:38.
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.
נַחֲלָת֔/וֹ
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
N-fs | Suff
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
אֶל֩
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יֵ֨צֵא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
ל֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
שָׁ֛מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
הַ/גּוֹרָ֖ל
gôwrâl
H1486
"allotted"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a pebble or small stone used for making decisions by casting lots. It symbolizes a portion or destiny assigned by chance, like the drawing of lots to determine an outcome. This concept is central to ancient Israelite decision-making practices.
Definition: 1) lot 1a) lot-pebbles used for systematically making decisions 2) portion 2a) lot, portion (thing assigned by casting lots) 2b) recompense, retribution
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: lot. See also: Leviticus 16:8; Judges 1:3; Psalms 16:5.
ל֣/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
יִהְיֶ֑ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/מַטּ֥וֹת
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
אֲבֹתֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
תִּתְנֶחָֽלוּ
nâchal
H5157
"to inherit"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew verb means to inherit or to take possession of something, as seen in the story of the Israelites inheriting the Promised Land in Joshua 1:6. It can also mean to distribute or divide something among people, like the division of the land in Joshua 13-19. The word is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to get as a possession, acquire, inherit, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession, inherit 1a2) to have or get as a possession or property (fig.) 1a3) to divide the land for a possession 1a4) to acquire (testimonies) (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to divide for a possession 1c) (Hithpael) to possess oneself of 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to give as a possession 1d2) to cause to inherit, give as an inheritance 1e) (Hophal) to be allotted, be made to possess
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: divide, have (inheritance), take as a heritage, (cause to, give to, make to) inherit, (distribute for, divide (for, for an, by), give for, have, leave for, take (for)) inheritance, (have in, cause to, be made to) possess(-ion). See also: Exodus 23:30; Joshua 17:6; Psalms 69:37.
Study Notes — Numbers 33:54
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 33:54 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 33:54
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 33:54
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 33:54
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 33:54
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 33:54
- Sermons on Numbers 33:54
Context — Instructions for Occupying Canaan
52you must drive out before you all the inhabitants of the land, destroy all their carved images and cast idols, and demolish all their high places.
53You are to take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess.
54And you are to divide the land by lot according to your clans. Give a larger inheritance to a larger clan and a smaller inheritance to a smaller one. Whatever falls to each one by lot will be his. You will receive an inheritance according to the tribes of your fathers.
55But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land before you, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides; they will harass you in the land where you settle. 56And then I will do to you what I had planned to do to them.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 26:53–56 | “The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance, according to the number of names. Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers. Each inheritance is to be divided by lot among the larger and smaller tribes.” |
| 2 | Joshua 18:11–48 | The first lot came up for the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. Their allotted territory lay between the tribes of Judah and Joseph: On the north side their border began at the Jordan, went up past the northern slope of Jericho, headed west through the hill country, and came out at the wilderness of Beth-aven. From there the border crossed over to the southern slope of Luz (that is, Bethel) and went down to Ataroth-addar on the hill south of Lower Beth-horon. On the west side the border curved southward from the hill facing Beth-horon on the south and came out at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), a city of the sons of Judah. This was the western side. On the south side the border began at the outskirts of Kiriath-jearim and extended westward to the spring at the Waters of Nephtoah. Then it went down to the foot of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim and ran down the Valley of Hinnom toward the southern slope of the Jebusites and downward to En-rogel. From there it curved northward and proceeded to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth facing the Ascent of Adummim, and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben. Then it went on to the northern slope of Beth-arabah and went down into the valley. The border continued to the northern slope of Beth-hoglah and came out at the northern bay of the Salt Sea, at the mouth of the Jordan. This was the southern border. On the east side the border was the Jordan. These were the borders around the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. These were the cities of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin: Jericho, Beth-hoglah, Emek-keziz, Beth-arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel, Avvim, Parah, Ophrah, Chephar-ammoni, Ophni, and Geba—twelve cities, along with their villages. Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth, Mizpeh, Chephirah, Mozah, Rekem, Irpeel, Taralah, Zelah, Haeleph, Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kiriath-jearim —fourteen cities, along with their villages. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. |
| 3 | Joshua 15:1–12 | Now the allotment for the clans of the tribe of Judah extended to the border of Edom, to the Wilderness of Zin at the extreme southern boundary: Their southern border started at the bay on the southern tip of the Salt Sea, proceeded south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continued on to Zin, went over to the south of Kadesh-barnea, ran past Hezron up to Addar, and curved toward Karka. It proceeded to Azmon, joined the Brook of Egypt, and ended at the Sea. This was their southern border. The eastern border was the Salt Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan. The northern border started from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan, went up to Beth-hoglah, proceeded north of Beth-arabah, and went up to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben. Then the border went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor, turning north to Gilgal, which faces the Ascent of Adummim south of the ravine. It continued along the waters of En-shemesh and came out at En-rogel. From there the border went up the Valley of Hinnom along the southern slope of the Jebusites (that is, Jerusalem) and ascended to the top of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom on the west, at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim. From the hilltop the border curved to the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah, proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron, and then bent around toward Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim). The border curled westward from Baalah to Mount Seir, ran along the northern slope of Mount Jearim (that is, Chesalon), went down to Beth-shemesh, and crossed to Timnah. Then it went out to the northern slope of Ekron, curved toward Shikkeron, proceeded to Mount Baalah, went on to Jabneel, and ended at the Sea. And the western border was the coastline of the Great Sea. These are the boundaries around the clans of the descendants of Judah. |
| 4 | Joshua 16:1–4 | The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended from the Jordan at Jericho to the waters of Jericho on the east, through the wilderness that goes up from Jericho into the hill country of Bethel. It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz) and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth. Then it descended westward to the border of the Japhletites as far as the border of Lower Beth-horon and on to Gezer, and it ended at the Sea. So Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, received their inheritance. |
| 5 | Joshua 17:1–13 | Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph’s firstborn son, namely for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh and father of the Gileadites, who had received Gilead and Bashan because Machir was a man of war. So this allotment was for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These are the other male descendants of the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. But Zelophehad son of Hepher (the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh) had no sons but only daughters. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, and said, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” So Joshua gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers, in keeping with the command of the LORD. Thus ten shares fell to Manasseh, in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan beyond the Jordan, because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons. And the land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the sons of Manasseh. Now the border of Manasseh went from Asher to Michmethath near Shechem, then southward to include the inhabitants of En-tappuah. The region of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but Tappuah itself, on the border of Manasseh, belonged to Ephraim. From there the border continued southward to the Brook of Kanah. There were cities belonging to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh, but the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook and ended at the Sea. Ephraim’s territory was to the south, and Manasseh’s was to the north, having the Sea as its border and adjoining Asher on the north and Issachar on the east. Within Issachar and Asher, Manasseh was assigned Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor (that is, Naphath), Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo, each with their surrounding settlements. But the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these cities, because the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land. However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they put the Canaanites to forced labor; but they failed to drive them out completely. |
Numbers 33:54 Summary
In Numbers 33:54, God tells the Israelites to divide the land among their clans, giving more land to larger families and less to smaller ones. This was a way of ensuring that everyone had a fair share and that the land was distributed according to their needs (see also Joshua 14:1-2). Just like the Israelites, we can trust that God will give us our own 'inheritance' or blessings, not just based on our own merits, but also according to His sovereign plan (as seen in Romans 8:28). By trusting in God's goodness and fairness, we can have confidence that He will provide for us and guide us in our own journey of faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to divide the land by lot according to clans?
In Numbers 33:54, dividing the land by lot according to clans means that the Israelites were to assign land to each family group based on their size, with larger clans receiving more land and smaller clans receiving less, as stated in the verse, and this method of division is also seen in Joshua 14:1-2 and Ezekiel 47:13-14.
How does this verse relate to the concept of inheritance in the Bible?
The concept of inheritance in Numbers 33:54 is rooted in the idea that God is the ultimate giver of all things, including land, as seen in Psalm 24:1, and the Israelites were to receive their inheritance according to the tribes of their fathers, highlighting the importance of family and community in biblical times.
What is the significance of receiving an inheritance according to the tribes of their fathers?
Receiving an inheritance according to the tribes of their fathers, as mentioned in Numbers 33:54, emphasizes the importance of family lineage and the role of God as the giver of all inheritances, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:20 and 1 Chronicles 28:8.
How does this verse relate to the surrounding context of driving out the inhabitants of the land?
The division of the land by lot according to clans in Numbers 33:54 is closely tied to the command to drive out the inhabitants of the land, as seen in Numbers 33:52, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands in order to receive the promised inheritance, as warned in Numbers 33:55-56.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to trust in God's sovereignty when it comes to our own 'inheritance' or possessions?
- How can I apply the principle of fairness and equality, as seen in the division of land by lot, to my own life and relationships?
- What are some ways that I can 'drive out' the 'inhabitants' of my own heart, such as sin and selfishness, in order to receive my spiritual inheritance?
- How can I balance the idea of receiving an inheritance according to my 'tribe' or community with the concept of individual responsibility and stewardship?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 33:54
And ye shall divide the land by lot,.... What is said in this verse is the same with Numbers 26:53, where it has been explained; [See comments on Numbers 26:53], [See comments on Numbers 26:54], [See
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 33:54
And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: and to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 33:54
(54) And ye shall divide the land by lot . . . —See Numbers 26:53-56, and Note.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 33:54
54. falleth to any man] The lots would not be cast for individuals, but, as the last sentence of the verse shews, for whole tribes, or at most for clans. The Heb. is obscurely expressed, but it may be rendered wheresoever the lot goeth forth for each, to that one shall it belong.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 33:54
54. Divide the land by lot — The mode of determining the location of each tribe. Numbers 26:53-56, notes.
Sermons on Numbers 33:54
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Laying Hold of Our Promised Land by Jason Neil | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of gathering together as God's people, as Jesus promises to be present when they meet. The speaker encourages the audience to |