Old Testament
1 Chronicles 6:78
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, we see a specific allocation of land given to the tribe of Reuben, located across the Jordan River from Jericho.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Across the Jordan from Jericho, on the river's east side, they received from the tribe of Reuben: Bezer in the wilderness with its pasturelands and Jahzah with its pasturelands,
And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, were given them out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a specific allocation of land given to the tribe of Reuben, located across the Jordan River from Jericho. The locations mentioned, Bezer and Jahzah, are significant because they represent not just physical territory but also the fulfillment of promises made to the Israelites. Bezer is described as being in the wilderness, which highlights its challenging environment, while Jahzah is noted for its pasturelands, indicating a place of sustenance and growth. This allocation reflects the importance of community and the need for resources to thrive. The mention of pasturelands suggests that these areas were vital for livestock, which was essential for the tribe's livelihood. Overall, this passage emphasizes the importance of land and resources in the life of the Israelites, serving as a reminder of their journey and the provisions made for them. It also illustrates how each tribe had its unique role and place within the larger community, contributing to the overall identity and survival of the nation.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Chronicles 6:78 to your life
Consider how the resources in your life contribute to your community. Just as the tribe of Reuben received land for their needs, think about what you can offer to support those around you. Reflect on the importance of sharing and nurturing relationships in your life, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose together.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 6:78 mean?
1 Chronicles 6:78 describes the allocation of land to the tribe of Reuben, specifically mentioning Bezer and Jahzah, which highlights the importance of land for sustenance and community in the Israelite culture.
What is the significance of Bezer and Jahzah in 1 Chronicles 6:78?
Bezer and Jahzah are significant as they represent the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites, providing essential resources like pasturelands for livestock, which were crucial for the tribe's livelihood.
How does 1 Chronicles 6:78 relate to community?
The verse illustrates how land allocation supports community life by providing resources necessary for sustenance, reflecting the interconnectedness of the tribe's identity and survival.
What can we learn from 1 Chronicles 6:78?
From this verse, we learn about the importance of sharing resources and supporting one another in a community, as the tribe of Reuben received land to meet their needs and contribute to the larger community.

The Book of 1 Chronicles
Genealogies (Chs 1–9)
The record begins with the line from Adam to Noah and his sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The descendants of Japheth are listed, followed by the descendants of Ham, which include Nimrod, a mighty one in the earth, and the ancestors of the Philistines. The line of Shem is traced down to Abram, who is Abraham. The sons of Abraham—Ishmael and Isaac—are named, along with the sons of Abraham’s concubine Keturah. The generations of Ishmael are listed, followed by the descendants of Isaac’s son Esau, including the dukes and early kings of Edom.
Unlock the full 1 Chronicles summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 1 Chronicles — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 29 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 1 Chronicles summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.