Old Testament
Joshua 13:28
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Joshua 13:28, the text describes the land that was given to the tribe of Gad as their inheritance.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
This is the inheritance of the tribe of Gad according to their clans, including the cities and their villages.
This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Joshua 13:28, the text describes the land that was given to the tribe of Gad as their inheritance. This inheritance was divided according to their clans, which means that each family group within the tribe received specific portions of land. The mention of cities and villages indicates that the tribe of Gad was not only given rural land but also urban areas where they could live and thrive. This allocation of land was part of the larger narrative of the Israelites settling in the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt. It highlights the importance of community and family within the tribes of Israel, as each clan had its own designated area to cultivate and develop. The inheritance signifies God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites, ensuring that each tribe had a place to call home. This verse serves as a reminder of the significance of land and belonging in the biblical context, as well as the importance of community and heritage in our lives today.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Joshua 13:28 to your life
Understanding the inheritance of the tribe of Gad encourages us to appreciate our own heritage and community. It reminds us to value the places we come from and the families we belong to. We can reflect on how we can contribute to our communities and support one another, just as the tribes of Israel did.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 13:28 say about the tribe of Gad?
Joshua 13:28 describes the inheritance given to the tribe of Gad, detailing how the land was allocated according to their clans. It specifies that this inheritance included both cities and villages, indicating a mix of urban and rural living spaces for the tribe. This allocation reflects the broader narrative of the Israelites settling in the Promised Land, emphasizing the importance of community and family within the tribes.
Why is the inheritance of the tribe of Gad significant?
The inheritance of the tribe of Gad is significant as it illustrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. It shows how each tribe received a designated area to settle, which was crucial for their identity and survival. This allocation not only provided physical land but also reinforced the sense of belonging and community among the clans, highlighting the importance of heritage in the biblical context.
How can we apply the lessons from Joshua 13:28 today?
The lessons from Joshua 13:28 can be applied today by encouraging us to appreciate our own heritage and the communities we belong to. It prompts us to reflect on how we can contribute positively to our neighborhoods and support one another, similar to how the tribes of Israel worked together. This verse serves as a reminder of the value of community, family ties, and the importance of having a place to call home.
What does the term 'inheritance' mean in this context?
In the context of Joshua 13:28, 'inheritance' refers to the land and resources allocated to the tribe of Gad as part of God's promise to the Israelites. It signifies not just ownership of land but also the responsibilities and opportunities that come with it. This inheritance was a vital aspect of their identity and livelihood, ensuring that each clan had a specific area to cultivate and develop.

The Book of Joshua
1: God Commissions Joshua
After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.
Unlock the full Joshua summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Joshua — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Joshua 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.