Old Testament
Numbers 32:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Moses told them, "If the men of Gad and Reuben cross the Jordan with you—every man armed for battle before the LORD—and the land is conquered, then you must give them the land of Gilead as their territory.
Compare translations
And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the LORD, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession:
What Numbers 32:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Moses addresses the tribes of Gad and Reuben, who have expressed a desire to settle in the land of Gilead rather than cross the Jordan River into Canaan. He sets a condition for them: if they are willing to join the other Israelites in battle and help conquer the land, then they will be granted Gilead as their inheritance. This reflects the importance of unity and shared responsibility among the tribes of Israel. Moses emphasizes that their commitment to fight alongside their fellow Israelites is crucial for the success of the conquest. The verse highlights the principle of mutual support and the need for each tribe to contribute to the collective goal of entering and possessing the Promised Land. It also underscores the idea that rewards come from fulfilling obligations and standing together in times of challenge.
How to apply Numbers 32:29 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of standing together and supporting one another in our endeavors. Just as the tribes were called to fight for their brothers, we too should be willing to help others achieve their goals, ensuring that we all benefit from our collective efforts.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 32:29
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 32:29
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 32:29 mean?
In Numbers 32:29, Moses tells the tribes of Gad and Reuben that if they help the Israelites conquer the land by crossing the Jordan and fighting, they will receive Gilead as their inheritance. This emphasizes the importance of unity and shared responsibility among the tribes.
What is the significance of Gilead in Numbers 32:29?
Gilead represents the land that the tribes of Gad and Reuben desire as their inheritance. Moses conditions their claim to this land on their commitment to support the other tribes in battle, highlighting the principle of mutual support.
How does Numbers 32:29 relate to teamwork?
Numbers 32:29 illustrates the concept of teamwork by showing that the tribes must work together to achieve victory. The verse teaches that individual success is tied to the commitment to support and fight for one another.
What lesson can we learn from Numbers 32:29?
From Numbers 32:29, we learn the importance of standing together and supporting each other in our endeavors. Just as the tribes were called to fight for their brothers, we should also help others achieve their goals for mutual benefit.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.