Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh,

JOSHUA 13:7KJV
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Joshua 13:7 (KJV)

What does Joshua 13:7 mean?

Joshua 13:7 records God instructing Joshua to divide the land of Canaan among the Israelites, specifically assigning portions to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This verse marks the beginning of the process where the remaining land, not yet fully conquered, is to be distributed as an inheritance to these tribes.

In this setting, God is speaking to Joshua, who is now the leader of Israel after Moses. The Israelites are in the land of Canaan, and much of the territory has been subdued, but not all. The verse signals a transition from conquest to settlement, emphasizing that the land is a gift from God to be shared among the tribes, even before every part is fully under their control.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 13:7

  • "Divide" (חָלַק, ḥālaq, H2505) means to apportion or distribute. The use of this word highlights that Joshua is to actively assign specific portions of land, not just observe a general occupation.
  • "Inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, naḥălāh, H5159) refers to a permanent possession passed down within families and tribes. This underscores that the land is not just territory to live in, but a lasting gift and responsibility from God.
  • "Half" (חֵצִי, ḥētsî, H2677) and "tribe" (שֵׁבֶט, shevet, H7626) together clarify that only half of the tribe of Manasseh is included here, because the other half had already received land east of the Jordan River.

Why Joshua 13:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the division of land was not just for those who had already received their inheritance, but also for those tribes still waiting, showing God's intention for all Israel to have a share.
  • The mention of the half-tribe of Manasseh connects to earlier passages where some tribes received land east of the Jordan, helping the reader track how the inheritance was distributed.
  • Joshua 13:7 marks a turning point in the book, shifting focus from military conquest to the orderly settlement and organization of Israel in the Promised Land.

Where else these words appear

“nine” Hebrew H8672 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 5:5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.
  • Numbers 34:13 And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe:
  • 2 Kings 25:8 And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem:

“divide” Hebrew H2505 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.
  • Proverbs 7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

“half” Hebrew H2677 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
  • Joshua 14:2 By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:31 And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.

“Manasseh” Hebrew H4519 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
  • Joshua 17:6 Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.