Joshua 16:10 (KJV)

What does Joshua 16:10 mean?

Joshua 16:10 explains that the tribe of Ephraim did not drive out the Canaanite people living in Gezer, so the Canaanites continued to live among them and were forced to work for them and pay tribute. This verse highlights that the original inhabitants remained in the land, living under the control of the Israelites but not removed.

This verse is part of the account describing how the land was divided among the tribes of Israel after they entered Canaan. The focus here is on Ephraim’s territory and their incomplete conquest of Gezer. Instead of removing the Canaanites as instructed earlier in the book, the Ephraimites allowed them to stay, requiring them to serve and pay taxes.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 16:10

• "out" (יָרַשׁ, yarash): This word often means to dispossess or drive out, not just physically remove but also to take over ownership or control. The verse notes that this did not fully happen in Gezer.
• "serve" (עָבַד, avad): This word means to work or serve, and here it refers to the Canaanites being made to serve the Israelites, likely as forced labor or under some form of subjugation.
• "tribute" (מַס, mas): This term refers to forced labor or a tax. The Canaanites were not simply neighbors; they were required to pay or serve in a way that benefited the Ephraimites.

Why Joshua 16:10 matters

• Joshua 16:10 clarifies that the conquest of Canaan was not complete, and some Canaanite groups remained in the land, which would have ongoing effects for Israel’s history.
• The verse emphasizes the difference between total removal and subjugation; the Israelites did not fully obey the earlier command to drive out the inhabitants, choosing instead to make them serve.
• This detail connects to later passages where the continued presence of Canaanites leads to challenges for Israel, showing the long-term consequences of incomplete obedience.