So the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance.

JOSHUA 16:4KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 16:4 (KJV)

What does Joshua 16:4 mean?

Joshua 16:4 states that the descendants of Joseph, specifically the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, received their allotted share of land as their inheritance in Canaan. This verse marks the formal division of territory to these two tribes among the people of Israel.

The verse comes as part of a larger section where Joshua, acting as leader after Moses, oversees the distribution of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel. Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, are treated as separate tribes, each receiving a distinct portion, reflecting earlier promises and blessings given to Joseph’s family.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 16:4

  • children (בְּנֵי, bnei): This word refers to the descendants or sons, emphasizing that it is not just Joseph’s immediate sons but the larger tribal groups descended from him who receive the inheritance.
  • inheritance (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This word means a portion or possession given as a permanent family holding. It highlights that the land given to Manasseh and Ephraim is not just a temporary allotment but a lasting heritage within Israel.

Why Joshua 16:4 matters

  • Joshua 16:4 clarifies that both Manasseh and Ephraim, though both sons of Joseph, are treated as full tribes with their own territories, rather than being merged into a single tribe of Joseph.
  • The verse connects back to earlier promises made to Joseph in Genesis, showing the fulfillment of God’s word to the patriarchs.
  • This distribution sets the stage for the later history of these tribes, who would play significant roles in the unfolding story of Israel in the land.

Where else these words appear

“inheritance” Hebrew H5157 · used in 59 verses

  • Exodus 23:30 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.
  • Deuteronomy 19:3 Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.
  • Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

“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.