Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

JOSHUA 17:12KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 17:12 (KJV)

What does Joshua 17:12 mean?

Joshua 17:12 states that the tribe of Manasseh was unable to drive out the people living in certain cities, so the Canaanites continued to live in that land. This verse highlights a failure to fully remove the original inhabitants as the Israelites settled in the promised territory.

The context is the division of land among the tribes of Israel after their conquest of Canaan. The verse describes how, despite being allotted territory, the descendants of Manasseh could not expel the Canaanites from some cities. This detail sets up later tensions and challenges, showing that Israel’s occupation of the land was incomplete in some areas.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 17:12

  • The word "could" (יָכֹל, yakhol) means "to be able" or "to have power." Here, it emphasizes that the Manassites lacked the ability or strength to remove the Canaanites, not just the will.
  • The word "would" (אָבָה, avah) is often understood as "to be willing" or "to consent." In this verse, it suggests that the Canaanites were determined to stay and resisted being driven out, showing their stubbornness or resolve.
  • The word "dwell" (יָשַׁב, yashav) means "to sit" or "to remain." It underscores that the Canaanites continued to live in the land, maintaining their presence despite Israelite efforts.

Why Joshua 17:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s conquest of Canaan was not total; some local populations remained, which would later influence Israel’s history and struggles.
  • The verse highlights both the limitations of the tribe of Manasseh and the determination of the Canaanites, showing that the process of settling the land was complex and contested.
  • It connects to the broader theme in Joshua and Judges of incomplete obedience and its consequences for Israel’s future.

Where else these words appear

“would” Hebrew H2974 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
  • Judges 1:35 But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.
  • 2 Kings 5:23 And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.

“Canaanites” Hebrew H3669 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 10:18 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.
  • Numbers 14:45 Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.
  • Judges 1:4 And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.

“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 17:5 And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;
  • 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.