But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.

JOSHUA 17:18KJV
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Joshua 17:18 (KJV)

What does Joshua 17:18 mean?

Joshua 17:18 promises the descendants of Joseph that they will possess the forested mountain land, even though it is currently covered with trees and occupied by strong Canaanites with iron chariots. The verse assures them that, despite these challenges, they will be able to clear the land and drive out its inhabitants.

Joshua is speaking to the tribe of Joseph (which includes Ephraim and Manasseh), addressing their concerns about not having enough land. He tells them that the wooded hill country will belong to them if they are willing to clear it, and that they will overcome the Canaanites living there, even though these enemies are well-equipped and powerful.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 17:18

  • "mountain" (הַר, har): This word refers to the hilly or mountainous region being offered to the tribe, emphasizing that the land is not flat or easy to cultivate but requires effort to settle.
  • "wood" (יָעַר, ya'ar): This highlights that the land is forested, meaning it is not immediately ready for farming or building and will require the people to clear the trees.
  • "outgoings" (תּוֹצָאָה, totza'ah): This word can refer to the borders or the extent of the land, suggesting that the tribe will possess not just the central area but also its farthest reaches.
  • "iron" (בַּרְזֶל, barzel) and "chariots" (רֶכֶב, rekhev): Mentioning iron chariots underlines the military strength of the Canaanites, showing that the challenge is real and not just about clearing trees but also about facing a formidable enemy.

Why Joshua 17:18 matters

  • Joshua 17:18 clarifies that the land given to the tribe of Joseph is not limited to easy or already-cleared areas; it includes challenging terrain that requires effort and courage to claim.
  • The verse addresses a common misunderstanding that God’s promises always come easily; here, the people must work hard and face strong opposition to receive their inheritance.
  • This verse connects to the broader theme in Joshua of trusting God’s promises even when circumstances look difficult, and it shows that the boundaries of the land are not fixed by current obstacles but by God’s assurance.

Where else these words appear

“outgoings” Hebrew H8444 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 34:4 And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon:
  • Joshua 15:11 And the border went out unto the side of Ekron northward: and the border was drawn to Shicron, and passed along to mount Baalah, and went out unto Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were at the sea.
  • Joshua 19:14 And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel:

“down” Hebrew H1254 · used in 46 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Psalms 89:47 Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
  • Isaiah 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

“strong” Hebrew H2389 · used in 54 verses

  • Exodus 3:19 And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.
  • Deuteronomy 26:8 And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:
  • Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.

“wood” Hebrew H3293 · used in 58 verses

  • Deuteronomy 19:5 As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live:
  • Psalms 96:12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
  • Isaiah 56:9 All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.