Joshua 17:6 (KJV)

What does Joshua 17:6 mean?

Joshua 17:6 explains that the daughters of Manasseh received a share of land as their inheritance among Manasseh’s sons, while the remaining sons of Manasseh were given the land of Gilead. This verse highlights that both sons and daughters were allotted land within the tribe of Manasseh.

The context is the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, overseen by Joshua. The daughters mentioned here are the daughters of Zelophehad, who had earlier appealed for an inheritance because their father had no sons. This verse shows that their request was honored, and it sets them alongside the male heirs in receiving land.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 17:6

• "daughters" (בַּת, bat): This word specifically refers to female descendants. Its use here is significant because inheritance typically passed through sons, so the mention of daughters signals an exception.
• "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This word means a portion of land or property passed down within a family. Its use for the daughters underlines their full legal standing in this case.
• "among" (בְּתוֹךְ, betokh): This word means "in the midst of" or "among." It emphasizes that the daughters’ inheritance was not separate or secondary, but given alongside the sons.

Why Joshua 17:6 matters

• Joshua 17:6 clarifies that the daughters of Manasseh were treated as rightful heirs, which was unusual in the ancient context and shows a specific legal decision in Israel’s history.
• This verse connects to earlier events in Numbers 27, where the daughters of Zelophehad made their case, and demonstrates that their request was followed through in practice.
• The verse highlights the fairness and inclusiveness in the distribution of land, showing that the community honored commitments made to individuals, regardless of gender.