Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead.

JOSHUA 17:6KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“had” 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.

“rest” Hebrew H3498 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 30:36 And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
  • Joshua 21:5 And the rest of the children of Kohath had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim, and out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh, ten cities.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:

“Gilead” Hebrew H1568 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
  • Judges 10:18 And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
  • 2 Kings 9:4 So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramothgilead.

“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.