And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of Entappuah.

JOSHUA 17:7KJV
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Joshua 17:7 (KJV)

What does Joshua 17:7 mean?

Joshua 17:7 describes the boundaries of the land allotted to the tribe of Manasseh, stating that their territory stretched from the area of Asher to Michmethah, which is near Shechem, and then continued along the right side toward the people living in Entappuah. This verse is part of a detailed account of how the land of Canaan was divided among the Israelite tribes.

In context, Joshua is overseeing the distribution of land after the Israelites have entered Canaan. The verse gives specific geographic markers to define Manasseh’s territory, mentioning neighboring places and people to make the borders clear. This careful description helped the Israelites know exactly which land belonged to which tribe, reducing disputes and confusion.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 17:7

  • The word "coast" (גְּבוּל, gevul) is often translated as "border" or "boundary," emphasizing that this verse is about the precise limits of tribal land, not a coastline.
  • "Hand" (יָמִין, yamin) literally means "right hand" and in this context refers to the direction the border takes, which would be to the south when facing east, helping readers visualize the route of the boundary.
  • "Before" (פְּנֵי, penei) means "in front of" or "facing," clarifying that Michmethah is positioned in relation to Shechem, giving a more exact location.

Why Joshua 17:7 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the exact territory given to Manasseh, which is important for understanding later events and disputes about land among the tribes.
  • The detailed boundaries show the care taken in dividing the land, reflecting the importance of fairness and order in the Israelite community.
  • By naming specific places and directions, the verse connects the biblical narrative to real geography, grounding the story in actual locations that were known to the original audience.

Where else these words appear

“Michmethah” Hebrew H4366 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 16:6 And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah;

“Asher” Hebrew H836 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 30:13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.
  • Numbers 26:46 And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah.
  • Judges 5:17 Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.

“Shechem” Hebrew H7927 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 12:6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
  • Joshua 20:7 And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.
  • Judges 9:31 And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against thee.

“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.