And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance.

JOSHUA 18:2KJV
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Joshua 18:2 (KJV)

What does Joshua 18:2 mean?

Joshua 18:2 describes how, at this point in Israel’s history, there were still seven tribes among the Israelites who had not yet received their allotted land in Canaan. The verse notes that the process of dividing the land for each tribe was not yet complete for these seven groups.

The book of Joshua records the Israelites settling in the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt. Joshua, their leader, is overseeing the distribution of land among the twelve tribes. By chapter 18, some tribes have already received their inheritance, but seven tribes are still waiting for their specific portions to be assigned.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 18:2

  • "remained" (יָתַר, yāṯar): This word often means "to be left over" or "to be left behind." Here, it highlights that these seven tribes were still waiting, not yet settled like the others.
  • "received" (חָלַק, ḥālaq): This word means "to divide" or "to apportion." In this context, it refers to the formal process of dividing the land among the tribes, showing that the inheritance was something given, not taken.
  • "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, naḥălāh): This word means "possession" or "heritage," emphasizing that the land was not just property, but a lasting gift or legacy for each tribe.

Why Joshua 18:2 matters

  • Joshua 18:2 clarifies that the conquest of the land was not the end of Israel’s journey; the fair and orderly distribution of land was also a crucial step.
  • The verse sets up the following chapters, where Joshua will organize the remaining tribes and ensure everyone receives their inheritance, showing his leadership and the importance of order.
  • This verse helps readers see that God’s promises to Israel involved both victory and the practical details of settling and living in the land.

Where else these words appear

“received” Hebrew H2505 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.
  • Proverbs 7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

“remained” 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: