The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.

JOSHUA 19:32KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 19:32 (KJV)

What does Joshua 19:32 mean?

Joshua 19:32 states that the sixth portion of land, determined by casting lots, was assigned to the tribe of Naphtali and distributed among their family groups. This verse marks the formal allocation of territory to Naphtali as part of the division of Canaan among the tribes of Israel.

In the context of the book of Joshua, this announcement is part of a larger process where Joshua, as the leader, oversees the distribution of the Promised Land to each tribe. The casting of lots was a way to show that the division was guided by God’s will, not human preference. The verse specifically notes the tribe of Naphtali and their families, highlighting the organized and fair nature of the inheritance.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 19:32

  • "sixth" (שֵּׁשִׁי, sheshiy): This word marks the sequence in the distribution, showing Naphtali received the sixth allotment, which helps track the order among the tribes.
  • "lot" (גּוֹרָל, goral): This term refers to the method used to assign land, often understood as drawing lots, which was seen as a way to let God decide the outcome.
  • "families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot): This word emphasizes that the land was not just given to the tribe as a whole, but carefully divided among extended family groups, ensuring each had a share.

Why Joshua 19:32 matters

  • Joshua 19:32 clarifies that the land distribution was systematic and divinely guided, not arbitrary or based on tribal power.
  • The verse connects to the broader narrative of Joshua, where each tribe’s inheritance is recorded, underlining the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.
  • By mentioning the families of Naphtali, the verse highlights the importance of community structure and fairness in ancient Israel’s society.

Where else these words appear

“sixth” Hebrew H8345 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
  • Numbers 29:29 And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
  • 1 Chronicles 26:5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him.

“Naphtali” Hebrew H5321 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 30:8 And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 1 Kings 15:20 So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.

“lot” Hebrew H1486 · used in 67 verses

  • Leviticus 16:8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
  • Joshua 19:24 And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.