Joshua 18:5

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north.

Complete Jewish Bible:

They are to divide it into seven portions, with Y'hudah remaining in its territory to the south and the house of Yosef in their territory to the north.

Berean Standard Bible:

and divide the land into seven portions. Judah shall remain in their territory in the south, and the house of Joseph shall remain in their territory in the north.

American Standard Version:

And they shall divide it into seven portions: Judah shall abide in his border on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their border on the north.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And they shall divide{H2505} it into seven{H7651} parts{H2506}: Judah{H3063} shall abide{H5975} in their coast{H1366} on the south{H5045}, and the house{H1004} of Joseph{H3130} shall abide{H5975} in their coasts{H1366} on the north{H6828}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Joshua 19:1

  • ¶ And the second lot came forth to Simeon, [even] for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.

Joshua 19:9

  • Out of the portion of the children of Judah [was] the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.

Joshua 16:1

  • ¶ And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, unto the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goeth up from Jericho throughout mount Bethel,

Joshua 16:10

  • And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.

Joshua 15:1

  • ¶ [This] then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; [even] to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward [was] the uttermost part of the south coast.

Joshua 15:12

  • And the west border [was] to the great sea, and the coast [thereof]. This [is] the coast of the children of Judah round about according to their families.

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Commentary for Joshua 18:5

Joshua 18:5 is a verse that outlines the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes after their entry into the Promised Land. The historical context of this verse is set during the period when the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, were in the process of conquering and settling the land that God had promised to their ancestors.

The verse specifically addresses the geographical allotment for two major tribal groups: Judah and the house of Joseph. It indicates that the land would be divided into seven parts, which refers to the seven tribal territories yet to be assigned at that point in the narrative. The tribe of Judah is designated to occupy the southern region, while the house of Joseph, which includes the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, is to settle in the northern parts of Canaan.

This division reflects the broader theme of the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites, as the allocation of land was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to His people. It also underscores the importance of inheritance and the establishment of tribal boundaries, which were crucial for the social and political organization of the Israelite nation. The verse emphasizes the orderly and systematic approach to land distribution, ensuring that each tribe had a distinct territory, which would help maintain peace and order among the tribes.

In summary, Joshua 18:5 captures a moment in the historical settlement of the Israelites in Canaan, detailing the territorial allotments for Judah and the house of Joseph. It highlights themes of divine promise, inheritance, and the establishment of tribal identity within the newly formed nation of Israel.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H2505
    There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חָלַק
    Transliteration: châlaq
    Pronunciation: khaw-lak'
    Description: a primitive root; to be smooth (figuratively); by implication (as smooth stones were used for lots) to apportion or separate; deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er).
  2. Strong's Number: H7651
    There are 345 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שֶׁבַע
    Transliteration: shebaʻ
    Pronunciation: sheh'-bah
    Description: or (masculine) (שִׁבְעָה); from שָׁבַע; a primitive cardinal number; seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number; ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare שִׁבְעָנָה.
  3. Strong's Number: H2506
    There are 63 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חֵלֶק
    Transliteration: chêleq
    Pronunciation: khay'lek
    Description: from חָלַק; properly, smoothness (of the tongue); also an allotment; flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion.
  4. Strong's Number: H3063
    There are 754 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יְהוּדָה
    Transliteration: Yᵉhûwdâh
    Pronunciation: yeh-hoo-daw'
    Description: from יָדָה; celebrated; Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory; Judah.
  5. Strong's Number: H5975
    There are 495 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עָמַד
    Transliteration: ʻâmad
    Pronunciation: aw-mad'
    Description: a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.
  6. Strong's Number: H1366
    There are 196 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: גְּבוּל
    Transliteration: gᵉbûwl
    Pronunciation: gheb-ool'
    Description: or גְּבֻל; (shortened) from גָּבַל; properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e. (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed; border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space.
  7. Strong's Number: H5045
    There are 98 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נֶגֶב
    Transliteration: negeb
    Pronunciation: neh'-gheb
    Description: from an unused root meaning to be parched; the south (from its drought); specifically, the Negeb or southern district of Judah, occasionally, Egypt (as south to Palestine); south (country, side, -ward).
  8. Strong's Number: H1004
    There are 1718 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בַּיִת
    Transliteration: bayith
    Pronunciation: bah'-yith
    Description: probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out).
  9. Strong's Number: H3130
    There are 193 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יוֹסֵף
    Transliteration: Yôwçêph
    Pronunciation: yo-safe'
    Description: future of יָסַף; let him add (or perhaps simply active participle adding); Joseph, the name of seven Israelites; Joseph. Compare יְהוֹסֵף.
  10. Strong's Number: H6828
    There are 141 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: צָפוֹן
    Transliteration: tsâphôwn
    Pronunciation: tsaw-fone'
    Description: or צָפֹן; from צָפַן; properly, hidden, i.e. dark; used only of the north as aquarter (gloomy and unknown); north(-ern, side, -ward, wind).