Joshua 16:4

KJV

So the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the children {H1121} of Joseph {H3130}, Manasseh {H4519} and Ephraim {H669}, took their inheritance {H5157}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the descendants of Yosef, M'nasheh and Efrayim took the inheritance.

Berean Standard Bible

So Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, received their inheritance.

American Standard Version

And the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 16:4 precisely records the pivotal moment when the descendants of Joseph, specifically the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, formally received their allotted territory within the Promised Land. This concise declaration marks the commencement of the detailed geographical descriptions of their inheritances, signifying the tangible fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises regarding the land and firmly establishing the tribal identities and distinct portions for Joseph's two sons within the nascent nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the extensive land distribution narrative of [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - Division of the Land"), which meticulously details the allocation of Canaan among the Israelite tribes following their conquest. After a general overview of unconquered territories in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Unconquered Land and Tribal Allotments"), the book transitions to specific tribal inheritances, moving from the eastern tribes to the western allotments centered at Shiloh. [Joshua 16](/joshua/16 "Joshua 16 - The Territory of Ephraim") initiates the description of the central portion designated for the "children of Joseph." Joshua 16:4 serves as a crucial introductory statement, setting the stage for the intricate boundary descriptions of Ephraim in [Joshua 16:5-10](/joshua/16-5-10 "Joshua 16:5-10 - Ephraim's Territory") and Manasseh in [Joshua 17:1-13](/joshua/17-1-13 "Joshua 17:1-13 - Manasseh's Territory"), thereby highlighting the administrative and theological significance of this divinely ordained land distribution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land was far more than a logistical exercise; it was a profound theological act, deeply rooted in God's covenant promises to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For ancient Israel, land was inextricably linked to their identity as God's chosen people, their security, and the tangible manifestation of divine blessing. The process of dividing the land "by lot," as recorded in [Joshua 18:10](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Land Divided by Lot"), was understood as a sacred method of divine allocation, ensuring that the distribution reflected God's sovereign will rather than mere human decision-making. Culturally, the concept of "inheritance" (Hebrew: *nachalah*) was paramount, signifying a permanent, inalienable possession passed down through generations, underscoring the enduring nature of God's gift. The unique status of Ephraim and Manasseh, receiving a double portion as two distinct tribes from one son, Joseph, directly fulfills Jacob's prophetic blessing in [Genesis 48:5-6](/genesis/48-5-6 "Genesis 48:5-6 - Jacob's Blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh"), elevating them to the status of tribal founders alongside Jacob's direct sons.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 16:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **fulfillment of divine promise**, as God's ancient pledge to give the land of Canaan to Abraham's descendants (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")) is tangibly realized. Secondly, the concept of **inheritance and possession** is central; the land is not merely conquered territory but a divinely bestowed heritage, emphasizing God's provision and the Israelites' rightful claim as His covenant people. This inheritance was foundational for their identity and a place for covenant living. Finally, the verse highlights **tribal identity and unity within diversity**. While the "children of Joseph" are initially grouped, the subsequent verses meticulously detail the distinct territories of Ephraim and Manasseh, affirming their individual tribal identities while acknowledging their shared lineage. This reflects the intricate organization of the twelve tribes under God's sovereign plan, each with its unique role and portion within the unified nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." In this context, "children of Joseph" refers collectively to his descendants, specifically his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were elevated to the status of independent tribes by Jacob ([Genesis 48](/genesis/48 "Genesis 48 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh")). This unique designation highlights their shared lineage and the special blessing bestowed upon Joseph, resulting in a "double portion" of land compared to other single tribes. It underscores their prominence and the fulfillment of patriarchal blessings.
* **Joseph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph'_):** From H3130, meaning "let him add." Joseph, the son of Jacob, held a unique and pivotal role in the patriarchal narrative, saving his family from famine and setting the stage for Israel's growth in Egypt. His two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were adopted by Jacob and given tribal status, ensuring Joseph's legacy would be perpetuated through two distinct, prominent tribes, thereby receiving a "double portion" of the inheritance in the Promised Land.
* **inheritance (Hebrew, _nâchal'_):** From H5157, a primitive root meaning "to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate." This crucial term denotes a possession, property, or heritage, often specifically referring to land received as an enduring legacy. It carries strong theological weight, emphasizing that the land of Canaan was not merely a conquered territory or a temporary holding, but a permanent, divinely apportioned gift from God to His people. It signifies a covenantal blessing and a perpetual right of ownership, foundational to Israel's identity and future. The phrase "took their inheritance" uses a form of this root, signifying both the act of receiving and the permanent possession of the allotted land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the children of Joseph":** This introductory phrase connects the verse to the preceding narrative of land distribution, specifically setting apart the descendants of Joseph for their unique allocation. It establishes the collective identity of Ephraim and Manasseh as a single unit for the purpose of receiving their portion of the land, emphasizing their shared patriarchal origin.
* **"Manasseh and Ephraim,":** This clause immediately clarifies who the "children of Joseph" are, explicitly naming the two tribes. It highlights their distinct identities despite their shared patriarchal lineage, emphasizing that each would receive its own separate, yet contiguous, territory. This reflects the fulfillment of Jacob's blessing where Ephraim, the younger, was blessed above Manasseh, the elder, receiving prominence.
* **"took their inheritance.":** This concluding phrase succinctly states the central action and outcome of the verse. It signifies the formal and actual reception of their allotted territory. The use of "took" (derived from the root *nâchal*, "to inherit") implies an active engagement in possessing what was divinely given, affirming the completion of the land distribution process for these prominent tribes and the tangible fulfillment of God's promises. It underscores the secure and permanent nature of their possession.

#### Literary Devices
The conciseness of Joshua 16:4 is itself a powerful **literary device**, functioning as a brief, declarative statement that carries immense theological weight. It serves as a **summary statement**, encapsulating the culmination of a long-awaited divine promise and setting the stage for the detailed geographical descriptions that follow. The verse employs **metonymy** by referring to "the children of Joseph" to represent the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, a common biblical practice that connects the tribal identity back to its patriarchal founder. Furthermore, the declaration of "took their inheritance" acts as a form of **fulfillment language**, signifying the tangible realization of God's covenant faithfulness, which has been a driving narrative force since the call of Abraham. This brief verse, therefore, is packed with narrative progression and theological affirmation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 16:4 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the reliability of His covenant promises. The act of the "children of Joseph" taking their inheritance is the tangible manifestation of centuries of divine pledges, from the initial promise of land to Abraham to Jacob's specific blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh. This verse underscores that God is not only a promise-maker but also a promise-keeper, meticulously orchestrating events to bring His word to pass. It highlights the concept of "inheritance" not as a human achievement, but as a divine gift, a secure possession provided by a sovereign God for His people. This physical inheritance in Canaan foreshadows a greater spiritual inheritance, reminding believers that God's provisions are always sure, whether in earthly blessings or eternal realities.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God Promises Land to Abraham")
* [Genesis 48:5](/genesis/48-5 "Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Our Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 16:4, though a historical record of land distribution, offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous faithfulness to His promises. Just as He diligently fulfilled His word to the Israelites by providing them with their physical inheritance, so too does He fulfill His spiritual promises to believers in Christ. This should cultivate a deep sense of trust and security in God's character. We are called to "take" our spiritual inheritance by faith, actively receiving the blessings and provisions He has prepared for us in Christ. This includes not only salvation and eternal life but also the daily strength, guidance, and peace offered by the Holy Spirit. The careful and orderly division of the land also speaks to God's precision and justice, encouraging us to trust in His perfect plan and timing for our lives, knowing that He has an inheritance prepared for us, both in this life and in eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fulfillment of God's promise to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness to His promises in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you actively "take" or appropriate the spiritual inheritance you have in Christ, as described in the New Testament?**
* **What does the concept of a divinely given "inheritance" teach us about God's provision and our security in Him?**

### FAQ
**Why are Ephraim and Manasseh referred to as "children of Joseph" and given separate inheritances, effectively creating two tribes from one son?**

Answer: This unique arrangement stems directly from the patriarchal blessing given by Jacob (Israel) to Joseph and his two sons in [Genesis 48](/genesis/48 "Genesis 48 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh"). In this passage, Jacob formally adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, placing them on par with Reuben and Simeon, his firstborns. This adoption meant that Joseph, through his sons, received a "double portion" of the inheritance, a privilege typically reserved for the firstborn. Consequently, instead of Joseph's descendants forming a single tribe, Ephraim and Manasseh each became distinct tribes with their own tribal identities and, as seen in [Joshua 16](/joshua/16 "Joshua 16 - The Territory of Ephraim") and [Joshua 17](/joshua/17 "Joshua 17 - The Territory of Manasseh"), their own separate land allotments within the Promised Land. This fulfilled Jacob's prophetic blessing and underscored Joseph's significant role in preserving the family of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 16:4 describes a physical inheritance of land, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper theological significance are found in Christ. The concept of "inheritance" in the Old Testament, particularly the Promised Land, serves as a powerful type and shadow of the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Jesus. Just as the Israelites "took their inheritance" through conquest and divine decree, so too do believers "take" their inheritance in Christ, not by physical struggle, but by faith in His finished work. Jesus is the true and ultimate "Promised Land," our eternal rest and secure possession. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He has secured for us an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The physical boundaries and tribal allotments in Joshua foreshadow the boundless spiritual blessings and the eternal dwelling place God prepares for His people in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Christ, as the [heir of all things](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things"), grants us co-heirship with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), transforming the earthly promise of land into the glorious reality of eternal life and communion with God Himself.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 17:14

¶ And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me [but] one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I [am] a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?