What number verse is Joshua 19:31 in the Bible?

Joshua 19:31 is the 6,353rd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Joshua 19:31 sits at position 6,353.

19:3019:30

Joshua 19:31

Q: What is the significance of the land being divided "according to their families"?

The phrase "according to their families" (Hebrew: *mišpāḥāh*) is highly significant because it emphasizes that the land was not merely a collective tribal possession but was specifically allocated to the individual family units within each tribe. This divinely ordained principle ensured that every household had a secure, hereditary portion of land, which was vital for their economic sustenance, social standing, and the continuity of their lineage. It reflected the patriarchal structure of Israelite society and God's meticulous care for the individual family as the foundational unit of the nation. This system prevented the concentration of wealth and land in a few hands, promoting a more equitable distribution of resources and ensuring that the blessings of the inheritance were broadly shared, reinforcing the idea that God provides for all His people, as seen in the instructions for land division in Numbers 33:54.

19:3219:32

Translation

King James Version

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.

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KJV (with Strong's)

This is the inheritance ^H5159 of the tribe ^H4294 of the children ^H1121 of Asher ^H836 according to their families ^H4940, these cities ^H5892 with their villages ^H2691.

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Complete Jewish Bible

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the descendants of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.

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Berean Standard Bible

This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Asher, including these cities and their villages.

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American Standard Version

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.

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World English Bible Messianic

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families: that is, these cities and their villages.

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Young's Literal Translation

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Asher, for their families, these cities and their villages.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Joshua 19:31 serves as the conclusive statement for the land allocation to the tribe of Asher, formally declaring that the enumerated cities and their surrounding villages constituted their complete and rightful inheritance. This verse marks the culmination of God's faithful promise to provide a permanent homeland for Asher's families, meticulously defining their portion within the Promised Land as part of the larger tribal distribution overseen by Joshua.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Joshua 19:31 brings to a close the specific description of the territory allotted to the tribe of Asher, which commenced in Joshua 19:24. This verse functions as a formal declaration, solidifying the boundaries and possessions previously enumerated in the preceding verses, Joshua 19:25-30. It is an integral part of a larger literary unit within the book of Joshua (chapters 13-19) that meticulously details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel, thereby fulfilling the divine command given to Moses and Joshua. Each tribal allotment typically concludes with a similar summary statement, underscoring the finality, divine authority, and methodical nature behind the distribution, as seen with other tribes like Zebulun in Joshua 19:16. This systematic approach highlights the orderly fulfillment of God's covenant promises to His people.
Historical & Cultural Context: Following the successful conquest of Canaan, the division of the land was a foundational and critical step in establishing Israel as a settled nation, transitioning from nomadic wanderers to a land-owning society. In ancient Israelite culture, land was far more than mere property; it was the bedrock of tribal identity, economic stability, and social structure. Each tribe, and crucially, each family within that tribe, received an inalienable inheritance (nachalah) that was intended to be passed down through generations, ensuring continuity and preventing the accumulation of vast tracts of land by a select few. This divinely ordained system ensured that every family had a stake in the nation's well-being and a secure means of livelihood. The phrase "according to their families" highlights the paramount importance of the patriarchal family unit (mishpachah) as the fundamental building block of Israelite society and the primary recipient of the land's benefits, ensuring equitable distribution and the preservation of tribal lineages.
Key Themes: This concluding verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores Divine Faithfulness—God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, now meticulously fulfilled through the land's distribution, as prophesied in Genesis 15:18. It also highlights Divine Order and Specificity, demonstrating that God's provision is not haphazard but precisely detailed, down to "cities with their villages" for each family, reflecting His meticulous care and sovereign plan. Furthermore, the concept of "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachalah) is central, signifying not just a physical possession but a secure, divinely granted portion that defined the Identity and Belonging of the tribe of Asher within the nation of Israel, securing their future and place in God's redemptive plan. This land was their designated place of rest and blessing, a tangible sign of God's presence among them, confirming the promises of rest and security found throughout the book, as affirmed in Joshua 21:43-45.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Inheritance (Hebrew, nachălâh', H5159): This term denotes something inherited, an occupancy, or an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony, or portion. In this context, it signifies more than mere property; it is a divinely granted, permanent possession, emphasizing the secure and rightful claim of Asher to their allotted territory. This "inheritance" is a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises, defining Asher's identity and future within the Promised Land.
Families (Hebrew, mishpâchâh', H4940): This word refers to a family, i.e., a circle of relatives, or by extension, a tribe or people. Its inclusion here underscores that the land was not merely given to the tribe as a collective, but was meticulously distributed and secured for each family unit or clan within Asher. This detail highlights the equitable and structured nature of the land division, ensuring that every household had a stake and a future, promoting social stability and preventing landlessness.
Villages (Hebrew, châtsêr', H2691): This term refers to a yard (as enclosed by a fence) or a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls). In this verse, it specifies the smaller settlements and surrounding agricultural lands connected to the main cities. This detail emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Asher's inheritance, encompassing not just urban centers but also the vital rural areas necessary for sustenance and livelihood, ensuring a complete and viable territory for the tribe.

Verse Breakdown

"This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher": This opening clause functions as a formal, declarative statement, identifying the specific portion of land designated for the tribe of Asher. The use of "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachalah) immediately establishes the divine nature of the gift, emphasizing that this land is a permanent, divinely sanctioned possession, not merely a temporary allocation. It signifies the fulfillment of God's ancient promises to provide a homeland for His people, rooting Asher's claim in God's sovereign will.
"according to their families": This crucial phrase clarifies the internal principle governing the land's distribution. The land was not merely given to the tribe as a collective, undifferentiated entity, but was meticulously divided among the various family units or clans within Asher. This ensured equity, acknowledged the patriarchal structure of Israelite society, and guaranteed that every household had a secure place and means of livelihood within their tribal territory, reflecting God's care for the individual within the larger community.
"these cities with their villages": This specifies the physical components and extent of Asher's inheritance. It refers back to the detailed list of towns and their surrounding agricultural lands and smaller settlements provided in the preceding verses, such as those mentioned in Joshua 19:25-30. This concrete enumeration underscores the precise and tangible nature of God's provision, leaving no ambiguity about the full scope of Asher's divinely appointed territory and ensuring their self-sufficiency.

Literary Devices

Joshua 19:31 functions primarily as a Summary Statement or Concluding Formula, a common literary device used throughout the land division accounts (e.g., for Simeon in Joshua 19:8 and for Naphtali in Joshua 19:39). This Repetition of a concluding formula for each tribe reinforces the methodical, exhaustive, and divinely authorized nature of the land distribution, emphasizing its completeness and finality. The verse also employs Legal Language or a Formal Declaration, giving the impression of a binding legal document or decree, which underscores the permanent and inalienable nature of the inheritance. This formal tone contributes to the overall Fulfillment Narrative of the book of Joshua, demonstrating that God's promises are not vague abstractions but are precisely and tangibly brought to fruition for His people.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Joshua 19:31, while seemingly an administrative detail, is profoundly theological. It stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises. The land, as an "inheritance," is a tangible sign of God's enduring commitment to His people, providing them with a secure place of rest and belonging after generations of wandering. This physical inheritance foreshadows the greater spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ, emphasizing God's sovereign provision and the security found in His will. Just as Asher received a specific, divinely appointed portion, so too does God have a unique plan and place for each of His children, rooted in His unchangeable character and grace. This verse reminds us that God's promises are concrete and dependable.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Joshua 19:31, though set in the historical context of ancient Israel, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He meticulously parceled out land to each family in Asher, He orchestrates the details of our lives with intentionality and care. We can find immense security and peace in knowing that our "inheritance" in Christ—our salvation, our spiritual blessings, our eternal home—is not haphazard but divinely secured and guaranteed. This verse encourages us to trust in God's specific provision for us, to appreciate the unique place and purpose He has for our lives, and to rest in the certainty of His promises, knowing that He is faithful to complete what He has begun. Our true security is found not in earthly possessions, but in our belonging to Him and our share in His eternal kingdom, a gift far more precious and permanent than any land.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail of Asher's inheritance speak to God's character and His care for individual lives today?
In what ways do you see God's faithfulness to His promises being fulfilled in your own life, even in seemingly small details?
What does it mean for you personally to have an "inheritance" in Christ, and how does this spiritual reality bring you peace and security?
How can recognizing God's specific provision for you lead to greater contentment and a deeper trust in His sovereign plan?

FAQ

Why is so much detail given to land distribution in the book of Joshua?

Answer: The extensive detail regarding land distribution in Joshua, including verses like Joshua 19:31, is crucial for several profound reasons. Firstly, it serves as irrefutable evidence of the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham that his descendants would indeed inherit the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7). Secondly, it established the legal and social framework for the nascent nation of Israel, defining clear tribal boundaries, securing family inheritances, and ensuring long-term stability. Each tribe and family had a specific, God-given place, which was foundational to their identity, livelihood, and social order. Thirdly, it underscores the orderly and just nature of God's provision, demonstrating that the land was not seized chaotically but distributed meticulously by divine oversight, often by lot and according to family size, as commanded in Numbers 26:55-56. This detailed account reinforces the theological truth that God is faithful to His word and brings His plans to precise fruition.

What is the significance of the land being divided "according to their families"?

Answer: The phrase "according to their families" (Hebrew: mišpāḥāh) is highly significant because it emphasizes that the land was not merely a collective tribal possession but was specifically allocated to the individual family units within each tribe. This divinely ordained principle ensured that every household had a secure, hereditary portion of land, which was vital for their economic sustenance, social standing, and the continuity of their lineage. It reflected the patriarchal structure of Israelite society and God's meticulous care for the individual family as the foundational unit of the nation. This system prevented the concentration of wealth and land in a few hands, promoting a more equitable distribution of resources and ensuring that the blessings of the inheritance were broadly shared, reinforcing the idea that God provides for all His people, as seen in the instructions for land division in Numbers 33:54.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Joshua 19:31 describes a physical land inheritance in ancient Canaan, its deeper, ultimate fulfillment is found in Christ. The land of promise, with its rest and security, serves as a powerful type and shadow of the spiritual inheritance and eternal rest that believers receive in Jesus. Just as Asher's families received a specific, divinely appointed portion of land, so too do believers receive an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). Christ Himself is our true and eternal inheritance, the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, providing us with a security and belonging far beyond any earthly territory (Colossians 1:12). He is our Sabbath rest, the one who brings us into the promised land of God's presence and blessing, a rest that remains for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9-10). Through His finished work on the cross, we are adopted into God's family and become co-heirs with Christ, receiving the Holy Spirit as a down payment of our glorious future (Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:13-14). Thus, the meticulous division of land in Joshua points forward to the precise and perfect provision of salvation and eternal life offered to all who are in Christ, securing our place in God's eternal kingdom.

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Commentary on Joshua 19 verses 24–31

24 ¶ And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.

25 And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph,

26 And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath;

27 And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand,

28 And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon;

29 And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:

30 Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages.

31 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.

The lot of Asher lay upon the coast of the great sea. We read not of any famous person of this tribe but Anna the prophetess, who was a constant resident in the temple at the time of our Saviour's birth, Luk 2:36. Nor were there many famous places in this tribe. Aphek (mentioned Jos 19:30) was the place near which Benhadad was beaten by Ahad, Kg1 20:30. But close adjoining to this tribe were the celebrated sea-port towns of Tyre and Sidon, which we read so much of. Tyre is called here that strong city (Jos 19:29), but Bishop Patrick thinks it was not the same Tyre that we read of afterwards, for that was built on an island; this old strong city was on the continent. And it is conjectured by some that into these two strong-holds, Sidon and Tzor, or Tyre, many of the people of Canaan fled and took shelter when Joshua invaded them.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 24–31. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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