Joshua 19:39

KJV

This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the inheritance {H5159} of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Naphtali {H5321} according to their families {H4940}, the cities {H5892} and their villages {H2691}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:39 serves as the concluding summary statement for the tribal allotment of Naphtali, meticulously detailing that their inheritance, consisting of specific cities and their surrounding villages, was distributed according to their family lineages. This verse encapsulates the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating His faithfulness in providing a secure and defined homeland for one of Jacob's descendants, thereby establishing their identity and future within the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19:39 concludes the extensive account of land distribution to the tribes of Israel, a process that spans from [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land East of Jordan") through [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Allotments to Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan"). Specifically, it follows the detailed description of Naphtali's boundaries and cities in [Joshua 19:32-38](/joshua/19-32 "Joshua 19:32-38 - Naphtali's Borders and Cities"). Each tribal allotment chapter typically concludes with a summary statement similar to this verse, affirming the completion of the division for that particular tribe. This repetitive structure emphasizes the systematic and thorough nature of the land's apportionment, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give Israel a secure inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land of Canaan was the culmination of centuries of divine promise and nomadic existence for the Israelites. Following the conquest led by Joshua, the allocation of territory was a critical step in transitioning Israel from a wandering people to an established nation. This process was overseen by Joshua, Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the tribal families, often utilizing lots (as seen in [Joshua 18:6](/joshua/18-6 "Joshua 18:6 - Casting Lots for Land Division")) to ensure divine guidance and prevent disputes. The concept of "inheritance" (Hebrew: _nachalah_) was central, signifying a divinely granted, inalienable possession that provided economic stability, tribal identity, and a physical space for covenant living. The meticulous listing of cities and villages was not merely an administrative record but a legal document, establishing clear boundaries and ownership for future generations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The physical possession of the land is tangible proof of His reliability. Secondly, it highlights **Order and Fulfillment**, as the systematic and detailed division of the land reflects God's orderly nature and the precise execution of His prophetic word concerning Israel's settlement. Thirdly, the concept of **Identity and Belonging** is paramount; the assigned territory was fundamental to each tribe's unique identity, social structure, and sense of permanent home, providing a foundation for their future generations. Lastly, the emphasis on "inheritance" (Hebrew: _nachalah_) signifies that the land was a **Divine Gift**, not merely a conquered territory, ensuring the tribe's long-term stability and livelihood as a secured portion from God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _naḥălāh'_):** This term is far more than mere property or possession. _Naḥălāh_ signifies a divinely allotted portion, a patrimony, or a legacy. In the Old Testament, it primarily refers to the land of Canaan as God's gift to Israel, an inalienable possession passed down through generations. It emphasizes that the land was not earned or fully conquered by Israel's might, but was a gracious endowment from Yahweh, securing their identity and future as His covenant people. It carries strong theological weight, linking the physical land to God's faithfulness and covenant promises.
* **Families (Hebrew, _mišpāḥôtām'_):** The term _mišpāḥôt_ refers to clans or extended families, the primary social and organizational units within the Israelite tribal structure. The phrase "according to their families" highlights the meticulous and equitable nature of the land distribution. It signifies that the inheritance was not merely given to the tribe as a whole, but was further subdivided and allocated to each family unit within the tribe, ensuring that every household had a portion. This detail underscores the orderly administration of the land and the preservation of familial lineages and their associated rights and responsibilities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali":** This opening clause serves as a definitive declaration, identifying the subject of the summary. "This" refers to the entire territorial description that precedes it in [Joshua 19:32-38](/joshua/19-32 "Joshua 19:32-38 - Naphtali's Allotment"). It explicitly states that the described territory is the divinely appointed "inheritance" (_nachalah_) specifically for the tribe descended from Naphtali, one of Jacob's sons. This firmly establishes the tribal claim and the divine origin of their land.
* **"according to their families":** This phrase clarifies the method and precision of the land's distribution. It indicates that the overall tribal allotment was further subdivided and assigned to the various clans and households within the tribe of Naphtali. This ensured an equitable distribution and maintained the integrity of the family units, which were the foundational building blocks of Israelite society and land ownership. It speaks to the meticulous detail and order in God's provision.
* **"the cities and their villages":** This final clause specifies the nature of the inheritance. It confirms that the allotment included not only the major urban centers (cities) but also the smaller, surrounding agricultural settlements and hamlets (villages) that were dependent on those cities. This comprehensive description emphasizes that the inheritance was a complete and viable territory, providing both defensive strongholds and productive agricultural lands necessary for the tribe's sustenance and flourishing.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 19:39 primarily functions as a **Summary Statement**, bringing to a concise close the detailed enumeration of Naphtali's territory. This device is employed repeatedly throughout [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land") to mark the completion of each tribal allotment, providing a sense of closure and administrative finality. The verse also utilizes **Meticulous Detail** through its reference to "cities and their villages" and the distribution "according to their families," which, while brief in this summary, points back to the exhaustive lists found in the preceding verses. This emphasis on detail underscores the thoroughness and precision of the divine plan and its human execution. Furthermore, the recurring phrase "This is the inheritance..." across multiple tribal summaries creates a pattern of **Repetition**, reinforcing the overarching theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise of land to each of the tribes of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:39, though seemingly administrative, carries profound theological weight, serving as a tangible testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises. The physical inheritance of land to Naphtali, like all the tribes, underscores the principle that God's word is reliable and His plans are precise. This earthly inheritance foreshadows a greater, spiritual inheritance promised to believers in the New Covenant. Just as the land provided security, identity, and sustenance for Israel, so too does our spiritual inheritance in Christ provide eternal security, a new identity as children of God, and abundant spiritual provision. It reminds us that God is not only a promise-maker but a promise-keeper, meticulously working out His redemptive purposes through history.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Our Inheritance in Christ")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8 "Abraham's Faith in a Heavenly Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 19:39 invites us to reflect on the meticulous care and unwavering faithfulness of God. If God was so precise in fulfilling His ancient promises to Israel, down to the specific cities and villages for each family, how much more can we trust Him with the details of our own lives and His promises to us? This verse encourages us to find our security and identity not in fleeting earthly possessions, but in the enduring inheritance God has prepared for us. It challenges us to live in gratitude for the spiritual blessings we have received in Christ, recognizing that our true home and belonging are found in Him. Just as Naphtali's inheritance was a gift, so too is our salvation and all its accompanying blessings. This should inspire us to live lives that honor the Giver, faithfully stewarding the gifts and callings He has placed upon us, and confidently resting in His sovereign provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous fulfillment of His promises to Naphtali encourage your trust in His promises for your own life?**
* **In what ways do you see your "inheritance" in Christ providing security and identity, similar to how the land provided for Naphtali?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's character, particularly His orderliness and faithfulness?**
* **How can recognizing God's precise provision for Naphtali deepen your gratitude for the spiritual provisions you have received?**

### FAQ
**Why is the distribution of land to each tribe, including Naphtali, so meticulously detailed in the Book of Joshua?**

Answer: The meticulous detail in the land distribution, as seen in [Joshua 19:39](/joshua/19-39 "Joshua 19:39 - Naphtali's Inheritance"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides a legal and historical record, validating the claims of each tribe and family to their specific territories. This was essential for establishing tribal identity, preventing future disputes over land, and ensuring the stability of the new nation. Secondly, it powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). The precision underscores that God's word is reliable and His plans are thoroughly executed. Finally, it highlights the divine order and sovereignty in the establishment of Israel as a nation, emphasizing that their possession of the land was a gift from God, not merely a result of military conquest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 19:39 describes a physical inheritance of land for the tribe of Naphtali, it powerfully foreshadows the spiritual inheritance that believers receive in Jesus Christ. The land of Canaan, a tangible promise fulfilled, points to the ultimate and eternal inheritance secured by Christ's redemptive work. Just as Naphtali's inheritance was a gift, not earned, so too our spiritual blessings in Christ are a gracious gift, freely given through faith (cf. [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")). Jesus, the true Son of God and ultimate Heir of all things (cf. [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things")), has secured for us an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (cf. [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Imperishable Inheritance")). The meticulous division of land "according to their families" in Joshua finds its spiritual parallel in the church, the family of God, where every believer, regardless of background, is made a co-heir with Christ (cf. [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")) and receives a full share in the spiritual blessings of the new covenant, including eternal life, reconciliation with God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (cf. [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Thus, the earthly inheritance of Naphtali anticipates the glorious, spiritual reality of our secure and eternal inheritance in Christ, our true Promised Land.

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.