What number verse is Joshua 19:40 in the Bible?

Joshua 19:40 is the 6,362nd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Joshua 19:40 sits at position 6,362.

Translation

King James Version

¶ And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And the seventh ^H7637 lot ^H1486 came out ^H3318 for the tribe ^H4294 of the children ^H1121 of Dan ^H1835 according to their families ^H4940.

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Complete Jewish Bible

The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the descendants of Dan according to their families.

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Berean Standard Bible

The seventh lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Dan:

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American Standard Version

The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.

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World English Bible Messianic

The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The seuenth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.

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Young's Literal Translation

For the tribe of the sons of Dan, for their families, hath the seventh lot gone out;

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In the KJVVerse 6,362 of 31,102

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SUMMARY

Joshua 19:40 serves as a pivotal verse within the detailed account of Israel's land distribution, specifically recording the allocation of the seventh portion of territory by lot to the tribe of Dan. This precise documentation within the Book of Joshua underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing to fruition His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, providing a tangible, divinely apportioned homeland for each of the twelve tribes according to their families, thereby establishing their distinct identity and future within the emerging nation.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Joshua 19:40 is strategically placed within the extensive and meticulous record of the land distribution among the Israelite tribes, a narrative spanning Joshua 13 through Joshua 19. Following the successful military campaigns that established Israel's foothold in Canaan, the narrative transitions from conquest to settlement. The process of land allocation commenced with the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh receiving their inheritance east of the Jordan (Joshua 13:8-33). The remaining tribes received their portions west of the Jordan, with the tabernacle established at Shiloh as the central point for this sacred division (Joshua 18:1). The initial major western allocations went to Judah (Joshua 15), Ephraim, and the other half of Manasseh (Joshua 16-17). Joshua 18 then describes the survey of the remaining land and the casting of lots for the final seven tribes, among whom Dan was the last to receive its portion, highlighting the systematic, divinely guided, and comprehensive nature of the entire process.
Historical & Cultural Context: The allocation of land by "lot" (Hebrew: goral) was a profoundly significant practice in ancient Israel, understood not as a game of chance but as a sacred means of discerning divine will. This method, often involving casting stones or marked objects, served to eliminate human bias and affirm God's direct involvement in the precise distribution of the land, thereby fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:7) and his descendants. The concept of tribal inheritance was foundational to Israelite identity, linking each family and clan directly to a specific, divinely granted portion of the Promised Land. This land was not merely property but a sacred trust, a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness and a source of national and familial security. The subsequent challenges faced by tribes like Dan in fully possessing their allotted territory, as later documented in Judges 1:34, underscore the ongoing tension between divine promise and human obedience or failure in the post-conquest period.
Key Themes: Joshua 19:40 contributes significantly to several overarching themes central to the Book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuchal narrative. Foremost is the theme of Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment of Promise, as God meticulously brings to fruition His centuries-old commitment to provide a land for His people, a promise reiterated throughout the Pentateuch, such as in Deuteronomy 1:8. The consistent use of the lot emphasizes Divine Sovereignty and Guidance, demonstrating that the land division was not arbitrary but orchestrated by God Himself, echoing the sentiment of Proverbs 16:33. The detailed record of each tribe's inheritance also underscores Order and Organization in the establishment of the Israelite nation, reflecting God's character as a God of order and precision. Finally, the concept of Inheritance and Identity is central, as each tribe's unique portion of land became intrinsically linked to its identity, its future, and its role within the larger covenant community of Israel, solidifying their place as God's chosen people.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

lot (Hebrew, gôwrâl', H1486): This term refers to a pebble or small stone used for casting lots, a divinely ordained method for determining outcomes in ancient Israel. In this context, it signifies the impartial and sovereign means by which God's will was revealed in the distribution of the land. The use of the lot underscored the sacred nature of the land and the divine authority behind its apportionment, ensuring that the outcome was attributed to God's choice rather than human manipulation or favoritism.
tribe (Hebrew, maṭṭeh', H4294): This word denotes one of the twelve major kinship groups descended from Jacob's sons, also referring to a branch or rod. In the context of Israel's settlement, the "tribe" was the primary unit of identity, social organization, and military mobilization. The land was divided "for the tribe," emphasizing that the inheritance was not merely for individuals but for the collective, enduring identity and lineage of each tribal family, establishing their territorial boundaries and future generations' dwelling.
families (Hebrew, mishpâchâh', H4940): This term refers to the smaller kinship units or clans within each tribe, encompassing a circle of relatives. The phrase "according to their families" highlights the meticulous and granular nature of the land distribution. It indicates that the allocation was not just to the tribe as a whole, but was further subdivided and assigned based on the existing family structures, ensuring that every household and lineage within the tribe received its rightful portion of the inheritance. This detail underscores the comprehensive and equitable (within the tribal framework) nature of the divine provision.

Verse Breakdown

"And the seventh lot came out": This phrase signifies the culmination of the land distribution process for the remaining seven tribes, with Dan being the last in this sequence. The sequential numbering ("seventh lot") indicates a systematic and orderly progression, reinforcing the idea that the allocation was not haphazard but followed a divinely ordained plan. The "coming out" of the lot physically represents the revelation of God's precise and unalterable choice for Dan's inheritance.
"for the tribe of the children of Dan": This clause explicitly identifies the recipient of the seventh lot. The "children of Dan" refers to the collective descendants of Dan, one of Jacob's sons, identifying the specific tribal entity that was granted this particular territory. It highlights the direct fulfillment of God's promise to this particular lineage, ensuring their place within the covenant land.
"according to their families": This final clause emphasizes the detailed and equitable nature of the inheritance. It means that the land allotted to the tribe of Dan was then further apportioned and distributed among the various clans and households within the tribe, ensuring that each family unit received its designated share of the communal inheritance. This level of detail underscores the thoroughness of God's provision and the structured establishment of Israelite society, ensuring every household had its place.

Literary Devices

Joshua 19:40 effectively employs Repetition, a prominent literary device throughout the land distribution chapters of Joshua. The formulaic phrase "the lot came out for the tribe of... according to their families" is consistently repeated for each of the seven tribes (Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan), creating a rhythmic and predictable pattern. This repetition serves to emphasize the systematic, orderly, and divinely orchestrated nature of the land allocation, reinforcing the theme of God's unwavering faithfulness in providing an inheritance for each and every tribe. Furthermore, the Symbolism of the "lot" itself is profoundly significant. It stands as a powerful symbol of divine sovereignty and impartiality, representing God's direct hand in the affairs of His people and removing any human bias from the process. The land, in turn, is a potent symbol of God's covenant faithfulness and the tangible fulfillment of His promises to Israel, serving as a material manifestation of their identity, security, and blessing as His chosen people.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Joshua 19:40, by meticulously detailing Dan's inheritance, stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises. The precise division of the land by lot underscores divine sovereignty, demonstrating that Israel's possession of Canaan was not achieved by human might or random chance, but by God's deliberate and precise orchestration. This act of apportionment solidified Israel's identity as a nation rooted in a specific, divinely granted inheritance, reinforcing the theological truth that God is true to His word and provides for His people according to His perfect, providential plan. Even though the tribe of Dan would later face significant challenges in fully occupying their territory and eventually migrate, this initial allocation stands as a foundational act of God's provision and a marker of His covenant commitment.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Joshua 19:40, while seemingly a dry genealogical and geographical record, offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a compelling reminder that God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness, intimately involved in the details of His creation and His people's lives. Just as He meticulously planned and provided a physical inheritance for each tribe of Israel, down to their families, He has a specific, divinely ordained plan and spiritual inheritance for each of us. Our "lot" in life—our circumstances, unique gifts, and individual calling—are not random occurrences but are part of His sovereign design. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect provision, even when our assigned "territory" seems challenging or requires perseverance, much like the tribe of Dan faced difficulties in fully possessing their land. It calls us to embrace our unique identity in Christ and to faithfully steward the spiritual blessings and opportunities God has graciously given us, knowing that He is faithful to complete what He has begun in us and to bring His purposes to fruition.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail of the land distribution in Joshua, including Dan's lot, speak to God's character and His active involvement in our lives today?
In what ways might we, like the tribe of Dan, be given an "inheritance" or calling that requires faith, courage, and perseverance to fully possess or live out?
How does understanding God's faithfulness in ancient Israel's land inheritance strengthen our trust in His promises and provisions for our own lives and future?

FAQ

What happened to the tribe of Dan after receiving their inheritance in Joshua 19:40?

Answer: While Joshua 19:40 records the allocation of a significant territory to Dan, located along the Mediterranean coast west of Benjamin and Ephraim, the tribe faced considerable challenges in fully possessing it. The Amorites, who occupied the fertile plains, were too strong for Dan to dislodge, as recorded in Judges 1:34. This failure to drive out the inhabitants led to a significant portion of the tribe seeking new territory. As detailed in Judges 18, a large contingent of Danites migrated northward, conquering the city of Laish (renaming it Dan) and establishing a new settlement there. This migration, driven by their inability to secure their initial inheritance, marked a significant departure from their divinely appointed land and ultimately contributed to their spiritual decline, as they later established idolatrous worship in their new northern home (Judges 18:30-31).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Joshua 19:40 details a physical land inheritance, its deeper significance points towards the ultimate spiritual inheritance found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous division of land by lot, demonstrating God's sovereign provision for His people, foreshadows the far greater spiritual blessings and "inheritance" that believers receive in Christ. Just as Israel found rest and identity in the Promised Land, believers find their true rest, security, and identity not in a geographical location, but in Christ, who is our ultimate inheritance and the fulfillment of all God's promises (Ephesians 1:11). The struggles of the tribe of Dan to fully possess their earthly inheritance highlight the limitations of a physical covenant and underscore the need for a greater deliverer and a more enduring possession. Christ, the true Joshua, leads His people into a spiritual inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4). Through His atoning work and resurrection, He secures for us not merely a plot of land, but eternal life, reconciliation with God, and a place in God's heavenly kingdom, fulfilling the promise of a deeper, more lasting rest than Canaan could ever offer (Hebrews 4:8-10).

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Commentary on Joshua 19 verses 40–48

40 ¶ And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.

41 And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Irshemesh,

42 And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah,

43 And Elon, and Thimnathah, and Ekron,

44 And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath,

45 And Jehud, and Beneberak, and Gathrimmon,

46 And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho.

47 And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.

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

Dan, though commander of one of the four squadrons of the camp of Israel, in the wilderness, that which brought up the rear, yet was last provided for in Canaan, and his lot fell in the southern part of Canaan, between Judah on the east and the land of the Philistines on the west, Ephraim on the north and Simeon on the south. Providence ordered this numerous and powerful tribe into a post of danger, as best able to deal with those vexatious neighbours the Philistines, and so it was found in Samson. Here is an account, 1. Of what fell to this tribe by lot, Zorah, and Eshtaol, and the camp of Dan thereabouts, of which we read in the story of Samson. And near there was the valley of Eshcol, whence the spies brought the famous bunch of grapes. Japho, or Joppa was in this lot. 2. Of what they got by their own industry and valour, which is mentioned here (Jos 19:47), but related at large, Jdg 18:7, etc.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 40–48. 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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