TRV
Translation
King James Version
And all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.
Complete Jewish Bible
and all the villages surrounding these cities, as far as Ba'alat-Be'er, Ramah of the Negev. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the descendants of Shim'on according to their families.
Berean Standard Bible
and all the villages surrounding these cities as far as Baalath-beer (Ramah of the Negev). This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Simeon.
American Standard Version
and all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalath-beer, Ramah of the South. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.
World English Bible Messianic
and all the villages that were around these cities to Baalath Beer, Ramah of the South. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And all the villages that were round about these cities, vnto Baalathbeer, and Ramath Southward: this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.
Young's Literal Translation
also all the villages which are round about these cities, unto Baalath-Beer, Ramoth of the south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Simeon, for their families;
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In the KJVVerse 6,330 of 31,102
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Commentary on Joshua 19 verses 1–9
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.
2 And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,
3 And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,
4 And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,
5 And Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah,
6 And Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages:
7 Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities and their villages:
8 And all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.
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.
Simeon's lot was drawn after Judah's, Joseph's, and Benjamin's, because Jacob had put that tribe under disgrace; yet it is put before the two younger sons of Leah and the three sons of the handmaids. Not one person of note, neither judge nor prophet, was of this tribe, that we know of.
I. The situation of their lot was within that of Judah (Jos 19:1) and was taken from it, Jos 19:9. It seems, those that first surveyed the land thought it larger than it was, and that it would have held out to give every tribe in proportion as large a share as they had carved out for Judah; but, upon a more strict enquiry, it was found that it would not reach (Jos 19:9): The part of the children of Judah was too much for them, more than they needed, and more, as it proved, than fell to their share. Yet God did not by the lot lessen it, but left it to their prudence and care afterwards to discover and rectify the mistake, which when they did, 1. The men of Judah did not oppose the taking away of the cities again, which by the first distribution fell within their border, when they were convinced that they had more than their proportion. In all such cases errors must be excepted and a review admitted if there be occasion. Though, in strictness, what fell to their lot was their right against all the world, yet they would not insist upon it when it appeared that another tribe would want what they had to spare. Note, We must look on the things of others, and not on our own only. The abundance of some must supply the wants of others, that there may be somewhat of an equality, for which there may be equity where there is not law. 2. That which was thus taken off from Judah to be put into a new lot Providence directed to the tribe of Simeon, that Jacob's prophecy concerning this tribe might be fulfilled, I will divide them in Jacob. The cities of Simeon were scattered in Judah, with which tribe they were surrounded, except on that side towards the sea. This brought them into a confederacy with the tribe of Judah (Jdg 1:3), and afterwards was a happy occasion of the adherence of many of this tribe to the house of David, at the time of the revolt of the ten tribes to Jeroboam. Ch2 15:9, out of Simeon they fell to Asa in abundance. It is good being in a good neighbourhood.
II. The cities within their lot are here named. Beersheba, or Sheba, for these names seem to refer to the same place, is put first. Ziklag, which we read of in David's story, is one of them. What course they took to enlarge their borders and make room for themselves we find Ch1 4:39, etc.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. 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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SUMMARY
Joshua 19:8 serves as a definitive conclusion to the detailed account of Simeon's tribal inheritance, specifying that their allotted territory encompassed not only the previously enumerated cities but also "all the villages that were round about these cities." This verse meticulously defines the geographical extent of their portion, reaching to precise landmarks such as Baalathbeer and Ramath of the south, and emphatically reiterates that this distribution was "according to their families," thereby underscoring the divinely ordained, meticulous, and familial basis of God's provision for His covenant people.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 19:8, as an integral part of a larger section detailing tribal allotments, employs several significant literary devices. Enumeration is evident throughout the preceding verses of the chapter, with this verse serving as the culminating item in the list of Simeon's cities and territories. The verse itself functions as a powerful Summary Statement, providing a concise and authoritative wrap-up of Simeon's portion after the preceding detailed enumeration. The inclusion of specific geographical names like Baalathbeer and Ramath of the south serves as precise Geographical Markers, anchoring the abstract concept of "inheritance" to concrete, identifiable locations. This precision emphasizes the tangible and divinely ordained nature of the land distribution. Furthermore, the recurring phrase "according to their families" (or similar phrasing throughout Joshua) acts as a form of Repetition, reinforcing the underlying principle of familial ownership and the meticulous, equitable division of the land based on tribal and clan structures.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:8, though seemingly a dry geographical detail, is profoundly theological in its implications. It underscores God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land of Canaan. The precise delineation of "villages" and specific boundary markers like Baalathbeer and Ramath of the south reveals a God who is not vague but precise in His provision and sovereign in His distribution. This verse affirms that every detail of the Promised Land's apportionment was part of God's perfect plan, ensuring that each tribe, and indeed each family within the tribe, received its divinely appointed portion. Even for Simeon, whose inheritance was uniquely situated within Judah, God's promise was meticulously fulfilled, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people and His covenant.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Simeon's inheritance, including its villages and specific boundaries, serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous care and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He precisely allocated land to each tribe and family, down to the surrounding villages and specific geographical markers, He continues to have a specific plan and purpose for each individual and community today. This verse encourages us to trust implicitly in God's sovereign design, even when our "placement" or circumstances seem unique or challenging, as Simeon's was within the larger territory of Judah. Our "inheritance" in Christ, though spiritual rather than geographical, is equally secure and divinely appointed, a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His children. We are called to live faithfully within the "boundaries" God has set for us, recognizing that His provision is always sufficient and perfectly tailored to our needs, enabling us to thrive and bear fruit in the unique place and calling He has given us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Simeon's inheritance within Judah's territory, unlike other tribes?
Answer: Simeon's inheritance was unique because it was allotted from within the vast territory given to the larger tribe of Judah, rather than being a distinct, contiguous block of land. This arrangement is often understood as a fulfillment of Jacob's prophetic words in Genesis 49:7, where he declared that Simeon and Levi would be "divided in Jacob, and scattered in Israel." While Levi was scattered throughout Israel as a priestly tribe with no single land inheritance, Simeon's "scattering" manifested as enclaves within Judah. This unique placement likely reflected Simeon's smaller population size relative to Judah, and historically, it led to Simeon's gradual absorption into the identity and territory of Judah over time. It highlights God's sovereignty even in the specific, sometimes challenging, circumstances of tribal life, demonstrating His faithful, albeit sometimes surprising, fulfillment of His word.
What is the significance of the phrase "according to their families" in the context of land distribution?
Answer: The phrase "according to their families" (or similar variations like "according to their clans" or "according to their numbers") is crucial throughout the land distribution narrative in Joshua and Numbers. It emphasizes the fundamental principle that the land was not merely given to the tribe as a whole, but was meticulously divided among the individual family units within each tribe. This ensured that every family had a secure, hereditary possession, which was vital for their economic stability, social identity, and the long-term preservation of the tribal structure. It prevented land from being concentrated in the hands of a few and guaranteed that future generations would inherit their ancestral portion, reflecting God's commitment to justice and order within His covenant people. This principle is clearly articulated in passages like Numbers 26:54, which states, "To the more you shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer you shall give the less inheritance; to each according to those who were numbered of them shall their inheritance be given."
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous detail of Simeon's inheritance in Joshua 19:8, with its designated cities, villages, and precise boundaries, points forward to the ultimate and perfect inheritance found in Jesus Christ. The physical land of Canaan, a place of rest and provision for Israel, was a tangible shadow of the spiritual and eternal rest and inheritance that believers receive in Christ. Just as Simeon's portion was divinely appointed and secured, our spiritual inheritance is guaranteed by God's unwavering faithfulness, not through geographical boundaries but through our union with Christ. He is the true "Promised Land," the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Through His atoning work, we are given an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). Our "place" is not merely in a physical territory but profoundly "in Christ," where we are made "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17). The meticulous distribution to Simeon, even within Judah, foreshadows God's perfect plan to gather all His chosen ones into the ultimate, eternal rest and dwelling place prepared by the Lord Jesus Himself (John 14:2), fulfilling the deepest longings for security, identity, and belonging that the land inheritance could only partially satisfy.