King James Version

What Does Joshua 13:1 Mean?

Joshua 13:1 in the King James Version says “Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there rema...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. to: Heb. to possess it”

Joshua 13:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. to: Heb. to possess it

2

This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,

3

From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:

Read Joshua 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse marks transition from conquest to settlement, introducing the land distribution section (chapters 13-21). The phrase 'Joshua was old and stricken in years' (Yehoshua zaqen ba bayamim, יְהוֹשֻׁעַ זָקֵן בָּא בַּיָּמִים) literally means 'Joshua was old, coming in days'—advanced in age. God's statement 'Thou art old' acknowledges human limitation; Joshua's mortality required completing land distribution before death. The phrase 'there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed' (haarets nisharah harbeh meod, הָאָרֶץ נִשְׁאֲרָה הַרְבֵּה מְאֹד) creates tension: conquest was comprehensive (11:23), yet much remained unconquered. This resolves by understanding that major Canaanite power was broken, but mop-up operations continued. The unfinished conquest resulted partly from Israel's faithfulness limits and partly from God's intentional gradualism preventing rapid depopulation (Exodus 23:29-30). From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates Christian experience: positional victory accomplished (Christ defeated sin and Satan), yet experiential conquest continues throughout life. Perfect glorification awaits, but present sanctification involves ongoing spiritual warfare.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Joshua was approximately 110 years old at death (24:29), making him perhaps 100-105 at this point. Having led Israel for roughly 25 years since Moses' death, Joshua faced mortality requiring urgent land distribution. The 'very much land' included Philistine territory (13:2-3), northern coastal regions (13:4-6), and various pockets of Canaanite resistance throughout the land. God's strategy for gradual conquest appears in Exodus 23:29-30 and Deuteronomy 7:22—immediate total depopulation would allow wild animals to overrun the land before Israel could settle it. Measured conquest allowed agricultural development keeping pace with territorial expansion. Archaeological evidence shows continuing Canaanite presence in certain regions (like Philistine cities and Phoenician coastal areas) throughout Israel's history, consistent with Joshua's account of incomplete conquest. The tension between 'whole land taken' (11:23) and 'much land remains' (13:1) reflects military versus settlement realities: major resistance broken, but complete occupation ongoing. This establishes pattern for Judges period where tribal failures to complete conquest brought recurring conflicts.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'unconquered territory' in your spiritual life requires ongoing attention despite positional victory in Christ?
  2. How does Joshua's mortality pressing land distribution challenge you to complete urgent kingdom work while you're able?
  3. What does gradual conquest teach about God's wisdom in progressive sanctification rather than instant perfection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וִֽיהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ1 of 16

“Now Joshua”

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

זָקַ֙נְתָּה֙2 of 16

“unto him Thou art old”

H2204

to be old

בָּ֣אתָ3 of 16

“and stricken”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בַיָּמִ֔ים4 of 16

“in years”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר5 of 16

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה6 of 16

“and the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵלָ֗יו7 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַתָּ֤ה8 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

זָקַ֙נְתָּה֙9 of 16

“unto him Thou art old”

H2204

to be old

בָּ֣אתָ10 of 16

“and stricken”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בַיָּמִ֔ים11 of 16

“in years”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְהָאָ֛רֶץ12 of 16

“land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

נִשְׁאֲרָ֥ה13 of 16

“and there remaineth”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

הַרְבֵּֽה14 of 16

“much”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

מְאֹ֖ד15 of 16

“yet very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃16 of 16

“to be possessed”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 13:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 13:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 14:10Deuteronomy 31:3Joshua 24:29Joshua 23:1-2Luke 1:7Genesis 18:11

Test Your Knowledge

Joshua 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJoshua Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Joshua 13 with CommentaryAll Joshua ChaptersComplete Joshua QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes