King James Version

What Does Joshua 14:1 Mean?

Joshua 14:1 in the King James Version says “And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and ... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.

Joshua 14:1 · KJV


Context

1

And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.

2

By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.

3

For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Transition to land division: 'And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance unto them.' The plural leadership—Eleazar (priest), Joshua (military/political leader), and tribal heads—shows corporate decision-making. The priest's primacy (listed first) emphasizes this is theological work, not merely political. Land allocation involves seeking God's will through priestly intercession and lots (14:2, 18:6). The phrase 'distributed for inheritance' uses Hebrew nachal (נָחַל—to inherit, possess), emphasizing gift nature—God gives, leaders distribute what God provides. This corporate, prayerful approach to practical decisions models how God's people should make significant choices—through representative leadership seeking divine guidance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Eleazar son of Aaron (high priest after Aaron's death, Numbers 20:28) represented priestly authority using Urim and Thummim to discern God's will in land allocation. Joshua provided military and political leadership. The tribal heads ensured each tribe's interests were represented. This three-part leadership (priestly, political/military, tribal representatives) created checks and balances preventing any single authority from dominating. Ancient Near Eastern land distribution typically involved kings arbitrarily allocating territory. Israel's method—seeking God's will through lots cast before the LORD—demonstrated theo cratic rather than autocratic governance. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite conquest occurred roughly late 13th century BC, consistent with conventional Joshua dating. The territory distribution followed conquest, allowing orderly settlement rather than chaotic land-grabbing. This organized approach reflects divine design for orderly society under God's rule.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does plural, representative leadership prevent abuse of power and ensure diverse wisdom?
  2. What does seeking God's will (through priestly mediation and lots) for practical decisions teach about theocratic governance?
  3. How can modern churches incorporate prayerful corporate discernment in significant decisions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְאֵ֛לֶּה1 of 20
H428

these or those

אֲשֶׁר2 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִֽחֲל֜וּ3 of 20

distributed for inheritance

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

לִבְנֵ֥י4 of 20

And these are the countries which the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃5 of 20

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ6 of 20

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כְּנָ֑עַן7 of 20

of Canaan

H3667

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

אֲשֶׁ֨ר8 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִֽחֲל֜וּ9 of 20

distributed for inheritance

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

אוֹתָ֗ם10 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶלְעָזָ֤ר11 of 20

which Eleazar

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

הַכֹּהֵן֙12 of 20

the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וִֽיהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ13 of 20

and Joshua

H3091

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

לִבְנֵ֥י14 of 20

And these are the countries which the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נ֔וּן15 of 20

of Nun

H5126

nun or non, the father of joshua

וְרָאשֵׁ֛י16 of 20

and the heads

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֲב֥וֹת17 of 20

of the fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הַמַּטּ֖וֹת18 of 20

of the tribes

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

לִבְנֵ֥י19 of 20

And these are the countries which the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃20 of 20

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 14:1 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 14:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study