King James Version

What Does Joshua 15:20 Mean?

Joshua 15:20 in the King James Version says “This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.”

Joshua 15:20 · KJV

Context

18

And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?

19

Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.

20

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

21

And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,

22

And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families—this transitional verse marks the shift from boundary descriptions (vv. 1-12) to the detailed city lists that follow. The Hebrew nachalah (נַחֲלָה, "inheritance") denotes permanent family possession passed generationally, not temporary military occupation. This wasn't merely real estate distribution but covenant fulfillment of promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:7), Isaac (Genesis 26:3), and Jacob (Genesis 35:12).

The phrase lemishpechotam (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם, "according to their families") indicates subdivision within the tribe. Judah's territory was distributed among family clans, ensuring equitable inheritance preventing permanent landlessness. This egalitarian land tenure system distinguished Israel from surrounding feudal societies where land concentrated among ruling elites. Each extended family (mishpachah) received land proportional to size (Numbers 26:54), creating economic stability and preserving tribal identity across generations.

Judah's prominence as firstborn of Leah (though not Jacob's eldest son) and recipient of the royal blessing (Genesis 49:8-12) is reflected in receiving the largest and most strategically important territory. From this tribe would come David's dynasty and ultimately the Messiah, the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Judah's allotment covered approximately 2,300 square miles in southern Canaan, from the Dead Sea to the Mediterranean, and from the Negev desert northward to the border with Benjamin. This territory included the hill country, the Shephelah (lowland foothills), the Negev (southland), and the wilderness of Judea. Archaeological surveys identify over 100 settlements in Judah's territory during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Age transition (13th-12th centuries BCE), confirming substantial occupation.

The family-based land distribution system (nachalah) prevented economic stratification. Land couldn't be permanently sold—it reverted to original families in the Jubilee year (Leviticus 25:10-13, 23-28). This created remarkable economic stability compared to neighboring societies where land ownership concentrated among elites. The prophets later condemned violations of this system when the wealthy seized land from the poor (Isaiah 5:8; Micah 2:2).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding your spiritual inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:11, 18; Colossians 1:12; 1 Peter 1:4) shape your identity and values?
  2. What does Judah's family-based inheritance system teach about God's concern for economic justice and preventing permanent poverty?
  3. How should the permanence of Israel's land inheritance affect our understanding of God's faithfulness to His covenantal promises across generations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
זֹ֗את1 of 6
H2063

this (often used adverb)

נַֽחֲלַ֛ת2 of 6

“This is the inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

מַטֵּ֥ה3 of 6

“of the tribe”

H4294

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

בְנֵֽי4 of 6

“of 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

יְהוּדָ֖ה5 of 6

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃6 of 6

“according to their families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

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 15:20 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 15:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 49:8-12Deuteronomy 33:7

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