King James Version

What Does Joshua 17:1 Mean?

Joshua 17:1 in the King James Version says “There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph; to wit, for Machir the firstborn of ...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph; to wit, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.”

Joshua 17:1 · KJV

Context

1

There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph; to wit, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.

2

There was also a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.

3

But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these are the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph—Manasseh receives priority as Joseph's firstborn (though Jacob crossed his hands to bless Ephraim, Genesis 48:14-20, the birthright legally belonged to Manasseh). The Hebrew goral (גּוֹרָל, "lot") indicates the sacred casting of lots by which God directed tribal allotments (Proverbs 16:33).

For Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan—Machir's descendants, the Machirites, were renowned warriors who had already conquered the Transjordanian territories of Gilead and Bashan under Moses (Numbers 32:39-40; Deuteronomy 3:13-15). The phrase ish milchamah (אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה, "man of war") honors their military prowess. This verse establishes that Manasseh's inheritance was divided: half-tribe east of Jordan (already settled), half-tribe west of Jordan (about to receive allotment).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The tribe of Manasseh was unique in receiving territory on both sides of the Jordan River. The Transjordanian portion (Gilead and Bashan) was fertile, suitable for cattle raising, and had been conquered during Moses' campaigns against Sihon and Og (Numbers 21:21-35). Gilead became famous for its balm (Jeremiah 8:22) and Bashan for its oaks and cattle (Ezekiel 27:6; Amos 4:1). This dual inheritance meant Manasseh straddled Israel's eastern frontier, serving as a buffer against Aramean and Ammonite threats. Archaeological evidence from Tell el-Hammeh and other sites confirms Late Bronze Age occupation and destruction layers consistent with Israelite conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's recognition of Machir as 'a man of war' affirm that some believers are called to specific vocations requiring strength and courage?
  2. What does the division of Manasseh's inheritance across both sides of the Jordan teach about the diversity of God's provision within His people?
  3. How can we honor both spiritual birthright and actual contribution (like Machir's military success) in understanding our roles in God's kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיְהִ֤י1 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַגּוֹרָל֙2 of 22

“There was also a lot”

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

לְמַטֵּ֣ה3 of 22

“for the tribe”

H4294

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

מְנַשֶּׁ֜ה4 of 22

“of Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

כִּי5 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ה֖וּא6 of 22
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בְּכ֨וֹר7 of 22

“for he was the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

יוֹסֵ֑ף8 of 22

“of Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

לְמָכִיר֩9 of 22

“to wit for Machir”

H4353

makir, an israelite

בְּכ֨וֹר10 of 22

“for he was the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

מְנַשֶּׁ֜ה11 of 22

“of Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֲבִ֣י12 of 22

“the father”

H1

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

הַגִּלְעָ֥ד13 of 22

“of Gilead”

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

כִּ֣י14 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ה֤וּא15 of 22
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הָיָה֙16 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אִ֣ישׁ17 of 22

“because he was a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִלְחָמָ֔ה18 of 22

“of war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וַֽיְהִי19 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ל֖וֹ20 of 22
H0
הַגִּלְעָ֥ד21 of 22

“of Gilead”

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

וְהַבָּשָֽׁן׃22 of 22

“and Bashan”

H1316

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

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 17:1 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 17:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:29Genesis 41:51Genesis 46:20Genesis 50:23Numbers 32:39-40Genesis 48:18

Places in This Verse

BashanRegion · Modern: Saham al Jawlan · 32.78°N, 35.93°E53 verses across 15 books
Gilead 1Region · Modern: Tell edh Dhahab esh Sherqiyeh · 32.19°N, 35.69°E86 verses across 21 books
JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
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