King James Version

What Does Joshua 17:10 Mean?

Joshua 17:10 in the King James Version says “Southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea is his border; and they met together in Asher o...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea is his border; and they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east.”

Joshua 17:10 · KJV

Context

8

Now Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim;

9

And the coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also was on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea: river Kanah: or, brook of reeds

10

Southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea is his border; and they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east.

11

And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, even three countries.

12

Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea is his border—This summary statement clarifies the north-south division between the two half-tribes of Joseph. Manasseh occupied the northern portion while Ephraim held the southern, with the Mediterranean Sea (hayam, הַיָּם, "the sea") forming their western boundary. The parallel structure emphasizes the equitable division of Joseph's double portion, fulfilling Jacob's blessing (Genesis 48:5) that treated Ephraim and Manasseh as full tribes alongside Jacob's own sons.

And they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east—Manasseh's territory was bounded by Asher to the northwest (along the Mediterranean coast and Galilee) and Issachar to the northeast (in the Jezreel Valley). The verb paga (פָּגַע, "met together" or "reached") indicates these tribes shared common borders. This created a network of relationships requiring cooperation and mutual respect. The geographical positioning placed Manasseh at the center of northern Israel, a position of both strategic importance and vulnerability to foreign invasion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Jezreel Valley, where Manasseh, Issachar, and Asher converged, was ancient Canaan's most strategically important region—the primary east-west trade and military route connecting the Mediterranean coast with the Jordan Valley and points east. Control of this valley meant control of commerce and military movement. Unfortunately, this strategic location made it a frequent battlefield (Deborah's victory over Sisera, Judges 4-5; Gideon's defeat of Midian, Judges 6-7; Saul's death at Gilboa, 1 Samuel 31; Josiah's death fighting Pharaoh Neco, 2 Kings 23:29). The valley's name means "God sows," reflecting its agricultural fertility. Megiddo, located here, gave its name to Armageddon (Revelation 16:16), the prophesied final battlefield.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Manasseh's central location with multiple neighboring tribes illustrate the reality that God often places His people in positions requiring engagement rather than isolation?
  2. What can we learn from the careful delineation of tribal boundaries about the importance of clarity in roles, responsibilities, and relationships?
  3. How does the strategic importance of Manasseh's territory foreshadow the spiritual reality that God's people are called to occupy strategic positions in His kingdom purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
נֶ֣גְבָּה1 of 12

“Southward”

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

לְאֶפְרַ֗יִם2 of 12

“it was Ephraim's”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

מִצָּפ֔וֹן3 of 12

“and northward”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

לִמְנַשֶּׁ֔ה4 of 12

“it was Manasseh's”

H4519

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

וַיְהִ֥י5 of 12
H1961

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

הַיָּ֖ם6 of 12

“and the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

גְּבוּל֑וֹ7 of 12

“is his border”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

וּבְאָשֵׁר֙8 of 12

“in Asher”

H836

asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine

יִפְגְּע֣וּן9 of 12

“and they met together”

H6293

to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity

מִצָּפ֔וֹן10 of 12

“and northward”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וּבְיִשָּׂשכָ֖ר11 of 12

“and in Issachar”

H3485

jissaskar, a son of jacob

מִמִּזְרָֽח׃12 of 12

“on the east”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

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 17:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

Great SeaBody of Water · Modern: Mediterranean Sea · 31.80°N, 34.17°E36 verses across 14 books
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