King James Version

What Does Joshua 17:16 Mean?

Joshua 17:16 in the King James Version says “And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the val... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Bethshean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel.

Joshua 17:16 · KJV


Context

14

And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?

15

And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee. giants: or, Rephaims

16

And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Bethshean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel.

17

And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only:

18

But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron—The Josephite tribes (Ephraim and Manasseh) complained of insufficient territory, yet their real obstacle was fear. The phrase chariots of iron (רֶכֶב בַּרְזֶל, rekev barzel) represented ancient military superiority—reinforced war chariots that intimidated Israel. Beth-shean and the Jezreel valley were strategic Canaanite strongholds.

This complaint reveals a crisis of faith. God had promised the land, yet they focused on enemy strength rather than divine power. Their excuse—'not enough'—masked unbelief. This parallels believers who see obstacles as insurmountable rather than opportunities for God's strength to be displayed (2 Corinthians 12:9).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Beth-shean guarded the eastern entrance to the Jezreel valley, a crucial military corridor. Archaeological evidence confirms Canaanite iron-working technology gave them military advantage circa 1200 BC. The Josephites' complaint came during the conquest's consolidation phase when faith wavered.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'iron chariots' in your life seem too strong to overcome, and how might fear be masking unbelief?
  2. How does focusing on obstacles rather than God's promises limit your spiritual inheritance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙1 of 21

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בְּנֵ֣י2 of 21

And 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

יוֹסֵ֔ף3 of 21

of Joseph

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

לֹֽא4 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִמָּ֥צֵא5 of 21

is not enough

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

לָ֖נוּ6 of 21
H0
הָהָ֑ר7 of 21

The hill

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וְרֶ֣כֶב8 of 21

have chariots

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

בַּרְזֶ֗ל9 of 21

of iron

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

בְּכָל10 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙11 of 21

for us and all the Canaanites

H3669

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

הַיֹּשֵׁ֣ב12 of 21

that dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּאֶֽרֶץ13 of 21

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בְּעֵ֥מֶק14 of 21

and they who are of the valley

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

לַֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר15 of 21
H834

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

בְּבֵית16 of 21
H0
שְׁאָן֙17 of 21

both they who are of Bethshean

H1052

beth-shean or beth-shan, a place in palestine

וּבְנוֹתֶ֔יהָ18 of 21

and her towns

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וְלַֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר19 of 21
H834

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

בְּעֵ֥מֶק20 of 21

and they who are of the valley

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

יִזְרְעֶֽאל׃21 of 21

of Jezreel

H3157

jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites


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 17:16 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 17:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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