King James Version
What Does Joshua 17:6 Mean?
“Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead.”
Joshua 17:6 · KJV
Context
4
And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.
5
And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;
6
Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead.
7
And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of Entappuah.
8
Now Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim;
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBecause the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons—This verse summarizes the theological significance of the preceding verses: women were included in covenant inheritance on equal terms with men. The Hebrew nachalah (נַחֲלָה, "inheritance") carries covenantal weight—this wasn't merely economic provision but participation in the promised land, the tangible sign of covenant relationship with Yahweh. The phrase among his sons (בְּתוֹךְ בָּנָיו, betokh banav) emphasizes equality and integration, not separate or secondary status.
And the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead—This clarifies the division: the Machirites (descended from Machir, Manasseh's firstborn) held Gilead and Bashan east of Jordan, while the other descendants received portions west of Jordan. The structure emphasizes that both male and female heirs participated in the inheritance according to God's just decree. Paul's declaration that in Christ there is neither male nor female (Galatians 3:28) finds Old Testament precedent here—covenant standing transcends social hierarchies, though functional roles may differ.
And the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead—This clarifies the division: the Machirites (descended from Machir, Manasseh's firstborn) held Gilead and Bashan east of Jordan, while the other descendants received portions west of Jordan. The structure emphasizes that both male and female heirs participated in the inheritance according to God's just decree. Paul's declaration that in Christ there is neither male nor female (Galatians 3:28) finds Old Testament precedent here—covenant standing transcends social hierarchies, though functional roles may differ.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The inclusion of women in inheritance rights, though limited to situations without male heirs, represented progressive social legislation for the ancient world. This law prevented families from being erased and widows from destitution. The principle established here would influence later Jewish law, including provisions for levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) and the rights of widows. Rabbinic tradition honored Zelophehad's daughters as righteous women whose wisdom and faith advanced justice in Israel. The Mishnah and Talmud discuss their case extensively, treating it as paradigmatic of how divine law addresses social realities with both justice and mercy. Archaeological discoveries of ancient Near Eastern marriage contracts show that Israelite women often had greater rights than their Mesopotamian or Egyptian counterparts.
Reflection Questions
- How does the equal inheritance of Zelophehad's daughters foreshadow the spiritual equality of all believers who inherit eternal life through faith in Christ?
- What does this passage teach about God's concern for preserving family identity and preventing the vulnerable from being erased or forgotten?
- How can the church today better reflect God's justice in ensuring that those who might be marginalized receive their full inheritance in the community of faith?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsכִּ֚י1 of 13
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְּנ֣וֹת2 of 13
“Because the daughters”
H1323a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה3 of 13
“of Manasseh”
H4519menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
נָֽחֲל֥וּ4 of 13
“had”
H5157to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
נַֽחֲלָ֖ה5 of 13
“an inheritance”
H5159properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
לִבְנֵֽי7 of 13
“his sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַגִּלְעָ֔ד9 of 13
“of Gilead”
H1568gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
הָֽיְתָ֥ה10 of 13
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לִבְנֵֽי11 of 13
“his sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה12 of 13
“of Manasseh”
H4519menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
הַנּֽוֹתָרִֽים׃13 of 13
“and the rest”
H3498to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve
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 17:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.