King James Version
What Does Joshua 17:8 Mean?
“Now Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim;”
Joshua 17:8 · KJV
Context
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;
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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryNow Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim—This verse illustrates the complexity of tribal boundaries, with territorial overlaps creating potential for either cooperation or conflict. The region of Tappuah (Tappuach, תַּפּוּחַ, meaning "apple" or "quince") belonged to Manasseh, but the city of Tappuah itself was assigned to Ephraim. Such arrangements were common in the allotments, with cities sometimes belonging to one tribe while surrounded by another's territory.
The situation reflects the intermingled settlement pattern and the complex geography of Canaan's hill country. The Hebrew construction emphasizes the distinction: the land (eretz, אֶרֶץ) versus the city (ir, עִיר). This required the tribes to live as neighbors, sharing resources and maintaining peaceful relations. The arrangement anticipates potential conflict—indeed, Ephraim's complaint in verses 14-18 shows the tensions that could arise. God's wisdom in creating interdependence prevented tribal isolation while requiring brothers to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1).
The situation reflects the intermingled settlement pattern and the complex geography of Canaan's hill country. The Hebrew construction emphasizes the distinction: the land (eretz, אֶרֶץ) versus the city (ir, עִיר). This required the tribes to live as neighbors, sharing resources and maintaining peaceful relations. The arrangement anticipates potential conflict—indeed, Ephraim's complaint in verses 14-18 shows the tensions that could arise. God's wisdom in creating interdependence prevented tribal isolation while requiring brothers to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Tappuah has been identified with modern Sheikh Abu Zarad, about 8 miles south of Shechem. The region was fertile and agriculturally productive, explaining both its desirability and the detailed attention to its allocation. The intermingling of tribal territories, while potentially creating friction, also promoted national unity by preventing complete tribal independence. Similar boundary complexities appear throughout Joshua 13-21, with Levitical cities scattered among all tribes and some cities functioning as shared resources. Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that such territorial arrangements were not unusual; Hittite, Assyrian, and Egyptian records document complex boundary agreements and shared access to resources.
Reflection Questions
- How does the sharing of territory between Manasseh and Ephraim model the balance between individual inheritance and communal interdependence among God's people?
- What can we learn from this arrangement about God's wisdom in creating situations that require His people to cooperate despite potential conflicts of interest?
- In what areas of church or family life might God be calling you to share resources or territory with others, requiring humility and mutual submission?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsמְנַשֶּׁ֖ה1 of 10
“Now Manasseh”
H4519menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
הָֽיְתָ֖ה2 of 10
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
גְּב֥וּל7 of 10
“on the border”
H1366properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה8 of 10
“Now Manasseh”
H4519menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
לִבְנֵ֥י9 of 10
“belonged to the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶפְרָֽיִם׃10 of 10
“of Ephraim”
H669ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
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 17:8 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 17:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge