King James Version

What Does Joshua 18:11 Mean?

Joshua 18:11 in the King James Version says “And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot cam...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.”

Joshua 18:11 · KJV

Context

9

And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and came again to Joshua to the host at Shiloh.

10

And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.

11

And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.

12

And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.

13

And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.

Read Joshua 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families—Benjamin, Jacob's youngest son, receives his portion by sacred lot. The phrase according to their families (mishpachotam, מִשְׁפְּחֹתָם) indicates subdivision within the tribe. The coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph positions Benjamin strategically between the two dominant tribes.

This placement proves prophetically significant: Jerusalem, the eternal capital, lies in Benjamite territory. Though smallest among Joseph's brothers (Genesis 42:13), Benjamin's central location makes them crucial to Israel's unity. God exalts the humble and strategically positions His servants.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Benjamin's buffer position between Judah (south) and Joseph/Ephraim (north) became crucial during the kingdom's later division. Benjamites aligned with Judah, forming the southern kingdom. Their territory included Jerusalem, Bethel, Jericho—key religious and political centers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might your seemingly small or insignificant position be strategically important in God's kingdom plan?
  2. What does Benjamin's placement between rival tribes teach about peacemaking and unity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיַּ֗עַל1 of 15

“came up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

גּֽוֹרָלָ֔ם2 of 15

“And the 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)

מַטֵּ֥ה3 of 15

“of the tribe”

H4294

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

בְּנֵ֥י4 of 15

“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

בִנְיָמִ֖ן5 of 15

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם6 of 15

“according to their families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

וַיֵּצֵא֙7 of 15

“came forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

גְּב֣וּל8 of 15

“and the coast”

H1366

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

גּֽוֹרָלָ֔ם9 of 15

“And the 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)

בֵּ֚ין10 of 15
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

בְּנֵ֥י11 of 15

“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

יְהוּדָ֔ה12 of 15

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּבֵ֖ין13 of 15
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

בְּנֵ֥י14 of 15

“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

יוֹסֵֽף׃15 of 15

“of Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven 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 18:11 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 18:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 10:1-22Joshua 16:1-10Joshua 15:1-8Deuteronomy 13:12

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