King James Version

What Does Joshua 18:5 Mean?

Joshua 18:5 in the King James Version says “And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall ... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north.

Joshua 18:5 · KJV


Context

3

And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?

4

Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me.

5

And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north.

6

Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.

7

But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh, have received their inheritance beyond Jordan on the east, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They shall divide it into seven parts—The remaining land is apportioned equally among seven tribes. Judah keeps their southern territory, Joseph (Ephraim/Manasseh) the central highlands. This division reflects covenant fairness: each tribe receives proportionate inheritance. The Hebrew chalaq (חָלַק, 'to divide') suggests both separation and distribution.

Geographic specificity matters in Scripture. God cares about details—boundaries, measurements, documented allocations. This prefigures the New Covenant where believers receive 'an inheritance incorruptible' (1 Peter 1:4), also carefully measured by divine sovereignty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The seven parts represented western Palestine's remaining unconquered territory. Archaeological surveys confirm these regions had mixed Canaanite populations requiring ongoing conquest. Judah's south and Joseph's central position were already established.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's detailed attention to land allocation reflect His care for your specific circumstances?
  2. What does equal distribution among tribes teach about fairness and justice in covenant community?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהִֽתְחַלְּק֥וּ1 of 15

And they shall divide

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

אֹתָ֖הּ2 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לְשִׁבְעָ֣ה3 of 15

it into seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

חֲלָקִ֑ים4 of 15

parts

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

יְהוּדָ֞ה5 of 15

Judah

H3063

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

יַֽעַמְד֥וּ6 of 15

shall abide

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עַל7 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

גְּבוּלָ֖ם8 of 15

in their coast

H1366

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

מִנֶּ֔גֶב9 of 15

on the south

H5045

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

וּבֵ֥ית10 of 15

and the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יוֹסֵ֛ף11 of 15

of Joseph

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

יַֽעַמְד֥וּ12 of 15

shall abide

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עַל13 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

גְּבוּלָ֖ם14 of 15

in their coast

H1366

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

מִצָּפֽוֹן׃15 of 15

on the north

H6828

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


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 18:5 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 18:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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