King James Version

What Does Joshua 18:6 Mean?

Joshua 18:6 in the King James Version says “Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for ... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Joshua 18:6 · KJV


Context

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.

8

And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—The methodology combines human survey (katav, written description) with divine selection (goral, גּוֹרָל, 'lot/sacred lot'). Before the LORD (lifnei YHWH) indicates this isn't gambling but sacred discernment.

Casting lots acknowledged God's sovereignty over inheritance (Proverbs 16:33). Human work (surveying) prepares for divine decision (allotment). This models decision-making: gather facts diligently, then submit to God's will. The apostles used lots similarly when replacing Judas (Acts 1:26).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Lot-casting at the tabernacle involved the Urim and Thummim (priestly implements) under Eleazar's oversight. This sacred method prevented tribal disputes and ensured each believed their inheritance came from God, not human favoritism.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you balance diligent preparation with trusting God's sovereign direction in decisions?
  2. What modern practices help believers discern God's will corporately, as lots did for Israel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאַתֶּ֞ם1 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּכְתְּב֤וּ2 of 16

Ye shall therefore describe

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

אֶת3 of 16
H853

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

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙4 of 16

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שִׁבְעָ֣ה5 of 16

into seven

H7651

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

חֲלָקִ֔ים6 of 16

parts

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

וַֽהֲבֵאתֶ֥ם7 of 16

and bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלַ֖י8 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֵ֑נָּה9 of 16
H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

וְיָרִ֨יתִי10 of 16

the description hither to me that I may cast

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

לָכֶ֤ם11 of 16
H0
גּוֹרָל֙12 of 16

lots

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)

פֹּ֔ה13 of 16
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

לִפְנֵ֖י14 of 16

for you here before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֥ה15 of 16

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃16 of 16

our God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of


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 18:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 18:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study