King James Version

What Does Joshua 19:1 Mean?

Joshua 19:1 in the King James Version says “And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and t...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.”

Joshua 19:1 · KJV

Context

1

And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.

2

And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,

3

And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.

The goral (גּוֹרָל, "lot") was cast to determine Simeon's inheritance, demonstrating Israel's dependence on divine providence rather than human manipulation. That the "second lot" fell to Simeon is significant—Judah received the first (15:1), followed immediately by Simeon, fulfilling the brothers' permanent association predicted in Jacob's prophecy. The phrase within the inheritance of the children of Judah marks Simeon's unique status: alone among the tribes, they received no independent territory but were absorbed into another tribe's allotment.

This arrangement directly fulfills Jacob's deathbed prophecy: "I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel" (Genesis 49:7). Simeon and Levi were cursed for their violent destruction of Shechem (Genesis 34:25-31). While Levi's scattering was redeemed through priestly service (Deuteronomy 33:8-11), Simeon's dispersion led to gradual tribal dissolution. By David's time, Simeon had largely been absorbed into Judah (1 Chronicles 4:24-43), and the tribe receives no blessing in Deuteronomy 33.

The Hebrew b'toch nachalat (בְּתוֹךְ נַחֲלַת, "within the inheritance") emphasizes Simeon's dependent position. They possessed cities but no autonomous tribal territory—a prophetic judgment that didn't destroy them but limited their influence and identity, demonstrating how God's discipline fulfills His word across generations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Simeon's enclave within Judah lay in the Negev region of southern Canaan, an arid zone receiving less than 8 inches of annual rainfall. This marginal land supported sparse population and required semi-nomadic pastoralism rather than intensive agriculture. Archaeological surveys show scattered settlement in the Negev during Iron Age I (1200-1000 BCE), consistent with Simeon's limited presence.

The tribal absorption of Simeon into Judah occurred gradually. The Simeonite genealogy in 1 Chronicles 4:24-43 records expansion southward and eastward into Edomite and Amalekite territories, suggesting the tribe sought identity through conquest outside Judah's core. By the monarchy period, Simeon had essentially disappeared as a distinct entity—2 Chronicles 15:9 and 34:6 mention Simeonites living in northern Israel, indicating dispersion.

Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 49:5-7 condemned Simeon and Levi for their violence at Shechem, where they massacred the city after Dinah's defilement (Genesis 34). The fulfillment came differently for each tribe: Levi was scattered as priests with no territorial inheritance but received honor through service; Simeon was scattered within Judah's borders and gradually lost tribal identity. God's justice was precise—the crime was punished, but not identically for both perpetrators.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Simeon's absorption into Judah demonstrate that God's prophetic judgments are both certain and precise, fulfilled across generations?
  2. What does Simeon's fate teach about how violence and vengeance, even when provoked, can have lasting consequences for our descendants?
  3. How can we see God's mercy even in judgment—Simeon wasn't destroyed but continued to exist, though diminished—and what does this reveal about divine discipline?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיֵּצֵ֞א1 of 14

“came forth”

H3318

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

הַגּוֹרָ֤ל2 of 14

“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)

הַשֵּׁנִי֙3 of 14

“And the second”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

שִׁמְע֖וֹן4 of 14

“of Simeon”

H8095

shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him

לְמַטֵּ֥ה5 of 14

“even for the tribe”

H4294

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

בְּנֵֽי6 of 14

“of 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

שִׁמְע֖וֹן7 of 14

“of Simeon”

H8095

shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him

לְמִשְׁפְּחוֹתָ֑ם8 of 14

“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

וַֽיְהִי֙9 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נַֽחֲלַ֥ת10 of 14

“and their inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

בְּת֖וֹךְ11 of 14

“was within”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

נַֽחֲלַ֥ת12 of 14

“and their inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

בְּנֵֽי13 of 14

“of 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

יְהוּדָֽה׃14 of 14

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of 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 19:1 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 19:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:9Genesis 49:5-7Joshua 18:6-11

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