King James Version

What Does Joshua 19:32 Mean?

Joshua 19:32 in the King James Version says “The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families. — study this verse from Joshua chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.

Joshua 19:32 · King James Version


Context

30

Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages.

31

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.

32

The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.

33

And their coast was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakum; and the outgoings thereof were at Jordan:

34

And then the coast turneth westward to Aznothtabor, and goeth out from thence to Hukkok, and reacheth to Zebulun on the south side, and reacheth to Asher on the west side, and to Judah upon Jordan toward the sunrising .


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families. This verse marks Naphtali's turn in the sacred lottery that distributed the Promised Land. The phrase "sixth lot" (ha-goral ha-shishi, הַגּוֹרָל הַשִּׁשִּׁי) emphasizes the ordered, divinely governed process—nothing random or chaotic about God's allocation of inheritance. The repetition "children of Naphtali... children of Naphtali" underscores both their covenant identity and the certainty of their blessing.

Naphtali's name means "my wrestling" or "my strife" (naftali, נַפְתָּלִי), recalling Rachel's struggle with Leah for children and supremacy (Genesis 30:8). Yet this tribe born of conflict receives abundant inheritance in one of Canaan's most fertile regions. The phrase "according to their families" (le-mishpechotam, לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם) demonstrates God's concern for equitable distribution down to clan level—not merely tribal blocks but family allotments ensuring every household had land.

The casting of lots (goral, גּוֹרָל) wasn't gambling but sacred discernment of divine will through the high priest's Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30). Proverbs 16:33 declares, "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD." This method removed human favoritism and demonstrated God's sovereign allocation of each tribe's portion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Naphtali's territory comprised the eastern Galilee region, including the fertile plain around the Sea of Galilee (Chinnereth) and extending north to the Lebanon mountains. This area was exceptionally productive agriculturally, with abundant water sources, fishing grounds, and trade routes. Archaeological surveys show dense settlement patterns in this region during the Iron Age I period (1200-1000 BCE), confirming its desirability and productivity.

The tribal allotment process described in Joshua 13-21 followed a systematic pattern: larger tribes received first (Judah, Ephraim, Manasseh), then the remaining seven tribes divided what remained. Naphtali's "sixth lot" placed them after Zebulun but before Dan and Asher. The lot-casting ceremony likely occurred at Shiloh (18:1), where the Tabernacle stood and the tribes assembled for this sacred distribution.

Ancient Near Eastern land distribution typically occurred through royal decree or military conquest, with powerful families claiming the best territories. Israel's system, using sacred lots under priestly supervision, ensured fairness and recognized God as the ultimate landowner who granted portions to His covenant people. This theological foundation prevented the concentration of wealth characteristic of surrounding nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of lots to distribute land encourage us to trust His sovereignty in allocating gifts, callings, and opportunities within the church?
  2. What does the transformation of Naphtali ("my wrestling") into a blessed inheritance teach about God's redemption of our struggles and painful origins?
  3. How might the orderly, family-level distribution of land inform our understanding of God's concern for justice and equity in human societies?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לִבְנֵ֥י1 of 8

even for 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

נַפְתָּלִ֖י2 of 8

of Naphtali

H5321

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

יָצָ֖א3 of 8

came out

H3318

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

הַגּוֹרָ֣ל4 of 8

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)

הַשִּׁשִּׁ֑י5 of 8

The sixth

H8345

sixth, ordinal or (feminine) fractional

לִבְנֵ֥י6 of 8

even for 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

נַפְתָּלִ֖י7 of 8

of Naphtali

H5321

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃8 of 8

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


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 19:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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