King James Version

What Does Joshua 19:40 Mean?

Joshua 19:40 in the King James Version says “And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families. — study this verse from Joshua chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.

Joshua 19:40 · KJV


Context

38

And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

39

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages.

40

And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.

41

And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Irshemesh,

42

And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families—Dan receives the final tribal allotment. Being seventh may seem anticlimactic, yet it completes the sacred number. Dan, son of Jacob by Rachel's maid Bilhah, struggled throughout Israel's history, eventually embracing idolatry (Judges 18).

God gives inheritance even to those who will squander it. The lot 'comes out' (yatsa, יָצָא) by divine sovereignty, not merit. This demonstrates grace: God distributes gifts freely, though recipients often misuse them. The warning: privilege brings responsibility. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Dan initially received fertile coastal territory between Judah and Ephraim, but Amorite/Philistine pressure forced them northward (Judges 18). They conquered Laish, renaming it Dan, and established a rival worship center with a graven image (Judges 18:30-31), corrupting Israel's northern boundary.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you steward God's gifts to avoid Dan's pattern of squandering spiritual inheritance?
  2. What warning does Dan's idolatry provide about privileged positions misused?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
לְמַטֵּ֥ה1 of 7

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),

בְנֵי2 of 7

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

דָ֖ן3 of 7

of Dan

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם4 of 7

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

יָצָ֖א5 of 7

came out

H3318

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

הַגּוֹרָ֥ל6 of 7

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)

הַשְּׁבִיעִֽי׃7 of 7

And the seventh

H7637

seventh


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 19:40 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study