King James Version
What Does Joshua 19:49 Mean?
“When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them:”
Joshua 19:49 · KJV
Context
47
And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.
48
This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages.
49
When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them:
50
According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein.
51
These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryWhen they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts—The monumental task concludes: all tribal territories allocated. The children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them—Israel honors their faithful leader. Joshua receives his portion last, after ensuring every tribe received theirs. His servant-leadership prioritizes others.
This models Christ, who though entitled to all, took the servant's place (Philippians 2:5-8). True leaders serve first, receive last. Joshua's deferred reward shows maturity: he waited until his mission was complete. This anticipates the heavenly reward: 'Well done, good and faithful servant' (Matthew 25:21) comes after faithful service, not before.
This models Christ, who though entitled to all, took the servant's place (Philippians 2:5-8). True leaders serve first, receive last. Joshua's deferred reward shows maturity: he waited until his mission was complete. This anticipates the heavenly reward: 'Well done, good and faithful servant' (Matthew 25:21) comes after faithful service, not before.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Joshua's inheritance came by Israel's deliberate gift, not mere lot-casting. This honored his 40+ years of faithful service under Moses and as conquest leader. He received Timnath-serah by request, showing his humility—he could have claimed any city but chose modestly.
Reflection Questions
- How does delaying personal gratification to serve others demonstrate Christlike leadership?
- What does Joshua's last-place inheritance teach about kingdom values versus worldly ambition?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsוַיְכַלּ֥וּ1 of 13
“When they had made an end”
H3615to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
לִנְחֹל2 of 13
“for inheritance”
H5157to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
אֶת3 of 13
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִּן7 of 13
“the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל8 of 13
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
נַֽחֲלָ֛ה9 of 13
“an inheritance”
H5159properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
בִּן11 of 13
“the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
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 19:49 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 19:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge