King James Version

What Does Joshua 19:50 Mean?

Joshua 19:50 in the King James Version says “According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he buil... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Joshua 19:50 · KJV


Context

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 Commentary
According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein—Joshua's request honors God's word (according to the word of the LORD). Timnath-serah means 'extra portion' or 'remaining portion.' He built the city—even in old age, Joshua labors to develop his inheritance. He doesn't retire to ease but continues working.

Faithful service doesn't end with official retirement. Joshua models lifelong stewardship: receiving inheritance means developing it. Paul similarly worked 'in labours more abundant' (2 Corinthians 11:23) until death. The Christian life requires endurance to the end (Matthew 24:13).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Timnath-serah (also called Timnath-heres in Judges 2:9) lay in Ephraim's hill country, Joshua's tribal territory. Archaeological surveys suggest a fortified Iron Age settlement consistent with biblical description. Joshua's burial there (Joshua 24:30) made it a memorial site.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you view 'retirement' in light of Joshua's continued labor to build his inheritance?
  2. What does Joshua's modest request teach about ambition versus contentment in service?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
עַל1 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּ֨י2 of 19

According to the word

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יְהוָ֜ה3 of 19

of the LORD

H3068

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

נָ֣תְנוּ4 of 19

they gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֗וֹ5 of 19
H0
אֶת6 of 19
H853

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

הָעִ֖יר7 of 19

him the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שָׁאָ֔ל9 of 19

which he asked

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

אֶת10 of 19
H853

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

תִּמְנַת11 of 19
H0
סֶ֖רַח12 of 19

even Timnathserah

H8556

timnath-cheres, a place in palestine

בְּהַ֣ר13 of 19

in mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

אֶפְרָ֑יִם14 of 19

Ephraim

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וַיִּבְנֶ֥ה15 of 19

and he built

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת16 of 19
H853

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

הָעִ֖יר17 of 19

him the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב18 of 19

and dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָּֽהּ׃19 of 19
H0

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 19:50 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 19:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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