King James Version

What Does Joshua 19:51 Mean?

Joshua 19:51 in the King James Version says “These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tri... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Joshua 19:51 · KJV


Context

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
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—The formal conclusion names the leadership: Eleazar (high priest), Joshua (military/civil leader), and tribal heads (representatives). By lot... before the LORD emphasizes divine allocation, not human favoritism.

At the door of the tabernacle sanctifies the process. Secular tasks (land distribution) become sacred when done 'before the LORD.' This models the Christian life: all work, even mundane, becomes worship when offered to God (Colossians 3:23). So they made an end of dividing the country—mission accomplished.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This ceremony at Shiloh concluded the land distribution that began at Gilgal (Joshua 14:6). Shiloh remained Israel's religious center until the ark's capture by Philistines circa 1050 BC (1 Samuel 4). This verse memorializes a pivotal moment: Israel transitions from conquest to settlement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you consecrate everyday responsibilities by doing them 'before the LORD'?
  2. What does corporate leadership (priest, civil leader, tribal heads) teach about shared authority under God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
אֵ֣לֶּה1 of 25
H428

these or those

הַנְּחָלֹ֡ת2 of 25

These are the inheritances

H5159

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 25
H834

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

נִֽחֲל֣וּ4 of 25

divided for an inheritance

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

אֶלְעָזָ֣ר5 of 25

which Eleazar

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֣ן׀6 of 25

the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וִֽיהוֹשֻׁ֪עַ7 of 25

and Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

בְּנֵֽי8 of 25

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

נ֟וּן9 of 25

of Nun

H5126

nun or non, the father of joshua

וְרָאשֵׁ֣י10 of 25

and the heads

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הָֽאָב֣וֹת11 of 25

of the fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לְמַטּוֹת֩12 of 25

of the tribes

H4294

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

בְּנֵֽי13 of 25

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל׀14 of 25

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּגוֹרָ֤ל׀15 of 25

by 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)

בְּשִׁלֹה֙16 of 25

in Shiloh

H7887

shiloh, a place in palestine

לִפְנֵ֣י17 of 25

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֔ה18 of 25

the LORD

H3068

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

פֶּ֖תַח19 of 25

at the door

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֹ֣הֶל20 of 25

of the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד21 of 25

of the congregation

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

וַיְכַלּ֕וּ22 of 25

So they made an end

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

מֵֽחַלֵּ֖ק23 of 25

of dividing

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

אֶת24 of 25
H853

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃25 of 25

the country

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 19:51 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 19:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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