King James Version

What Does Joshua 24:28 Mean?

Joshua 24:28 in the King James Version says “So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance.” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance.”

Joshua 24:28 · KJV

Context

26

And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.

27

And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.

28

So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance.

29

And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old.

30

And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash.

Read Joshua 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance—The assembly concludes. Let the people depart (shalach et ha-am, שִׁלַּח אֶת־הָעָם) suggests formal dismissal. Every man unto his inheritance (ish le-nachalato, אִישׁ לְנַחֲלָתוֹ) emphasizes individual return to personal property. Each Israelite goes home to land God gave them.

Inheritance provides identity and purpose. They return not as nomads but as landowners, not as slaves but as free people possessing God's promises. Believers likewise have an inheritance (Ephesians 1:11, Colossians 1:12)—both present (Spirit's indwelling) and future (glorification). Our inheritance defines us.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This dismissal marked the end of the conquest generation's leadership. Joshua was approximately 110 years old (24:29). Israel's tribes dispersed to consolidate their territories, beginning the settlement period that would last until the monarchy. The tribal confederation functioned loosely under judges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your spiritual inheritance (identity in Christ) shape daily living?
  2. What 'inheritance' has God given you to steward for His glory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַיְשַׁלַּ֤ח1 of 6

“depart”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙2 of 6

“So Joshua”

H3091

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

אֶת3 of 6
H853

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

הָעָ֔ם4 of 6

“let the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אִ֖ישׁ5 of 6

“every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְנַֽחֲלָתֽוֹ׃6 of 6

“unto his inheritance”

H5159

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

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 24:28 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 24:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 2:6

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