Joshua 14 4

Joshua 14:4 kjv

For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.

Joshua 14:4 nkjv

For the children of Joseph were two tribes: Manasseh and Ephraim. And they gave no part to the Levites in the land, except cities to dwell in, with their common-lands for their livestock and their property.

Joshua 14:4 niv

for Joseph's descendants had become two tribes?Manasseh and Ephraim. The Levites received no share of the land but only towns to live in, with pasturelands for their flocks and herds.

Joshua 14:4 esv

For the people of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion was given to the Levites in the land, but only cities to dwell in, with their pasturelands for their livestock and their substance.

Joshua 14:4 nlt

The descendants of Joseph had become two separate tribes ? Manasseh and Ephraim. And the Levites were given no land at all, only towns to live in with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock and all their possessions.

Joshua 14 verses

Joshua 14 4 Meaning

This verse clarifies the foundational reason for the unique land distribution within ancient Israel: the descendants of Joseph, namely Manasseh and Ephraim, were counted as two distinct tribes. Consequently, this arrangement ensured the original twelve-tribe division for land inheritance, despite the tribe of Levi not receiving a tribal territory. The Levites' portion was instead specific cities and their surrounding pasturelands (suburbs) for their dwelling, livestock, and other possessions.

Joshua 14 4 Context

Joshua 14 opens with a detailed account of the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, overseen by Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the tribal heads, primarily through the casting of lots as commanded by the Lord through Moses. Verses 1-5 serve as an introductory summary to the tribal allotments that follow in subsequent chapters (Josh 15-19). This specific verse (14:4) provides a critical explanatory note, clarifying the unique numbering of the tribes for land distribution. While there were twelve sons of Jacob, Levi had no land inheritance. To maintain the 'twelve tribe' structure for land distribution, Joseph's portion was split into two separate tribes: Ephraim and Manasseh, acknowledging Jacob's earlier prophecy (Gen 48). This arrangement was essential for understanding the fairness and divine order of the allocation process. Historically, this division highlights the transition from nomadic wanderings to settled life, adhering meticulously to Mosaic law.

Joshua 14 4 Word analysis

• For (כִּי, ki): A causal conjunction. Indicates a reason or explanation. The phrase introduces the justification for the particular land distribution scheme about to be described.
• the children of Joseph (בְּנֵי יוֹסֵף, benei Yosef): Refers to the direct descendants of Joseph, specifically his two sons who were adopted by Jacob. This collective noun phrase emphasizes the unified origin despite their eventual tribal separation.
• were two tribes (הָיוּ שְׁנֵי מַטּוֹת, hayu shnei mattot): Lit. "were two staffs/tribes." Highlights the unique status bestowed upon Joseph's lineage. Instead of a single "tribe of Joseph," his offspring formed two distinct tribal entities. This elevates Joseph to a status akin to two of Jacob's other sons, signifying his blessed and fruitful posterity (Gen 49:22).
• Manasseh and Ephraim (מְנַשֶּׁה וְאֶפְרָיִם, Menashsheh v'Efrayim): The two sons of Joseph through his Egyptian wife Asenath. Their distinct identities ensured the numerical twelve-tribe count for land allocation, balancing the absence of Levi. Ephraim, though younger, received a preeminent blessing from Jacob, influencing later historical prominence (Gen 48:19-20).
• therefore (עַל־כֵּן, al-ken): A consequential adverb. Directly links the preceding explanation (Joseph's two tribes) to the ensuing outcome regarding the Levites.
• they gave no part (לֹא נָתְנוּ חֵלֶק, lo natnu chelek): "Did not give a portion/share." Signifies the deliberate absence of a territorial inheritance, as commanded by God. This was not neglect but divine decree, marking Levi as a consecrated tribe dedicated to spiritual service.
• unto the Levites (לַלְוִיִּם, la-L'viyim): To the members of the tribe of Levi. This tribe was set apart for priestly and sanctuary duties, serving as intermediaries between God and Israel (Num 18:20-24).
• in the land (בָּאָרֶץ, ba'aretz): Specifically, in the allotted territories designated for tribal agricultural or settled possession. This emphasizes the lack of a continuous, tribal-sized plot of land.
• save cities to dwell in (כִּי עָרִים לָשָׁבֶת, ki arim la-shavet): Lit. "but cities for dwelling." This crucial exception indicates their specific, yet decentralized, inheritance. These cities were strategically scattered among all other tribes, reflecting the Levites' role to minister to and teach all of Israel.
• with their suburbs (וּמִגְרָשֵׁיהֶם, u-migrashehem): Refers to the adjacent pasturelands or common areas surrounding these Levitical cities. These areas were essential for their survival and basic economy, though not for extensive agriculture (Num 35:1-8).
• for their cattle (לְמִקְנֵיהֶם, l'miqnehem): Livestock, including sheep, goats, and oxen. Necessary for their sustenance and priestly duties (e.g., sacrificial animals for specific contexts, though most came from people).
• and for their substance (וְלִרְכֻשָׁם, v'lirchusham): And for their goods/possessions. A more general term covering any other movable property or wealth they might possess. It clarifies that the provided pasturelands were to support their complete basic livelihood, not just cattle.

Joshua 14 4 Bonus section

The unique land arrangement for the Levites served multiple purposes beyond simply their livelihood. Scattering their cities among all tribes allowed the Levites, who were also teachers of the Law, to effectively instruct and guide the entire nation in God's statutes (Deut 33:10). This setup prevented any one tribal area from becoming a distinct "priestly state" and fostered religious unity throughout the land. It reinforced the theological truth that the entire land of Israel belonged to God (Lev 25:23), and the Levites, as His servants, had Him as their ultimate inheritance, embodying true spiritual wealth over material possession.

Joshua 14 4 Commentary

Joshua 14:4 is a concise yet profound theological and administrative statement. It underpins the entire framework of the land distribution in Israel by addressing two distinct exceptions to the traditional tribal numbering: Joseph's double inheritance and Levi's unique landless status. God, in His meticulous wisdom, established these arrangements to fulfill both ancient promises (Jacob's blessing of Joseph) and His divine purpose for the Levites. By dividing Joseph into two tribes (Manasseh and Ephraim), the count of land-owning tribes remained at twelve, symbolically representing the completeness of Israel. Simultaneously, the Levites' non-inheritance of land but provision of cities and suburbs underscored their specialized function. Their role was spiritual, focusing on the worship, teaching of the law, and administration of justice, rather than agricultural pursuit. Their livelihood came from tithes and offerings (Num 18:21), making God their literal and spiritual portion, teaching dependence and preventing distractions of earthly estate management. This arrangement showcased God's perfect order, ensuring every tribe was cared for according to His divine plan and highlighting His unique provision for those dedicated solely to His service.