Joshua 15 20

Joshua 15:20 kjv

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

Joshua 15:20 nkjv

This was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families:

Joshua 15:20 niv

This is the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, according to its clans:

Joshua 15:20 esv

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Judah according to their clans.

Joshua 15:20 nlt

This was the homeland allocated to the clans of the tribe of Judah.

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 20 Meaning

This verse serves as a summary statement, marking the conclusion of the general description of the tribal borders for the people of Judah and preceding the detailed enumeration of the cities within their allotted territory. It underscores that the land described is specifically the divinely ordained "inheritance" belonging to the "tribe of Judah," distributed "according to their clans," highlighting an orderly, structured, and divinely sanctioned division.

Joshua 15 20 Context

Joshua 15:20 appears within the larger narrative of the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes. Following the conquest described in the first part of the book of Joshua, chapters 13-19 detail the systematic apportionment of territories. Chapter 15 specifically focuses on the tribe of Judah, outlining its extensive boundaries (vv. 1-12) and then listing the numerous cities within its allocated region (vv. 21-63). Verse 20 acts as a pivotal summary, explicitly stating that what follows (the city list) constitutes "the inheritance" belonging to Judah. Historically, this allocation fulfills centuries-old promises from God to Abraham and his descendants, highlighting God's faithfulness in granting the land of Canaan. Judah's allotment is detailed first and most extensively, reflecting its prophetic destiny as the tribe from which kingship, and ultimately the Messiah, would emerge. This organized division by clans counters chaotic land seizure, emphasizing divine order and familial identity.

Joshua 15 20 Word analysis

• This (Hebrew: זֹאת, Zot): A feminine singular demonstrative pronoun, pointing back to the "inheritance" (nachalat) described or forward to the detailed listing of cities that follows. It signifies a clear designation and formal declaration.
• is: Implied by Hebrew syntax. Connects the pronoun to the noun, signifying declaration and identity.
• the inheritance (Hebrew: נַחֲלַת, nachalat): Derived from the root נָחַל (nachal), meaning "to inherit," "to possess," "to receive as an allotment." This is a key theological and legal term in the Bible. It speaks of a divinely given possession, not earned but bestowed, reflecting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises (e.g., Gen 15:7-21, Exo 32:13). It differentiates Israel's claim to the land from mere conquest, framing it as a sacred trust and fulfillment of God's word.
• of the tribe (Hebrew: מַטֵּה, matteh): Literally "staff" or "rod," a common term to refer to a tribe, symbolizing a distinct unit or lineage identified by its leader or patriarch. It implies a structured, recognized division within Israel. The "staff" could also symbolize authority, emphasizing the tribal identity.
• of the people of Judah (Hebrew: בְנֵי יְהוּדָה, benei Yehudah): Literally "sons of Judah," referring to the descendants, the clan, and collectively the entire tribe originating from Judah, one of Jacob's twelve sons. This term connects the tribal identity directly to its patriarchal head. Judah's designation as the first tribe described here (and receiving the largest, most significant portion) anticipates its future preeminence (Gen 49:8-10).
• according to their clans (Hebrew: לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם, l'mishpechotam): The preposition "to" or "for" (לְ, le) combined with "families" or "clans" (מִשְׁפָּחָה, mishpacha). This phrase emphasizes the internal division of the tribal land among the specific extended families within Judah. It speaks to the meticulous and ordered nature of the land distribution, reflecting God's attention to detail and ensuring that every family unit received its portion, as commanded in Num 26:54 and 33:54. This orderly distribution by lot and clan provided legal and historical validation for future generations regarding their land ownership.

Joshua 15 20 Bonus section

The concept of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah) extends beyond the physical land in later biblical thought. It can refer to spiritual blessings, a share in God's covenant, or eternal life. For example, Ps 16:5 declares "The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot," spiritualizing the concept of a received inheritance. This verse's focus on structured, familial distribution by "clans" also contrasts sharply with surrounding pagan societies, where land ownership was often based on brute force or dynastic decree, not covenantal promise and detailed apportionment to every family. It speaks to God's desire for a stable, ordered society for His people, rooted in His faithful provision. The painstaking detail of the lists of cities and borders in Joshua (e.g., in chapter 15) attests to the seriousness with which this divine gift of inheritance was understood and documented, providing concrete proof of God's promises fulfilled.

Joshua 15 20 Commentary

Joshua 15:20 serves as an emphatic heading or concluding summary for the initial phase of Judah's land allotment in Joshua chapter 15. It underscores the divine authority behind the land division ("inheritance"), distinguishing it from arbitrary human seizure. The designation of "the tribe of Judah" is significant, foreshadowing its central role in Israel's future, from kingship to the Messiah (Gen 49:10). The phrase "according to their clans" highlights the meticulous and fair distribution by God, ensuring that every extended family within the tribe received its rightful, divinely measured portion, thus establishing the foundation for social, economic, and religious life in the land. This verse marks a transition from border definitions to the concrete list of settled cities, cementing the legal and practical reality of Judah's established territory.