Joshua 17 2

Joshua 17:2 kjv

There was also a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.

Joshua 17:2 nkjv

And there was a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, the children of Helek, the children of Asriel, the children of Shechem, the children of Hepher, and the children of Shemida; these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.

Joshua 17:2 niv

So this allotment was for the rest of the people of Manasseh?the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher and Shemida. These are the other male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph by their clans.

Joshua 17:2 esv

And allotments were made to the rest of the people of Manasseh by their clans, Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These were the male descendants of Manasseh the son of Joseph, by their clans.

Joshua 17:2 nlt

So the allotment on the west side of the Jordan was for the remaining families within the clans of the tribe of Manasseh: Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These clans represent the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph.

Joshua 17 verses

Joshua 17 2 Meaning

This verse precisely details the specific ancestral clans of the western half-tribe of Manasseh who were designated to receive their inheritance of land within Canaan. It identifies six distinct patrilineal family units: Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These clans, all descended from Manasseh, the son of Joseph, represent the systematic and divinely orchestrated distribution of the Promised Land, meticulously carried out according to tribal and familial lines.

Joshua 17 2 Context

Joshua 17 details the allocation of land for the tribe of Manasseh in the Promised Land, specifically focusing on its western half-tribe's portion. This chapter is part of the larger narrative (Joshua 13-19) describing the meticulous and divinely guided distribution of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel after their initial conquests. Verse 17:1 briefly notes that the first lot of Manasseh went to Machir, Manasseh's firstborn, east of the Jordan. Verse 2 then elaborates on the remaining "other children of Manasseh," delineating the specific patrilineal clans that would settle on the west side of the Jordan. This intricate listing underlines the careful and systematic adherence to the census records and patriarchal blessings established earlier in the Torah, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's covenant with His people through precise territorial assignments based on familial lines.

Joshua 17 2 Word analysis

• And this was: This phrase connects the specific details that follow to the general allocation mentioned in the preceding verse. It signals a continuation of the process of assigning territory.
• for the other children of Manasseh: This differentiates these clans from Machir, the firstborn of Manasseh, whose descendants had already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan (as stated in Josh 17:1 and Num 32:33). It clarifies that the tribe of Manasseh was indeed split into two halves for land distribution due to its large size.
• according to their families: Hebrew: le-mishpechotam (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם). This crucial phrase underscores the fundamental principle of Israelite land allocation: it was based on established ancestral clans as recorded in censuses like Numbers 26. This method ensured order, maintained tribal identities, and connected the land tenure directly to each family's heritage.
• for the children of Abiezer: Abiezer (אֲבִיעֶזֶר, Aviezer) means "my father is help." This clan is notable as the lineage of Gideon, one of Israel's great judges (Judg 6:11).
• and for the children of Helek: Helek (חֵלֶק, Khelek) means "portion" or "lot." It's fitting that a clan named "portion" would receive its specific allotment of land.
• and for the children of Asriel: Asriel (אַשְׂרִיאֵל, Ashriel) means "God is princely" or "God binds."
• and for the children of Shechem: Shechem (שְׁכֶם, Shekhem) means "shoulder" or "back." This clan would likely have received land in the vicinity of the strategically important city of Shechem, often associated with Jacob's early settlement.
• and for the children of Hepher: Hepher (חֵפֶר, Khefer) means "pit" or "well." This clan is significant as it was the lineage of Zelophehad, whose daughters famously advocated for their right to inheritance when their father died without male heirs (Num 27, Num 36, Josh 17:3-6). Their case established a legal precedent for daughters inheriting land to maintain the family line within the tribe.
• and for the children of Shemida: Shemida (שְׁמִידָע, Shemida) means "name of knowledge" or "God knows."
• these were the male children of Manasseh: This highlights the patriarchal structure of Israelite society and confirms that these named individuals were the progenitors of the specific male-led clans through whom land inheritance generally passed. This sets up the context for the exception of Zelophehad's daughters in subsequent verses.
• the son of Joseph: This emphasizes the lineage back to Joseph, affirming Manasseh's rightful claim as one of Joseph's two sons to receive an inheritance, effectively giving Joseph a double portion as firstborn.
• according to their families: (repetition of le-mishpechotam) The repetition of this phrase further emphasizes the central organizing principle of the land division, grounding it firmly in God's ordered societal structure and covenant faithfulness.

Joshua 17 2 Bonus section

The careful cataloging of clans like those of Manasseh provided essential legal and social foundations for ancient Israel. Such detailed genealogies and land allocations prevented widespread disputes, preserved tribal identities, and ensured the long-term stability of the nation's land tenure system. It visually demonstrates the "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachalah) not merely as possession but as a divinely given, perpetual possession passed down through generations. This detailed enumeration served as a public record, symbolizing God's faithfulness in fulfilling every aspect of His promise to Abraham, a stark contrast to the fluid, often arbitrary land distributions found in surrounding pagan cultures of the ancient Near East. The mention of each clan also subtly emphasizes that every Israelite, through their family, had a direct stake and inheritance in God's covenant land.

Joshua 17 2 Commentary

Joshua 17:2 offers a precise glimpse into the divine faithfulness and meticulous organization underlying the distribution of the Promised Land. By enumerating the specific patrilineal clans of Manasseh's western half, the verse underscores that the land was not haphazardly assigned but systematically apportioned "according to their families." This foundational principle, reiterated from earlier books like Numbers, affirmed each family's distinct heritage and ownership within God's covenant plan. The listing of these six male-headed clans sets the stage for the groundbreaking case of Zelophehad's daughters, who emerged from the Hepher clan, demonstrating God's justice in upholding His laws and providing for all members of the covenant community within the established system of inheritance. This historical detail reinforced Israel's identity, established property rights, and bore witness to God's exact fulfillment of His ancient promises.