Old Testament
Joshua 13:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Joshua 13:2, God is reminding the Israelites about the land that remains to be conquered.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
"This is the land that still remains: all the territory of the Philistines and all the region of the Geshurites,
This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Joshua 13:2, God is reminding the Israelites about the land that remains to be conquered. This includes the territories of the Philistines and the Geshurites, which were significant enemies of Israel. The mention of these regions highlights the ongoing task of claiming the Promised Land. The Israelites had already conquered much, but there were still areas that needed to be addressed. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of completing the mission God has set before them. It emphasizes that while they have made progress, there is still work to be done. The Philistines were known for their military strength, and the Geshurites were a neighboring tribe, indicating that the Israelites would face challenges ahead. This call to action encourages the people to remain vigilant and committed to their purpose, trusting in God's guidance as they continue to fulfill His promises. Explore related conquest.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Joshua 13:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that while we may have achieved certain goals, there are still areas in our lives that require attention and effort. We should remain committed to our spiritual journeys, trusting in God's guidance as we face challenges and work towards fulfilling our purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 13:2 mean?
Joshua 13:2 highlights the land that remains for the Israelites to conquer, specifically the territories of the Philistines and the Geshurites. It serves as a reminder that despite their progress, there are still challenges and areas that need to be addressed in claiming the Promised Land.
What is the significance of the Philistines in Joshua 13:2?
The Philistines were significant enemies of Israel known for their military strength. Their mention in Joshua 13:2 indicates that the Israelites would face ongoing challenges in their mission to fully conquer the land God promised them.
What does 'the land that still remains' refer to in Joshua 13:2?
In Joshua 13:2, 'the land that still remains' refers to the territories that the Israelites had not yet conquered, specifically the regions occupied by the Philistines and Geshurites, emphasizing the need for continued effort in their conquest.
What is the main message of Joshua 13:2?
The main message of Joshua 13:2 is to remind the Israelites of their ongoing mission to conquer the remaining territories in the Promised Land. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in fulfilling God's promises.

The Book of Joshua
1: God Commissions Joshua
After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.
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