Old Testament
Joshua 13:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Now, divide this land as an inheritance for the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
Compare translations
Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh,
What Joshua 13:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs Joshua to allocate the land of Canaan among the nine tribes of Israel and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This division is significant as it marks the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites a homeland. Each tribe will receive a specific portion of land, which is essential for their identity and future as a nation. The mention of the half-tribe of Manasseh indicates that this tribe was split, with part of it already settled on the east side of the Jordan River. This verse emphasizes the importance of land as an inheritance, symbolizing stability, security, and God's faithfulness to His promises. The act of dividing the land also reflects the need for order and organization within the community, ensuring that each tribe knows its boundaries and responsibilities. Overall, this moment is a pivotal step in the Israelites' journey, transitioning from wandering in the wilderness to establishing themselves in the Promised Land.
How to apply Joshua 13:7 to your life
Understanding the importance of inheritance can inspire us to appreciate our own spiritual heritage. Just as the Israelites received their land, we too have a spiritual inheritance through faith. This encourages us to live in a way that honors our legacy and responsibilities within our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Joshua 13:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Joshua 13:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 13:7 mean?
Joshua 13:7 means that God is instructing Joshua to divide the land of Canaan among the nine tribes of Israel and the half-tribe of Manasseh, fulfilling His promise of a homeland for the Israelites.
What is the significance of the half-tribe of Manasseh in Joshua 13:7?
The half-tribe of Manasseh is significant because it indicates that this tribe was divided, with part of it already settled on the east side of the Jordan River, highlighting the organization of the Israelite tribes.
How does Joshua 13:7 relate to the theme of inheritance?
Joshua 13:7 relates to the theme of inheritance by emphasizing the importance of land as a symbol of stability and security for the tribes of Israel, representing God's faithfulness to His promises.
What can we learn from Joshua 13:7 about community organization?
From Joshua 13:7, we learn that dividing land among tribes reflects the need for order and organization within a community, ensuring that each tribe understands its boundaries and responsibilities.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.