Old Testament
Joshua 17:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, saying, "The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our relatives." So, according to the LORD's command, he gave them an inheritance among their father's relatives.
Compare translations
And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.
What Joshua 17:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the daughters of Zelophehad approach Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the leaders of Israel to claim their inheritance. They remind them that God had commanded Moses to ensure they receive land among their relatives, highlighting the importance of their rights as heirs. This moment emphasizes the significance of God's promises and the need for leaders to uphold them. The leaders respond by honoring God's command, demonstrating their commitment to justice and fairness in distributing the land. This interaction illustrates the importance of advocacy and the role of community leaders in ensuring that God's laws are followed, especially regarding inheritance rights. It also reflects the broader theme of God's faithfulness to His promises, as He ensures that all His people, including women, receive their rightful inheritance. This verse serves as a reminder that everyone has a place and a promise in God's plan, and it encourages believers to seek their rightful inheritance in faith.
How to apply Joshua 17:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to advocate for our rights and the rights of others, especially in matters of justice and fairness. It reminds us to trust in God's promises and to seek His guidance in our pursuits, ensuring that we honor His commands in our actions.
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 Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 17:4
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 17:4
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 is the significance of Joshua 17:4 in the context of inheritance?
Joshua 17:4 highlights the importance of inheritance rights in Israelite culture, particularly for the daughters of Zelophehad. It emphasizes that God's commands, as relayed through Moses, included provisions for women to inherit land, which was a significant step towards gender equality in biblical times. This verse shows that God's promises extend to all His people, ensuring that everyone has a rightful place in His plan.
Who are the key figures mentioned in Joshua 17:4?
The key figures in Joshua 17:4 are Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders of Israel. Eleazar served as the high priest, responsible for spiritual leadership and guidance. Joshua, as Moses' successor, led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Together, they represent the authority and leadership tasked with upholding God's commands regarding inheritance and justice.
How does Joshua 17:4 demonstrate God's faithfulness?
Joshua 17:4 demonstrates God's faithfulness by fulfilling His promise to the daughters of Zelophehad, ensuring they receive their inheritance as commanded to Moses. This act reflects God's commitment to justice and His desire for all individuals, regardless of gender, to have a stake in the community. It reassures believers that God honors His word and provides for His people.
What can we learn about advocacy from Joshua 17:4?
Joshua 17:4 teaches us the importance of advocacy, particularly in matters of justice and rights. The daughters of Zelophehad boldly approached the leaders to claim their inheritance, illustrating the need to speak up for oneself and others. This encourages individuals to advocate for fairness and equity in their communities, trusting that God supports their efforts for justice.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.