Old Testament
Joshua 24:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I have given you a land you did not work for, and cities you did not build, and you live in them. You eat from vineyards and olive groves you did not plant.
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And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat.
What Joshua 24:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God reminds the Israelites of the blessings they have received without having to work for them. He emphasizes that they now inhabit cities and land that they did not build or cultivate. This serves as a reminder of God's grace and provision, highlighting His role in giving them a prosperous life in the Promised Land. The mention of vineyards and olive groves they did not plant underscores the idea that their success is not solely due to their own efforts but is a gift from God. This verse encourages gratitude and recognition of divine blessings, urging the Israelites to remember their dependence on God for their prosperity and well-being. It also serves as a call to stewardship, reminding them to honor God with the gifts they have received and to live righteously in the land He has provided.
How to apply Joshua 24:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and appreciate the blessings in our lives that we did not earn. It reminds us to be grateful for what we have and to use our resources wisely. Acknowledging God's gifts can inspire us to live with humility and share our blessings with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: “Choose You This Day” (Joshua 24:1–28)
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Joshua
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying Joshua 24:13
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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 24:13 mean?
Joshua 24:13 highlights God's generosity in giving the Israelites a land and cities they did not work for. It emphasizes that their prosperity is a result of God's grace and provision, reminding them to be thankful for His blessings.
What is the significance of 'land you did not work for' in Joshua 24:13?
The phrase 'land you did not work for' signifies that the Israelites received blessings without their own labor, illustrating God's grace. It serves as a reminder that their success is a gift from God, not just a result of their efforts.
What does 'cities you did not build' refer to in Joshua 24:13?
'Cities you did not build' refers to the towns and settlements in the Promised Land that the Israelites inherited without having constructed them. This highlights God's provision and the importance of recognizing His role in their lives.
How does Joshua 24:13 relate to gratitude?
Joshua 24:13 encourages gratitude by reminding the Israelites of the blessings they received without earning them. It calls for an acknowledgment of God's gifts and inspires a thankful attitude towards their circumstances.
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