Ephraim and West Manasseh: Boundaries and Claims
Joshua 16:1-17:18
Jos.16.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הגורל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לבני: PREP
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מירדן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יריחו: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- למי: PREP,interr
- יריחו: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- מזרחה: ADV,dir
- המדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מיריחו: PREP
- בהר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
Parallels
- Joshua 15:7 (verbal): Uses nearly identical boundary language (“from the Jordan at Jericho…to the waters of Jericho…up to the hill country of Bethel”), showing the same geographic markers for tribal allotments.
- Joshua 18:12 (verbal): Describes Benjamin’s border with the same landmarks (Jericho and the waters of Jericho, and the ascent toward Bethel), repeating the regional boundary formula.
- Joshua 17:7-10 (thematic): Discusses the inheritance and territorial extent of the house of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), treating the same issue of allotment and border distribution among Joseph’s sons.
- Genesis 48:5,22 (thematic): Jacob’s blessing and grant to Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) provides the ancestral/theological rationale for Joseph’s distinct tribal allotment later detailed in Joshua.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the lot came out for the sons of Joseph: from the Jordan at Jericho to the waters of Jericho eastward, the wilderness that goes up from Jericho to Bethel.
- The lot for the sons of Joseph came out: from the Jordan at Jericho to the waters of Jericho eastward, the wilderness that goes up from Jericho to Bethel hill.
Jos.16.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- לוזה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועבר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- הארכי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עטרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 28:19 (verbal): Identifies the site called Bethel and notes that the city's original name was Luz—directly parallels the Bethel/Luz identification in Joshua 16:2.
- Genesis 35:6–7 (verbal): Jacob returns to Luz and calls/builds at Bethel (Luz = Bethel); repeats the same place-name identification found in Joshua’s boundary notice.
- Judges 1:22–26 (thematic): Narrates the house of Joseph's attack on Bethel (formerly Luz) and mentions a man of Luz—relates historically and thematically to the same locale named in Joshua 16:2.
- Joshua 16:1–3 (structural): Immediate contextual verses listing the borders of Ephraim; they form the continuous boundary description that includes Bethel/Luz and adjacent place-names cited in 16:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- From Bethel it went out to Luz, and passed on to the border of Ataroth to the Archi.
- From Bethel it went to Luz and passed on to the border of Ataroth.
Jos.16.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ימה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- היפלטי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חורן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- תחתון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- גזר: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- והיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- תצאתיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ימה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Josh.16:1-4 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same chapter — contiguous boundary description listing the same place-names and the continuation of the allotment language that culminates in v.3.
- Josh.17:7-11 (structural): Later treatment of the Joseph tribes’ inheritance (Ephraim and Manasseh); repeats boundary/topical concerns for the same district and recounts similar towns and problems in possessing them.
- Judges 1:27-29 (thematic): Narrative account of the incomplete Israelite conquest in the same general region; explains the persistence of Canaanite/Philistine presence in towns and so illuminates why towns listed in Joshua 16 remained contested.
- 1 Chronicles 7:20-29 (verbal): Genealogical and settlement lists for the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh that enumerate towns and settlements in the same area, providing a complementary catalogue of places named in Joshua 16.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it went down westward to the border of the Japhleti, to the border of Lower Beth‑Horon and to Gezer; and its limits were to the sea.
- And it went down westward to the border of Japhleti, to the border of Lower Beth‑horon and to Gezer; and its goings out were to the sea.
Jos.16.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וינחלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואפרים: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 48:5 (allusion): Jacob adopts Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and declares them to be his own — the origin of their distinct tribal inheritance later realized in Joshua.
- Joshua 17:1-6 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation describing the allotment and situation of the tribes of Ephraim and the half‑tribe of Manasseh who receive their inheritance.
- Numbers 26:28-37 (verbal): Census/genealogical listing that distinguishes Ephraim and Manasseh as separate tribes/descendants of Joseph, underlying their entitlement to land portions.
- Deuteronomy 33:17 (thematic): Moses' blessing portrays Ephraim and Manasseh as the two powerful portions of Joseph, reflecting the tribal prominence tied to their land inheritance.
- 1 Chronicles 7:20-29 (verbal): Genealogical material tracing the families of Manasseh (and relations to Ephraim), paralleling tribal identities relevant to territorial allotments.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the sons of Joseph—Manasseh and Ephraim—received their inheritance.
- Thus the sons of Joseph received their inheritance: Manasseh and Ephraim.
Jos.16.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- נחלתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- מזרחה: ADV,dir
- עטרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חורן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עליון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 16:1-4 (structural): Immediate context: the preceding verses introduce and begin the detailed allotment and borders of the tribe of Ephraim, of which 16:5 is a direct continuation.
- Joshua 17:7-10 (thematic): Describes the shared territory of Joseph’s sons (Ephraim and Manasseh) and boundary adjustments—parallels the allocation and border issues for Ephraim in Joshua 16.
- Genesis 48:13-20 (allusion): Jacob’s blessing and placement of Ephraim and Manasseh establishes the tribal inheritance (Ephraim’s prominence) that underlies the later land allotments.
- Numbers 34:1-12 (thematic): Gives the overall borders of the land of Canaan to be allotted; functions as the broader framework within which specific tribal boundaries like Ephraim’s are defined.
- Joshua 10:10-11 (verbal): Names Beth Horon as the scene of military action; the same place-name (Upper/Lower Beth Horon) appears in Joshua 16:5 as a boundary marker.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the boundary of the sons of Ephraim, by their families, was this: the boundary of their possession on the east was Ataroth Addar to Upper Beth‑Horon.
- The boundary of the sons of Ephraim, by their families: the border of their possession went east to Ataroth‑Adar and reached Upper Beth‑horon.
Jos.16.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הגבול: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הימה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- המכמתת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מצפון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונסב: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,pl
- הגבול: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מזרחה: ADV,dir
- תאנת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שלה: PRON,3,f,sg,gen
- ועבר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אותו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ממזרח: PREP
- ינוחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 16:5 (structural): Immediate neighbouring verse in the same allotment section; continues the description of the Ephraim/Manasseh border and helps situate the sequence of place-names (Maqqedah → Taanach).
- Joshua 17:11 (thematic): Repeats the geographic cluster (Beth‑shean, Taanach, Megiddo) in the context of Manasseh/Ephraim’s failure to dispossess Canaanite towns, echoing the same regional topography mentioned in Joshua 16:6.
- Judges 1:27 (thematic): Records that the house of Joseph (Manasseh/Ephraim) did not drive out inhabitants of nearby towns including Taanach and Beth‑shean, thematically connecting to the same place‑names and border realities in Joshua 16:6.
- Joshua 10:23 (verbal): Earlier narrative reference to Makkedah (Maqqedah) as a named Canaanite town captured in Joshua’s campaign; provides a verbal parallel for the place‑name that appears in the boundary description of Joshua 16:6.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the border went out to the sea at Micmethath on the north; and the boundary turned eastward to Taanath‑Shiloh, and passed it on the east to Janohah.
- The boundary went out to Michmethath on the north; and it turned eastward to Taanath‑shiloh and passed it on the east to Janoah.
Jos.16.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מינוחה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עטרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ונערתה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ופגע: CONJ+VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- ביריחו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Joshua 16:8-9 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same boundary account — repeats movement toward Jericho and the Jordan as part of Ephraim's allotment.
- Joshua 15:1-12 (thematic): Description of Judah's territorial borders that likewise uses Jericho and the Jordan as salient boundary markers — parallels the use of local place-names to define tribal allotments.
- Joshua 17:7-10 (thematic): Boundary descriptions for the Joseph tribes (Ephraim and Manasseh) that overlap and clarify the same region; similar place‑names (Jericho/Jordan) and issues of adjoining allotments.
- Numbers 34:3-5 (allusion): The Mosaic listing of the land's boundaries along the Jordan and toward the region of Jericho provides the larger traditional frame into which these tribal allotments (like Josh 16:7) fit.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it went down from Janohah to Ataroth and to Naarah, and touched Jericho and went out to the Jordan.
- And it went down from Janoah to Ataroth and Naarah, and it reached Jericho and went out at the Jordan.
Jos.16.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מתפוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ילך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הגבול: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ימה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נחל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- תצאתיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הימה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- נחלת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- מטה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 16:1-4 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter giving the fuller boundary description of the territory of Ephraim, including Tappuah, the stream (Kanah) and the sea.
- Joshua 17:7-10 (verbal): Repeats and expands the territorial relationship between Ephraim and Manasseh, mentioning Tappuah/Kanah and the contested borders along the coast.
- Genesis 48:13-20 (thematic): Jacob's blessing that places Ephraim in a position of prominence and assigns him part of Joseph's inheritance — background for Ephraim's tribal allotment and identity.
- Judges 1:29-30 (thematic): Narrative about the Israelites (including Ephraim) failing to drive out Canaanites from their allotted towns—comments on actual possession vs. the allotment described in Joshua.
Alternative generated candidates
- From Tappuah the border went westward to the stream of Kanah; and its limits were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim, by their families.
- From Tappuah the boundary went west to the brook Kanah, and its goings out were to the sea—this was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim, by their families.
Jos.16.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והערים: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,def
- המבדלות: ADJ,f,pl,def
- לבני: PREP
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בתוך: PREP
- נחלת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- וחצריהן: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss:3,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 16:10 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same subject: the chapter lists the specific towns and villages that belonged to Ephraim even though they lay within the broader area associated with Manasseh.
- Joshua 17:11-18 (structural): Parallel account of the allotments for Joseph's sons (Ephraim and Manasseh), including discussion of towns in Manasseh's territory, the tribes' inability to drive out inhabitants, and disputes/adjustments over land—same allotment/boundary issues as Josh 16:9.
- Judges 1:27-36 (thematic): Reports that the house of Joseph (Ephraim/Manasseh) did not fully dispossess Canaanite inhabitants and that native peoples continued living in various towns—echoes the phenomenon of cities/villages remaining within or assigned across tribal territories.
- 1 Chronicles 7:14-20 (allusion): Genealogical summary of the families of Manasseh and Ephraim; while not a direct legal allotment text, it provides the tribal/kinship background underlying the territorial overlaps and the assignment of towns like those mentioned in Joshua 16:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the cities that separated the sons of Ephraim from the inheritance of the sons of Manasseh were all the cities with their villages.
- And the cities set apart for the sons of Ephraim within the inheritance of the sons of Manasseh: all the cities and their villages.
Jos.16.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- הורישו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הכנעני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- היושב: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- בגזר: PREP
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הכנעני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- בקרב: PREP
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- למס: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- Judges 1:29-30 (quotation): Repeats the same account: Ephraim did not drive out the Canaanites from Gezer, who lived among them and became servants (near-verbatim parallel to Josh 16:10).
- Joshua 17:12-13 (verbal): Similar report about incomplete conquest: Manasseh (and other tribes) did not dispossess Canaanite cities, leaving inhabitants to live among Israel and become tributary or servile.
- Joshua 9:23-27 (thematic): Gibeonites spared by treaty are made hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation—a parallel instance of Canaanite populations placed into servitude rather than expelled.
- Judges 3:1-4 (thematic): Explains the theological significance of leftover nations: God left some nations among Israel to test and teach them war—provides a theological rationale for passages like Josh 16:10.
- Deuteronomy 7:1-2 (structural): Sets the legal/command context (the instruction to dispossess and destroy the nations of Canaan) against which the failure recorded in Josh 16:10 is measured.
Alternative generated candidates
- But they did not drive out the Canaanite who dwelt in Gezer; so the Canaanite dwelt in the midst of Ephraim to this day and became a servant.
- But they did not drive out the Canaanite who lived in Gezer; the Canaanite dwelt among Ephraim to this day and was subjected to forced labor.
Jos.17.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הגורל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- בכור: NOUN,m,sg,const
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למכיר: PREP
- בכור: NOUN,m,sg,const
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הגלעד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- הגלעד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והבשן: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 32:39-42 (verbal): Describes Machir (Manasseh) capturing Gilead and naming towns (Havvoth‑Jair), paralleling Joshua 17:1’s statement that Machir/Manasseh ‘had Gilead’ because he was a warrior.
- Joshua 13:29-31 (structural): Lists the territory east of the Jordan assigned to Manasseh, including Gilead and Bashan, directly corresponding to the land-award mentioned in Joshua 17:1.
- Numbers 26:29-34 (verbal): Gives the tribal genealogy and subdivision of Manasseh (including Machir), connecting the identity of Machir as Manasseh’s firstborn referenced in Joshua 17:1.
- 1 Chronicles 7:14-17 (verbal): Genealogical account of Manasseh’s descendants (Machir, Gilead, Jair) that echoes the names and territorial associations found in Joshua 17:1.
- Judges 10:3-5 (thematic): Describes Jair the Gileadite’s leadership and control of villages in Gilead—reflecting the theme of warrior‑leaders and familial dominion over Gilead apparent in Joshua 17:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the lot fell to the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph. Makir the firstborn of Manasseh—the father of Gilead—was a man of war, and therefore Gilead and Bashan were his.
- The lot for the tribe of Manasseh: for he was Joseph's firstborn. Of Machir, the firstborn of Manasseh—he was a man of war; to him belonged Gilead and Bashan.
Jos.17.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לבני: PREP
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנותרים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבני: PREP
- אביעזר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולבני: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- חלק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ולבני: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אשריאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולבני: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ולבני: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- חפר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולבני: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שמידע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזכרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 26:29-34 (verbal): The tribal census lists the families/households of Manasseh, repeating many of the same clan names (Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, Shemida, Helek, etc.).
- 1 Chronicles 7:14-19 (verbal): A parallel genealogical listing of the sons and clans of Manasseh that echoes the clan names found in Joshua 17:2.
- Numbers 27:1-11 (thematic): The case of Zelophehad's daughters concerns inheritance within Manasseh's allotment and provides legal/thematic background to the family and land issues addressed in Joshua 17.
- Joshua 17:1 (structural): Immediate context: the preceding verse introduces the allotment and situation of Manasseh within the chapter, framing the clan list in 17:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- And to the rest of the sons of Manasseh, by their families: to the sons of Abiezer, to the sons of Helek, to the sons of Asriel, to the sons of Shechem, to the sons of Hepher, and to the sons of Shemida—these are the male descendants of Manasseh the son of Joseph, by their families.
- And to the remaining sons of Manasseh, by their families: to the sons of Abiezer, to the sons of Helek, to the sons of Asriel, to the sons of Shechem, to the sons of Hepher and to the sons of Shemida—these are the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph, by their families.
Jos.17.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולצלפחד: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חפר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גלעד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכיר: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- בנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- בנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ואלה: CONJ+DEM,pl,abs
- שמות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בנתיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3ms
- מחלה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- ונעה: CONJ+NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- חגלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותרצה: CONJ+NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 27:1-11 (quotation): The original legal petition of the daughters of Zelophehad (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, Tirzah) asking for an inheritance—Joshua 17:3 repeats the genealogy and names found here.
- Numbers 36:1-12 (structural): Follow-up legislation concerning the daughters of Zelophehad: requires them to marry within their tribe so land allotments remain in the tribe of Manasseh, resolving inheritance concerns introduced in Numbers 27 and reflected in Joshua 17.
- Joshua 17:4-6 (structural): Immediate continuation within Joshua that treats the outcome of the daughters' claim—describes the actual allotment and the dispute of Manasseh’s descendants over their portion.
- Ruth 4:1-12 (thematic): The account of Boaz as kinsman-redeemer deals with issues of land, inheritance, and preserving a family line when direct heirs are absent—themically related to the inheritance concerns raised by Zelophehad’s daughters.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Makir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, only daughters. The names of his daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah.
- Now Zelophehad son of Hepher son of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh had no sons, but only daughters; and the names of his daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah.
Jos.17.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותקרבנה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,pl
- לפני: PREP
- אלעזר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולפני: CONJ+PREP
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולפני: CONJ+PREP
- הנשיאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לתת: VERB,qal,inf
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- נחלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בתוך: PREP
- אחינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1pl
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- נחלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בתוך: PREP
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- אביהן: NOUN,m,sg,suff
Parallels
- Numbers 27:1-11 (quotation): The original petition of the daughters of Zelophehad; Joshua 17:4 echoes the same case — the daughters come forward to claim an inheritance and the legal decision is recorded earlier in Numbers.
- Numbers 27:8 (verbal): States the legal principle that if a man dies without sons his inheritance goes to his daughter(s); Joshua 17:4 appeals to this ruling as the basis for the daughters' claim.
- Numbers 36:1-12 (thematic): Takes up the consequences of the daughters' inheritance (marriage restrictions to keep land within the tribe); thematically linked to the allocation and transmission of tribal land addressed in Joshua 17.
- Joshua 17:6 (structural): Continues the same allotment narrative in Joshua: after the daughters' appeal is noted (v.4), v.6 reports how the land was ultimately assigned — the episode is part of the larger structural account of tribal inheritances.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they came near before Eleazar the priest and before Joshua son of Nun and before the leaders, saying, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” So according to the word of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.
- They came forward before Eleazar the priest and before Joshua son of Nun and before the leaders, saying, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” So according to the word of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.
Jos.17.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- חבלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- לבד: PREP
- מארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הגלעד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והבשן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מעבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לירדן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 13:29–31 (verbal): The earlier Joshua passage enumerates the lands assigned to the tribe and half‑tribe of Manasseh, including territories beyond the Jordan (Gilead and Bashan), closely matching the allotment language in Josh 17:5.
- Deuteronomy 3:13 (quotation): Explicitly states that the rest of Gilead and all Bashan were given to the half‑tribe of Manasseh—an explicit legal/tradition source for the trans‑Jordan allotment mentioned in Josh 17:5.
- Numbers 32:33 (structural): Reports the giving of the former kingdoms of Sihon and Og (regions of Gilead and Bashan) to the Reubenites, Gadites and the half‑tribe of Manasseh, providing compositional background for the east‑of‑Jordan tribal settlements referenced in Josh 17:5.
- 1 Chronicles 5:18–23 (thematic): Narrates the settlement and military activity of the trans‑Jordan tribes (including the half‑tribe of Manasseh) in Gilead and Bashan, thematically echoing the territorial possession described in Josh 17:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- And ten portions fell to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan which is beyond the Jordan.
- The portions of Manasseh fell ten parts, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan beyond the Jordan.
Jos.17.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- בנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נחלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- נחלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בתוך: PREP
- בניו: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- וארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הגלעד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לבני: PREP
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנותרים: ADJ,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Numbers 27:1-11 (thematic): The case of Zelophehad’s daughters establishing the principle of daughters inheriting land—parallels the mention that ‘daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance’.
- Numbers 36:1-12 (structural): Legislative ruling that daughters who inherit must marry within the tribe so allotments remain tribal—explains how daughters’ inheritances could be held ‘among the sons of Manasseh.’
- Numbers 32:39-40 (verbal): States that Machir took Gilead and gave it to Manasseh (the half‑tribe), directly paralleling Joshua’s note that the land of Gilead belonged to the remaining Manasseh.
- Deuteronomy 3:13 (verbal): Declares that the land of Gilead and Bashan was allotted to the half‑tribe of Manasseh, corroborating Joshua’s allocation of Gilead to Manasseh.
- 1 Chronicles 7:14-15 (verbal): Reports that Machir, son of Manasseh, took and possessed Gilead—genealogical/historical confirmation of Manasseh’s possession of Gilead noted in Joshua 17:6.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons, and the land of Gilead belonged to the rest of Manasseh.
- For the daughters of Manasseh were given an inheritance among his sons; and the land of Gilead belonged to the rest of Manasseh.
Jos.17.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאשר: PREP+REL
- המכמתת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- והלך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הגבול: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- הימין: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- ישבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- תפוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 17:1-6 (structural): Immediate context: the larger description of Manasseh’s allotment and the list of towns and boundaries that frame v.7.
- Joshua 16:7-10 (verbal): Description of Ephraim’s border adjacent to Shechem and the same regional landmarks (Shechem, En‑Tappuah), showing overlapping boundary language and place‑names.
- Genesis 33:18 (thematic): Shechem is introduced earlier as a settled landmark where Jacob came and dwelt; provides broader background for Shechem as a persistent geographic reference in tribal allotments.
- Joshua 24:32 (structural): Later mention of Shechem in covenantal and burial traditions (Joseph’s bones), underlining the city’s continuing significance in Israel’s territorial memory.
- Judges 9:1-6 (thematic): Shechem appears as the center of civic and political action (the account of Abimelech), illustrating the city’s importance as a regional landmark referenced in boundary descriptions like Josh 17:7.
Alternative generated candidates
- The boundary of Manasseh was from Asher Micmethath, which is before Shechem; and the border went out to the inhabitants of En‑Tappuah on the east.
- The border of Manasseh ran from Asher, which is on the shoulder of the hill before Shechem; and the boundary went on to the inhabitants of En‑tappuah.
Jos.17.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למנשה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תפוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותפוח: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבני: PREP
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 16:8-10 (verbal): Contains the boundary description of the tribe of Ephraim and mentions nearby towns (including Tappuah in some traditions), paralleling the Ephraim–Manasseh border language in Josh 17:8.
- Joshua 17:9-10 (structural): Immediate context: continues the allotment narrative clarifying which towns fell to Manasseh and highlighting the border relationship with Ephraim (follow‑on to v.8).
- Judges 1:27-28 (thematic): Describes Manasseh’s failure to drive out all Canaanite inhabitants and the persistence of towns in its territory—themewise connection to the settlement and boundary issues reflected in Josh 17:8.
- 1 Chronicles 7:20-22 (allusion): Lists towns and territorial associations of the half‑tribe of Manasseh (and related clans), echoing the allotment/toponymic material found in Joshua 17:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, and Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the sons of Ephraim.
- Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the sons of Ephraim.
Jos.17.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הגבול: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נחל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נגבה: ADV
- לנחל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- האלה: DEM,pl
- לאפרים: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,pl,abs
- בתוך: PREP
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וגבול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצפון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לנחל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- תצאתיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הימה: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Joshua 16:8-9 (verbal): Gives the parallel/near‑identical boundary language between Ephraim and Manasseh (the brook/Wadi as the border), echoing the same geographic marker.
- Joshua 17:1-8 (structural): Immediate chapter context describing the allotment between Ephraim and Manasseh (inheritance, towns and borders); verse 9 continues and repeats this boundary material.
- Joshua 13:29-31 (structural): Earlier summary of the allotments west of the Jordan for Ephraim and Manasseh, providing broader territorial context for the boundary described in Josh 17:9.
- Genesis 48:13-20 (thematic): Joseph’s blessing and adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh explains the origin of the two tribal inheritances that make the boundary dispute/description in Joshua necessary.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the border went down to the stream of Kanah and reached to the sea; these cities were Ephraim’s among the cities of Manasseh. Manasseh’s border was on the north of the stream, and its limits were at the sea.
- The boundary went down to the brook Kanah and turned toward the brook that marks the coast of the people of Ephraim within the cities of Manasseh; and Manasseh's border was on the north to the brook, and its goings out were to the sea.
Jos.17.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נגבה: ADV
- לאפרים: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,pl,abs
- וצפונה: CONJ+ADV
- למנשה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הים: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- גבולו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ובאשר: CONJ+REL
- יפגעון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מצפון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וביששכר: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממזרח: PREP
Parallels
- Joshua 16:1-10 (verbal): Gives the detailed boundaries and towns of the tribe of Ephraim, including the western border at the sea, using language and border delineation closely parallel to Josh.17:10.
- Joshua 17:11-13 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same allotment narrative—continues discussion of Ephraim and Manasseh's portions and border disputes, showing the same territorial context and concerns.
- Joshua 13:27-29 (thematic): Lists the portions of the land assigned to the tribes (including Manasseh and Ephraim) and the remaining unconquered regions—themewise parallel about tribal allotments and borders.
- Numbers 34:6-7 (allusion): Specifies the 'Great Sea' (Mediterranean) as the western boundary of the land—echoes Josh.17:10's statement that the sea was the tribe's border.
- Judges 1:27-28 (thematic): Describes the territorial situation of Ephraim and Manasseh after the conquest (cities taken but inhabitants not wholly driven out), reflecting the same geographic area and issues of possession noted in Joshua 17.
Alternative generated candidates
- Southward it belonged to Ephraim and northward to Manasseh; the sea was its border, and on the north it reached to Issachar on the east.
- Ephraim was to the south and Manasseh to the north; the sea was their western border, and they touched on the north, and Issachar on the east.
Jos.17.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- למנשה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביששכר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובאשר: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובנותיה: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ויבלעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובנותיה: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- ישבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- דאר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובנותיה: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וישבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- דר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובנתיה: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,poss3ms
- וישבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תענך: VERB,qal,imf,3,f,sg
- ובנתיה: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,poss3ms
- וישבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מגדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובנותיה: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שלשת: NUM,m,pl,abs
- הנפת: DET+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 1:27-28 (verbal): Direct parallel/near-quotation — Judges repeats that Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor, Taanach, Megiddo and their villages.
- Joshua 17:12-13 (structural): Immediate continuation in the same chapter describing the consequence: the Canaanites remained in those towns among Manasseh and became tributaries.
- Joshua 16:10 (thematic): Similar theme of the tribes of Joseph (Ephraim/Manasseh) failing to dispossess Canaanite towns so that Canaanites continued to dwell in the land.
- Deuteronomy 7:1-2 (thematic): Contrasting legal/ideological background — God’s command to drive out the nations, which frames the significance of Israel’s failure to dispossess these towns.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Manasseh had Beth‑shean and its towns, Ibleam and its towns, the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, the inhabitants of En‑dor and its towns, the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns—three districts.
- To Manasseh belonged Beth‑shan and its towns, Ibleam and its towns, the inhabitants of Dor and their towns, the inhabitants of En‑dor and their towns, the inhabitants of Taanach and their towns, the inhabitants of Megiddo and their towns—three districts.
Jos.17.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- יכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להוריש: VERB,hiph,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- ויואל: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- הכנעני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- לשבת: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Judges 1:27-28 (verbal): Almost identical report that the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants and that the Canaanites continued to dwell in the land; a near-verbatim parallel account of the same event.
- Judges 1:29 (thematic): Records another tribe (Ephraim) failing to dispossess Canaanite inhabitants (at Gezer); illustrates the broader theme of incomplete conquest by Israelite tribes.
- Judges 2:21-23 (thematic): Explains the theological rationale for survivors of the conquest — Yahweh left certain nations in the land to test Israel and teach warfare — providing context for why tribes did not fully dispossess the Canaanites.
- 1 Kings 9:20-21 (thematic): Describes remnants of Canaanite peoples remaining in the land under Solomon (forced labor), reflecting a later consequence of the tribes' failure to expel the original inhabitants.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yet the sons of Manasseh could not drive out these inhabitants; the Canaanite remained in that land.
- Yet the sons of Manasseh could not dispossess these inhabitants; the Canaanite remained in that land.
Jos.17.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- חזקו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הכנעני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- למס: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והורש: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- הורישו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Judges 1:27-36 (thematic): Narrative parallel: several Israelite tribes fail to drive out all Canaanite inhabitants and instead live alongside or subject them, echoing Joshua’s report that the Canaanites were put to tribute and not expelled.
- Judges 2:2-3 (thematic): Prophetic consequence: divine rebuke for not annihilating the nations as instructed—links the failure to dispossess the Canaanites (as in Joshua 17:13) with Israel’s subsequent judgment.
- Deuteronomy 7:1-2 (verbal): Legal command: God’s explicit instruction to annihilate the nations and utterly destroy them, which contrasts with and explains the significance of Israel’s failure in Joshua 17:13.
- Numbers 33:52-55 (verbal): Divine injunction: reiteration of the command to drive out and dispossess the inhabitants of the land—textually related to the concern that Israel did not carry out complete dispossession.
- 1 Kings 9:20-21 (allusion): Outcome parallel: later summary that the remaining Hittites and Canaanites were made forced labor (servants) for Solomon’s building projects, reflecting the motif of subjecting Canaanites to tribute/labor rather than fully expelling them.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when Israel grew strong they put the Canaanite to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely.
- When Israel grew strong they subjected the Canaanite to forced labor but did not drive them out completely.
Jos.17.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- מדוע: ADV
- נתתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- נחלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גורל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- וחבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- עם: PREP
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עד: PREP
- כה: ADV
- ברכני: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg+obj:1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Josh.17.15 (structural): Immediate continuation/response: Joshua tells the sons of Joseph to clear forest and expand into the land if they are too many, directly answering their complaint about insufficient allotment.
- Numbers 32:1-5 (thematic): Reuben and Gad petition Moses for specific territory because of their livestock and numbers; parallels the tribal request to leadership for adjustment of land due to population/needs.
- Numbers 26:52-56 (thematic): God's command to apportion the land by lot according to the tribes' numbers; provides the broader legal/background framework for disputes about inheritance and inadequate allotments.
- Judges 1:27-28 (thematic): Reports that Ephraim and Manasseh failed to drive out all the Canaanites and left inhabitants among them — a related concern about occupation and possession of allotted territory.
- Gen.48:4-5 (allusion): Jacob's blessing/promise concerning Joseph's sons as a multitude that will become a people; echoes the claim of Joseph's descendants in Joshua that they are numerous and need more land.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the people of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given me but one allotment and one portion to inherit, though I am a numerous people?"
- Then the sons of Joseph spoke to Joshua, “Why have you given me only one lot and one portion to inherit, though I am a numerous people, for the LORD has blessed me until now?”
Jos.17.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אם: CONJ
- עם: PREP
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- היערה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ובראת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- הפרזי: ADJ,m,pl,def
- והרפאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- כי: CONJ
- אץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 13:28-33 (verbal): Spies describe the land as inhabited by 'giants' (Anakim/Rephaim) and fearful inhabitants — echoes Joshua 17:15's reference to Perizzites and Rephaim and the issue of possessing the hill country.
- Joshua 11:21-22 (verbal): Joshua's earlier campaign defeats the Anakim/Rephaim (giants) in the hill country; parallels the same ethnic names and the theme of taking possession of hill regions.
- Deuteronomy 2:20-21 (verbal): Speaks of the Emim/Anakim as 'Rephaim' — a background tradition identifying these tall peoples and linking to Joshua 17:15's mention of the Rephaim in the land to be possessed.
- Judges 1:34-36 (thematic): Describes how some tribes (e.g., Dan, others) were driven into the hill country or failed to dispossess inhabitants, reflecting the problem of limited territory and occupation of highlands noted in Joshua 17:15.
- Judges 18:1-2 (thematic): The tribe of Dan seeks an inheritance because their allotted territory was insufficient; thematically parallels Joshua's instruction to expand into wooded/hill regions if their land is too small.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua answered them, “If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest and clear a place for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim; for the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you.
- Joshua said to them, “If you are a numerous people, go up into the forest and clear a place for yourselves in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaites; for the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you.”
Jos.17.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ימצא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ההר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ורכב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברזל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכנעני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- הישב: PTCP,qal,act,ms,sg,def
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- העמק: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאשר: CONJ
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- שאן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובנותיה: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,cons+PRON,3,f,sg
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- בעמק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יזרעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 1:27-28 (structural): Reports the same failure to drive out Canaanites from the lowland (including Beth‑shean/Megiddo region), leaving them to live among Israel — closely parallel historical outcome to Joshua 17:16.
- Judges 4:3 (verbal): Explicitly states that the Canaanite king Jabin possessed 'nine hundred chariots of iron,' echoing Joshua's reference to enemies with iron chariots as a military threat.
- 1 Samuel 13:5,19-22 (thematic): Describes Israel's disadvantage against foes who possess chariots and blacksmithing/metal arms (Philistines), paralleling Joshua's complaint about Canaanites' iron chariots and technological superiority.
- Isaiah 31:1 (thematic): Condemns reliance on horses and chariots (Egyptian military power) rather than the LORD — thematically related to Joshua's concern about enemies' chariots as decisive military factors.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the people of Joseph said, “The hill is not enough for us; and the Canaanite lives in the plain because the Canaanite has iron chariots, those in Beth‑shean and its villages and in the valley of Jezreel.”
- They answered, “The hill will not suffice for us; and the Canaanite who dwells in the lowland has iron chariots, both those at Beth‑shan and its towns and those in the Valley of Jezreel.”
Jos.17.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאפרים: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,pl,abs
- ולמנשה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- עם: PREP
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- וכח: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- גורל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 17:14-15 (verbal): Immediate context — the people of Joseph complain they have received only one allotment because they are numerous; Joshua answers about dividing more land (same episode and wording).
- Joshua 16:4-10 (structural): Description of the Ephraim allotment and borders — the tribal land-distribution framework that explains why Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) are concerned about their portion.
- Genesis 48:13-20 (allusion): Jacob's blessing that Ephraim and Manasseh become distinct tribes and receive inheritance (v.19 specifically appoints the younger Ephraim greater), underpinning Joseph's dual-tribe status and claims to land.
- Numbers 26:53-56 (structural): Instruction for apportioning the land of Canaan by lot to the tribes according to their families and numbers — the legal/background principle behind concerns about tribal allotments and distribution.},{
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are a numerous people and have great power; you shall not have one allotment only.
- Joshua said to the house of Joseph—Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are a numerous and strong people; you shall not have but one allotment.”
Jos.17.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- יער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ובראתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- תצאתיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- תוריש: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הכנעני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- כי: CONJ
- רכב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברזל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- חזק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 1:19 (verbal): Almost identical wording: Judah (or Israel) could not drive out inhabitants because they had chariots of iron — direct verbal parallel to the obstacle cited in Josh 17:18.
- Judges 4:3 (verbal): Describes Canaanite power in chariots of iron under Sisera; echoes the motif of iron chariots as a military threat and explains later successes/failures against such forces.
- Joshua 17:12 (structural): Immediate internal parallel within the same allotment narrative: earlier verse notes the sons of Joseph/Ephraim and Manasseh could not drive out the Canaanites from their towns — same problem reiterated in v.18.
- Judges 3:1-2 (thematic): Explains the broader theological/historical pattern: God left some nations among Israel 'to teach warfare' and test them, accounting for incomplete dispossession like that named in Josh 17:18.
- Joshua 15:63 (thematic): Another example in Joshua of Israel's failure to expel Canaanite inhabitants (the Jebusites of Jerusalem), illustrating the recurrent theme of incomplete conquest and persistent Canaanite presence.
Alternative generated candidates
- But a mountain shall be yours; for it is a forest; you shall clear it and its farthest borders shall be yours. For you shall drive out the Canaanite though he has chariots of iron and is strong.”
- But you shall have hill country; and though it is a forest, you shall clear it, and you shall have its outgoings; for you shall dispossess the Canaanite, though his chariots are iron and he is strong.”
And the lot for the sons of Joseph went out: from the Jordan at Jericho to the waters of Jericho eastward, to the wilderness that goes up from Jericho to the hill country of Bethel.
From Bethel it went out to Luz and passed on to the border of Ataroth.
It went down westward to the border of Japhleti, to the border of Lower Beth‑horon, and to Gezer; its goings out were at the sea. And the sons of Joseph — Manasseh and Ephraim — received their inheritance.
The boundary of the sons of Ephraim for their families: the boundary of their inheritance went eastward to Ataroth‑Addar as far as Upper Beth‑horon.
The border went westward to Michmethath on the north; then the border turned from there eastward to Taanath‑Shiloh and passed on east to Janoah.
From there it went down to Ataroth and Naarah, and touched Jericho, and reached the Jordan.
From Tappuah the border went westward to the brook Kanah, and its goings out were to the sea. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim by their families. And the cities set apart for the sons of Ephraim within the territory of the sons of Manasseh: all their cities and their villages.
They did not dispossess the Canaanite who lived in Gezer; the Canaanite dwelt among the Ephraimites to this day and became their servant.
The lot for the tribe of Manasseh—for he was Joseph's firstborn—fell to Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead; for he was a man of war, and Gilead and Bashan were given to him. Now the rest of the sons of Manasseh by their families: the sons of Abiezer, the sons of Helek, the sons of Asriel, the sons of Shechem, the sons of Hepher, the sons of Shemida—these are the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph by their families.
Zelophehad son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons but only daughters. Their names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
They came forward before Eleazar the priest, before Joshua son of Nun, and before the leaders, saying, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” So by the command of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.
The divisions of Manasseh were ten shares, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan which is beyond the Jordan.
For the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons; and the land of Gilead belonged to the rest of Manasseh.
The border of Manasseh began at Asher that is before Shechem; and the boundary went out to the right to the inhabitants of En‑tappuah.
Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, and Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the sons of Ephraim.
The border went down to the brook Kanah; these cities were for Ephraim within the territory of Manasseh. Manasseh's border was northward to the brook, and its goings out were to the sea.
Ephraim was to the south, and Manasseh to the north; the sea was their limit, and they met on the north, with Issachar on the east. And Manasseh had Beth‑shean and its villages, Ibleam and its villages, the inhabitants of Dor and their villages, the inhabitants of En‑dor and their villages, the inhabitants of Taanach and their villages, the inhabitants of Megiddo and their villages—three districts. But the sons of Manasseh could not dispossess these inhabitants; the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
Yet when the people of Israel grew strong they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor, but they did not drive them out.
Then the sons of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given me only one lot and one portion to inherit, though I am a numerous people? And the LORD has blessed me till now.”
Joshua answered them, “If you are a numerous people, go up into the forest and clear a place for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim; if the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you, go to the plain and possess it.” But the sons of Joseph said, “We cannot clear the hill; the Canaanites who live in the plain have iron chariots; they are at Beth‑shean and its villages and at the valley of Jezreel.” And Joshua said to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and to Manasseh, “You are a numerous people and mighty; you shall not have but one allotment.
The hill country shall be yours, though it is forested—you shall clear it, and its goings out shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanite though he has iron chariots and is strong.”