Joshua 14:3

Authorized King James Version

For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
נָתַ֥ן
had given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
מֹשֶׁ֜ה
For Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#4
נַֽחֲלָ֖ה
none inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#5
שְׁנֵ֤י
of two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#6
הַמַּטֶּ֔ה
tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#7
וַֽחֲצִ֣י
and an half
the half or middle
#8
הַמַּטֶּ֔ה
tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#9
מֵעֵ֖בֶר
on the other side
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
#10
לַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן
Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#11
וְלַ֨לְוִיִּ֔ם
but unto the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#12
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
נָתַ֥ן
had given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#14
נַֽחֲלָ֖ה
none inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#15
בְּתוֹכָֽם׃
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources