Joshua 17:1

Authorized King James Version

There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph; to wit, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֤י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַגּוֹרָל֙

H1486

There was also a lot

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

לְמַטֵּ֣ה

H4294

for the tribe

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

מְנַשֶּׁ֜ה

H4519

of Manasseh

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ה֖וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בְּכ֨וֹר

H1060

for he was the firstborn

first-born; hence, chief

יוֹסֵ֑ף

H3130

of Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

לְמָכִיר֩

H4353

to wit for Machir

makir, an israelite

#10

בְּכ֨וֹר

H1060

for he was the firstborn

first-born; hence, chief

#11

מְנַשֶּׁ֜ה

H4519

of Manasseh

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#12

אֲבִ֣י

the father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#13

הַגִּלְעָ֥ד

H1568

of Gilead

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

#14

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#15

ה֤וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#16

הָיָה֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#17

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

because he was a man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#18

מִלְחָמָ֔ה

H4421

of war

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#19

וַֽיְהִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#20

ל֖וֹ

#21

הַגִּלְעָ֥ד

H1568

of Gilead

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

#22

וְהַבָּשָֽׁן׃

H1316

and Bashan

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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