Joshua 17:14

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְדַבְּרוּ֙
spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
בְּנֵ֣י
And the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
יוֹסֵ֔ף
of Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#4
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#5
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
unto Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#6
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
מַדּוּעַ֩
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
#8
נָתַ֨תָּה
Why hast thou given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
לִּ֜י
H0
#10
נַֽחֲלָ֗ה
to inherit
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#11
גּוֹרָ֤ל
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)
#12
אֶחָ֔ד
and one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#13
וְחֶ֣בֶל
portion
ruin
#14
אֶחָ֔ד
and one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#15
וַֽאֲנִ֣י
i
#16
עַם
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#17
רָ֔ב
seeing I am a great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#18
עַד
forasmuch as
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#19
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#20
עַד
forasmuch as
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#21
כֹּ֖ה
me hitherto
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#22
בֵּֽרְכַ֥נִי
hath blessed
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#23
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

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

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