Joshua 17:18
But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַ֤ר
But the mountain
H2022
הַ֤ר
But the mountain
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
2 of 22
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
יִֽהְיֶה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 22
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַ֣עַר
shall be thine for it is a wood
H3293
יַ֣עַר
shall be thine for it is a wood
Strong's:
H3293
Word #:
6 of 22
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
ה֔וּא
H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 22
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
וּבֵ֣רֵאת֔וֹ
and thou shalt cut it down
H1254
וּבֵ֣רֵאת֔וֹ
and thou shalt cut it down
Strong's:
H1254
Word #:
8 of 22
(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)
וְהָיָ֥ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 22
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
תֹּֽצְאֹתָ֑יו
and the outgoings
H8444
תֹּֽצְאֹתָ֑יו
and the outgoings
Strong's:
H8444
Word #:
11 of 22
(only in plural collective) exit, i.e., (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תוֹרִ֣ישׁ
of it shall be thine for thou shalt drive out
H3423
תוֹרִ֣ישׁ
of it shall be thine for thou shalt drive out
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
13 of 22
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֗י
the Canaanites
H3669
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֗י
the Canaanites
Strong's:
H3669
Word #:
15 of 22
a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
16 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רֶ֤כֶב
chariots
H7393
רֶ֤כֶב
chariots
Strong's:
H7393
Word #:
17 of 22
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
בַּרְזֶל֙
though they have iron
H1270
בַּרְזֶל֙
though they have iron
Strong's:
H1270
Word #:
18 of 22
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
20 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Hebrews 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.Romans 8:37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.Romans 8:31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?Joshua 15:9And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjath-jearim:
Historical Context
Hill country forestland was less desirable initially but offered security and resources. Clearing forests for agriculture was grueling work in Bronze Age Palestine, requiring iron tools ironically obtained from defeated Canaanites. This prepared Israel for eventual dominance.
Questions for Reflection
- What hard work is God calling you to while promising ultimate success beyond your ability?
- How does this verse challenge both passivity (waiting for God to act) and self-reliance (trusting your own strength)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down—Joshua's solution: work hard and trust God. The verb bara (בָּרָא, 'to cut down/clear') means intensive labor. The forested hill country required clearing before settlement, but it would be theirs. Thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots affirms divine enablement supersedes military technology.
This verse balances human responsibility ('cut it down') with divine promise ('thou shalt drive out'). Faith without works is dead (James 2:17)—they must labor, but God guarantees victory. The 'though' clause eliminates their excuse: iron chariots don't nullify God's covenant.