Joshua 18:4
Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me.
Original Language Analysis
הָב֥וּ
Give out
H3051
הָב֥וּ
Give out
Strong's:
H3051
Word #:
1 of 15
to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come
שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה
from among you three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה
from among you three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
3 of 15
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
H376
אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 15
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)
לַשָּׁ֑בֶט
for each tribe
H7626
לַשָּׁ֑בֶט
for each tribe
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
5 of 15
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
וְאֶשְׁלָחֵ֗ם
and I will send
H7971
וְאֶשְׁלָחֵ֗ם
and I will send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
6 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וְיָקֻ֜מוּ
them and they shall rise
H6965
וְיָקֻ֜מוּ
them and they shall rise
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
7 of 15
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וְיִֽתְהַלְּכ֥וּ
and go
H1980
וְיִֽתְהַלְּכ֥וּ
and go
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 15
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בָאָ֛רֶץ
through the land
H776
בָאָ֛רֶץ
through the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
9 of 15
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
וְיִכְתְּב֥וּ
and describe
H3789
וְיִכְתְּב֥וּ
and describe
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
10 of 15
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
אוֹתָ֛הּ
H853
אוֹתָ֛הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְפִ֥י
it according
H6310
לְפִ֥י
it according
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
12 of 15
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
נַֽחֲלָתָ֖ם
to the inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלָתָ֖ם
to the inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
Historical Context
This survey occurred at Shiloh circa 1400 BC, after initial conquest but before full settlement. Ancient Near Eastern land grants required surveys and written records. The seven remaining tribes (besides Judah and Joseph) needed territory allocated by lot before the LORD.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's careful ordering of inheritance challenge chaotic or lazy approaches to spiritual blessings?
- What areas of your life need better documentation and accountability before God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Give out from among you three men for each tribe—Joshua initiates a systematic land survey, requiring each tribe to send representatives (Hebrew anashim, אֲנָשִׁים, 'men of standing'). The command describe it according to the inheritance uses katav (כָּתַב, 'to write/inscribe'), indicating a formal written survey. This anticipates property rights and covenant boundaries.
This reflects godly order: inheritance isn't random but deliberate, documented, and fair. The survey establishes legal ownership—a principle underlying biblical land theology. Every tribe participates, ensuring transparency and accountability. God's gifts require responsible stewardship and proper administration.