Joshua 18:5

Authorized King James Version

And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִֽתְחַלְּק֥וּ
And they shall divide
to be smooth (figuratively)
#2
אֹתָ֖הּ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
לְשִׁבְעָ֣ה
it into seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#4
חֲלָקִ֑ים
parts
properly, smoothness (of the tongue)
#5
יְהוּדָ֞ה
Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#6
יַֽעַמְד֥וּ
shall abide
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
גְּבוּלָ֖ם
in their coast
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#9
מִנֶּ֔גֶב
on the south
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
#10
וּבֵ֥ית
and the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
יוֹסֵ֛ף
of Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#12
יַֽעַמְד֥וּ
shall abide
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
גְּבוּלָ֖ם
in their coast
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#15
מִצָּפֽוֹן׃
on the north
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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