Joshua 19:39
This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages.
Original Language Analysis
נַֽחֲלַ֛ת
This is the inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלַ֛ת
This is the inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
מַטֵּ֥ה
of the tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֥ה
of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
3 of 8
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
בְנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
נַפְתָּלִ֖י
of Naphtali
H5321
נַפְתָּלִ֖י
of Naphtali
Strong's:
H5321
Word #:
5 of 8
naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם
according to their families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם
according to their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
6 of 8
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
Historical Context
Naphtali, son of Jacob by Rachel's maid Bilhah, received the beautiful Upper Galilee region. Jesus later ministered extensively in Naphtali's territory, especially around Capernaum. Matthew saw this as fulfilling Isaiah 9:1-2: 'Galilee of the Gentiles' seeing great light.
Questions for Reflection
- What promises did God speak over your life that remain unfulfilled, and how do you maintain faith?
- How did Jesus' ministry in Naphtali's territory fulfill ancient prophecy in unexpected ways?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages—Naphtali's allotment concludes. The formula according to their families (mishpachotam) ensures each clan received their portion. Jacob prophesied Naphtali would be 'a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words' (Genesis 49:21).
Each tribe's inheritance fulfilled patriarchal prophecy. God's word endures across generations—promises to Jacob materialized 400+ years later. This encourages believers: God's promises don't expire. What He spoke over your life will come to pass in His timing (2 Corinthians 1:20).