Joshua 19:50
According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּ֨י
According to the word
H6310
פִּ֨י
According to the word
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
2 of 19
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נָ֣תְנוּ
they gave
H5414
נָ֣תְנוּ
they gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעִ֖יר
him the city
H5892
הָעִ֖יר
him the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
7 of 19
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁאָ֔ל
which he asked
H7592
שָׁאָ֔ל
which he asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
9 of 19
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּהַ֣ר
in mount
H2022
בְּהַ֣ר
in mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
13 of 19
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
14 of 19
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעִ֖יר
him the city
H5892
הָעִ֖יר
him the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
17 of 19
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Historical Context
Timnath-serah (also called Timnath-heres in Judges 2:9) lay in Ephraim's hill country, Joshua's tribal territory. Archaeological surveys suggest a fortified Iron Age settlement consistent with biblical description. Joshua's burial there (Joshua 24:30) made it a memorial site.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you view 'retirement' in light of Joshua's continued labor to build his inheritance?
- What does Joshua's modest request teach about ambition versus contentment in service?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein—Joshua's request honors God's word (according to the word of the LORD). Timnath-serah means 'extra portion' or 'remaining portion.' He built the city—even in old age, Joshua labors to develop his inheritance. He doesn't retire to ease but continues working.
Faithful service doesn't end with official retirement. Joshua models lifelong stewardship: receiving inheritance means developing it. Paul similarly worked 'in labours more abundant' (2 Corinthians 11:23) until death. The Christian life requires endurance to the end (Matthew 24:13).