Joshua 21:5

Authorized King James Version

And the rest of the children of Kohath had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim, and out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh, ten cities.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלִבְנֵ֨י
of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
קְהָ֜ת
of Kohath
kehath, an israelite
#3
הַנּֽוֹתָרִ֗ים
And the rest
to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve
#4
מִמִּשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
out of the families
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
#5
מַטֵּ֧ה
and out of the tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#6
אֶ֠פְרַיִם
of Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#7
מַטֵּ֧ה
and out of the tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#8
דָ֞ן
of Dan
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
#9
וּמֵֽחֲצִ֨י
and out of the half
the half or middle
#10
מַטֵּ֧ה
and out of the tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#11
מְנַשֶּׁ֛ה
of Manasseh
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#12
בַּגּוֹרָ֖ל
had by lot
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#13
עָרִ֥ים
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#14
עָֽשֶׂר׃
ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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