Joshua 21:6

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Gershon had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלִבְנֵ֣י
And 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
גֵֽרְשׁ֗וֹן
of Gershon
gereshon or gereshom, an israelite
#3
מִמִּשְׁפְּח֣וֹת
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
#4
מַטֵּ֨ה
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),
#5
יִשָּׂשכָ֣ר
of Issachar
jissaskar, a son of jacob
#6
מַטֵּ֨ה
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),
#7
אָ֠שֵׁר
of Asher
asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine
#8
מַטֵּ֨ה
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),
#9
נַפְתָּלִ֜י
of Naphtali
naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#10
וּ֠מֵֽחֲצִי
and out of the half
the half or middle
#11
מַטֵּ֨ה
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),
#12
מְנַשֶּׁ֤ה
of Manasseh
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#13
בַבָּשָׁן֙
in Bashan
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan
#14
בַּגּוֹרָ֔ל
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)
#15
עָרִ֖ים
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#16
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
thirteen
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#17
עֶשְׂרֵֽה׃
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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