Joshua 24:33
And Eleazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him in a hill that pertained to Phinehas his son, which was given him in mount Ephraim.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנ֔וֹ
his son
H1121
בְּנ֔וֹ
his son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֹת֗וֹ
H853
אֹת֗וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פִּֽינְחָ֣ס
that pertained to Phinehas
H6372
פִּֽינְחָ֣ס
that pertained to Phinehas
Strong's:
H6372
Word #:
8 of 14
pinechas, the name of three israelites
בְּנ֔וֹ
his son
H1121
בְּנ֔וֹ
his son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִתַּן
which was given
H5414
נִתַּן
which was given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
11 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Exodus 6:25And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.Joshua 22:13And the children of Israel sent unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest,
Historical Context
Eleazar succeeded Aaron as high priest (Numbers 20:25-28) and served alongside Moses and Joshua. His death roughly coincided with Joshua's, ending the conquest generation's leadership. Phinehas, his son (Joshua 22:31), continued the high priestly line until Eli's time. Mount Ephraim's location for his burial suggests Levitical allotment.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you ensure faith continuity when spiritual leaders pass away?
- What does the succession from Aaron to Eleazar to Phinehas teach about faithful generational transitions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Eleazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him in a hill that pertained to Phinehas his son, which was given him in mount Ephraim—Joshua's book closes with Eleazar's death. Aaron's son, Israel's high priest throughout the conquest, dies and is buried in property given him—likely given to Phinehas (Eleazar's son) as a Levitical possession. The priestly line continues: Phinehas succeeds Eleazar.
The book ends with three burials: Joshua (faithful leader), Joseph (patriarch), Eleazar (priest). Each represents a completed era. Leadership transitions, but God's covenant endures. The closing emphasizes continuity: new leaders, same God. This anticipates Christianity: apostles died, but the faith perseveres (Jude 3).