Joshua 17:14

Joshua 17:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the sons of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one portion as an inheritance? We have many people, because the LORD has blessed us abundantly.”

King James Version KJV

And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?

American Standard Version ASV

And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one part for an inheritance, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as hitherto Jehovah hath blessed me?

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then the children of Joseph said to Joshua, Why have you given me only one part and one stretch of land for my heritage? For through the blessing given to me by the Lord up to now, I am a great people.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then the descendants of Joseph came to Joshua and asked him, “Why have you given us only one allocation—only one share of the land—when there's so many of us because the Lord has blessed us so much?”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then the children of Ioseph spake vnto Ioshua, saying, Why hast thou giuen me but one lot, and one portion to inherite, seeing I am a great people, for as much as the Lord hath blessed me hitherto?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the sons of Joseph speak with Joshua, saying, 'Wherefore hast thou given to me an inheritance — one lot and one portion, and I a numerous people? hitherto hath Jehovah blessed me.'

World English Bible WEB

The children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given me just one lot and one part for an inheritance, since we are a numerous people, because the LORD has blessed us so far?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath hitherto blessed me?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the children of Joseph spoke to Josue, and said: Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to possess, whereas I am of so great a multitude, and the Lord hath blessed me?

Translation for Translators T4T

The people of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh said to Joshua, “You allotted to us only one area of land, but there are a lot of us. Yahweh has blessed us very much with the result that our tribe has grown very large. So why did you give us only a small part of the land [RHQ]?”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 17:14

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 17:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַֽ/יְדַבְּרוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יוֹסֵ֔ף אֶת יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ לֵ/אמֹ֑ר מַדּוּעַ֩ נָתַ֨תָּה לִּ֜/י נַחֲלָ֗ה גּוֹרָ֤ל אֶחָד֙ וְ/חֶ֣בֶל אֶחָ֔ד וַֽ/אֲנִ֣י עַם רָ֔ב עַ֥ד אֲשֶׁר עַד כֹּ֖ה בֵּֽרְכַ֥/נִי יְהוָֽה

וַֽ/יְדַבְּרוּ֙ dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp

בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp

יוֹסֵ֔ף Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H854 with Prep

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper

לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מַדּוּעַ֩ maddûwaʻ H4069 why? Part

נָתַ֨תָּה nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-2ms

לִּ֜/י Prep | Suff

נַחֲלָ֗ה nachălâh H5159 inheritance N-fs

גּוֹרָ֤ל gôwrâl H1486 allotted N-ms

אֶחָד֙ ʼechâd H259 one Adj

וְ/חֶ֣בֶל chebel H2256 cord Conj | N-cs

אֶחָ֔ד ʼechâd H259 one Adj

וַֽ/אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron

עַם ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms

רָ֔ב rab H7227 many Adj

עַ֥ד ʻad H5704 till Prep

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

כֹּ֖ה kôh H3541 thus Adv

בֵּֽרְכַ֥/נִי bârak H1288 to bless V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 17:14

וַֽ/יְדַבְּרוּ֙ dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

יוֹסֵ֔ף Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" N-proper

Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.

אֶת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 "Joshua" N-proper

Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem

Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.

לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

מַדּוּעַ֩ maddûwaʻ H4069 "why?" Part

This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.

Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.

נָתַ֨תָּה nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

לִּ֜/י "" Prep | Suff

נַחֲלָ֗ה nachălâh H5159 "inheritance" N-fs

Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.

Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion

Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.

גּוֹרָ֤ל gôwrâl H1486 "allotted" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a pebble or small stone used for making decisions by casting lots. It symbolizes a portion or destiny assigned by chance, like the drawing of lots to determine an outcome. This concept is central to ancient Israelite decision-making practices.

Definition: 1) lot 1a) lot-pebbles used for systematically making decisions 2) portion 2a) lot, portion (thing assigned by casting lots) 2b) recompense, retribution

Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: lot. See also: Leviticus 16:8; Judges 1:3; Psalms 16:5.

אֶחָד֙ ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

וְ/חֶ֣בֶל chebel H2256 "cord" Conj | N-cs

A cord or rope, also a measured area of land or a group of people tied together. In the Bible, it appears in books like Joshua and Psalms. It can also mean a company or region.

Definition: 1) a cord, rope, territory, band, company 1a) a rope, cord 1b) a measuring-cord or line 1c) a measured portion, lot, part, region 1d) a band or company § destruction

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: band, coast, company, cord, country, destruction, line, lot, pain, pang, portion, region, rope, snare, sorrow, tackling. See also: Deuteronomy 3:4; Psalms 119:61; Psalms 16:6.

אֶחָ֔ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

וַֽ/אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

עַם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

רָ֔ב rab H7227 "many" Adj

This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.

Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly

Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.

עַ֥ד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

כֹּ֖ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

בֵּֽרְכַ֥/נִי bârak H1288 "to bless" V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff

To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.

Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)

Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — Joshua 17:14

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Context
Cross References
Joshua 17:14 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 17:14
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 17:14
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 17:14
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 17:14
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 17:14
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 17:14
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 17:14
Sermons on Joshua 17:14

Context — Manasseh’s Western Inheritance

12But the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these cities, because the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land. 13However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they put the Canaanites to forced labor; but they failed to drive them out completely.

14Then the sons of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one portion as an inheritance? We have many people, because the LORD has blessed us abundantly.”

15Joshua answered them, “If you have so many people that the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go to the forest and clear for yourself an area in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim.” 16“The hill country is not enough for us,” they replied, “and all the Canaanites who live in the valley have iron chariots, both in Beth-shean with its towns and in the Valley of Jezreel.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 26:34–37	These were the clans of Manasseh, and their registration numbered 52,700. These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: The Shuthelahite clan from Shuthelah, the Becherite clan from Becher, and the Tahanite clan from Tahan. And the descendants of Shuthelah were the Eranite clan from Eran. These were the clans of Ephraim, and their registration numbered 32,500. These clans were the descendants of Joseph.
2	Genesis 48:19	But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.”
3	Genesis 48:22	And to you, as one who is above your brothers, I give the ridge of land that I took from the Amorites with my sword and bow.”
4	Genesis 49:22–26	Joseph is a fruitful vine— a fruitful vine by a spring, whose branches scale the wall. The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility. Yet he steadied his bow, and his strong arms were tempered by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, in the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, by the God of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses you, with blessings of the heavens above, with blessings of the depths below, with blessings of the breasts and womb. The blessings of your father have surpassed the blessings of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills. May they rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince of his brothers.
5	Deuteronomy 33:13–17	Concerning Joseph he said: “May his land be blessed by the LORD with the precious dew from heaven above and the deep waters that lie beneath, with the bountiful harvest from the sun and the abundant yield of the seasons, with the best of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills, with the choice gifts of the land and everything in it, and with the favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush. May these rest on the head of Joseph and crown the brow of the prince of his brothers. His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.”

Joshua 17:14 Summary

The sons of Joseph felt like they didn't have enough land because they had a large population, and they believed God had blessed them abundantly. This situation teaches us to trust God's provision and timing, rather than relying on our own strength and abilities. Just like the Israelites had to trust God in the wilderness, as seen in Exodus 16:1-36, we can trust Him to provide for us, even when things seem insufficient. By focusing on God's sovereignty and goodness, as expressed in Psalm 37:3-7, we can learn to be content with what we have and trust in His plan for our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the sons of Joseph feel they deserved more land?

The sons of Joseph felt they deserved more land because the Lord had blessed them abundantly, resulting in a large population, as seen in Joshua 17:14. This is similar to the blessing God gave to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3, where He promised to make him a great nation.

What was the main issue the sons of Joseph had with their inheritance?

The main issue the sons of Joseph had was that they felt their allotted portion of land was too small for their large population, as stated in Joshua 17:14. This concern is reminiscent of the Israelites' earlier struggles to trust God's provision, such as in Exodus 16:1-36, where they doubted His ability to provide for them in the wilderness.

How did the sons of Joseph's request relate to God's promise to the Israelites?

The sons of Joseph's request for more land was related to God's promise to give the Israelites a land of abundance, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:7-10. However, their focus on their own strength and population, as mentioned in Joshua 17:14, may have caused them to overlook God's sovereignty and timing in fulfilling His promises.

What can we learn from the sons of Joseph's attitude towards their inheritance?

We can learn that it's essential to trust God's provision and timing, rather than relying on our own strength and abilities, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. The sons of Joseph's attitude towards their inheritance serves as a reminder to seek God's guidance and trust in His goodness, as expressed in Psalm 37:3-7.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I feel like I've been given 'only one portion' and how can I trust God's sovereignty in those situations?
How can I balance my desire for more with contentment and trust in God's provision, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:6-10?
What are some ways I can apply the principle of trusting God's timing and provision in my daily life, as encouraged in Psalm 27:14?
How can I ensure that my focus is on God's strength and ability, rather than my own, as emphasized in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 17:14

And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua,.... Which some understand of the children of Manasseh only; and, indeed, the complaint and arguments used, as well as some circumstances in the account,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 17:14

And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 17:14

The children of Joseph, i.e. of Ephraim and Manasseh, as is manifest, partly from , where it is so explained; and partly because they mention it as an unreasonable thing, that they, being two, should have out one lot. Spake unto Joshua, i.e. expostulated with him, when they went and saw that portion which was allotted to them, and found it much short of their expectation. One lot, and one portion; either, 1. Because they really had but one lot, which was afterwards divided by the arbitrators between them. Or, 2. Because the land severally allotted to them was no more than was little enough for one of them. A great people, or numerous; for so the Hebrew word oft signifies.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 17:14

Joshua 17:14 And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me [but] one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I [am] a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?Ver. 14. And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua.] Presuming, it may be, on his nearness unto them in blood and kindred, as being of the same tribe. But this did nothing sway him from a course of justice: the sun might sooner be turned out of his track, as it was once said of Fabricius. Joshua will not be partial, or gratify his kinsmen by scanting others, but putteth them upon labour. Why hast thou given me but one lot?] Two they had, but they reckon it but for one, through discontent. The world is full of such μεμψιμοιροι, who know not when they are pleased, but are ready to complain both full and fasting.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 17:14

14–18. Complaint of the Children of Joseph 14. And the children of Joseph] The descendants of Joseph, i.e. the patriarchs of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, were not satisfied with the portion which Joshua had assigned them. The preponderating tribe from the earliest times, and since the Egyptian period the dominant one, they did not deem it sufficient that they had been divided into two, and so obtained a double voice in the national assembly, they claimed more than “one lot and one portion to inherit.” seeing I am a great people] At the census in the wilderness of Sinai (Numbers 1:32-33; Numbers 2:19) the numbers of Ephraim were 40,500, which placed it at the head of the children of Rachel. The number of Manasseh was 32,200. But forty years later, on the eve of the conquest, while Ephraim had decreased to 32,500, Manasseh had advanced to 52,700. How much they subsequently increased, we can form some estimate by comparing the number of warriors they sent to the coronation of David at Hebron. forasmuch as the Lord hath blessed me hitherto] Comp. the words of the dying Jacob, “And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh; and he set Ephraim before Manasseh” (Genesis 48:20); and again (Genesis 49:25-26; with which comp. Deuteronomy 33:13-17), “The Almighty, who shall bless thee With blessings of heaven above, Blessings of the deep that lieth under, Blessings of the breasts, and of the womb; The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors Unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: They shall be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.”

Barnes' Notes on Joshua 17:14

Seeing I am a great people - The assertion can hardly have been warranted by facts, for at the census Num.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 17:14

14. The children of Joseph — Both tribes selfishly combine to bring to bear upon Joshua, a fellow-tribesman, the pressure of their influence to secure an addition to their portion.

Sermons on Joshua 17:14

	Sermon	Description
	(Genesis) Genesis 48:15-22 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob blessing his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the ultimate redeemer in
	Jacob Before Pharaoh by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on the actions of Jacob as he is brought before Pharaoh. Joseph brings his father Jacob to Pharaoh, and Jacob blesses Pharaoh. Pastor Chu
	(Genesis) Genesis 49:22-27 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the blessings and prophecies given by Jacob to his sons before his death. He starts by discussing Joseph, who was described as a fruitful bo
	(Genesis) - Part 30 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the examples of ordinary men in the Bible who lived by the spirit of Christ without the presence of scriptures. He highlights the story of Jos
	Blessed to Bless by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of vital truths in the Bible. He explains that while all truths should be studied, there are certain truths that are more esse
	Jacob's Last Words by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the significance of the rock in biblical stories. He starts by referencing the interpretation of Daniel's dream, where the rock symboli
	The History, Mystery and Tragedy of Samson - Part 3 by Ian Paisley	This sermon delves into the life of Samson, exploring the lessons from his journey, including his backsliding, rebellion, and ultimate return to God. Despite his flaws, Samson's fa