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Joshua 18:6

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Joshua 18:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When you have mapped out the seven portions of land and brought it to me, I will cast lots for you here in the presence of the LORD our God.

King James Version KJV

Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.

American Standard Version ASV

And ye shall describe the land into seven portions, and bring the description hither to me; and I will cast lots for you here before Jehovah our God.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And you are to have the land marked out in seven parts, and come back to me with the record; and I will make the distribution for you here by the decision of the Lord our God.

Free Bible Version FBV

Once you have written the description about the land, divided into seven parts, you will bring it to me here and I will cast lots for you in the presence of the Lord our God.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Ye shall describe the land therefore into seuen partes, and shall bring them hither to me, and I will cast lottes for you here before the Lord our God.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and ye describe the land [in] seven portions, and have brought [it] in unto me hither, and I have cast for you a lot here before Jehovah our God;

World English Bible WEB

You shall survey the land into seven parts, and bring the description here to me; and I will cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Ye shall therefore describe the land in seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The land in the midst between these mark ye out into seven parts; and you shall come hither to me, that I may cast lots for you before the Lord your God.

Translation for Translators T4T

But in their report, the men from the seven tribes should describe the seven parts of the remaining land that they wish to receive, and bring the report to me. While Yahweh is watching, I will ◄cast lots/throw marked stones► to decide which land should be allotted to each tribe.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 18:6

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 18:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אַתֶּ֞ם תִּכְתְּב֤וּ אֶת הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙ שִׁבְעָ֣ה חֲלָקִ֔ים וַֽ/הֲבֵאתֶ֥ם אֵלַ֖/י הֵ֑נָּה וְ/יָרִ֨יתִי לָ/כֶ֤ם גּוֹרָל֙ פֹּ֔ה לִ/פְנֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ
וְ/אַתֶּ֞ם ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron
תִּכְתְּב֤וּ kâthab H3789 to write V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
שִׁבְעָ֣ה shebaʻ H7651 seven Adj
חֲלָקִ֔ים chêleq H2506 portion N-mp
וַֽ/הֲבֵאתֶ֥ם bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp
אֵלַ֖/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
הֵ֑נָּה hênnâh H2008 here/thus Adv
וְ/יָרִ֨יתִי yârâh H3384 to shoot Conj | V-Qal-1cs
לָ/כֶ֤ם Prep | Suff
גּוֹרָל֙ gôwrâl H1486 allotted N-ms
פֹּ֔ה pôh H6311 here Adv
לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 18:6

וְ/אַתֶּ֞ם ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
תִּכְתְּב֤וּ kâthab H3789 "to write" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
שִׁבְעָ֣ה shebaʻ H7651 "seven" Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
חֲלָקִ֔ים chêleq H2506 "portion" N-mp
Smoothness can refer to flattering words, but also to an inheritance or a portion of something. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing the smooth tongue of a deceiver.
Definition: 1) portion, share, part, territory 1a) portion, share 1b) portion, tract, parcel (of land) 1c) one's portion, one's possession 1d) (chosen) portion 1e) portion, award (from God) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laq (חֲלָק "portion" H2508)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. See also: Genesis 14:24; Job 27:13; Psalms 16:5.
וַֽ/הֲבֵאתֶ֥ם bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלַ֖/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הֵ֑נָּה hênnâh H2008 "here/thus" Adv
This Hebrew word means a location or direction, like here or there, and can also refer to a point in time, such as now. It is used in various contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'here' or 'hither'.
Definition: here, there, now, hither
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, [phrase] since, this (that) way, thitherward, [phrase] thus far, to...fro, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 15:16; 2 Samuel 20:16; Psalms 71:17.
וְ/יָרִ֨יתִי yârâh H3384 "to shoot" Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
לָ/כֶ֤ם "" Prep | Suff
גּוֹרָל֙ 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.
פֹּ֔ה pôh H6311 "here" Adv
This Hebrew word means 'here' or 'this place', and is used to indicate a specific location. It can also mean 'from here' or 'hither', showing movement or direction from a certain spot.
Definition: 1) here, from here, hither 1a) here 1b) hither
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: here, hither, the one (other, this, that) side. See also: Genesis 19:12; 2 Kings 3:11; Psalms 132:14.
לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֥ה 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.
אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

Study Notes — Joshua 18:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 14:2 Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses.
2 Joshua 18:10 And Joshua cast lots for them in the presence of the LORD at Shiloh, where he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions.
3 Acts 13:19 And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance.
4 Proverbs 18:18 Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
5 Numbers 26:54–55 Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers.
6 Joshua 18:8 As the men got up to go out, Joshua commanded them to map out the land, saying, “Go and survey the land, map it out, and return to me. Then I will cast lots for you here in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD.”
7 Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
8 Numbers 33:54 And you are to divide the land by lot according to your clans. Give a larger inheritance to a larger clan and a smaller inheritance to a smaller one. Whatever falls to each one by lot will be his. You will receive an inheritance according to the tribes of your fathers.
9 Numbers 34:13 So Moses commanded the Israelites, “Apportion this land by lot as an inheritance. The LORD has commanded that it be given to the nine and a half tribes.
10 Psalms 105:11 “I will give you the land of Canaan as the portion of your inheritance.”

Joshua 18:6 Summary

In Joshua 18:6, Joshua tells the men to map out the seven portions of land and then he will cast lots to determine which tribe gets which portion, and this process is guided by God, as seen in Proverbs 16:33. This shows that Joshua and the Israelites trusted in God's sovereignty and guidance, and we can learn from their example by trusting in God's plan for our lives, as mentioned in Jeremiah 29:11. By seeking God's guidance and direction, we can, like Joshua, make wise decisions and follow God's will, and this is also encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7. Just like the Israelites, we can trust that God has a good plan for us and that He will guide us, as mentioned in Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joshua instruct the men to map out the seven portions of land before casting lots?

Joshua instructed the men to map out the land to ensure that each tribe received a fair and suitable portion of land, as seen in Joshua 18:6, and this process was guided by the Lord, as mentioned in Proverbs 16:33, which says that the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

What is the significance of casting lots in the presence of the Lord?

Casting lots in the presence of the Lord, as mentioned in Joshua 18:6, was a way of seeking God's guidance and direction, and it is similar to the practice mentioned in Acts 1:24-26, where the apostles cast lots to determine who would replace Judas as one of the twelve apostles.

How does this verse relate to the concept of trusting in God's sovereignty?

This verse, Joshua 18:6, demonstrates the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, as Joshua and the Israelites were relying on God to guide the process of dividing the land, and this trust is also seen in Psalm 37:3-7, which encourages believers to trust in the Lord and commit their way to Him.

What can we learn from Joshua's leadership in this verse?

Joshua's leadership in this verse, Joshua 18:6, demonstrates his humility and willingness to seek God's guidance, and this is a valuable lesson for leaders today, as seen in James 1:5, which says that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, just like Joshua and the Israelites did in Joshua 18:6?
  2. How can I, like Joshua, seek God's guidance and direction in my decision-making processes, and what role does prayer play in this, as seen in Philippians 4:6-7?
  3. What are some ways that I can apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty in my daily life, and how can I, like the Israelites, be obedient to God's will, as mentioned in Romans 12:1-2?
  4. How can I, like Joshua, demonstrate humility and a willingness to seek God's guidance in my leadership roles, whether at home, work, or church, and what does 1 Peter 5:6-7 say about humility and God's guidance?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 18:6

Ye shall therefore describe the land [into] seven parts,.... Or ye shall describe the land, even the seven parts of it when divided; it seems as if they were first to describe in general all the land

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 18:6

And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 18:6

i.e. Before the ark or tabernacle, that God may be witness, and judge, and author of the division, that each may be contented with his lot, and that your several possessions may be secured to you as things sacred, and not to be alienated.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 18:6

Joshua 18:6 Ye shall therefore describe the land [into] seven parts, and bring [the description] hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.Ver. 6. That I may cast lots here for you before the Lord.] He it is that must judge of your proceedings, and to whom you must approve yourselves: see therefore that ye deal uprightly and impartially; since to God you must be accountable. Cave, spectat Cato, was a watchword among the Romans.

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 18:6

(5-10) They shall divide it into seven parts.—The several tribes were not permitted to choose their own portions. In Numbers 26:54-55, we read: “To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance. . . . notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot.” These words imply that there must be unequal portions of territory for larger and smaller tribes, but that the particular position of each tribe must be settled by the lot, whereof “the whole disposing is of the Lord.” We are not told how this rule was carried out in the case of Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh, who received their inheritance first. Possibly a sufficient extent of territory was surveyed at first to provide three large allotments. The three tribes might then cast lots, first between Judah and Joseph for the northern or southern portions, and then between Ephraim and Manasseh for the two sections of the northern territory. This would carry out the instructions of Numbers 26. But see above (Joshua 15:1).

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 18:6

6. before the Lord our God] i.e. before the “Tabernacle of Meeting,” where Jehovah manifested His presence to the people, enthroned above the Cherubim of the Ark of the Covenant.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 18:6

6. Before the Lord — Before the tabernacle at Shiloh, (Joshua 18:10,) in which dwelt the Shekinah, the Divine Presence.

Sermons on Joshua 18:6

SermonDescription
John Piper The Supremacy of Christ in an Age of Terror by John Piper In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the reason for the existence of a troubled and terrorized world is not because God is not in control. The Bible clearly states that God
Thomas Boston Of the Providence of God by Thomas Boston Thomas Boston preaches on the providence of God, emphasizing how God's care extends even to the smallest details of creation, such as sparrows. He explains that providence involves
Erlo Stegen Look Up by Erlo Stegen Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of looking up to God during life's storms, using the story of a sailor who found stability by focusing on his captain's voice. He reminds us t
Robert B. Thompson A Trained People by Robert B. Thompson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of studying the two witnesses in the book of Revelation to understand what God wants in his church and what constitutes true
Roy Hession Abraham: The Life of Faith - Part 3 by Roy Hession In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Lot from the Bible and the choices he made. Lot's decision was based solely on personal advantage and he judged it by what he s
Robert B. Thompson Eating the Book by Robert B. Thompson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the upcoming revival and emphasizes the importance of living a humble and righteous life. He challenges the audience to go against popular doc
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