Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version for Joseph’s descendants had become two tribes—Manasseh and Ephraim. The Levites received no share of the land but only towns to live in, with pasturelands for their flocks and herds. New Living Translation The descendants of Joseph had become two separate tribes—Manasseh and Ephraim. And the Levites were given no land at all, only towns to live in with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock and all their possessions. English Standard Version For the people of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion was given to the Levites in the land, but only cities to dwell in, with their pasturelands for their livestock and their substance. Berean Standard Bible The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, except for cities in which to live, along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds. Berean Literal Bible For the sons of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, and they gave no portion to the Levites in the land, but only cities to dwell in, with their pasturelands for their livestock and their property. King James Bible For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance. New King James Version For the children of Joseph were two tribes: Manasseh and Ephraim. And they gave no part to the Levites in the land, except cities to dwell in, with their common-lands for their livestock and their property. New American Standard Bible For the sons of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, and they did not give a portion to the Levites in the land, except cities to live in, with their pasture lands for their livestock and for their property. NASB 1995 For the sons of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, and they did not give a portion to the Levites in the land, except cities to live in, with their pasture lands for their livestock and for their property. NASB 1977 For the sons of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, and they did not give a portion to the Levites in the land, except cities to live in, with their pasture lands for their livestock and for their property. Legacy Standard Bible For the sons of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, and they did not give a portion to the Levites in the land, except cities to live in, with their pasture lands for their livestock and for their property. Amplified Bible For the sons of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, and no portion was given in the land to the Levites except cities in which to live, with their pasture lands for their livestock and for their property. Berean Annotated Bible The descendants of Joseph (YHWH has added) became two tribes, Manasseh (causing to forget) and Ephraim (doubly fruitful). And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, except for cities in which to live, along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds. Christian Standard Bible The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. No portion of the land was given to the Levites except cities to live in, along with pasturelands for their cattle and livestock. Holman Christian Standard Bible The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. No portion of the land was given to the Levites except cities to live in, along with pasturelands for their cattle and livestock. American Standard Version For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: and they gave no portion unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for their cattle and for their substance. English Revised Version For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: and they gave no portion unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for their cattle and for their substance. GOD'S WORD® Translation because Joseph's descendants, Manasseh and Ephraim, formed two tribes. The Levites were not given a share of the land. Joseph's descendants gave the Levites cities to live in with pasturelands for their cattle and everything they had. International Standard Version since the descendants of Joseph constituted two tribes—Manasseh and Ephraim. They did not allot a portion to the descendants of Levi in the land, since they were given cities to live in, along with pastures for their livestock and property. NET Bible The descendants of Joseph were considered as two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. The Levites were allotted no territory, though they were assigned cities in which to live, along with the grazing areas for their cattle and possessions. New Heart English Bible For the people of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: and they gave no portion to the Levites in the land, except cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their livestock and for their property. Webster's Bible Translation For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part to the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle, and for their substance. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, except for cities in which to live, along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds. World English Bible For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. They gave no portion to the Levites in the land, except cities to dwell in, with their pasture lands for their livestock and for their property. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor the sons of Joseph have been two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, and they have not given a portion to the Levites in the land, except cities to dwell in, and their outskirts for their livestock, and for their possessions; Berean Literal Bible For the sons of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, and they gave no portion to the Levites in the land, but only cities to dwell in, with their pasturelands for their livestock and their property. Young's Literal Translation for the sons of Joseph hath been two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, and they have not given a portion to the Levites in the land, except cities to dwell in, and their suburbs for their cattle, and for their possessions; Smith's Literal Translation For the sons of Joseph shall be two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: and they gave not a portion to the Levites in the land except cities to dwell in and their pastures for their cattle, and for their possession. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut in their place succeeded the children of Joseph divided into two tribes, of Manasses and Ephraim: neither did the Levites receive other portion of land, but cities to dwell in, and their suburbs to feed their beasts and flocks. Catholic Public Domain Version For by succession, the sons of Joseph, in their place, were divided into two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. But the Levites did not receive another portion of land, except cities in which to live, and their suburbs, so as to feed their beasts of burden and cattle. New American Bible the descendants of Joseph formed two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. But the Levites were given no share of the land except cities to live in, with their pasture lands for the herds and flocks. New Revised Standard Version For the people of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim; and no portion was given to the Levites in the land, but only towns to live in, with their pasture lands for their flocks and herds. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim; therefore he gave no portion to the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because the sons of Yoseph were the two tribes, Manasheh and Aphrim, and he did not give a division to the Levites in the land, excepting only towns in which to dwell and fields for their animals and for their cattle OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim; and they gave no portion unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with the open land about them for their cattle and for their substance.-- Brenton Septuagint Translation For the sons of Joseph were two tribes, Manasse and Ephraim; and there was none inheritance in the land given to the Levites, only cities to dwell in, and their suburbs separated for the cattle, and their cattle. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Land Division West of the Jordan…3For Moses had given the inheritance east of the Jordan to the other two and a half tribes. But he granted no inheritance among them to the Levites. 4 The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, except for cities in which to live, along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds. 5So the Israelites did as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they divided the land.… Cross References The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. Genesis 48:5 And now your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here shall be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine. 1 Chronicles 5:1-2 These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright. / And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph. Numbers 26:28-37 The descendants of Joseph included the clans of Manasseh and Ephraim. / These were the descendants of Manasseh: The Machirite clan from Machir, the father of Gilead, and the Gileadite clan from Gilead. / These were the descendants of Gilead: the Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek, … And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, Numbers 18:20 Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. Deuteronomy 10:9 That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him. Joshua 13:33 To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, just as He had promised them. except for cities in which to live, Joshua 21:2-3 at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock.” / So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance: Numbers 35:2-3 “Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities. / The cities will be for them to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock. Deuteronomy 18:6-8 Now if a Levite moves from any town of residence throughout Israel and comes in all earnestness to the place the LORD will choose, / then he shall serve in the name of the LORD his God like all his fellow Levites who stand there before the LORD. / They shall eat equal portions, even though he has received money from the sale of his father’s estate. along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds. Joshua 21:41-42 For the Levites, then, there were forty-eight cities in all, together with their pasturelands, within the territory of the Israelites. / Each of these cities had its own surrounding pasturelands; this was true for all the cities. Numbers 35:4-5 The pasturelands around the cities you are to give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits from the wall on every side. / You are also to measure two thousand cubits outside the city on the east, two thousand on the south, two thousand on the west, and two thousand on the north, with the city in the center. These areas will serve as larger pasturelands for the cities. Leviticus 25:34 But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession. Numbers 26:52-56 Then the LORD said to Moses, / “The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance, according to the number of names. / 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. … Numbers 34:13-15 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. / For the tribes of the Reubenites and Gadites, along with the half-tribe of Manasseh, have already received their inheritance. / These two and a half tribes have received their inheritance across the Jordan from Jericho, toward the sunrise.” Deuteronomy 18:1-2 The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. / Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them. Genesis 48:13-20 And Joseph took both of them—with Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand—and brought them close to him. / But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger; and crossing his hands, he put his left on Manasseh’s head, although Manasseh was the firstborn. / Then he blessed Joseph and said: “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, … Treasury of Scripture For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part to the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance. the children Genesis 48:5 And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. 1 Chronicles 5:1,2 Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright… save cities Joshua 21:2-42 And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle… Numbers 35:2-8 Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them… 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 Now these are their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot… Jump to Previous Cattle Children Cities Dwell Ephraim E'phraim Except Herds Joseph Lands Levites Manasseh Manas'seh Open Part Pasture Pasturelands Portion Possessions Property Received Save Share Substance Suburbs Thereof Towns TribesJump to Next Cattle Children Cities Dwell Ephraim E'phraim Except Herds Joseph Lands Levites Manasseh Manas'seh Open Part Pasture Pasturelands Portion Possessions Property Received Save Share Substance Suburbs Thereof Towns TribesJoshua 14 1. The nine tribes and a half are to have their inheritance by lot6. Caleb by privilege obtains Hebron The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. This phrase highlights the unique status of Joseph's descendants in the tribal structure of Israel. Joseph, one of Jacob's twelve sons, received a double portion of inheritance through his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, as recorded in Genesis 48:5. This effectively made Joseph's lineage into two separate tribes, fulfilling Jacob's blessing and prophecy over Joseph's sons. This division is significant in the allocation of the Promised Land, as it maintains the number of tribes at twelve, despite the absence of a land inheritance for the Levites. The tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim played crucial roles in Israel's history, with Ephraim often being a leading tribe in the northern kingdom. This division also reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding their descendants. And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, except for cities in which to live, along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds. Persons / Places / Events 1. Sons of JosephRefers to the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, who were the sons of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). Joseph's sons were adopted by Jacob as his own, thus receiving a double portion of inheritance. 2. Manasseh and Ephraim These are the two tribes that descended from Joseph. They were given separate inheritances in the Promised Land, effectively making Joseph's line into two tribes. 3. Levites The tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and service to God. Unlike the other tribes, they did not receive a specific territory but were given cities and pasturelands. 4. Cities and Pasturelands The Levites were provided with cities to dwell in and surrounding lands for their livestock, emphasizing their unique role and dependence on the other tribes for sustenance. 5. Inheritance in the Promised Land The division of the land among the tribes of Israel, as they settled in Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in InheritanceGod orchestrates the distribution of blessings and responsibilities according to His divine plan. Trust in His provision and timing. The Role of Spiritual Service The Levites' unique role reminds us of the importance of spiritual service and dedication to God. Consider how you can serve God in your community. Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ Just as the tribes had different roles and inheritances, the body of Christ is diverse, with each member having unique gifts and callings. Embrace and celebrate this diversity. Dependence on God and Community The Levites' dependence on other tribes for sustenance teaches us about reliance on God and the support of our faith community. Generational Blessings and Responsibilities The inheritance of Ephraim and Manasseh shows the impact of generational blessings. Reflect on how you can pass on faith and blessings to future generations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 14:4?2. How does Joshua 14:4 illustrate God's provision for the tribes of Israel? 3. What significance do the Levites' inheritance have for church leadership today? 4. How does the division of land in Joshua 14:4 connect to God's promises? 5. How can we ensure equitable distribution of resources in our communities today? 6. What lessons from Joshua 14:4 apply to fulfilling God's promises in our lives? 7. Why did Joseph's descendants receive no land inheritance in Joshua 14:4? 8. How does Joshua 14:4 reflect God's promise to the Levites? 9. What is the significance of the Levites' role in Joshua 14:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 14? 11. Genesis 48 - How does the inclusion of Ephraim and Manasseh as tribes align with the tribal lists elsewhere in the Bible, and does it create any contradictions? 12. Why is Dan excluded from Revelation's 144,000 list? 13. Why is Dan excluded from Revelation's 144,000 list? 14. How do the boundary descriptions in Joshua 16:1-4 align with archaeological findings that suggest inconsistent Israelite settlement patterns in this region? What Does Joshua 14:4 Mean The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim“ ‘The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim…’ ” (Joshua 14:4) • This line reminds us of the moment in Genesis 48:5 when Jacob told Joseph, “Your two sons… Ephraim and Manasseh, will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.” Jacob essentially adopted his grandsons, granting Joseph a “double portion” in Israel—an honor normally reserved for the firstborn (cf. Deuteronomy 21:17). • By counting Ephraim and Manasseh separately in the census of Numbers 26:28-37, the nation maintained twelve territorial units even though Levi would hold no broad territory of its own. • Practically, this double allotment meant larger swaths of land for Joseph’s house—one inland region for Ephraim (Joshua 16) and one stretching north and east for Manasseh (Joshua 17). • Spiritually, it spotlighted God’s faithfulness. Joseph had suffered in Egypt but was exalted; his offspring now enjoyed tangible blessing in Canaan, fulfilling Jacob’s prophetic words in Genesis 49:22-26. And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, except for cities in which to live, along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds “… And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, except for cities in which to live, along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds.” (Joshua 14:4) • The Levites’ unique inheritance was the LORD Himself. Numbers 18:20 records God’s promise: “You will have no inheritance in their land… I am your portion.” • Instead of one large territory, they received forty-eight cities scattered among the tribes (Joshua 21:1-42). This design kept priests and Levites near every Israelite, enabling worship, teaching, and sacrifice across the nation. • The pasturelands (Numbers 35:2-5) supplied daily needs without overshadowing their primary calling to serve at the tabernacle—and later the temple (Deuteronomy 10:8-9). • By withholding a broad tract of land, God protected them from the distractions of agriculture-driven power dynamics that often led other tribes into idolatry (Judges 2:11-13). Their dependence on tithes (Numbers 18:24) kept their focus on Him. summary Joshua 14:4 highlights God’s meticulous ordering of Israel’s inheritance. Joseph’s line is honored with two full tribes, confirming the double portion promised to the faithful son, while Levi’s distinctive priestly role is preserved by granting cities rather than a single territory. Together these details show the LORD distributing blessings precisely, sustaining both civic structure and spiritual life for His people. Verse 4. - For the children of Joseph were two tribes (see Genesis 48:5): therefore they gave. There is no "therefore" In the original. The passage is a simple repetition of what we find in Joshua 13:14, 33, and is added here to explain how the twelve tribes who actually divided the land were composed. Suburbs. Rather, "pasture lands;" literally, places where the cattle were driven out to pasture (cf. Numbers 35:2; 1 Chronicles 13:2, where the Hebrew is "cities of driving out"). We may illustrate this phrase by the similar arrangements made by the Germanic tribes in early times. "The clearing," says Professor Stubbs, in his 'Constitutional History of England,' p. 49, "is surrounded by a thick border of wood or waste .... In the centre of the clearing the village is placed .... The fully qualified freeman has a share in the land of the community. He has a right to the enjoyment of the woods, the pastures, the meadow and the arable land of the mark.... The use of the meadow land is definitely apportioned .... When the grass beans to grow the cattle are driven out, and the meadow is fenced round and divided into as many equal shares as there are mark families in the village. For the arable land similar measures are taken although the task is somewhat more complex" (see note on Joshua 13:23). Some similar arrangement must have taken place in the primitive Jewish settlement of Palestine. For the rude huts of the Teutonic tribes we must substitute the more civilised "cities, walled up to heaven," of the Phoenician races; for the scanty supply of gram and pasture, provided by a northern climate, we must substitute the rich plenty of a land "flowing with milk and honey," and with all the produce of a southern sky. The area of land assigned to each of the Levitical cities was definitely marked out (see Numbers 35:4, 5), and subdivided, as the hints in the narrative seem to imply that all the land was, into as many sections as there were "mark families" - that is, families of freemen exclusive of the servile classes in the town.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The descendantsבְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Joseph יוֹסֵ֛ף (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites became הָי֧וּ (hā·yū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be two שְׁנֵ֥י (šə·nê) Number - mdc Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) tribes, מַטּ֖וֹת (maṭ·ṭō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4294: A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe Manasseh מְנַשֶּׁ֣ה (mə·naš·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4519: Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites and Ephraim. וְאֶפְרָ֑יִם (wə·’ep̄·rā·yim) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory And no וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no portion חֵ֨לֶק (ḥê·leq) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2506: Portion, tract, territory of the land בָּאָ֗רֶץ (bā·’ā·reṣ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land was given נָתְנוּ֩ (nā·ṯə·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5414: To give, put, set to the Levites, לַלְוִיִּ֜ם (lal·wî·yim) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi except for אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not cities עָרִים֙ (‘ā·rîm) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5892: Excitement in which to live, לָשֶׁ֔בֶת (lā·še·ḇeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry along with pasturelands וּמִ֨גְרְשֵׁיהֶ֔ם (ū·miḡ·rə·šê·hem) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 4054: A suburb, the area around a, building, the margin of the sea for their flocks לְמִקְנֵיהֶ֖ם (lə·miq·nê·hem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 4735: Something bought, property, livestock, acquisition and herds. וּלְקִנְיָנָֽם׃ (ū·lə·qin·yā·nām) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 7075: Creation, creatures, acquisition, purchase, wealth Links Joshua 14:4 NIVJoshua 14:4 NLT Joshua 14:4 ESV Joshua 14:4 NASB Joshua 14:4 KJV Joshua 14:4 BibleApps.com Joshua 14:4 Biblia Paralela Joshua 14:4 Chinese Bible Joshua 14:4 French Bible Joshua 14:4 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 14:4 For the children of Joseph were two (Josh. 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