Joshua 17:18
New International Version
but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”

New Living Translation
The forests of the hill country will be yours as well. Clear as much of the land as you wish, and take possession of its farthest corners. And you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots.”

English Standard Version
but the hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders. For you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”

Berean Standard Bible
because the hill country will be yours as well. It is a forest; clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours. Although the Canaanites have iron chariots and although they are strong, you can drive them out.”

King James Bible
But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.

New King James Version
but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong.”

New American Standard Bible
but the hill country shall be yours. For though it is a forest, you shall clear it, and to its farthest borders it shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, even though they have iron chariots and though they are strong.”

NASB 1995
but the hill country shall be yours. For though it is a forest, you shall clear it, and to its farthest borders it shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, even though they have chariots of iron and though they are strong.”

NASB 1977
but the hill country shall be yours. For though it is a forest, you shall clear it, and to its farthest borders it shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, even though they have chariots of iron and though they are strong.”

Legacy Standard Bible
but the hill country shall be yours. For though it is a forest, you shall clear it, and to its farthest borders it shall be yours; for you shall dispossess the Canaanites, even though they have chariots of iron and even though they are strong.”

Amplified Bible
but the hill country shall be yours. For though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, even though they have iron chariots and though they are strong.”

Christian Standard Bible
because the hill country will be yours also. It is a forest; clear it and its outlying areas will be yours. You can also drive out the Canaanites, even though they have iron chariots and are strong.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
because the hill country will be yours also. It is a forest; clear it and its outlying areas will be yours. You can also drive out the Canaanites, even though they have iron chariots and are strong.”

American Standard Version
but the hill-country shall be thine; for though it is a forest, thou shalt cut it down, and the goings out thereof shall be thine; for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.

Contemporary English Version
so you can have the rest of the hill country, but it's a forest, and you'll have to cut down the trees and clear the land. You can also have Jezreel Valley. Even though the Canaanites there are strong and have iron chariots, you can force them to leave the valley."

English Revised Version
but the hill country shall be thine; for though it is a forest, thou shalt cut it down, and the goings out thereof shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they be strong.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The mountain region will be yours as well. It is a forest, so you will have to clear it. All of it will be yours. But you must force out the Canaanites, even though they are strong and have chariots made of iron."

Good News Translation
The hill country will be yours. Even though it is a forest, you will clear it and take possession of it from one end to the other. As for the Canaanites, you will drive them out, even though they do have iron chariots and are a strong people."

International Standard Version
but the hill country will also belong to you. Even though it's a forest, you will clear it and possess it to its farthest borders. You'll drive out the Canaanites, even though they have iron chariots and even though they're strong."

Majority Standard Bible
because the hill country will be yours as well. It is a forest; clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours. Although the Canaanites have iron chariots and although they are strong, you can drive them out.”

NET Bible
The whole hill country will be yours; though it is a forest, you can clear it and it will be entirely yours. You can conquer the Canaanites, though they have chariots with iron-rimmed wheels and are strong."

New Heart English Bible
but the hill country shall be yours. Although it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong."

Webster's Bible Translation
But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the limits of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they are strong.

World English Bible
but the hill country shall be yours. Although it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and it’s farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
because the mountain is yours; because it [is] a forest—you have created it, and its outgoings have been yours; because you dispossess the Canaanite, though it has chariots of iron—though it [is] strong.”

Young's Literal Translation
because the mountain is thine; because it is a forest -- thou hast prepared it, and its outgoings have been thine; because thou dost dispossess the Canaanite, though it hath chariots of iron -- though it is strong.'

Smith's Literal Translation
But the mountain shall be to thee, for it is a forest, and thou shalt cut it down; and its out-goings were to thee; for thou shalt drive out the Canaanite, if the chariot of iron is to him; if he is strong.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But thou shalt pass to the mountain, and shalt cut down the wood, and make thyself room to dwell in: and mayst proceed farther, when thou hast destroyed the Chanaanites, who as thou sayest have iron chariots, and are very strong.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Instead, you shall cross to the mountain, and you shall cut down and clear out for yourselves space in which to live. And you shall be able to advance further, when you will have destroyed the Canaanite, who, as you say, has iron chariots and is very strong.”

New American Bible
for the mountain region which is now forest shall be yours when you clear it. Its adjacent land shall also be yours if, despite their strength and iron chariots, you dispossess the Canaanites.”

New Revised Standard Version
but the hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then choose for yourselves the mountain, and it will be enough for you, and the slopes of the mountain and its limits shall be yours; and you shall destroy the Canaanites and the Perizzites, though they have great iron chariots, and though they are strong.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Choose the Mountain for yourselves and it will be enough for you, and choose it, for the mountain shall be the limits for you, and destroy the Canaanites and the Perizites, because they have great chariots that are of strong iron, and they are strong”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
but the hill-country shall be thine; for though it is a forest, thou shalt cut it down, and the goings out thereof shall be thine; for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they be strong.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For thou shalt have the wood, for there is a wood, and thou shalt clear it, and the land shall be thine; even when thou shalt have utterly destroyed the Chananite, for he has chosen cavalry; yet thou art stronger than he.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Manasseh's Inheritance
17So Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You have many people and great strength. You shall not have just one allotment, 18because the hill country will be yours as well. It is a forest; clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours. Although the Canaanites have iron chariots and although they are strong, you can drive them out.”

Cross References
Deuteronomy 20:1-4
When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. / When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army, / saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. ...

Judges 1:27-28
At that time Manasseh failed to drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo, and their villages; for the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land. / When Israel became stronger, they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor, but they never drove them out completely.

Isaiah 41:10-13
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. / Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing. ...

2 Samuel 5:6-10
Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.” / Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). / On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.” ...

1 Chronicles 11:4-9
Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land. / The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). / Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief. ...

Zechariah 4:6-7
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. / What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. Then he will bring forth the capstone accompanied by shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”

Exodus 23:29-30
I will not drive them out before you in a single year; otherwise the land would become desolate and wild animals would multiply against you. / Little by little I will drive them out ahead of you, until you become fruitful and possess the land.

Numbers 33:55
But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land before you, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides; they will harass you in the land where you settle.

Psalm 44:3-5
For it was not by their sword that they took the land; their arm did not bring them victory. It was by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, because You favored them. / You are my King, O God, who ordains victories for Jacob. / Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies.

Jeremiah 1:19
They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Matthew 17:20
“Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Mark 11:23
“Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Hebrews 11:30-34
By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. / By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient. / And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, ...


Treasury of Scripture

But the mountain shall be yours; for it is a wood, and you shall cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be yours: for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.

the mountain

Joshua 17:15
And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.

Joshua 15:9
And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjathjearim:

Joshua 20:7
And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

for thou shalt

Joshua 11:4-6
And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many…

Joshua 13:6
All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, and all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee.

Numbers 14:6-9
And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: …

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Although Borders Canaanite Canaanites Chariots Clear Country Cut Drive Extent Hill Hill-Country Iron Limits Mountain Outgoings Outskirts Possess Powerful Prepared Strong Thereof War-Carriages Wood Woodland
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Although Borders Canaanite Canaanites Chariots Clear Country Cut Drive Extent Hill Hill-Country Iron Limits Mountain Outgoings Outskirts Possess Powerful Prepared Strong Thereof War-Carriages Wood Woodland
Joshua 17
1. The lot of Manasseh
7. His coast
12. The Canaanites not driven out
14. The children of Joseph obtain another lot














because the hill country will be yours as well
The phrase "hill country" refers to the elevated regions of the land of Canaan, which were often seen as challenging to inhabit due to their rugged terrain. In the Hebrew context, the term for "hill country" (Hebrew: "har") signifies a place of strength and strategic advantage. Historically, these areas were significant for defense and agriculture. The promise that it "will be yours" underscores God's assurance of victory and possession, emphasizing divine providence and the fulfillment of His promises to the Israelites.

It is a forest; clear it
The description "It is a forest" indicates that the land was densely wooded, requiring effort to make it suitable for settlement and agriculture. The Hebrew word for "forest" (Hebrew: "ya'ar") suggests a wild, untamed area. The command to "clear it" implies human responsibility and initiative in claiming God's promises. This reflects a spiritual principle that while God provides, His people must actively participate in His plans, symbolizing the cooperation between divine sovereignty and human agency.

and its farthest limits will be yours
The phrase "farthest limits" speaks to the extent of the territory that the Israelites were to claim. In the Hebrew context, this suggests a comprehensive possession, leaving no part of the promise unclaimed. It highlights the abundance of God's provision and the vastness of His blessings. Historically, this would have been an encouragement to the Israelites to fully trust in God's promise and to not settle for less than what He had ordained for them.

Although the Canaanites have iron chariots and are strong
The mention of "iron chariots" signifies the advanced military technology of the Canaanites, which would have been intimidating to the Israelites. In the ancient Near East, iron chariots were a symbol of military might and superiority. The acknowledgment that the Canaanites "are strong" serves to highlight the formidable challenge before the Israelites. However, this also sets the stage for demonstrating God's power, as His strength is made perfect in human weakness, encouraging believers to trust in divine power over human strength.

you can drive them out
The assurance "you can drive them out" is a declaration of victory despite the apparent odds. The Hebrew verb used here (Hebrew: "yarash") implies not just driving out but also taking possession. This is a call to action, encouraging the Israelites to step out in faith and obedience. It serves as a reminder that with God's help, no obstacle is insurmountable. This phrase inspires believers to confront their own "Canaanites"—the challenges and strongholds in their lives—trusting in God's promise of victory.

Verse 18. - But the mountain shall be thine, for it is a wood. This passage makes it clear that it was not the whole territory of Mount Ephraim, but only the portion habitable at present, that was too small for Ephraim and Manasseh. When cleared it would afford them more space. But Joshua also recommends them to extend their operations beyond its borders, as is clear from the mention of the "plain," and the "chariots of iron" (see next note). The outgoings. Not only the mountain itself, but the country to which the mountain passes led. Thou shalt drive out. Perhaps thou mayest drive out - i.e., it is in thy power. Though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong. "No weapon can prosper" against him who trusts in the Lord. Yet, in spite of the encouragement given by Joshua, the children of Joseph did not drive the Canaanites out, as vers. 11-13 show. The only reason of this was that they did not trust in Gad, but preferred an unworthy compromise with neighbours who, however rich in warlike material, were sunk in sensuality and sloth. Keil would render "because" for "though," and regard the very fact of the strength of the Canaanites as the reason that the sons of Joseph would subdue them. But Exodus 13:17; Psalm 49:17 supply us with other instances of כִי. in the sense of although, which certainly is the best sense here. "Let it be remembered how long it was before the Saxons were firmly established in Britain, the Islamite Arabs in Egypt. Israel could look for no reinforcements from kindred left behind. So much the worse might afterwards be the position of the nation, left alone without hope of kindred auxiliaries to meet the repeated outbreaks of the half-subdued Canaanites" (Ewald, 'Hist. Israel,' 2 2. c.).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
because
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the hill country
הַ֤ר (har)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

will be
יִֽהְיֶה־ (yih·yeh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

yours as well.
לָּךְ֙ (lāḵ)
Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew

It
ה֔וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is a forest;
יַ֣עַר (ya·‘ar)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3293: A copse of bushes, a forest, honey in the comb

clear it,
וּבֵ֣רֵאת֔וֹ (ū·ḇê·rê·ṯōw)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1254: To create, to cut down, select, feed

and its farthest limits
תֹּֽצְאֹתָ֑יו (tō·ṣə·’ō·ṯāw)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8444: An outgoing, extremity, perhaps source, escape

will be
וְהָיָ֥ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

yours.
לְךָ֖ (lə·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

Although
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

[the Canaanites] have iron
בַּרְזֶל֙ (bar·zel)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1270: Iron, an iron implement

chariots,
רֶ֤כֶב (re·ḵeḇ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone

and although
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they are strong,
חָזָ֖ק (ḥā·zāq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2389: Strong, stout, mighty

you can
הֽוּא׃ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

drive them out.”
תוֹרִ֣ישׁ (ṯō·w·rîš)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3423: To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin


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OT History: Joshua 17:18 But the hill country shall be yours (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 17:17
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