Bible Strands
Joshua 17:14
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.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The descendants of Joseph address Joshua during the tribal land distribution. They speak at the moment of inheritance allocation, questioning the size of their assigned territory.
The words — מַדּוּעַ (ma.du.a') literally means "why?" and introduces a direct challenge to the prior allotment decision. נָתַתָּה (na.Ta.tah) translates as "you have given," marking the completed administrative act the tribe is contesting.
The thread — The passage recalls Genesis 48:19 and Genesis 48:22, where Jacob’s prophetic declaration about Joseph’s lineage frames the tribe’s expectations. It aligns with the demographic data in Numbers 26:34, which records Manasseh’s registered clans at 52,700 men.
Why it lands — The verse records a factual complaint linking population growth to territorial demand. It asks the reader to note how established administrative decisions are tested by subsequent demographic realities.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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?
Cross-references
- 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.”
- 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.”
- Numbers 26:34 These were the clans of Manasseh, and their registration numbered 52,700.
- Genesis 49:22 Joseph is a fruitful vine—a fruitful vine by a spring, whose branches scale the wall.
- Deuteronomy 33:13 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,