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⇱ Joshua 18:2 there were still seven tribes of Israel who had not yet received their inheritance.

Bible > Joshua > Chapter 18 > Verse 2
◄ Joshua 18:2 ►
New International Version
but there were still seven Israelite tribes who had not yet received their inheritance.

New Living Translation
But there remained seven tribes who had not yet been allotted their grants of land.

English Standard Version
There remained among the people of Israel seven tribes whose inheritance had not yet been apportioned.

Berean Standard Bible
there were still seven tribes of Israel who had not yet received their inheritance.

King James Bible
And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance.

New King James Version
But there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes which had not yet received their inheritance.

New American Standard Bible
But there remained among the sons of Israel seven tribes who had not divided their inheritance.

NASB 1995
There remained among the sons of Israel seven tribes who had not divided their inheritance.

NASB 1977
And there remained among the sons of Israel seven tribes who had not divided their inheritance.

Legacy Standard Bible
And there remained among the sons of Israel seven tribes who had not divided their inheritance.

Amplified Bible
There remained among the Israelites seven tribes who had not yet divided their inheritance.

Christian Standard Bible
but seven tribes among the Israelites were left who had not divided up their inheritance.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Seven tribes among the Israelites were left who had not divided up their inheritance.

American Standard Version
And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet divided their inheritance.

Contemporary English Version
There were still seven tribes without any land,

English Revised Version
And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet divided their inheritance.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
There were still seven tribes in Israel who had not yet received any land as their inheritance.

Good News Translation
There were still seven tribes of the people of Israel who had not yet been assigned their share of the land.

International Standard Version
Seven tribes remained among the Israelis for whom their inheritances had not yet been allocated.

NET Bible
seven Israelite tribes had not been assigned their allotted land.

New Heart English Bible
Seven tribes remained among the children of Israel, which had not yet divided their inheritance.

Webster's Bible Translation
And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
there were still seven tribes of Israel who had not yet received their inheritance.

World English Bible
Seven tribes remained among the children of Israel, which had not yet divided their inheritance.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And there are seven tribes left among the sons of Israel who have not shared their inheritance,

Young's Literal Translation
And there are left among the sons of Israel who have not shared their inheritance, seven tribes,

Smith's Literal Translation
And there will remain among the sons of Israel to whom they distributed not their inheritance, seven tribes.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But there remained seven tribes of the children of Israel, which as yet had not received their possessions.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But there remained seven tribes of the sons of Israel which had not yet received their possessions.

New American Bible
There remained seven tribes among the Israelites that had not yet received their heritage.

New Revised Standard Version
There remained among the Israelites seven tribes whose inheritance had not yet been apportioned.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes which had not yet received their inheritance.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And there were seven tribes of the children of Israel left that had not divided their inheritance
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the sons of Israel remained, even those who had not received their inheritance, seven tribes.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Remainder Divided
1Then the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there. And though the land was subdued before them, 2there were still seven tribes of Israel who had not yet received their inheritance. 3So Joshua said to the Israelites, “How long will you put off entering and possessing the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?…

Cross References
Numbers 34:16-29
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “These are the names of the men who are to assign the land as an inheritance for you: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun. / Appoint one leader from each tribe to distribute the land. ...

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. ...

Deuteronomy 1:38
Joshua son of Nun, who stands before you, will enter it. Encourage him, for he will enable Israel to inherit the land.

Deuteronomy 3:28
But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit the land that you will see.”

Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. / The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Joshua 14:1-5
Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited in the land of Canaan, as distributed by Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the tribes of Israel. / Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. / For 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. ...

Joshua 13:1-7
Now Joshua was old and well along in years, and the LORD said to him, “You are old and well along in years, but very much of the land remains to be possessed. / This is the land that remains: All the territory of the Philistines and the Geshurites, / from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; ...

Joshua 19:51
These are the inheritances that Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families distributed by lot to the tribes of Israel at Shiloh before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. So they finished dividing up the land.

Joshua 21:1-3
Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribes of Israel / 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:

Judges 2:6
After Joshua had dismissed the people, the Israelites went out to take possession of the land, each to his own inheritance.

Acts 13:19
And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance.

Hebrews 4:8
For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.

Acts 7:45
And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David,

Hebrews 11:30-31
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.

Romans 4:13
For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.


Apportioned Children Distributed Divided Heritage Inheritance Israel Israelite Received Seven Shared Tribes
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Apportioned Children Distributed Divided Heritage Inheritance Israel Israelite Received Seven Shared Tribes
Joshua 18
1. The tabernacle is set up at Shiloh
2. The remainder of the land is described, and divided into seven parts
10. Joshua distributes it by lot
11. The lot and border of Benjamin
21. Their cities














there were still seven tribes of Israel
The context of this passage is the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. At this point in the narrative, the Israelites have entered Canaan under Joshua's leadership. The seven tribes mentioned here are Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. This situation highlights a period of transition and incomplete conquest, as the tribes had not yet fully taken possession of their allotted territories. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, which may underscore the importance of completing the task of settling the land.

who had not yet received their inheritance
The term "inheritance" refers to the land that God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This promise is a central theme in the Old Testament, beginning with God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:7. The delay in receiving their inheritance may reflect a lack of initiative or faith among the tribes, as well as the challenges of displacing the existing Canaanite inhabitants. This situation also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, despite human shortcomings. The concept of inheritance is further developed in the New Testament, where believers are described as heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), pointing to a spiritual inheritance that transcends earthly possessions.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and overseeing the distribution of the land among the tribes.

2. Seven Tribes of Israel
These are the tribes that had not yet received their inheritance in the Promised Land. They represent the remaining tribes that needed to settle in their allotted territories.

3. Shiloh
The place where the Israelites gathered to set up the Tent of Meeting and where the land distribution process was organized.

4. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which the Israelites were in the process of possessing.

5. Inheritance
The portion of land that each tribe was to receive as their permanent possession, as promised by God.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment
The delay in receiving the inheritance does not negate God's promise. His timing and methods are perfect, and His promises are sure.

Active Participation in God's Promises
The tribes needed to take action to receive their inheritance. Similarly, believers are called to actively participate in God's promises through faith and obedience.

Unity and Cooperation
The distribution of the land required cooperation among the tribes. In the body of Christ, unity and cooperation are essential for fulfilling God's purposes.

Spiritual Inheritance
Just as the tribes awaited their physical inheritance, believers have a spiritual inheritance in Christ that requires faith and perseverance to fully realize.

Patience and Trust in God's Timing
The waiting period for the tribes teaches us to trust in God's timing and to remain patient as we await the fulfillment of His promises in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Joshua 18:2?

2. Why were seven tribes still without their inheritance in Joshua 18:2?

3. How does Joshua 18:2 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

4. What lessons on leadership can we learn from Joshua's actions in this chapter?

5. How can we ensure we claim God's promises in our lives today?

6. How does Joshua 18:2 connect to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15?

7. Why were seven tribes still without their inheritance in Joshua 18:2?

8. How does Joshua 18:2 reflect on God's promise to Israel?

9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Joshua 18:2?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 18?

11. If the land division was divinely ordained, why do other biblical accounts (e.g., Judges 1) describe tribes failing to fully possess these assigned territories?

12. Joshua 18:4 - How likely is it that ancient Israelites had the means and literacy to survey and record the land so precisely?

13. In Judges 18:2, how can the Danites' sudden relocation from the south to the distant north be reconciled with known settlement patterns or historical records?

14. If the Levites had no land inheritance (Joshua 21:2), how could they sustainably live in the granted cities without farmland?
What Does Joshua 18:2 Mean
Context in Joshua’s Narrative

“​But there were still seven tribes of Israel who had not yet received their inheritance.” (Joshua 18:2)

• The conquest of Canaan is largely complete (Joshua 11:23; 21:43–45), yet the distribution of the land is unfinished.

• Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh have settled east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:33), while Judah, Ephraim, and the other half of Manasseh have lots assigned west of the Jordan (Joshua 14:1–5; 17:14–18).

• That leaves seven tribes—Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan—still waiting.

The Number Seven Tribes: Significance and Reality

• Seven often signals completeness in Scripture (Genesis 2:2–3; Revelation 1:4), yet here it underlines an incomplete task: God’s promise is fully available, but Israel has not fully laid hold of it.

• This is not symbolic only; it is historical fact tied to specific families who must inherit literal territory promised since Genesis 12:7 and confirmed in Deuteronomy 1:8.

Delayed Allocation: Reasons for Waiting

• Complacency—Joshua 18:3 immediately calls the tribes to action: “How long will you delay…?”

• Possible logistical challenges: surveying the land (Joshua 18:4–6), recording boundaries (Numbers 26:52-56).

• Lingering pockets of Canaanite resistance (Joshua 17:12-13) that required faith and obedience to drive out.

God’s Faithfulness and Israel’s Responsibility

• The land already belongs to them by covenant (Genesis 15:18-21), yet personal possession demands obedience (Joshua 1:3, 7-9).

• Shiloh becomes the new worship center (Joshua 18:1), reminding the tribes that spiritual devotion and territorial inheritance are linked (Deuteronomy 12:4-11).

• Joshua’s leadership echoes Moses’ earlier charge: “Take possession of the land” (Numbers 33:53). God keeps His word; Israel must walk in it.

Lessons for Believers Today

• Promises claimed partially leave blessings unexperienced—paralleling believers who know Ephesians 1:3 yet hesitate to appropriate God’s provision.

• Spiritual apathy can stall progress; Hebrews 4:1 warns against falling short of rest.

• God provides clear guidance through His Word; like the surveyors sent out (Joshua 18:4), we are to study, map, and step into what He has ordained (2 Timothy 2:15).

summary

Joshua 18:2 records a factual pause: seven tribes had not yet taken the land God had already given. The verse highlights unfinished obedience, underscores God’s unwavering faithfulness, and urges prompt action to claim covenant promises.

(2) And there remained . . . seven tribes, which had not yet received . . . inheritance.--This statement is well worthy of notice, as illustrating the character of the Israelites in a manner which is thoroughly true to nature. The conquest of the Canaanitish armies being completed, the two leading divisions of the host of Israel took possession of their shares of the conquered territory. The house of Judah and the house of Joseph were satisfied. This done, the weaker tribes were left to take care of themselves. They did not venture to select their own portions; the others did not come forward to offer them anything. Thus there remained, for a time, seven tribes which had not received their inheritance.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
there were still
וַיִּוָּֽתְרוּ֙ (way·yiw·wā·ṯə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3498: To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserve

seven
שִׁבְעָ֖ה (šiḇ·‘āh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

tribes
שְׁבָטִֽים׃ (šə·ḇā·ṭîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

who
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

had not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

yet received
חָלְק֖וּ (ḥā·lə·qū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2505: To be smooth, to apportion, separate

their inheritance.
נַֽחֲלָתָ֑ם (na·ḥă·lā·ṯām)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion


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OT History: Joshua 18:2 Seven tribes remained among the children (Josh. Jos)