Joshua 17:12
Joshua 17:12 in Multiple Translations
But the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these cities, because the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land.
Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
But the children of Manasseh were not able to make the people of those towns go out; but the Canaanites would go on living in that land.
But the descendants of Manasseh could not take possession of these towns because the Canaanites were determined to go on occupying the land.
Yet the children of Manasseh coulde not destroy those cities, but the Canaanites dwelled still in that land.
And the sons of Manasseh have not been able to occupy these cities, and the Canaanite is desirous to dwell in this land,
Yet the children of Manasseh couldn’t drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
Yet the children of Manasseh could not expel the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
Neither could the children of Manasses overthrow these cities, but the Chanaanite began to dwell in his land.
The men of the tribe of Manasseh were not able to force the people who lived in those cities to leave, so the people of the Canaan people-group continued to live in those cities.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 17:12
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 17:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹ֤א
יָכְלוּ֙
בְּנֵ֣י
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
לְ/הוֹרִ֖ישׁ
אֶת
הֶֽ/עָרִ֣ים
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
וַ/יּ֨וֹאֶל֙
הַֽ/כְּנַעֲנִ֔י
לָ/שֶׁ֖בֶת
בָּ/אָ֥רֶץ
הַ/זֹּֽאת
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָכְלוּ֙
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
Mᵉnashsheh
H4519
Moses
N-proper
לְ/הוֹרִ֖ישׁ
yârash
H3423
to possess
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הֶֽ/עָרִ֣ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fp
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
וַ/יּ֨וֹאֶל֙
yâʼal
H2974
be willing
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַֽ/כְּנַעֲנִ֔י
Kᵉnaʻanîy
H3669
Canaanitess
Art | Ngmsa
לָ/שֶׁ֖בֶת
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בָּ/אָ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
הַ/זֹּֽאת
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 17:12
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָכְלוּ֙
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
Mᵉnashsheh
H4519
"Moses"
N-proper
Manasseh was a grandson of Jacob and the ancestor of a large tribe in the Bible, mentioned in Genesis 41:51 and throughout the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) Another name of mo.sheh (מֹשֶׁה "Moses" H4872) § Manasseh = "causing to forget" 1) the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh 1a) the tribe descended from Manasseh 1b) the territory occupied by the tribe of Manasseh 2) son of king Hezekiah of Judah and himself king of Judah; he was the immediate and direct cause for the exile 3) a descendant of Pahath-moab who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) a descendant of Hashum who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Manasseh. See also: Genesis 41:51; Joshua 22:21; Psalms 60:9.
לְ/הוֹרִ֖ישׁ
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
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.
הֶֽ/עָרִ֣ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
וַ/יּ֨וֹאֶל֙
yâʼal
H2974
"be willing"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be willing or undertake something is the meaning of this word. It involves agreeing to or showing willingness to do something, like accepting an invitation or resolving to take action.
Definition: 1) to begin, make a beginning, show willingness, undertake to do, be pleased, be determined 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to agree to, show willingness, acquiesce, accept an invitation, be willing 1a2) to undertake 1a3) to resolve, be pleased, be determined
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: assay, begin, be content, please, take upon, [idiom] willingly, would. See also: Genesis 18:27; Judges 19:6; Hosea 5:11.
הַֽ/כְּנַעֲנִ֔י
Kᵉnaʻanîy
H3669
"Canaanitess"
Art | Ngmsa
A Canaanitess was a woman from the land of Canaan, known for being merchants and traders. The term is used in the Bible to describe a woman who was a mother of one of the tribe of Benjamin, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Definition: Describing a woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.46.10; mother of: Shaul (H7586H) § a merchant, trader
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: Canaanite, merchant, trafficker. See also: Genesis 10:18; Joshua 11:3; Proverbs 31:24.
לָ/שֶׁ֖בֶת
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בָּ/אָ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | 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.
הַ/זֹּֽאת
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
Study Notes — Joshua 17:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 17:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 17:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 17:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 17:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 17:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 17:12
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 17:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 17:12
- Sermons on Joshua 17:12
Context — Manasseh’s Western Inheritance
10Ephraim’s territory was to the south, and Manasseh’s was to the north, having the Sea as its border and adjoining Asher on the north and Issachar on the east.
11Within Issachar and Asher, Manasseh was assigned Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor (that is, Naphath), Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo, each with their surrounding settlements.
12But the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these cities, because the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land.
13However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they put the Canaanites to forced labor; but they failed to drive them out completely. 14Then 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Exodus 23:29–33 | 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. And I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants into your hand, and you will drive them out before you. You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods. They must not remain in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” |
| 3 | Romans 6:12–14 | Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. |
| 4 | Numbers 33:52–56 | you must drive out before you all the inhabitants of the land, destroy all their carved images and cast idols, and demolish all their high places. You are to take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess. 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. 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. And then I will do to you what I had planned to do to them.” |
| 5 | Joshua 15:63 | But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the descendants of Judah. |
| 6 | Joshua 16:10 | But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer. So the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day, but they are forced laborers. |
Joshua 17:12 Summary
This verse tells us that the descendants of Manasseh were not able to take control of the cities that God had given them, because the Canaanites were stubborn and refused to leave. This shows us that even when God gives us something, we may still face challenges and opposition, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. But with God's help and power, we can overcome these challenges and trust in His promises, as stated in Philippians 4:13. We can learn to trust in God's power and promises, and not give up, even when things get tough, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and Isaiah 41:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the descendants of Manasseh unable to occupy the cities assigned to them?
The descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these cities because the Canaanites were determined to stay in the land, as stated in Joshua 17:12, similar to the challenges faced by the Israelites in Judges 1:27-36, where they also struggled to drive out the inhabitants of the land.
What does this verse reveal about the character of the Canaanites?
This verse shows that the Canaanites were determined to stay in the land, indicating their stubbornness and refusal to surrender to the Israelites, as also seen in Exodus 23:29-30, where God warns the Israelites about the stubbornness of the Canaanites.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of the conquest of Canaan?
This verse is part of the larger story of the conquest of Canaan, as described in the book of Joshua, where the Israelites are seeking to take possession of the land promised to them by God, as stated in Deuteronomy 1:8 and Joshua 1:3-4.
What lessons can we learn from the failure of the descendants of Manasseh to occupy their assigned cities?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, as seen in Psalm 44:3, and not relying solely on our own strength, as well as the need for perseverance and faithfulness in the face of opposition, as encouraged in Galatians 6:9 and Hebrews 10:35-36.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am struggling to 'occupy' or take control, and how can I trust in God's power to help me?
- How do I respond when faced with opposition or resistance, and what can I learn from the example of the descendants of Manasseh?
- What are some 'cities' or areas in my life that God has assigned to me, but I have been unable to fully occupy or take possession of, and what steps can I take to trust in God's power and promises?
- How can I balance the need for perseverance and faithfulness with the recognition of my own limitations and weaknesses, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 17:12
Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out [the inhabitants] of these cities,.... Mentioned in Joshua 17:11; they had not strength at first to do it, or either were negligent and slothful, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 17:12
Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 17:12
See Poole "". Would dwell; were resolved to fight, rather than be turned out of their ancient habitations.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 17:12
Joshua 17:12 Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out [the inhabitants of] those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.Ver. 12. Could not drive out.] As their fathers could not enter the promised land, so neither could they possess it, "because of unbelief."
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 17:12
Verse 12. Could not drive out, &c.] They had neither grace nor courage to go against their enemies, and chose rather to share their territories with those whom the justice of God had proscribed, than exert themselves to expel them. But some commentators give a different turn to this expression, and translate the passage thus: But the children of Manasseh could not (resolve) to destroy those cities, but the Canaanites consented to dwell in the land. And as they were willing to pay tribute, and the others chose to tolerate them on those terms, they agreed to dwell together: but this paying of tribute seems not to have taken place till some time after, when the children of Israel were waxen strong, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 17:12
12. Yet the children of Manasseh] Comp. Judges 1:27-28.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 17:12
12. Could not drive out — See on Joshua 15:63; Joshua 16:10.
Sermons on Joshua 17:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Our Daily Homily - Judges by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the persistent nature of evil habits in our lives, likening them to the Canaanites who resisted being dislodged from the land. He reminds us that as believers |
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I Will Fear No Evil by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being afraid and trusting in God's supernatural deliverance. He uses the example of the Israelites in Exodus, who were |
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The Divine Purpose in the Continuation of the Conflict by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the ongoing nature of spiritual conflict, asserting that while Christ has secured victory over evil, believers must progressively realize this victory t |
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Bondage Breaker - Part 1 by Neil T. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not committing sexual sins and using our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness. He highlights the need to present our bo |
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Normal Christian Life Ch 6-7 by Watchman Nee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of true commitment to God. He explains that when we offer ourselves to God, He takes it seriously and begins to break and tran |
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Fully Yielded to God by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the desperate need for salvation among people who may appear devout but are still in spiritual darkness. He uses the example of Simon Peter |
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The Battle of Life (The Christian's Warfare) by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of starting early in the pursuit of a life dedicated to serving God. He warns young men and women that the road to spiritual v |