Joshua 18:9
New International Version
So the men left and went through the land. They wrote its description on a scroll, town by town, in seven parts, and returned to Joshua in the camp at Shiloh.

New Living Translation
The men did as they were told and mapped the entire territory into seven sections, listing the towns in each section. They made a written record and then returned to Joshua in the camp at Shiloh.

English Standard Version
So the men went and passed up and down in the land and wrote in a book a description of it by towns in seven divisions. Then they came to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh,

Berean Standard Bible
So the men departed and went throughout the land, mapping it city by city into seven portions. Then they returned with the document to Joshua at the camp in Shiloh.

King James Bible
And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and came again to Joshua to the host at Shiloh.

New King James Version
So the men went, passed through the land, and wrote the survey in a book in seven parts by cities; and they came to Joshua at the camp in Shiloh.

New American Standard Bible
So the men went and passed through the land, and wrote a description of it by cities in seven divisions in a book; and they came to Joshua at the camp at Shiloh.

NASB 1995
So the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities in seven divisions in a book; and they came to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh.

NASB 1977
So the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities in seven divisions in a book; and they came to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh.

Legacy Standard Bible
So the men went and passed through the land and wrote a description of it by cities in seven divisions in a book; and they came to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh.

Amplified Bible
So the men set out and passed through the land, and described it by cities in seven divisions in a book; and they came back to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh.

Christian Standard Bible
So the men left, went through the land, and described it by towns in a document of seven sections. They returned to Joshua at the camp in Shiloh.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So the men left, went through the land, and described it by towns in a document of seven sections. They returned to Joshua at the camp in Shiloh.

American Standard Version
And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven portions in a book; and they came to Joshua unto the camp at Shiloh.

Contemporary English Version
The men left and went across the land, dividing it into seven regions. They wrote down a description of each region, town by town, and returned to Joshua at the camp at Shiloh.

English Revised Version
And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven portions in a book, and they came to Joshua unto the camp at Shiloh.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The men surveyed the land. They described it in a book. The land was divided into seven parts according to its cities. Then they returned to Joshua at the camp at Shiloh.

Good News Translation
So the men went all over the land and set down in writing how they divided it into seven parts, making a list of the towns. Then they went back to Joshua in the camp at Shiloh.

International Standard Version
Then the men left camp and went throughout the land, describing its cities in a book with seven divisions. Then they returned to Joshua at the camp at Shiloh.

Majority Standard Bible
So the men departed and went throughout the land, mapping it city by city into seven portions. Then they returned with the document to Joshua at the camp in Shiloh.

NET Bible
The men journeyed through the land and mapped it and its cities out into seven regions on a scroll. Then they came to Joshua at the camp in Shiloh.

New Heart English Bible
The men went and passed through the land, and surveyed it by cities into seven portions on a scroll. They came to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities in seven parts in a book, and came again, to Joshua to the host at Shiloh.

World English Bible
The men went and passed through the land, and surveyed it by cities into seven portions in a book. They came to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the men go, and pass over through the land, and describe it by cities, in seven portions, on a scroll, and they come to Joshua, to the camp [at] Shiloh.

Young's Literal Translation
And the men go, and pass over through the land, and describe it by cities, in seven portions, on a book, and they come in unto Joshua, unto the camp, at Shiloh.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the men will go and will pass over In the land, and will write it by cities into seven parts, upon a book; and they will come to Joshua to the camp of Shiloh.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So they went: and surveying it divided it into seven parts, writing them down in a book. And they returned to Josue, to the camp in Silo.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so they went out. And surveying it, they divided it into seven parts, writing it in a book. And they returned to Joshua, to the camp at Shiloh.

New American Bible
So they went through the land, described its cities in writing in seven sections, and returned to Joshua in the camp at Shiloh.

New Revised Standard Version
So the men went and traversed the land and set down in a book a description of it by towns in seven divisions; then they came back to Joshua in the camp at Shiloh,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the men went and passed through the land, and mapped it by towns into seven parts on a scroll, and came again to Joshua at the city of Shiloh.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the men went and they crossed in the land and they mapped the cities in seven divisions on a scroll, and they came to Yeshua, to the city Shiloh
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven portions in a book, and they came to Joshua unto the camp at Shiloh.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they went, and explored the land: and they viewed it, and described it according to the cities, seven parts in a book, and brought the book to Joshua.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Remainder Divided
8As the men got up to go out, Joshua commanded them to map out the land, saying, “Go and survey the land, map it out, and return to me. Then I will cast lots for you here in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD.” 9So the men departed and went throughout the land, mapping it city by city into seven portions. Then they returned with the document to Joshua at the camp in Shiloh. 10And Joshua cast lots for them in the presence of the LORD at Shiloh, where he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions.…

Cross References
Numbers 34:2
“Command the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land of Canaan, it will be allotted to you as an inheritance with these boundaries:

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.”

Deuteronomy 34:9
Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Joshua 1:6
Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them.

Joshua 14:1-2
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.

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.

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

1 Chronicles 28:11-12
Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the portico of the temple, its buildings, storehouses, upper rooms, inner rooms, and the room for the mercy seat. / The plans contained everything David had in mind for the courts of the house of the LORD, for all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the house of God and of the dedicated things,

1 Chronicles 28:19
“All this,” said David, “all the details of this plan, the LORD has made clear to me in writing by His hand upon me.”

Nehemiah 9:22-25
You gave them kingdoms and peoples and allotted to them every corner of the land. So they took the land of Sihon king of Heshbon and of Og king of Bashan. / You multiplied their descendants like the stars of heaven and brought them to the land You had told their fathers to enter and possess. / So their descendants went in and possessed the land; You subdued before them the Canaanites dwelling in the land. You delivered into their hands the kings and peoples of the land, to do with them as they wished. ...

Psalm 16:6
The lines of my boundary have fallen in pleasant places; surely my inheritance is delightful.

Ezekiel 47:13-14
This is what the Lord GOD says: “These are the boundaries by which you are to divide the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel; Joseph shall receive two portions. / You are to divide it equally among them. Because I swore with an uplifted hand to give it to your forefathers, this land will fall to you as an inheritance.

Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”


Treasury of Scripture

And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and came again to Joshua to the host at Shiloh.

into seven

Acts 13:19
And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

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Book Camp Cities Describe Described Description Divisions Host Joshua Parts Passed Portions Record Scroll Seven Shiloh Surveyed Tent-Circle Towns Travelling Wrote
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Book Camp Cities Describe Described Description Divisions Host Joshua Parts Passed Portions Record Scroll Seven Shiloh Surveyed Tent-Circle Towns Travelling Wrote
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














So the men went
This phrase indicates the obedience and initiative of the men chosen for this task. In the Hebrew context, the word for "men" (אֲנָשִׁים, anashim) often implies not just males, but individuals of valor and capability. Their going signifies a readiness to fulfill God's command, reflecting a spirit of faithfulness and duty. This obedience is a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of acting on God's instructions with diligence.

and traveled through the land
The act of traveling through the land signifies a thorough and comprehensive survey. The Hebrew root for "traveled" (הָלַךְ, halak) implies movement with purpose. This journey was not just physical but also spiritual, as it involved understanding the land God had promised. It reflects the Christian journey of faith, where believers are called to explore and understand the spiritual inheritance God has given them.

mapping it out by cities
Mapping the land by cities indicates a detailed and organized approach. The Hebrew concept of "mapping" (כָּתַב, kathab) involves writing or recording, suggesting precision and care. This meticulous division underscores the importance of order and stewardship in God's kingdom. For Christians, it serves as a reminder of the need for careful planning and organization in fulfilling God's purposes.

into seven portions
The division into seven portions is significant, as the number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness and perfection. This division was not arbitrary but divinely guided, ensuring that each tribe received its rightful inheritance. It reflects God's perfect plan and provision for His people, encouraging believers to trust in His divine order and timing.

in a book
Recording the divisions in a book highlights the importance of documentation and remembrance. The Hebrew word for "book" (סֵפֶר, sefer) implies a written record, ensuring that the allocation was preserved for future generations. This act of writing serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises, encouraging believers to document and remember God's works in their lives.

Then they returned to Joshua
Returning to Joshua signifies the completion of their task and their accountability to leadership. Joshua, as a type of Christ, represents spiritual leadership and guidance. The men's return reflects the Christian's call to report and submit to Christ, acknowledging His authority and seeking His direction in all endeavors.

at the camp at Shiloh
Shiloh, meaning "place of rest," was the spiritual center of Israel at the time. It symbolizes peace and God's presence among His people. The camp at Shiloh represents a place of gathering and worship, where the community comes together to seek God's will. For Christians, it is a reminder of the importance of fellowship and unity in the body of Christ, finding rest and direction in His presence.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So the men
הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙ (hā·’ă·nā·šîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 582: Man, mankind

departed
וַיֵּלְכ֤וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and went throughout
וַיַּעַבְר֣וּ (way·ya·‘aḇ·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

the land,
בָאָ֔רֶץ (ḇā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

mapping it
וַיִּכְתְּב֧וּהָ (way·yiḵ·tə·ḇū·hā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3789: To grave, to write

city by city
לֶֽעָרִ֛ים (le·‘ā·rîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

into seven
לְשִׁבְעָ֥ה (lə·šiḇ·‘āh)
Preposition-l | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

portions.
חֲלָקִ֖ים (ḥă·lā·qîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2506: Portion, tract, territory

Then they returned
וַיָּבֹ֧אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

with the document
סֵ֑פֶר (sê·p̄er)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Joshua
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites

at
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the camp
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה (ham·ma·ḥă·neh)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army

in Shiloh.
שִׁלֹֽה׃ (ši·lōh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7887: Shiloh -- a city in Ephraim


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OT History: Joshua 18:9 The men went and passed through (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 18:8
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