Joshua 17:2
There was also a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.
Joshua 17:2 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the divisions of the tribe of Manasseh are outlined based on family. The children of Manasseh were divided into various families, each with their own descendants. These families included the children of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida, who were all male descendants of Manasseh, the son of Joseph. This genealogy was important in the biblical context as it helped define lineage and inheritance within the tribe of Manasseh. It also served to organize the tribe into smaller units based on family ties, which would have been significant for social, political, and religious reasons within the Israelite community. Understanding these family divisions provides insight into the historical and cultural context of the tribes of Israel, highlighting the importance of lineage and familial relationships among the descendants of Manasseh.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see the allocation of land to the different families within the tribe of Manasseh. The names mentioned - Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida - represent the various clans or descendants within the tribe. The meticulous detailing of each family's portion serves to emphasize the fairness and order in the division of land amongst the tribes of Israel. The mention of these specific families also highlights the importance of lineage and ancestry in the distribution of inheritance, as well as the significance of each family within the greater tribe of Manasseh. This verse showcases the intricate organization and structure within the Israelite society, as well as the recognition of each family's heritage and heritage within the larger community.
Joshua 17:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
So [the lot] was for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.
World English Bible
So this was for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, for the children of Helek, for the children of Asriel, for the children of Shechem, for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.
Douay-Rheims
And to the rest of the children of Manasses according to their families: to the children of Abiezer, and to the children of Helec, and to the children of Esriel, and to the children of Sechem, and to the children of Hepher, and to the children of Semida: these are the male children of Manasses the son of Joseph, by their kindreds.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And also of the rest of the sonnes of Manasseh by their families, euen of the sonnes of Abiezer, and of the sonnes of Helek, and of ye sonnes of Azriel, and of the sonnes of Shechem, and of the sonnes of Hepher, and of the sonnes of Shemida: these were the males of Manasseh, the sonne of Ioseph according to their families.