Joshua 17:15 Meaning and Explanation
“And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Joshua challenges them to clear the forested hill country for themselves if their land is truly too small.
What Does Joshua 17:15 Mean?
Joshua answers their complaint with a challenge rather than a concession. If they are indeed a great people, let them go up and clear the forested country, cutting it down for themselves in the land of the Perizzites and the giants, since the hill of Ephraim is too small for them. He hands them work, not more easily won land.
Joshua's reply tests whether their claim to greatness is matched by willingness to labor. Greatness in God's economy is proven not by what one demands but by what one is ready to undertake in faith. He points them toward effort and even toward danger, calling them to seize the blessing through diligence. The promise stands ready, but it must be entered by those willing to take up the toil.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 17:15
What does Joshua 17:15 mean?
Joshua challenges them to clear the forested hill country for themselves if their land is truly too small.