Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 16:1

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 16:1 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 16:1. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Joshua, this part tells us about the land that was given to the family of Joseph. It describes the area they would live in, starting from a place near a river by Jericho and stretching up to a mountain called Bethel.

Joshua 16:1: And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, unto the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goeth up from Jericho throughout mount Bethel, [fell: Heb. went forth]

Contradiction with Joshua 19:1

While Joshua 16:1 details the boundaries of the land for the children of Joseph, Joshua 19:1 starts detailing the land given to the tribe of Simeon, emphasizing a division to another tribe and different territorial assignments.

Joshua 19:1: And the second lot came forth to Simeon, [even] for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.

Contradiction with Numbers 34:2

In Joshua 16:1, the specific region for Joseph is described, but Numbers 34:2 describes a broader allocation process for all the tribes of Israel in the land of Canaan, differing from the individual focus of Joshua 16:1.

Numbers 34:2: Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land of Canaan; (this [is] the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, [even] the land of Canaan with the coasts thereof:)

Contradiction with Judges 1:29

Joshua 16:1 describes Ephraim's territory, yet Judges 1:29 states Ephraim did not drive out the Canaanites dwelling in their land, illustrating a contrast between the ideal boundaries given and the actual control of land.

Judges 1:29: Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them.

Contradiction with Joshua 17:14

Here, the children of Joseph complain about not having enough land, which contrasts with the detailed provision of territory in Joshua 16:1, showing dissatisfaction despite the allotment.

Joshua 17:14: And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me [but] one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I [am] a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?

Contradiction with Genesis 48:22

This verse references Jacob giving Joseph a portion of land above his brothers, suggesting a prior allocation which contrasts with the detailed formal dividing of territories in Joshua 16:1.

Genesis 48:22: Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.
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