Describe
The Biblical Meaning of 'Describe'
The English word 'describe' appears in several key biblical passages, but its meaning differs significantly from modern usage. In contemporary language, we use 'describe' to mean giving an account of something in words, often with vivid detail. However, in the biblical context, particularly in the King James Version, 'describe' carries the older English meaning of writing down, recording, or delineating—especially in the context of dividing land or creating official lists.
Old Testament Usage and Context
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew verb kathabh (כָּתַב), typically translated as 'to write,' appears in Joshua 18:4-9 where it's rendered as 'describe.' The context is crucial: Joshua instructs representatives from the seven tribes who haven't yet received their inheritance to 'go and walk through the land, and describe it according to their inheritance' (Joshua 18:4). Here, 'describe' means to survey, map out, and record in writing the boundaries and features of the territory that would be divided by lot. This wasn't merely descriptive writing but official documentation of tribal allocations—a legal recording of God's promised inheritance.
Similarly, in Judges 8:14, Gideon captures a young man from Succoth who 'described' (wrote down) the names of the city's officials. The action here involves creating a written list for identification and likely punishment, demonstrating how 'describe' functioned as administrative documentation in ancient Israelite society.
New Testament Occurrences and Translation Issues
The King James Version uses 'describe' twice in Romans. In Romans 4:6, David is said to 'describe the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.' The Greek verb here is lego (λέγω), meaning 'to speak' or 'declare.' Modern translations like the ESV and NIV more accurately render this as 'speaks of' or 'declares.' In Romans 10:5, Moses is said to 'describeth the righteousness which is of the law,' using the Greek grapho (γράφω), meaning 'to write.' Contemporary translations typically use 'writes' here. These translation differences highlight how the King James Version occasionally employed 'describe' in ways that have become archaic.
The Significance of Recording and Documenting
The biblical concept of 'describing' as recording carries theological weight. When Joshua's surveyors 'described' the land, they weren't just making notes—they were documenting the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:7, 15:18-21). The written record served as tangible evidence of God's faithfulness across generations. Similarly, the written lists and records mentioned in Scripture often served to establish identity, inheritance, and covenant relationships—all central themes in biblical theology.
From Ancient Practice to Modern Understanding
Understanding 'describe' in its biblical context requires recognizing ancient Near Eastern practices of land surveying, inheritance allocation, and administrative record-keeping. Archaeological discoveries of boundary markers, land deeds, and administrative texts from contemporary cultures confirm that such documentation was standard practice. The biblical emphasis on writing down allocations reflects both practical governance and theological significance—the land wasn't merely territory but sacred trust from Yahweh to His people.
Biblical Context
The term 'describe' appears primarily in Joshua 18:4-9, where representatives from seven Israelite tribes are instructed to survey and record the land of Canaan before it's divided by lot. It also occurs in Judges 8:14, where a captured youth writes down the names of Succoth's officials for Gideon. In the New Testament, the King James Version uses 'describe' in Romans 4:6 and 10:5, though modern translations typically use 'speaks of' and 'writes' respectively. These passages show 'describe' functioning as official documentation of inheritance, identity, and theological concepts.
Theological Significance
The act of 'describing' as recording carries significant theological weight. It represents the tangible documentation of God's promises—particularly regarding the land inheritance central to the Abrahamic covenant. When Joshua's surveyors recorded the land boundaries, they were creating legal testimony to God's faithfulness. This connects to broader biblical themes of God's covenant faithfulness being documented and remembered across generations. In the New Testament context, the discussion in Romans about how righteousness is 'described' (declared or written) highlights the contrast between law-based righteousness and the righteousness that comes through faith.
Historical Background
Ancient Near Eastern cultures extensively documented land allocations, treaties, and administrative matters on clay tablets, stone markers, and scrolls. Archaeological finds from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Canaanite sites reveal sophisticated systems of land surveying, inheritance recording, and bureaucratic documentation. Israel's practice of 'describing' land allocations fits within this broader cultural context while serving distinct theological purposes. The shift in meaning of 'describe' from 'writing down' to 'giving an account in words' reflects broader changes in English usage between the 17th century (when the KJV was translated) and modern times.