Timnath-serah in the Bible
The inheritance city of Joshua, where Israel's great leader was buried.
Timnath-serah (also Timnath-heres) was the city given to Joshua as his personal inheritance after the division of the Promised Land. Located in the hill country of Ephraim, it was where Joshua built up his city and where he was eventually buried after leading Israel through the conquest of Canaan.
Modern Location
Identified with Khirbet Tibnah, northwest of modern Ramallah in the West Bank.
Key Biblical Events
- 1Given to Joshua as his inheritance at his request
- 2Joshua built the city
- 3Joshua was buried here after his death at age 110
- 4The bones of Joseph were buried nearby at Shechem
Key KJV Scriptures
"According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein."
"And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash."
Spiritual Significance
Timnath-serah reveals Joshua's humility. As the commander who conquered the entire land, he waited until all tribes received their portions before asking for his own modest inheritance. His burial there marked the end of the conquest era and the beginning of the Judges period.
Why Timnath-serah Matters
Timnath-serah holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands at the crossroads of God's covenant promises to His chosen people. With 4 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Joshua linked to its story — Timnath-serah is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Rooted in the Old Testament narrative, Timnath-serah is referenced in 2 key scriptures that reveal God's faithfulness across generations. Timnath-serah reveals Joshua's humility. As the commander who conquered the entire land, he waited until all tribes received their portions before asking for his own modest inheritance. His burial there marked the end of the conquest era and the beginning of the Judges period.
For today's believer, studying Timnath-serah is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Timnath-serah, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Joshua encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Joshua buried?
Joshua was buried in Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, the city he had been given as his inheritance (Joshua 24:30).
Why did Joshua choose Timnath-serah?
Joshua humbly waited until all other tribes received their land before requesting this city for himself, showing servant leadership (Joshua 19:50).
Explore Related Content
Related Bible Locations
Shechem
An ancient city where God first promised Canaan to Abraham and where Joshua renewed the covenant.
Shiloh
The first permanent home of the Tabernacle before the Temple was built in Jerusalem.
Gilgal
First camp in the Promised Land — where Israel set up memorial stones after crossing the Jordan.
Gilgal
Israel's first camp in the Promised Land — where circumcision was renewed and manna ceased.
Shiloh
Israel's first permanent worship center — where the tabernacle stood for centuries.
Shechem
Where Abraham first received God's promise in Canaan and Joshua renewed Israel's covenant.
Where to go next
Finished reading about Timnath-serah? Keep exploring the places and people of Scripture.
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