TRV
Translation
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 6,237 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Joshua 15 verses 20–63
20 ¶ This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.
21 And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,
22 And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,
23 And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,
24 Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,
25 And Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, and Hezron, which is Hazor,
26 Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,
27 And Hazargaddah, and Heshmon, and Bethpalet,
28 And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,
29 Baalah, and Iim, and Azem,
30 And Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah,
31 And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,
32 And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:
33 And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,
34 And Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam,
35 Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,
36 And Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages:
37 Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdalgad,
38 And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,
39 Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon,
40 And Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish,
41 And Gederoth, Bethdagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages:
42 Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,
43 And Jiphtah, and Ashnah, and Nezib,
44 And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:
45 Ekron, with her towns and her villages:
46 From Ekron even unto the sea, all that lay near Ashdod, with their villages:
47 Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof:
48 And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,
49 And Dannah, and Kirjathsannah, which is Debir,
50 And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,
51 And Goshen, and Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages:
52 Arab, and Dumah, and Eshean,
53 And Janum, and Bethtappuah, and Aphekah,
54 And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:
55 Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah,
56 And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,
57 Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:
58 Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor,
59 And Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages:
60 Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:
61 In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah,
62 And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.
63 As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.
We have here a list of the several cities that fell within the lot of the tribe of Judah, which are mentioned by name, that they might know their own, and both keep it and keep to it, and might neither through cowardice nor sloth lose the possession of what was their own.
I. The cities are here named, and numbered in several classes, which they then could account for the reason of better than we can now. Here are, 1. Some that are said to be the uttermost cities towards the coast of Edom, Jos 15:21-32. Here are thirty-eight named, and yet said to be twenty-nine (Jos 15:32), because nine of these were afterwards transferred to the lot of Simeon, and are reckoned as belonging to that, as appears by comparing Jos 19:2, etc.; therefore those only are counted (though the rest are named) which remained to Judah. 2. Others that are said to be in the valley (Jos 15:33) are counted to be fourteen, yet fifteen are named; but it is probable that Gederah and Gederathaim were either two names or two parts of one and the same city. 3. Then sixteen are named without any head of distinction, Jos 15:37-41, and nine more, Jos 15:42-44. 4. Then the three Philistine-cities, Ekron, Ashdod, and Gaza, Jos 15:45-47. 5. Cities in the mountains, eleven in all (Jos 15:48-51), nine more (Jos 15:52-54), ten more (Jos 15:55-57), six more (Jos 15:58, Jos 15:59), then two (Jos 15:60), and six in the wilderness, a part of the country not so thick of inhabitants as some others were.
II. Now here, 1. We do not find Bethlehem, which was afterwards the city of David, and was ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. But that city, which at the best was but little among the thousands of Judah (Mic 5:2), except that it was thus dignified, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities, but perhaps was one of the villages not named. Christ came to give honour to the places he was related to, not to receive honour from them. 2. Jerusalem is said to continue in the hands of the Jebusites (Jos 15:63), for the children of Judah could not drive them out, through their sluggishness, stupidity, and unbelief. Had they attempted it with vigour and resolution, we have reason to think God would not have been wanting to them to give them success; but they could not do it, because they would not. Jerusalem was afterwards to be the holy city, the royal city, the city of the great King, the brightest ornament of all the land of Israel. God has designed it should be so. It may therefore be justly looked upon as a punishment of their neglect to conquer other cities which God had given them that they were so long kept out of this. 3. Among the cities of Judah (in all 114) we meet with Libnah, which in Joram's days revolted, and probably set up for a free independent state (Kg2 8:22), and Lachish, where king Amaziah was slain (Kg1 14:19); it led the dance in idolatry (Mic 1:13); it was the beginning of sin to the daughter of Zion. Giloh, Ahithophel's town, is here mentioned, and Tekoa, of which the prophet Amos was, and near which Jehoshaphat obtained that glorious victory, Ch2 20:20, etc., and Maresha, where Asa was a conqueror. Many of the cities of this tribe occur in the history of David's troubles. Adullam, Ziph, Keilah, Maon, Engedi, Ziklag, here reckoned in this tribe, were places near which David had most of his haunts; for, though sometimes Saul drove him out from the inheritance of the Lord, yet he kept as close to it as he could. The wilderness of Judah he frequented much, and in it John Baptist preached, and there the kingdom of heaven commenced, Mat 3:1. The riches of this country no doubt answered Jacob's blessing of this tribe, that he should wash his garments in wine, Gen 49:11. And, in general, Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise, not envy.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–63. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Joshua 15:34 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Joshua 15:34 meticulously lists four towns—Zanoah, Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam—as integral components of the inheritance allocated to the tribe of Judah within the Promised Land. This verse, embedded within a comprehensive catalog of cities and boundaries, serves as a tangible record of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating His precise and orderly provision for His people as they settled into their divinely appointed territory, securing their identity and future.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Joshua 15 details the extensive territorial inheritance granted to the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes. This chapter follows the initial division of the land by lot, as commanded by God through Moses and implemented by Joshua, ensuring a fair and divinely ordained distribution among the tribes as outlined in Joshua 14:1-5. The preceding verses describe Judah's southern and western boundaries, while the subsequent verses continue to enumerate the towns within various districts of their vast territory, including the Negeb, the Shephelah (lowlands), and the hill country. These lists are not merely geographical notes but serve as crucial legal and administrative documents, establishing the precise fulfillment of God's promises and providing clear ownership and identity for each tribal unit within the nascent nation of Israel. The sheer detail underscores the divine commitment to the covenant and the orderly establishment of the nation.
Historical & Cultural Context: The allocation of land in Joshua 15 reflects the culmination of the Exodus generation's journey and the initial phase of Israel's settlement in Canaan. Land was the fundamental basis of wealth, identity, and security in the ancient Near East. For Israel, it was more than just property; it was their divine inheritance, a tangible expression of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, promised to Abraham centuries earlier in Genesis 12:7. The meticulous cataloging of towns like Zanoah, Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam, particularly those in the Shephelah (lowlands between the central highlands and the Philistine plain), highlights the strategic importance of these regions for agriculture, trade, and defense. These lists would have been vital for preventing inter-tribal disputes over resources and boundaries, ensuring an orderly and peaceful transition from nomadic conquest to settled agrarian life, and solidifying their claim against any future challenges.
Key Themes: Joshua 15:34 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Faithfulness, demonstrating God's meticulous fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants a land of their own, as reiterated in Deuteronomy 1:8. Secondly, the concept of Inheritance and Possession is central; the land was not merely conquered but was a sacred inheritance, a gift from God that established Israel's identity and provided a secure dwelling place. Each tribe's specific portion, precisely documented, underscored the divine order and provision. Finally, the detailed nature of these geographical lists reflects God's Order and Documentation, emphasizing the importance of accurate records and the precision with which God orchestrates His plans, even down to the specific names of towns in an ancient land. This meticulousness assures Israel—and us—of the reliability of God's word and His commitment to His covenant people, as seen throughout the narrative of Israel's journey from Exodus to Deuteronomy.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 15:34 primarily employs Cataloging/Enumeration, a pervasive literary device throughout Joshua 15 characterized by the systematic listing of items, in this case, specific towns. This extensive catalog serves multiple purposes: it demonstrates the Topographical Detail and precision of the land division, acting as both a historical and legal record for the nascent nation. The sheer volume of names, though seemingly mundane, contributes to the overall sense of Fulfillment, emphasizing that every promise of God, even down to the specific places within a vast territory, is brought to pass. The repetitive structure of listing "and [Name]" creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, underscoring the thoroughness of the inventory and the completeness of Judah's inheritance. Furthermore, the names themselves, often descriptive of geographical features or agricultural produce, employ a subtle form of Descriptive Naming, providing insight into the nature and value of the places being listed, such as "Spring of Gardens" or "Apple Tree."
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While a simple list of names, Joshua 15:34 profoundly underscores the meticulousness of God's faithfulness. It reminds us that God's promises are not vague generalities but concrete realities, fulfilled with astonishing precision and detail. Just as He promised Abraham a land and then ensured every boundary and town was accounted for, so too does God meticulously work out His purposes in history and in the lives of His people. This passage serves as a testament to the reliability of God's Word and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, providing a secure foundation for faith. The physical inheritance of land foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and rest that God provides for His people, a theme deeply explored in the New Testament.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 15:34, though a seemingly dry list of ancient towns, offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It is a powerful reminder that our God is a God of detail, who fulfills His promises with precision and care. Just as He meticulously provided a physical inheritance for Israel, He has also provided a spiritual inheritance for us in Christ—one that is equally real, secure, and comprehensive. This passage encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness in every area of our lives, knowing that if He is faithful in the grand sweep of history and the minute details of ancient land divisions, He will certainly be faithful to us in our personal circumstances. It calls us to reflect on the blessings and provisions we have received, recognizing them as tangible expressions of God's covenant love and meticulous care, prompting us to live in gratitude and confident reliance on His unfailing word.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these detailed lists of towns included in the Bible?
Answer: These detailed lists, like the one in Joshua 15:34, serve several crucial purposes. Firstly, they are a testament to God's faithfulness, demonstrating the precise fulfillment of His ancient promises to Abraham and his descendants to give them the land of Canaan, as first articulated in Genesis 12:7. Secondly, they functioned as legal and administrative documents for the nascent nation of Israel, establishing clear boundaries and ownership for each tribe. This prevented disputes and ensured an orderly settlement, vital for a new nation. Thirdly, they underscore the reality and tangibility of God's provision, showing that the inheritance was not just a spiritual concept but a concrete, geographical reality that could be inhabited and cultivated. Finally, they highlight God's orderliness and precision in His divine plan, down to the specific names and locations of towns, assuring His people of the reliability of His word.
Are these towns still identifiable today?
Answer: For many of the towns listed in Joshua, including those in Joshua 15:34, archaeologists and historical geographers have proposed identifications with modern-day ruins (tells) or villages in Israel. For example, Zanoah is often associated with Khirbet Zanu', Engannim with Khirbet Umm Jina, and Tappuah and Enam also have suggested, though sometimes debated, locations. While not all identifications are universally agreed upon due to the passage of millennia and changes in landscape, the general locations of these districts (like the Shephelah) are well-established, and the presence of numerous ancient sites confirms the historical reality and geographical accuracy of these biblical lists, lending credibility to the narrative of Israel's settlement.
What is the spiritual significance of such a seemingly mundane list?
Answer: The spiritual significance of Joshua 15:34 and similar lists lies in their powerful illustration of God's character and His relationship with His people. They demonstrate God's meticulous faithfulness: if God is so precise in fulfilling a physical land promise, we can trust Him with every detail of our lives and His spiritual promises. They highlight the concept of inheritance, reminding us that God is a generous provider who gives His people a secure dwelling place, whether physical or spiritual. Furthermore, they emphasize order and divine sovereignty, showing that God orchestrates history with purpose and precision, ensuring His plans unfold exactly as He intends. Ultimately, these lists point to a God who keeps His word, providing a solid foundation for faith and assurance in His ongoing care and provision for His people, culminating in the ultimate spiritual inheritance found in Christ, as described in Ephesians 1:11.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:34 details a physical inheritance of land for the tribe of Judah, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper spiritual meaning are found in Jesus Christ. The land of Canaan, with its precise boundaries and fertile grounds, served as a tangible, earthly provision of God's covenant faithfulness, a place of rest after the wilderness wanderings. In the New Testament, this physical inheritance foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and eternal rest that believers receive through Christ. Jesus is the true "Promised Land," the one in whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen," as affirmed in 2 Corinthians 1:20. Through His atoning work, we are granted not merely a plot of land, but an eternal kingdom Matthew 5:5, a spiritual dwelling place in Him Ephesians 2:6, and "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" Ephesians 1:3. The meticulous detail of Joshua's land division points to the equally precise and complete work of Christ, who perfectly fulfills every aspect of God's redemptive plan, securing for us an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" 1 Peter 1:4. The rest that Israel found in the land is ultimately fulfilled in the spiritual rest found in Christ, who graciously invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest for their souls in Him Matthew 11:28-30.