TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Gederoth, Bethdagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages:
Complete Jewish Bible
G'derot, Beit-Dagon, Na'amah and Makkedah - sixteen cities, together with their villages.
Berean Standard Bible
Gederoth, Beth-dagon, Naamah, and Makkedah—sixteen cities, along with their villages.
American Standard Version
and Gederoth, Beth-dagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages.
World English Bible Messianic
Gederoth, Beth Dagon, Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Gederoth, Beth-dagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah: sixteene cities with their villages.
Young's Literal Translation
and Gederoth, Beth-Dagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities and their villages.
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In the KJVVerse 6,244 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.
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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.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 15:41 meticulously lists four specific cities—Gederoth, Bethdagon, Naamah, and Makkedah—and then summarizes them as part of a larger group of "sixteen cities with their villages" within the strategically vital Shephelah region, which formed a significant portion of Judah's tribal inheritance. This detailed enumeration, embedded within a comprehensive geographical record, powerfully underscores God's precise and faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to providing specific, tangible territories for His people to inhabit and steward. It highlights the divine order inherent in the land distribution and the concrete reality of Israel's possession of the Promised Land.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 15:41, like much of the land distribution chapters in the book, primarily employs Enumeration and Cataloging. The meticulous listing of individual city names serves to document and validate the precise fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land. This detailed Topographical Description provides a concrete, tangible record of the inheritance, emphasizing its reality, specificity, and precision. The sheer volume of names presented across the chapter creates a powerful sense of Completeness and Thoroughness, reinforcing the theological idea that every part of the promised land was accounted for and divinely allocated. Furthermore, the names themselves, such as Bethdagon, utilize Allusion by referencing existing cultural or religious realities (e.g., pagan worship), subtly highlighting the spiritual challenges and responsibilities associated with possessing the land. The repetitive structure of listing cities and then summarizing their total number (e.g., "sixteen cities with their villages") functions as a form of Repetition with Variation, reinforcing the systematic and orderly nature of the divine distribution.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:41, despite its seemingly dry enumeration of geographical names, is profoundly theological. It powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness, His meticulous attention to detail, and His absolute reliability in fulfilling His covenant promises. The precise enumeration of cities and their associated villages underscores that God's word is not vague or abstract, but concrete, specific, and utterly dependable. Just as He promised Abraham a specific land for his descendants, He delivered it with geographical precision. This verse also speaks to the profound themes of divine order and meticulous provision; God did not merely give land but orchestrated its systematic division, ensuring each tribe received its designated inheritance according to His perfect plan. It stands as a tangible testament to God's sovereignty over history and geography, demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Joshua 15:41 details ancient geographical boundaries, it offers profound and enduring spiritual lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's promises are specific, detailed, and utterly reliable. Just as He meticulously fulfilled His promise of land to Israel, He remains faithful to fulfill every promise He has made to us, whether they pertain to His provision for our daily needs, His constant presence in our lives, or His ultimate plan for our eternal destiny. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in the meticulous nature of God's providence, recognizing that even the seemingly mundane details of Scripture reveal His unchanging character and unwavering commitment. Furthermore, it calls us to diligent stewardship of the blessings, talents, and responsibilities He has entrusted to us. Just as Israel was called to possess and steward their physical inheritance, we are called to actively engage with and wisely manage the spiritual and material gifts God has given us, living in obedience within the boundaries of His perfect will. This passage cultivates a deep assurance that God is a God of order, precision, and perfect fulfillment, inviting us to rest securely in His sovereign and benevolent care.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these lists of cities so detailed in Joshua? Are they just historical records?
Answer: While these lists certainly serve as invaluable historical records documenting the tribal inheritances, their primary purpose is profoundly theological. They meticulously demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants concerning the land (e.g., Genesis 15:18). The precision embedded within these enumerations underscores that God's word is concrete, reliable, and not vague or abstract. Furthermore, these lists establish the legal and administrative basis for Israel's occupation, clearly outlining the boundaries and responsibilities of each tribe. They also highlight the divine order inherent in the land distribution, emphasizing that it was a divinely orchestrated process, often involving the sacred casting of lots (as seen in Joshua 14:1-2). Beyond mere geography, they serve as a tangible testament to God's sovereignty and His active, detailed involvement in the lives of His people.
What is the significance of the phrase "with their villages" in the land descriptions?
Answer: The phrase "with their villages" (Hebrew: וַחֲצֵרֶיהָ, wahaṣereha) is highly significant because it indicates that the listed cities were not isolated entities but functioned as central hubs for numerous surrounding smaller settlements. In ancient Near Eastern society, a major, fortified city would typically have a network of dependent villages or hamlets that relied on it for defense, administration, economic markets, and religious services. These villages were primarily agricultural communities, producing food for the city and its inhabitants. Therefore, the phrase "sixteen cities with their villages" signifies a complete and viable territorial unit, encompassing both the urban centers and the essential agricultural lands and populations that sustained them. It highlights the comprehensive nature of Judah's inheritance, ensuring they received not just urban strongholds but also the productive land necessary for their sustenance, growth, and flourishing as a nation.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 15:41, with its meticulous detailing of an earthly inheritance, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the far greater and eternal spiritual inheritance granted to believers in Jesus Christ. Just as God precisely and faithfully fulfilled His promise of land to ancient Israel, He has, with even greater precision and unwavering faithfulness, fulfilled His ultimate promise of salvation and eternal life through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly boundaries and specific cities of Judah find their ultimate spiritual counterpart in the boundless and eternal kingdom of God, which believers inherit not through physical conquest but solely through divine grace and adoption (as powerfully articulated in Ephesians 1:11). Jesus, the true and greater Joshua, leads His people not into a temporary earthly rest, but into a spiritual rest and an eternal inheritance that infinitely surpasses any earthly territory (Hebrews 4:8-10). The "villages" accompanying the cities can be seen as a metaphor for the comprehensive nature of this spiritual blessing, encompassing every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, freely given to us in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Our "possession" of this inheritance is not through physical occupation but through faith in Christ, who has secured our place in the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of God (Revelation 21:2). Thus, this ancient list of cities ultimately points to the meticulous, glorious, and complete provision of God in Christ, who is our true and eternal inheritance (Colossians 3:24).