Joshua 15:54

KJV

And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Humtah {H2547}, and Kirjatharba {H7153}, which is Hebron {H2275}, and Zior {H6730}; nine {H8672} cities {H5892} with their villages {H2691}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Humtah, Kiryat-Arba (that is, Hevron) and Tzi'or - nine cities, together with their villages.

Berean Standard Bible

Humtah, Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), and Zior—nine cities, along with their villages.

American Standard Version

and Humtah, and Kiriath-arba (the same is Hebron), and Zior; nine cities with their villages.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:54 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse, meticulously embedded within the detailed record of Judah's tribal inheritance in the Promised Land. It specifically names three cities—Humtah, Kirjatharba (explicitly identified as Hebron), and Zior—culminating a subsection of the hill country cities with the summary statement, "nine cities with their villages." This precise enumeration serves as a tangible and irrefutable testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating divine order and the secure establishment of His people in their designated heritage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15 provides an exhaustive and meticulous account of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes. The chapter systematically delineates Judah's boundaries—southern, eastern, northern, and western—before proceeding to a comprehensive list of cities organized by geographical regions: the Negeb, the Shephelah, the hill country, and the wilderness. Verse 54 is situated within the enumeration of cities belonging to the "hill country" (specifically [Joshua 15:48-60](/joshua/15-48-60 "Cities of Judah's Hill Country")), serving as the concluding statement for a cluster of nine cities that includes Humtah, Kirjatharba (Hebron), and Zior. This detailed cataloging is a hallmark of the book of Joshua, which consistently emphasizes the precise and verifiable fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land inheritance, underscoring the legal and historical reality of Israel's possession.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The distribution of land to the Israelite tribes was a foundational and pivotal act following the conquest of Canaan, essential for establishing their identity, governance, and future as a divinely ordained nation. This process was not arbitrary but meticulously executed according to divine instruction (as outlined in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Instructions for Dividing the Land by Lot")) and rooted in the ancient, unconditional promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning their countless descendants inhabiting the land (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). The specific naming of cities, particularly the explicit identification of Kirjatharba as Hebron, directly connects this new era of Israelite settlement to their patriarchal past. Hebron was an exceptionally ancient and strategically vital city, formerly a formidable stronghold of the Anakim (giants whom Caleb, a prominent figure in Judah, dispossessed, as detailed in [Joshua 14:12-15](/joshua/14-12-15 "Caleb's Request for Hebron")). Furthermore, it was a sacred burial site for the patriarchs and matriarchs—Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob—as recorded in [Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Abraham Buys the Cave of Machpelah")).

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in [Joshua 15:54](/joshua/15-54 "Joshua 15:54 - Cities of Judah's Hill Country"), and indeed throughout the entire chapter, powerfully underscores several key theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness** in fulfilling the covenant promises, demonstrating unequivocally that God's word is reliable, trustworthy, and brought to tangible fruition. The land, promised centuries earlier, is now verifiably possessed. Secondly, it emphasizes **Order and Precision** in God's dealings; the detailed enumeration reflects a divine blueprint, ensuring each tribe received its designated portion without confusion or dispute. This meticulousness speaks to God's sovereign control over every minute detail of His redemptive plan. Thirdly, the explicit mention of **Hebron's Enduring Significance** ties the present inheritance directly to Israel's sacred patriarchal past, affirming the profound continuity of God's work from the patriarchs through the conquest and settlement. Hebron's future roles as a city of refuge (as seen in [Joshua 20:7](/joshua/20-7 "Hebron Designated as a City of Refuge")) and David's first capital (recorded in [2 Samuel 5:5](/2_samuel/5-5 "David Reigns in Hebron")) further solidify its lasting importance. Finally, the entire chapter reinforces the theme of **Tribal Identity and Inheritance**, illustrating how the land was integral to the distinct identity, security, and prosperity of each tribe, establishing their physical and spiritual heritage within the Promised Land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kirjatharba (Hebrew, _Qiryath ʼArbaʻ'_):** Meaning "City of Arba" or "City of the four (giants)," this name refers to Arba, a prominent Anakite giant, the father of the Anakim (as noted in [Joshua 14:15](/joshua/14-15 "Caleb's Inheritance of Hebron")). The name signifies the formidable pre-Israelite identity of the city, highlighting its conquest by Caleb and the Israelites. Its explicit identification with Hebron in this verse serves to clarify for the reader that this ancient, once-formidable city is now under Israelite control and unequivocally part of Judah's inheritance.
* **Hebron (Hebrew, _Chebrôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "seat of association," Hebron became the more common Israelite name for Kirjatharba. This name change, or clarification, is profoundly significant as it suggests a transformation from a city associated with giants to one of covenant, community, and immense historical importance for Israel. It was a pivotal patriarchal site, a designated city of refuge, and later David's capital, embodying both continuity with the past and new beginnings under God's covenant.
* **Villages (Hebrew, _ḥaṣêr'_):** This term refers to the smaller, unwalled settlements, hamlets, or encampments that were dependent upon and administered by the main city. The root word suggests "a yard (as inclosed by a fence)" or "a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)." Their inclusion in the land distribution emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the inheritance, indicating that not only the central cities but also their surrounding agricultural lands and satellite communities were fully possessed by the tribe of Judah. It signifies complete territorial control and ownership, leaving no ambiguity about the extent of the inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Humtah":** Humtah (Hebrew, _Chumṭâh'_), meaning "low," is one of the lesser-known cities listed in Judah's inheritance. Its inclusion, alongside more prominent cities like Hebron, underscores the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the land survey. Every designated portion, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, was accounted for and officially recorded as part of Judah's territory, reflecting divine precision and thoroughness in the fulfillment of promises.
* **"and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron":** This is arguably the most significant clause in the verse, explicitly identifying the ancient, pre-Israelite name "Kirjatharba" with its more familiar and enduring Israelite name "Hebron." This clarification served to orient the original audience, connecting the conquered territory to their profound historical and spiritual heritage. It highlights Hebron's immense importance as a patriarchal burial site, a former Anakite stronghold, and a future city of refuge and royal capital, bridging past, present, and future significance.
* **"and Zior":** Similar to Humtah, Zior (Hebrew, _Tsîyʻôr'_), meaning "small," is another city listed without extensive biblical narrative. Its presence reinforces the systematic and thorough enumeration of cities within Judah's hill country. It serves as further evidence of the precise boundaries and allocated settlements, ensuring that every part of the promised land, down to the smallest community, was formally assigned to a specific tribal inheritance.
* **"nine cities with their villages":** This concluding phrase functions as a precise summary statement for a specific cluster of cities within the hill country region. It confirms the completion of a subsection of the land distribution, demonstrating the verifiable, organized, and complete nature of the inheritance. The phrase "with their villages" consistently emphasizes that the inheritance included not just the urban centers but also their dependent rural settlements, indicating full possession and dominion over the entire designated territory.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Joshua 15:54](/joshua/15-54 "Joshua 15:54 - Cities of Judah's Hill Country"), and indeed throughout much of [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah"), is **Cataloging** or **Listing**. This meticulous enumeration of cities and boundaries serves a crucial purpose: it provides a detailed, legalistic, and irrefutable record of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to Israel. It acts as a divine deed, demonstrating the tangible reality and comprehensive extent of the inheritance. The specific phrase "which [is] Hebron" is an excellent example of **Identification** or **Clarification**, ensuring the audience understands the contemporary, Israelite name of an ancient, pre-Israelite site, thereby bridging historical nomenclature with current usage and reinforcing Hebron's enduring significance. Furthermore, the recurring phrase "with their villages" (also seen in [Joshua 15:32](/joshua/15-32 "Joshua 15:32"), [36](/joshua/15-36 "Joshua 15:36"), [41](/joshua/15-41 "Joshua 15:41"), [44](/joshua/15-44 "Joshua 15:44"), [45](/joshua/15-45 "Joshua 15:45"), [47](/joshua/15-47 "Joshua 15:47"), [57](/joshua/15-57 "Joshua 15:57"), [59](/joshua/15-59 "Joshua 15:59"), [62](/joshua/15-62 "Joshua 15:62")) is a powerful form of **Formulaic Language** or **Repetition**. This repetition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the land assignment, indicating that not only the main cities but also their surrounding dependent communities were fully included in the tribal inheritance, leaving no ambiguity about the extent of God's fulfilled promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:54, though seemingly a dry list of names, is profoundly theological, serving as a powerful testament to God's absolute faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Abrahamic covenant concerning the land. The meticulous detail of the land distribution underscores God's sovereignty and His precise execution of His divine plan, demonstrating that His word is not vague or arbitrary but meticulously fulfilled down to every city and village. This tangible inheritance was not merely a geographical allocation but the very foundation of Israel's identity as God's chosen people, providing security, sustenance, and a divinely appointed place for the establishment of His worship and the administration of His law. The inclusion of Hebron, a city steeped in patriarchal history and future significance, further emphasizes the continuity of God's redemptive plan across generations, linking the ancient promises to their present, tangible fulfillment.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1-12 "Instructions for Dividing the Land")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8-11 "God's Enduring Covenant and Land Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous record of land distribution in [Joshua 15:54](/joshua/15-54 "Joshua 15:54 - Cities of Judah's Hill Country") offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God precisely and comprehensively fulfilled His ancient promises to Israel concerning their physical inheritance, we can trust in His unwavering faithfulness to fulfill His promises to us, particularly our spiritual inheritance in Christ. This verse reminds us that God's plans are not vague, chaotic, or subject to chance, but are characterized by divine order, precision, and sovereign control. This assurance empowers us to believe that every aspect of our lives, even the seemingly small or overlooked details, is known to Him and part of His overarching, perfect design. Reflecting on the significance of places like Hebron, which bridges ancient history with immense future importance, encourages us to appreciate the rich tapestry of God's work throughout salvation history and to understand our own place within His unfolding redemptive narrative. Our spiritual heritage is deeply rooted in God's steadfast character, providing a secure and unshakeable foundation for our faith, hope, and future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous fulfillment of promises in [Joshua 15:54](/joshua/15-54 "Joshua 15:54 - Cities of Judah's Hill Country") encourage your trust in His promises for your own life, especially those that seem distant, challenging, or yet to be realized?**
* **In what ways can recognizing the "divine detail" in God's historical actions help you discern His hand in the seemingly small or insignificant details of your present circumstances and future plans?**
* **What does the enduring significance of Hebron, a place of both ancient history and future importance, teach us about the continuity and timeless relevance of God's plan across generations and its impact on our spiritual journey today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Kirjatharba, which is Hebron"?**

Answer: This phrase is a crucial clarification, identifying the ancient, pre-Israelite name "Kirjatharba" (meaning "City of Arba," referring to an Anakite giant) with its more familiar and enduring Israelite name "Hebron." Hebron holds immense significance in biblical history. It was where Abraham purchased the Cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah and himself, becoming the resting place for the patriarchs and matriarchs (see [Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Abraham Buys the Cave of Machpelah")). It was also one of the cities of refuge (see [Joshua 21:13](/joshua/21-13 "Hebron as a City of Refuge")) and later served as David's first capital before Jerusalem (see [2 Samuel 5:5](/2_samuel/5-5 "David Reigns in Hebron")). Its inclusion in Judah's inheritance underscores its strategic, historical, and spiritual importance, powerfully connecting the present fulfillment of the land promise to the foundational narratives of Israel's covenant history.

**Why does the Bible list cities and boundaries in such detail?**

Answer: The detailed listing of cities and boundaries throughout [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah") and other chapters serves several critical purposes. Firstly, it functions as a legal and historical document, providing tangible, irrefutable proof of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel concerning the land. It verifies that the inheritance was indeed given as promised, leaving no room for doubt. Secondly, it established clear tribal identities and territorial rights, preventing disputes and ensuring order and stability among the tribes. This meticulousness reflects God's character of order, precision, and justice. Thirdly, it underscores the comprehensive nature of the conquest and possession—not just general regions, but specific cities and their dependent "villages" were claimed, demonstrating complete dominion over the land God had given them. This level of detail reinforces the divine authority behind the distribution, as outlined in passages like [Numbers 34](/numbers/34 "Instructions for Dividing the Land").

**Are Humtah and Zior significant elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: Humtah and Zior are relatively obscure cities, mentioned primarily in this detailed land allocation list within [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah"). Unlike Hebron, they do not feature prominently in other major biblical narratives or historical accounts. Their inclusion, however, is significant not for their individual historical prominence but for reinforcing the overall theme of the chapter: the exhaustive and precise fulfillment of God's promise to provide every designated portion of the land to the tribe of Judah. They serve as further evidence of the meticulous nature of the divine survey and the comprehensive extent of Judah's inheritance, demonstrating that God's promises are fulfilled in their entirety, down to the seemingly smallest detail.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Joshua 15:54](/joshua/15-54 "Joshua 15:54 - Cities of Judah's Hill Country"), with its meticulous record of a physical inheritance, powerfully foreshadows the far greater and eternal spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Just as God precisely fulfilled His ancient promise of land to Israel, He has, with even greater precision and unwavering faithfulness, brought about His ultimate redemptive plan through His Son, Jesus. The secure possession of land by Judah points to the unshakable security of our salvation and eternal inheritance in Christ, which is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (see [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "Our Living Hope and Inheritance")). The identification of Kirjatharba as Hebron, a city of covenant, kingship, and refuge, subtly points to Jesus Christ as the true King of Kings and the mediator of a new and better covenant (see [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). Our inheritance is no longer a geographical plot of land but rather the immeasurable riches of God's grace and the fullness of life found in union with Christ (see [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Our Inheritance in Christ") and [Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Sharing in the Inheritance of the Saints")). Through faith in Him, we become "heirs according to the promise" (see [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs According to the Promise")), inheriting not just a place, but a relationship with God Himself, secured by the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 15:13

¶ And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, [even] the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron.

Genesis 23:2

And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

Joshua 14:15

And the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba; [which Arba was] a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.