Joshua 15:63

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.

As for the Jebusites {H2983} the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}, the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} could {H3201}{H3201} not drive them out {H3423}: but the Jebusites {H2983} dwell {H3427} with the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} at Jerusalem {H3389} unto this day {H3117}.

As for the Y'vusi, who lived in Yerushalayim, the descendants of Y'hudah could not drive them out; so the Y'vusi live with the descendants of Y'hudah in Yerushalayim to this day.

But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the descendants of Judah.

And 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.

Commentary

Joshua 15:63 records a significant detail regarding the tribal inheritance of Judah: their inability to fully conquer Jerusalem from its original inhabitants, the Jebusites. This verse stands as a poignant reminder of incomplete obedience and its long-term implications, concluding the detailed account of Judah's vast territory.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following the distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, Joshua 15 outlines the extensive boundaries and cities allotted to the tribe of Judah. This tribe, from which future kings and ultimately the Messiah would descend, received the largest portion. However, amidst their many successful conquests of Canaanite cities, Jerusalem—then known as Jebus and inhabited by the Jebusites—remained a formidable stronghold. The phrase "unto this day" indicates that at the time of this record's compilation, the Jebusites still coexisted with the children of Judah in Jerusalem, a situation that would persist for centuries until King David's conquest (2 Samuel 5:6-7) transformed it into the capital of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Incomplete Obedience: Despite God's clear command to utterly dispossess the inhabitants of the land (Deuteronomy 7:2), Judah failed to drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem. This highlights a recurring pattern of partial obedience throughout Israel's early history.
  • Consequences of Compromise: Allowing the Jebusites to remain in such a strategically vital city created a persistent challenge and a potential source of idolatrous influence within the heart of Israel's territory.
  • Human Imperfection vs. Divine Purpose: This verse underscores that even the most prominent tribe, Judah, had shortcomings. Yet, God's ultimate plan for Jerusalem and His people would still unfold, demonstrating His sovereignty even in the face of human failure.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Jerusalem" (Hebrew: Yerushalayim) is believed to mean "foundation of peace" or "possession of peace," which stands in stark contrast to the ongoing conflict and incomplete conquest described in this verse. The term "Jebusites" refers to one of the Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land before Israel's arrival, often associated with the stronghold of Jebus (Jerusalem).

Significance and Application

Joshua 15:63 serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers today. It reminds us that any area of our lives not fully surrendered to God, any "Jebusite" (sinful habit, compromise, or unaddressed spiritual struggle) allowed to remain, can become a persistent obstacle to full spiritual victory and peace. Just as the Jebusites were a constant presence in Jerusalem, our unaddressed issues can hinder our walk with God. The verse also implicitly points to the future hope that what humans fail to accomplish, God, through His chosen instruments (like David), will ultimately bring to pass according to His perfect timing and purpose. It encourages thoroughness in our spiritual walk and reliance on God for complete victory over every stronghold.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 1:21 (6 votes)

    ¶ And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.

  • Judges 1:8 (6 votes)

    Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.

  • 2 Samuel 5:6 (5 votes)

    ¶ And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.

  • 2 Samuel 5:9 (5 votes)

    So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

  • 1 Chronicles 11:4 (4 votes)

    And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which [is] Jebus; where the Jebusites [were], the inhabitants of the land.

  • 1 Chronicles 11:8 (4 votes)

    And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.

  • Romans 7:14 (1 votes)

    ¶ For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.