What number verse is Joshua 18:27 in the Bible?

Joshua 18:27 is the 6,321st verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Joshua 18:27 sits at position 6,321.

Translation

King James Version

And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,

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KJV (with Strong's)

And Rekem ^H7552, and Irpeel ^H3416, and Taralah ^H8634,

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Complete Jewish Bible

Rekem, Yirpe'el, Tar'alah,

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Berean Standard Bible

Rekem, Irpeel, Taralah,

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American Standard Version

and Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,

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World English Bible Messianic

Rekem, Irpeel, Taralah,

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,

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Young's Literal Translation

and Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,

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In the KJVVerse 6,321 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Joshua 18:27, a concise yet profound verse, meticulously lists three specific cities—Rekem, Irpeel, and Taralah—as integral components of the tribal inheritance allotted to Benjamin. This precise enumeration transcends mere geographical record-keeping; it stands as tangible, irrefutable evidence of God's unwavering faithfulness and the systematic, detailed fulfillment of His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the possession of the land of Canaan. It profoundly underscores the divine order, precision, and comprehensive nature inherent in God's redemptive plan, revealing His attention to even the seemingly minor details of His grand design.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Joshua 18:27 is embedded within the detailed account of the land division among the Israelite tribes, specifically focusing on the territory assigned to Benjamin (Joshua 18:11-28). This section follows the initial allocations to Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh, marking a pivotal moment where the remaining seven tribes receive their inheritance by lot at Shiloh, the location of the Tabernacle. The verse itself is part of a comprehensive list of twelve cities (Joshua 18:21-28) that constitute Benjamin's designated territory. Preceding these city lists, the narrative meticulously outlines the precise northern, western, southern, and eastern borders of Benjamin's lot, providing a clear geographical framework. The inclusion of such minute detail, culminating in specific city names like those in this verse, emphasizes the administrative rigor and legal precision with which the land division was executed, ensuring each tribe received its divinely ordained and rightful portion.
Historical & Cultural Context: The events described in Joshua 18 unfold in the immediate post-conquest era, a period when Israel had largely subdued the primary Canaanite strongholds but had yet to fully occupy every part of the land. For ancient Israel, land inheritance was not merely an economic or social matter; it was foundational to their national identity, tribal security, and, most significantly, a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, particularly the promise of land (e.g., as articulated in Genesis 12:7). The method of division by lot, explicitly commanded in Numbers 26:53-56, was understood as a divine act, ensuring impartiality and God's direct involvement in the distribution process. The tribe of Benjamin, though one of the smallest, was strategically positioned between the powerful tribes of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north, encompassing future significant sites like Jericho and a portion of Jerusalem. The detailed lists of cities, including those in Joshua 18:27, served as vital legal and historical documents, defining and preserving tribal boundaries and rights for generations, thereby preventing future territorial disputes and safeguarding the integrity of the divinely granted inheritance.
Key Themes: Joshua 18:27, despite its brevity and seemingly technical nature, significantly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment. The very act of precisely listing these specific cities, even seemingly obscure ones like Rekem, Irpeel, and Taralah, serves as concrete, verifiable evidence that God had indeed kept His promise to give Israel the land, as explicitly affirmed in Joshua 21:45. Secondly, it highlights Order and Precision in God's plans. The meticulous geographical descriptions and city enumerations throughout Joshua 18 demonstrate that the land division was not haphazard but a carefully documented and executed allocation, reflecting God's inherently orderly nature. This section, particularly the comprehensive list of cities for Benjamin (beginning in Joshua 18:21), underscores the comprehensive and systematic nature of this divine administration. Thirdly, it emphasizes the Importance of Inheritance. For Israel, land was far more than mere property; it was a sacred trust, a tangible sign of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, and the indispensable foundation of their national identity, security, and future prosperity. The meticulous recording of each city ensured that every tribe, even the smallest, received its promised portion, reinforcing the security and permanence of their God-given inheritance.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Rekem (Hebrew, Reqem, H7552): A proper noun, identifying a specific town within the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. According to the ground truth data, this name is "from רָקַם; versi-color." Its inclusion here is not primarily for its etymological meaning but for its function as a concrete, identifiable geographical marker. The precise naming of Rekem, alongside other specific place names, underscores the historical and geographical accuracy of the biblical record, affirming the tangible and detailed fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land.
Irpeel (Hebrew, Yirpᵉʼêl, H3416): Another proper noun, denoting a distinct city located within Benjamin's tribal lot. The name is derived "from רָפָא and אֵל; God will heal." As with Rekem, the primary significance of Irpeel in this context lies in its identity as a real geographical location, contributing to the comprehensive and exhaustive list of Benjamin's inheritance. Its presence further validates the meticulous nature of the land distribution, leaving no doubt as to the full extent of the divine promise's fulfillment.
Taralah (Hebrew, Tarʼălâh, H8634): A proper noun, referring to a third specific city in Benjamin's allotted territory. The etymology states it is "probably for תַּרְעֵלָה; a reeling." Collectively, these three names—Rekem, Irpeel, and Taralah—though perhaps less prominent in later biblical narratives than other cities in Benjamin, serve to complete the detailed inventory. Their presence demonstrates the meticulousness of the land division and the thoroughness of the biblical account. Their individual etymological meanings are secondary to their collective function as concrete, verifiable evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

Verse Breakdown

"And Rekem,": This opening phrase introduces the first of three specific cities enumerated in this verse, continuing the meticulous inventory of Benjamin's tribal inheritance that commenced in Joshua 18:21. The simple conjunction "And" seamlessly links this city to the preceding ones in the larger list, highlighting the continuous and comprehensive nature of the land allocation. It signifies a distinct, identifiable geographical location within the divinely ordained tribal boundaries.
"and Irpeel,": The second city named in this verse, further expanding the detailed inventory of Benjamin's territory. The repetition of the conjunction "and" emphasizes the additive quality of the list, systematically building a complete and precise picture of the tribal inheritance. Its inclusion reinforces the meticulous detail with which the land was divided and recorded, ensuring that no portion was overlooked in the fulfillment of God's promises.
"and Taralah,": The final city mentioned in this particular verse, completing the trio of names. This concluding name, alongside Rekem and Irpeel, contributes to the overall impression of a thorough, verifiable, and legally binding record. The cumulative effect of these specific place names underscores both the historical accuracy and the profound practical importance of the land division for the Israelite tribes, serving as tangible proof of the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

Literary Devices

Joshua 18:27, despite its brevity, effectively employs several literary devices to achieve its primary purpose of documenting the land division. The most prominent device is Enumeration or Cataloging, where a precise list of specific items—in this case, city names—is presented. This technique serves to provide a detailed, almost legalistic, record of the land distribution, imbuing the narrative with an air of historical authenticity and administrative precision. It powerfully reinforces the idea that the inheritance was not vague or generalized but concretely defined and meticulously allocated, demonstrating the exactitude with which God fulfilled His promises. The simple Repetition of the conjunction "and" ("And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah") creates a rhythmic, cumulative effect, emphasizing the additive nature of the list and the comprehensive scope of Benjamin's allotted cities. This paratactic structure is characteristic of ancient legal and historical documents, lending authority to the account. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific, perhaps lesser-known, place names contributes significantly to Verisimilitude, the appearance of being true or real. By naming these particular cities, the text enhances its credibility, suggesting a genuine historical event rather than a generalized or mythical account. This meticulous detail underscores the divine attention to every aspect of the covenant's fulfillment.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Joshua 18:27, with its seemingly mundane list of city names, powerfully underscores the profound theological truth of God's unwavering faithfulness and the meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises. The detailed enumeration of land inheritance is not mere geography; it is a tangible testament to God's commitment to His word, demonstrating that He brings to pass what He has declared, down to the smallest detail. This precision reflects God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the lives of His people, providing for their physical and spiritual needs. Just as He precisely allocated land to each tribe, He orchestrates the grand narrative of salvation history with divine accuracy, ensuring every promise finds its ultimate fulfillment. This verse reminds us that God's promises are not abstract but concrete, rooted in historical reality and designed for the flourishing of His people.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The meticulous detail found in Joshua 18:27, listing specific cities like Rekem, Irpeel, and Taralah, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of precision and faithfulness, attentive to every detail, even those that seem insignificant to us. If God cared enough to ensure every square inch of the promised land was accounted for and distributed according to His word, how much more does He care for the intricate details of our lives, our circumstances, and our future? This should instill deep trust and confidence in His providential care, assuring us that He is at work even in the "mundane" aspects of our existence, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. Just as Israel inherited a physical land, believers in Christ receive a rich spiritual inheritance—salvation, eternal life, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and every spiritual blessing. Understanding this should prompt us to live in profound gratitude and security, knowing that our ultimate inheritance is secure in Christ, guaranteed by the same faithful God who meticulously fulfilled His promises to Israel.

Questions for Reflection

How does God's attention to detail in the land distribution encourage your faith in His care for the seemingly small or insignificant aspects of your own life?
In what ways have you personally experienced God's faithfulness to His promises, even when the timeline or method of their fulfillment was unexpected?
How does understanding your spiritual inheritance in Christ (e.g., salvation, the Holy Spirit, eternal life) impact your daily living and your perspective on earthly possessions and pursuits?

FAQ

Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of cities and genealogies, which often seem obscure to modern readers?

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists of cities, genealogies, and boundaries in books like Joshua serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, they provide historical accuracy and verifiability, acting as a precise record of the fulfillment of God's promises. These lists demonstrate that the events described were not mythical but concrete historical occurrences involving real places and real people. Secondly, they functioned as legal and administrative documents for ancient Israel, defining tribal identities, land rights, and preventing disputes over territory (as seen in Numbers 26 and Nehemiah 7). Thirdly, these details underscore God's faithfulness and meticulousness in keeping His covenant. Every city listed, no matter how obscure, represents a tangible piece of the inheritance God had promised, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His word. Finally, they highlight the divine order and precision with which God's plans unfold, showing that His work is thorough and complete, leaving no detail to chance.

What is the significance of Benjamin's territory, given that Joshua 18:27 is part of its allocation?

Answer: The territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, though one of the smallest among the tribes, was strategically and historically significant within the land of Canaan. It was uniquely situated between the powerful and often rivalrous tribes of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north, making it a crucial buffer zone and a crossroads for communication and conflict. Benjamin's inheritance included several vital cities, such as Jericho, Gibeon, and a significant portion of what would later become Jerusalem (as noted in Joshua 18:11). This strategic location meant Benjamin often found itself at the center of political and military conflicts throughout Israel's history. Despite its relatively small size, Benjamin produced significant figures in Israelite history, including Israel's first king, Saul, and later, the apostle Paul. The meticulous listing of its cities, including Rekem, Irpeel, and Taralah, underscores the importance of this tribal inheritance in the overall divine plan for the nation of Israel and its future.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The meticulous detail of Joshua 18:27, listing specific cities as part of Benjamin's physical inheritance, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance believers receive through Jesus Christ. Just as God precisely fulfilled His ancient promises to Israel by giving them a physical land, He has, with even greater precision and faithfulness, fulfilled His redemptive promises in Christ, granting us an eternal, spiritual inheritance. The physical land of Canaan, with its defined boundaries and named cities, served as a type and shadow of the far grander reality of our spiritual blessings in Christ. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus has secured for us "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3). Our inheritance is not a plot of land but a participation in God's divine nature, an eternal dwelling in His presence, and a share in the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:12). Jesus is the true "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) who has opened the way to this inheritance, which is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). The precision of the Old Testament land division foreshadows the perfect and complete work of Christ, who has prepared for us a "city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10), a spiritual reality far surpassing any earthly territory.

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Commentary on Joshua 18 verses 11–28

11 ¶ And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.

12 And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.

13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.

14 And the border was drawn thence, and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter.

15 And the south quarter was from the end of Kirjathjearim, and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah:

16 And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,

17 And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

18 And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah:

19 And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this was the south coast.

20 And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families.

21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

22 And Betharabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel,

23 And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,

24 And Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:

25 Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,

26 And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,

27 And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,

28 And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

We have here the lot of the tribe of Benjamin, which Providence cast next to Joseph on the one hand, because Benjamin was own and only brother to Joseph, and was little Benjamin (Psa 68:27), that needed the protection of great Joseph, and yet had a better protector, for the Lord shall cover him all the day long, Deu 33:12. And it was next to Judah on the other hand, that this tribe might hereafter unite with Judah in an adherence to the throne of David and the temple at Jerusalem. Here we have, 1. The exact borders and limits of this tribe, which we need not be exact in the explication of. As it had Judah on the south and Joseph on the north, so it had Jordan on the east and Dan on the west. The western border is said to compass the corner of the sea southward (Jos 18:14), whereas no part of the lot of this tribe came near to the great sea. Bishop Patrick thinks the meaning is that it ran along in a parallel line to the great sea, though at a distance. Dr. Fuller suggests that since it is not called the great sea, but only the sea, which often signifies any lake or mere, it may be meant of the pool of Gibeon, which may be called a corner or canton of the sea; it is called the great waters of Gibeon (Jer 41:12), and it is compassed by the western border of this tribe. 2. The particular cities in this tribe, not all, but the most considerable. Twenty-six are here named. Jericho is put first, though dismantled, and forbidden to be rebuilt as a city with gates and walls, because it might be built and inhabited as a country village, and so was not useless to this tribe. Gilgal, where Israel first encamped when Saul was made king (Sa1 11:15), was in this tribe. It was afterwards a very profane place. Hos 9:15, All their wickedness is in Gilgal. Beth-el was in this tribe, a famous place. Though Benjamin adhered to the house of David, yet Beth-el, it seems, was in the possession of the house of Joseph (Jdg 1:23-25), and there Jeroboam set up one of his calves. In this tribe was Gibeon, where the altar was in the beginning of Solomon's time, Ch2 1:3. Gibeah likewise, that infamous place where the Levite's concubine was abused. Mizpeh, and near it Samuel's Ebenezer, and also Anathoth, Jeremiah's city, were in this tribe, as was the northern part of Jerusalem. Paul was the honour of this tribe (Rom 11:1; Phi 3:5); but where his land lay we know not: he sought the better country.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–28. 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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