What number verse is Joshua 19:38 in the Bible?

Joshua 19:38 is the 6,360th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Joshua 19:38 sits at position 6,360.

Translation

King James Version

And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And Iron ^H3375, and Migdalel ^H4027, Horem ^H2765, and Bethanath ^H1043, and Bethshemesh ^H1053; nineteen ^{H8672 H6240} cities ^H5892 with their villages ^H2691.

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Complete Jewish Bible

Yir'on, Migdal-El, Horem, Beit-'Anat and Beit-Shemesh - nineteen cities, together with their villages.

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Berean Standard Bible

Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh. There were nineteen cities, along with their villages.

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American Standard Version

and Iron, and Migdal-el, Horem, and Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

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World English Bible Messianic

Iron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath, and Beth Shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And Iron, and Migdal-el, Horem, and Beth-anah, and Beth-shemesh: nineteene cities with their villages.

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Young's Literal Translation

and Iron, and Migdal-El, Horem, and Beth-Anath, and Beth-Shemesh; nineteen cities and their villages.

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In the KJVVerse 6,360 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Joshua 19:38 meticulously records a segment of the tribal inheritance for Naphtali, listing five specific cities—Iron, Migdalel, Horem, Bethanath, and Bethshemesh—and concluding with the precise count of "nineteen cities with their villages." This verse, part of the detailed land distribution in Joshua, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness, the meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, and the tangible reality of their God-given possession in the Promised Land, serving as a powerful testament to divine order and provision.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Joshua 19:38 is situated within the extensive and detailed account of the land distribution among the Israelite tribes, specifically focusing on the seventh lot drawn for the tribe of Naphtali, as detailed in Joshua 19:32-39. This section, spanning from Joshua 13 through Joshua 21, serves as the climactic fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land. The preceding verses (Joshua 19:32-37) delineate the borders and initial cities of Naphtali's territory, while verse 38 provides a summary count of additional cities within this allotment. The meticulous enumeration of cities and their villages across these chapters emphasizes the completeness and precision of God's provision, ensuring that each tribe received its specific, divinely ordained inheritance. The very act of listing these places validates the historical reality of the conquest and settlement, demonstrating God's faithfulness in tangible, geographical terms.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Book of Joshua chronicles the period immediately following the wilderness wanderings, as the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, enter and conquer Canaan. This era (roughly 14th century BC) marked a pivotal transition from nomadic life to settled existence in a land promised centuries earlier to Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 15:18. The division of land was not merely a logistical exercise but a profound theological act, solidifying Israel's identity as God's chosen people in their own sovereign territory. The mention of cities like Bethanath and Bethshemesh, whose names reflect pagan deities (Anath, a Canaanite goddess of war and fertility; Shemesh, the sun god), highlights the pervasive idolatry within the cultural landscape of Canaan. Israel's possession of these places signified a spiritual conquest—the displacement of idolatry by the exclusive worship of Yahweh—and a clear demarcation of the land as belonging to God's people. Naphtali's territory, located in the fertile northern region of Canaan, was strategically important, bordering other tribes and potentially vulnerable to northern incursions, yet it was a rich agricultural area, vital for the tribe's sustenance.
Key Themes: This verse, and the broader context of Joshua 19, contributes significantly to several overarching themes foundational to the book of Joshua and Israel's identity. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Faithfulness, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, fulfilling what He swore to the patriarchs centuries prior. The detailed list of cities underscores God's Order and Specificity, revealing His meticulous care in providing for His people, not vaguely but with precise boundaries and possessions. This precision ensures that each tribe received its rightful portion, leaving no room for dispute over the divine allocation. Finally, the concept of Inheritance and Possession is central. The land was not merely conquered but inherited—a permanent, God-given legacy that defined the identity, security, and future of each tribe within the nascent nation of Israel. This physical inheritance foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ, as seen in passages like Ephesians 1:11.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Migdalel (Hebrew, _Migdal-_ʼÊl'__, H4027): This name means "tower of God." Its inclusion in Naphtali's inheritance suggests a prominent fortified structure or a place whose name acknowledged divine authority or strength, now brought under the dominion of Yahweh's people. It implies a place of significant stature or a site where the divine was recognized, now claimed for the God of Israel.
Bethanath (Hebrew, _Bêyth _ʻĂnâth'__): This name is defined as "Beth-Anath, a place in Palestine." The name itself, meaning "House of Anath," refers to Anath, a significant Canaanite goddess of war, fertility, and hunting, often depicted as a fierce and violent deity in Ugaritic texts. The presence of a city named after her within Israel's inheritance highlights the pervasive nature of pagan worship in Canaan and the divine imperative for Israel to dispossess and displace these idolatrous practices. Israel's possession of "House of Anath" symbolically represents the triumph of Yahweh over the false gods of the land.
Bethshemesh (Hebrew, Bêyth Shemesh', H1053): This name is defined as "house of (the) sun." This indicates a place associated with the worship of the sun god, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern religions. Like Bethanath, its inclusion in the Israelite territory signifies the divine intention for God's people to purify the land from pagan idolatry and establish the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The Israelites were to claim these formerly pagan sites for the Lord, transforming places of darkness dedicated to false deities into places under the light of God's sovereignty.

Verse Breakdown

"And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh;": This clause lists five specific cities within the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. The names themselves offer insights into the original inhabitants and the nature of the places (e.g., "Tower of God," "House of Anath," "House of the Sun"). The inclusion of these specific names underscores the meticulous detail of the land division, emphasizing that this was not a vague promise but a tangible, geographically precise fulfillment of God's covenant. Each name represents a real location, solidifying the historical and practical reality of the inheritance and demonstrating the divine precision in the allocation of territory.
"nineteen cities with their villages.": This concluding phrase provides a summary count for Naphtali's inheritance. The number "nineteen" (or twenty-one in some ancient versions, reflecting textual variations) signifies a comprehensive and complete allotment. The phrase "with their villages" indicates that the inheritance included not just the main fortified cities but also the surrounding agricultural settlements and smaller communities dependent on those cities. This detail highlights the thoroughness of the land distribution, ensuring that every aspect of the tribal territory, from urban centers to rural outposts, was accounted for and possessed by the tribe. It underscores the completeness of God's provision for His people.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in Joshua 19:38, and indeed throughout the land distribution chapters, is Enumeration or Listing. This meticulous cataloging of cities serves to emphasize the precision, completeness, and tangible reality of God's fulfillment of His promises. It is not a vague or symbolic promise, but a concrete, geographical reality. This detailed listing also contributes to a Fulfillment Motif, where the very act of naming and counting the cities demonstrates that God's ancient promises to Abraham regarding the land are now being brought to fruition. Furthermore, there is an element of Symbolism in the names of cities like Bethanath and Bethshemesh. Their names, indicative of pagan worship, symbolize the spiritual conquest that accompanies the physical possession of the land, representing the triumph of Yahweh over the false gods of Canaan and the establishment of His sovereignty.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Joshua 19:38, though a seemingly mundane list of place names, is profoundly theological. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the meticulous precision with which He fulfills His covenant promises. The detailed allocation of land, down to specific cities and their villages, demonstrates that God's plans are not vague generalities but concrete realities, executed with divine order. This physical inheritance in Canaan foreshadows the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ—a secure, eternal possession that is guaranteed by God's faithfulness. Just as Israel was called to possess their physical land, believers are called to fully embrace and live out the spiritual realities of their new life in Christ, trusting in the certainty of God's promises.

Genesis 15:18: This verse directly links to God's initial covenant promise to Abraham regarding the land, which Joshua 19:38 helps fulfill.
Ephesians 1:3: Connects the physical inheritance of Israel to the spiritual blessings and inheritance believers have in Christ, highlighting the superiority of the spiritual.
Hebrews 11:8-10: Highlights the faith of Abraham in a future, better inheritance, which finds its ultimate fulfillment beyond the earthly Canaan, pointing to a heavenly city.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Joshua 19:38, while a historical record of ancient land division, offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our God is a God of intricate detail and unwavering commitment. Just as He meticulously parceled out land to each tribe, ensuring every promise was fulfilled, so too does He work with precision in our lives. We can trust that His plans for us are not vague but purposeful, and His promises are sure. This verse encourages us to reflect on our own "inheritance" in Christ—the spiritual blessings, eternal life, and the promise of a new heaven and new earth. We are called not just to acknowledge this inheritance but to "possess" it, actively living out the realities of our faith, claiming the promises of God's Word in our daily lives, and trusting in His meticulous care for every detail. This detailed account of God's provision for Naphtali should inspire us to live with confidence in His sovereign plan for our lives, knowing that He oversees every aspect with perfect wisdom and love.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail of God's land distribution in Joshua assure you of His faithfulness in your own life and His attention to your specific needs?
What "inheritance" do you believe God has promised you, either personally or corporately as a believer, and how are you actively "possessing" it by living in accordance with His Word?
In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's precise and detailed provision, rather than relying on your own vague plans or anxieties?

FAQ

Why are these specific cities listed, and what is their significance?

Answer: The listing of specific cities like Iron, Migdalel, Horem, Bethanath, and Bethshemesh in Joshua 19:38 serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides a precise, tangible record of the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to give the land to Israel, underscoring the historical reality of the conquest and settlement. This meticulous detail validates the divine promise. Secondly, the names themselves often carry profound significance. "Migdalel" ("Tower of God") suggests a place of strength or divine acknowledgment. "Bethanath" ("House of Anath") and "Bethshemesh" ("House of the Sun") are particularly notable as they indicate former centers of pagan Canaanite worship. Israel's possession of these cities symbolized the triumph of Yahweh over the false gods of the land and the purification of the territory for the exclusive worship of the one true God. This detailed enumeration ensured that the boundaries and possessions of each tribe were clear and divinely ordained, minimizing future disputes and solidifying their identity within the Promised Land, as seen throughout the comprehensive land division in Joshua 13-21.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Joshua 19:38, with its meticulous detailing of a physical inheritance, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance offered through Jesus. Just as Naphtali received a tangible land portion as a gift from God, believers in Christ receive an eternal, spiritual inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you by the power of God" (1 Peter 1:4-5). Jesus, the true and ultimate Son of God, is the inheritor of all things, through whom God "made the universe" (Hebrews 1:2), and through Him, we become co-heirs with Him, destined for glory (Romans 8:17). The specific cities in Joshua represent a physical space and a temporal possession, but Christ offers a spiritual reality—a new covenant where we are given access to God's presence, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life, a far greater "possession" than any earthly territory. The conquest of Canaan foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over sin and death, which enables us to enter into our spiritual inheritance. Ultimately, the "Promised Land" finds its eschatological fulfillment not in a geographical location, but in the new heavens and new earth, where God dwells with His redeemed people, a reality secured by the Lamb of God who makes all things new (Revelation 21:1-4).

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Commentary on Joshua 19 verses 32–39

32 ¶ The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.

33 And their coast was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakum; and the outgoings thereof were at Jordan:

34 And then the coast turneth westward to Aznothtabor, and goeth out from thence to Hukkok, and reacheth to Zebulun on the south side, and reacheth to Asher on the west side, and to Judah upon Jordan toward the sunrising.

35 And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth,

36 And Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor,

37 And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor,

38 And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

39 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages.

Naphtali lay furthest north of all the tribes, bordering on Mount Libanus. The city of Leshem, or Liash, lay on the utmost edge of it to the north, and therefore when the Danites had made themselves masters of it, and called it Dan, the length of Canaan from north to south was reckoned from Dan to Beersheba. It had Zebulun on the south, Asher on the west, and Judah upon Jordan, probably a city of that name, and so distinguished from the tribe of Judah on the east. It was in the lot of this tribe, near the waters of Merom, that Joshua fought and routed Jabin, Jos 11:1. etc. In this tribe stood Capernaum and Bethsaida, on the north end of the sea of Tiberias, in which Christ did so many mighty works; and the mountain (as is supposed) on which Christ preached, Mat 5:1.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 32–39. 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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