lemma כְּתִלִישׁ first two vowels, corrected to כִּתְלִישׁ; from כֹּתֶל and אִישׁ; wall of a man; Kithlish, a place in Palestine; Kithlish.
Transliteration:Kithlîysh
Pronunciation:kith-leesh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term כִּתְלִישׁ (Kithlîysh, `{{H3798}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its etymology is derived from two constituent Hebrew words: כֹּתֶל (kothel, `{{H3796}}`), meaning "wall," and אִישׁ (ish, `{{H376}}`), meaning "man" or "person." Thus, the name literally translates to "wall of a man" or "man's wall." This suggests a fortified structure, perhaps a wall of human height, built by a specific individual, or one that served as a boundary for a person's property. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this singular, identifiable location within ancient Palestine, rather than possessing a broader conceptual meaning. Its primary function is to designate a specific site within the biblical landscape.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Kithlish (כִּתְלִישׁ, `{{H3798}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 15:40]]: "And Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish,"
This verse is part of a detailed list of cities allotted to the tribe of Judah as their inheritance in the Promised Land. Specifically, Kithlish is enumerated among the cities situated in the Shephelah, the lowlands or foothills of Judah, a region characterized by its fertile valleys and strategic importance between the coastal plain and the central highlands. The meticulous cataloging of these cities in Joshua underscores the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel regarding their land inheritance. Kithlish, though a minor city in the biblical narrative, serves as a tangible marker of Judah's territorial boundaries and the divine allocation of the land. Its inclusion in this comprehensive roster highlights the thoroughness of the tribal distribution and the establishment of God's people in their designated dwelling places.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological components of Kithlish offer connections to broader biblical concepts. The word כֹּתֶל (kothel, `{{H3796}}`), "wall," is frequently used throughout the Old Testament to denote various types of barriers, fortifications, and divisions. It can refer to city walls (e.g., [[Nehemiah 2:17]]), house walls (e.g., [[Amos 9:11]]), or even the walls of the Temple (e.g., [[Ezekiel 41:5]]). The concept of walls often symbolizes protection, security, and the demarcation of space, whether sacred or secular. The term אִישׁ (ish, `{{H376}}`), "man," is one of the most fundamental Hebrew words, encompassing humanity, individuals, and specific roles such as husband or warrior. Its presence in the name Kithlish points to human agency in the construction or ownership of the "wall." Contextually, Kithlish is related to other cities listed in the Shephelah of Judah, such as Cabbon and Lahmam, emphasizing the geographical and administrative divisions of the Promised Land. The overarching concept is that of Israel's tribal inheritance, a central theme in the book of Joshua, connecting Kithlish to the divine promise of land and the establishment of the Israelite nation.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, the direct theological significance of Kithlish (כִּתְלִישׁ, `{{H3798}}`) is primarily indirect, deriving from its role within the larger narrative of God's faithfulness. Its mention in [[Joshua 15:40]] serves as a concrete testament to the meticulous and complete fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning the land of Canaan. The detailed enumeration of cities, including seemingly minor ones like Kithlish, emphasizes the divine precision and thoroughness in the allocation of territory to each tribe. This act of land distribution underscores God's sovereignty over the earth and His commitment to His covenant people. Kithlish, as a "wall of a man," may have been a place of human construction and habitation, yet its inclusion in the biblical record elevates it to a place divinely appointed within the sacred geography of Israel. It stands as a silent witness to the reality of the inheritance and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth through His chosen nation.
### Summary
Kithlish (כִּתְלִישׁ, `{{H3798}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a place name meaning "wall of a man," derived from the words for "wall" (כֹּתֶל, `{{H3796}}`) and "man" (אִישׁ, `{{H376}}`). It appears only once in the Bible, in [[Joshua 15:40]], where it is listed among the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah in the Shephelah region. Its sole occurrence highlights its role as a specific geographical marker within the tribal inheritance. The theological significance of Kithlish lies not in its etymological meaning per se, but in its inclusion within the meticulous record of God's faithful fulfillment of His land promises to Israel. It serves as a tangible detail affirming God's precise provision and the establishment of His people in the Promised Land.
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