Joshua 15 34

Joshua 15:34 kjv

And Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam,

Joshua 15:34 nkjv

Zanoah, En Gannim, Tappuah, Enam,

Joshua 15:34 niv

Zanoah, En Gannim, Tappuah, Enam,

Joshua 15:34 esv

Zanoah, En-gannim, Tappuah, Enam,

Joshua 15:34 nlt

Zanoah, En-gannim, Tappuah, Enam,

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 34 Meaning

Joshua 15:34 is part of a detailed geographical record outlining the towns allotted to the tribe of Judah in their inheritance in the Promised Land. This verse specifically lists four cities located in the Shephelah, the low-lying western foothills of Judah: Zanoah, En Gannim, Tappuah, and Enam. These lists demonstrate the meticulous and divinely ordained division of the land among the Israelite tribes, reflecting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants. The specificity highlights the extent of Judah's designated territory.

Joshua 15 34 Context

Joshua chapter 15 meticulously details the tribal allotment of Judah, the largest and most prominent tribe, following the general instructions given for dividing the land (Joshua 14:1-5). The chapter begins by defining Judah's extensive boundaries (v. 1-12) and then recounts Caleb's special inheritance (v. 13-19). The bulk of the chapter, from verse 21 to 62, provides comprehensive lists of cities belonging to Judah, grouped by their geographical regions: the Negeb (southern desert, v. 21-32), the Shephelah (western foothills, v. 33-47), the hill country (v. 48-60), and the wilderness (v. 61-62). Joshua 15:34 falls within the section enumerating cities in the Shephelah, a fertile and strategically important region between the coastal plain and the central highlands. These precise lists serve as a legal record and testimony to God's precise fulfillment of His covenant with Israel, ensuring each tribe received its designated territory based on lots cast under divine direction. The enumeration of these smaller, often less-known towns underscores the thoroughness and divine authority behind the land division.

Joshua 15 34 Word analysis

• Zanoah (זָנוֹחַ, Zanowach): Derived from a root meaning "to be filthy" or "stinking," possibly referring to a marshy or low-lying, damp area. Mentioned also in Neh 11:30 among towns reoccupied after the exile, suggesting its continuous habitation and importance over time. It was a well-known locality. In 1 Chr 4:18, there is a Zanoah associated with the ancestry of Beth Zur, suggesting some historical prominence.
• En Gannim (עֵין גַּנִּים, ‘Ein Gannîm): Literally means "spring of gardens." This name implies a place with water sources that would allow for cultivation and fertility. This "En Gannim" is distinct from the Levitical city of the same name in the tribe of Issachar (Josh 19:21, 21:29; identified with Beth Haggan or Jenin), underscoring the commonness of place names related to water sources and the need for geographical precision in biblical texts. It points to the fertile nature of the Shephelah.
• Tappuah (תַּפּוּחַ, Tappuach): Meaning "apple" or "apple place," possibly indicating an abundance of fruit trees. Like "En Gannim," there are multiple places named Tappuah in Israel. The Tappuah here in Judah is different from the Tappuah that delineates the border between Ephraim and Manasseh (Josh 16:8, 17:7-8) or the Tappuah mentioned in Josh 12:17 among the conquered cities. This demonstrates the unique identity of places within Judah's territory.
• Enam (עֵינָם, ‘Einām): Derived from "‘ayin" meaning "spring" or "eye," and potentially meaning "double spring" or "two springs," suggesting multiple water sources. It is mentioned elsewhere in biblical texts with less frequency, potentially indicating a smaller or less significant settlement that was geographically situated among more prominent towns in the Shephelah region.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Zanoah, En Gannim, Tappuah, and Enam": This phrasing is a typical Hebrew method of listing items, particularly cities, in a contiguous or thematic grouping. The use of "and" (וְ) connecting each element signifies an enumeration of distinct but related entities. These names collectively form part of a larger list (Josh 15:33-47) specifically designating the cities of Judah in the Shephelah. The detailed nature of these lists reflects an administrative record of national significance, verifying God's faithful allocation and the practical possession of the land by the Israelite tribes. This level of detail validates the ancient administrative practices of the Israelites, reflecting a careful survey and record-keeping related to their divine inheritance.

Joshua 15 34 Bonus section

The Shephelah region, where these cities were located, was strategically crucial due to its role as a buffer zone and passageway between the coastal plain and the Judahite highlands. Cities in this region, though sometimes smaller, held military and economic importance. For Judah to control these cities was vital for its security and prosperity. The meticulous recording of these minor towns, down to their very names which sometimes hinted at their features (springs, gardens, fruit), highlights not just administrative diligence but also divine insight into land use and potential. This detail acts as a quiet polemic against the arbitrary nature of land possession among surrounding pagan nations, demonstrating God's sovereign and just allocation of territory according to His pre-established covenant, bringing order where other societies might have chaos. It underscores the biblical emphasis on stewardship and inheritance as opposed to conquest for conquest's sake.

Joshua 15 34 Commentary

Joshua 15:34, as a list of four cities, profoundly emphasizes the meticulous fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel. It highlights the divine order and specificity with which the Promised Land was divided among the tribes. Far from being a mere dry geographical enumeration, this verse testifies to God's faithfulness in providing a land flowing with milk and honey, even detailing the small and lesser-known towns within Judah's inheritance. It serves as tangible proof that God leaves no detail unfinished in His providential plans. The presence of common place names like "En Gannim" and "Tappuah" across different tribal territories points to the universal topographical features and resources desired for settlements, while the specific context clarifies their unique identification within Judah's vast allotment. This verse, therefore, contributes to the overarching narrative of divine promise, human obedience (in recording these details), and the practical outworking of Israel's national identity rooted in their God-given land.