Joshua 15 36

Joshua 15:36 kjv

And Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages:

Joshua 15:36 nkjv

Sharaim, Adithaim, Gederah, and Gederothaim: fourteen cities with their villages;

Joshua 15:36 niv

Shaaraim, Adithaim and Gederah (or Gederothaim)?fourteen towns and their villages.

Joshua 15:36 esv

Shaaraim, Adithaim, Gederah, Gederothaim: fourteen cities with their villages.

Joshua 15:36 nlt

Shaaraim, Adithaim, Gederah, and Gederothaim ? fourteen towns with their surrounding villages.

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 36 Meaning

Joshua 15:36 is a precise record of four specific cities—Shaaraim, Adithaim, Gederah, and Gederothaim—located in the inheritance allocated to the tribe of Judah within the lowlands (Shephelah) of Canaan. It meticulously summarizes these and other previously listed towns, totaling fourteen cities with their surrounding villages, underscoring the divinely ordered and detailed fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land. This verse highlights the practical implementation of the land distribution among the Israelite tribes.

Joshua 15 36 Context

Joshua chapter 15 details the tribal inheritance for Judah, the largest and most prominent tribe. The chapter meticulously describes the tribe's boundaries, followed by an extensive list of cities assigned to it. This verse (15:36) falls within a sub-section of this list (verses 33-36) which enumerates cities located in the Shephelah or the lowlands. The broader context of the Book of Joshua involves the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants to bring them into the Promised Land, conquer it, and distribute it among the twelve tribes of Israel. This precise record served as a legal and historical document for the Israelites, establishing land rights and territorial boundaries, demonstrating God's faithfulness in every detail.

Joshua 15 36 Word analysis

• and: (Heb. וְ - ve), a conjunctive particle, simply linking this phrase to the preceding list of cities in Joshua 15:33-35. It continues the enumeration of towns assigned to Judah.
• Shaaraim: (Heb. שַׁעֲרָ֑יִם - Sha'arayim). Meaning "two gates." This suggests a fortified location, possibly at a strategic pass or junction, or a town with a distinctive double gate structure. The dual ending "-ayim" denotes "two."
• Adithaim: (Heb. וַעֲדִיתָ֑יִם - va'Aditayim). The precise meaning is debated, possibly "two ornaments" or related to the idea of "testimony" (from Hebrew 'edah or 'ad). Its location is not firmly identified today.
• Gederah: (Heb. וּגְדֵרָה֙ - u'Gederah). Meaning "fold" or "enclosure," commonly referring to a sheepfold or fenced area. This suggests an agricultural or pastoral settlement, reflecting the landscape and economy of the Shephelah region.
• Gederothaim: (Heb. וּגְדֵרֹתָֽיִם - u'Gederotayim). Meaning "two folds" or "double sheepfolds." Like "Shaaraim," the dual suffix indicates "two," possibly implying two distinct folds or a larger, more complex enclosure structure. Reinforces the agricultural character of the region.

Words-group analysis

• fourteen cities: This numerical summation is critical. It functions as a meticulous accounting and legal verification within the text. It confirms the precise count of towns belonging to this specific sub-group within Judah's territory (verses 33-36), emphasizing the comprehensive and accurate nature of the land distribution record. It highlights divine order and administrative precision in fulfilling the promise of inheritance.
• with their villages: This phrase specifies that each named city served as a central hub for surrounding smaller settlements, hamlets, or agricultural communities that depended on the main city for administration, defense, and market access. It reflects the typical socio-economic structure of ancient Near Eastern settlements, where "cities" were typically regional centers controlling agricultural hinterlands and subordinate villages. This level of detail validates the thoroughness of the territorial division.

Joshua 15 36 Bonus section

The detailed lists in Joshua (and later in Nehemiah and Chronicles for resettling) highlight the profound importance of land in ancient Israelite life and theology. Land was inseparable from identity, covenant faithfulness, and the blessing of God. Each family's connection to its land parcel tied back to God's promise to Abraham. These cadastral lists thus served not just as legal documents, but as theological statements asserting Yahweh's dominion and the security of His people's future. The Shephelah region, where these cities were located, was often a border zone contested with the Philistines. The specific mention of cities in this area demonstrates Judah's established control and future responsibility for this strategic frontier, highlighting the ongoing challenges alongside the promised blessings. The dual names like Shaaraim ("two gates") and Gederothaim ("two folds") found in these ancient lists sometimes indicate distinct areas that might have been conjoined, or geographical features that characterized the locality.

Joshua 15 36 Commentary

Joshua 15:36, along with its preceding verses, offers a granular look into the realization of God's promises. It is not merely a dry list of place names but a testament to divine faithfulness and meticulousness. The inclusion of specific cities like Shaaraim (Two Gates) and Gederah (Fold) indicates not only the geography but also hints at the socio-economic function of these towns—be it strategic outposts or agricultural centers. The precise numerical summary "fourteen cities with their villages" affirms the scrupulous attention to detail in the land allotment. This thorough documentation served as an immutable record of inheritance for each Israelite tribe, assuring them of their secure possession based on divine decree rather than human contention. This meticulous allocation by lot, overseen by God's chosen leader Joshua, stood in stark contrast to the arbitrary and often violent territorial shifts of the surrounding pagan nations, thereby subtly reinforcing God's righteous and orderly sovereignty over the land and its people. For Israel, this was not just land; it was an inheritance directly from the hand of God, securing their identity and future.