Joshua 15 40

Joshua 15:40 kjv

And Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish,

Joshua 15:40 nkjv

Cabbon, Lahmas, Kithlish,

Joshua 15:40 niv

Kabbon, Lahmas, Kitlish,

Joshua 15:40 esv

Cabbon, Lahmam, Chitlish,

Joshua 15:40 nlt

Cabbon, Lahmam, Kitlish,

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 40 Meaning

Joshua chapter 15 verse 40 is a specific part of a larger administrative record detailing the inheritance given to the tribe of Judah in the Promised Land. This verse simply lists four particular cities: Eglon, Cabbon, Lahmas, and Kitlish. Its significance lies not in the individual names themselves, many of which are now obscure, but in contributing to the comprehensive and meticulously documented division of the land among the Israelite tribes, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promise to grant His people their inheritance.

Joshua 15 40 Context

Joshua 15:40 is nestled within a comprehensive list of cities allotted to the tribe of Judah after the initial conquest of Canaan. This chapter outlines Judah's boundaries and then meticulously lists hundreds of cities grouped by geographical regions within their territory. Verse 40 specifically names four cities (Eglon, Cabbon, Lahmas, and Kitlish) located in the "Shephelah," the lowlands bordering the Philistine plain (vv. 33-47). The inclusion of such detailed geographical data serves as a legal deed, outlining the extent of Judah's God-given inheritance. Historically, this meticulous distribution of land by lot under the supervision of Joshua and Eleazar fulfilled God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants to give them the land of Canaan as their eternal possession. The act signifies divine order, ownership, and the beginning of settled life for the Israelite tribes, establishing their physical and spiritual identity within the promised boundaries. The precision here indirectly underscores the divinely sanctioned nature of Israel's claim to the land, standing in stark contrast to the claims of the indigenous peoples.

Joshua 15 40 Word analysis

• Eglon (עֶגְלוֹן, 'Eglon): The name likely means "calf-like." This city is listed among Judah's inherited towns in the Shephelah. It is important to note that this Eglon is distinct from the well-known Philistine city of Eglon, mentioned elsewhere as one of the five Philistine strongholds (e.g., Josh 13:3). The presence of a similarly named but different locality within Judah's assigned territory highlights the geographical detail and distinct naming conventions in the biblical record, affirming the precise boundaries of Judah.
• Cabbon (כַּבּוֹן, Kabbôn): This place name is unique to this verse in the Bible. Its meaning is uncertain but possibly derived from a root meaning "to bind" or "to compact." The obscurity of the name further reinforces the granular level of detail in the tribal allocations, listing not only prominent centers but also smaller, perhaps lesser-known, settlements.
• Lahmas (לַחְמָס, Laḥmās): Also an unidentified site and mentioned only here. Its root may relate to "bread" (לחם), possibly indicating an area known for grain production. Its inclusion signifies the thoroughness of the territorial descriptions.
• Kitlish (כִּתְלִישׁ, Kitlîš): An unknown town, only appearing in this passage. The meaning is unclear, possibly related to "wall" or "enclosure." Its appearance underscores the comprehensive scope of Judah's inheritance.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Eglon, Cabbon, Lahmas, and Kitlish: This collection of proper nouns represents four specific, identifiable (even if now unlocated) towns or settlements. Their listing sequentially with the connecting "and" ('wāw' conjunction in Hebrew) is typical for cadastral documents of the ancient Near East, demonstrating a comprehensive inventory of possessed territory. The grouping of these less-prominent sites within a longer list (vv. 39-41 include nine cities in this particular cluster) suggests a regional grouping of smaller, possibly interconnected settlements within the larger Shephelah district of Judah. Their very presence attests to the meticulous recording of all territories granted, regardless of perceived importance, thereby affirming God's precise fulfillment of His covenant.

Joshua 15 40 Bonus section

The highly detailed lists of cities found in Joshua 15 were crucial administrative documents in ancient Israel, serving as tribal charters and delineating precise boundaries for judicial, taxation, and military purposes. The inclusion of smaller, lesser-known towns alongside major cities underscores the comprehensive nature of the land division overseen by Joshua and Eleazar. This attention to granular detail would have prevented future inter-tribal disputes over territory and affirmed the extent of each tribe's rightful claim, thereby embodying divine order and justice in the allocation of blessings. Furthermore, the detailed possession of this earthly land foreshadows the "spiritual inheritance" (Eph 1:11) and "undefiled inheritance" (1 Pet 1:4) that believers receive in Christ, emphasizing God's meticulous provision for His people across all dispensations.

Joshua 15 40 Commentary

Joshua 15:40, by listing four more city names in the Shephelah, reinforces the extraordinary detail of Judah's inheritance, the largest and most significant tribal allotment. This seemingly dry list serves a profound theological purpose: it stands as undeniable evidence of God's unwavering faithfulness in keeping His word concerning the Promised Land, meticulously defining the physical scope of His covenant blessings. These specific, yet often obscure, place names were vital to the original audience as a "deed of ownership," legally establishing Judah's dominion and the realization of YHWH's promises from centuries earlier. It also serves as a foundation for understanding the future historical narrative of Judah, the royal tribe, from which the Messiah would eventually come.