Joshua 15 54

Joshua 15:54 kjv

And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:

Joshua 15:54 nkjv

Humtah, Kirjath Arba (which is Hebron), and Zior: nine cities with their villages;

Joshua 15:54 niv

Humtah, Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) and Zior?nine towns and their villages.

Joshua 15:54 esv

Humtah, Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), and Zior: nine cities with their villages.

Joshua 15:54 nlt

Humtah, Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), and Zior ? nine towns with their surrounding villages.

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 54 Meaning

Joshua 15:54 concludes a specific segment of the detailed geographical list delineating the inheritance of the tribe of Judah within the promised land. It explicitly names three cities: Humtah, Kiriath Arba (which is clearly identified as Hebron), and Zior. These three cities, together with six preceding cities mentioned in Joshua 15:52-53 (Arab, Dumah, Eshan, Janum, Beth Tappuah, and Aphekah), collectively constitute a cluster referred to as "nine cities with their villages." This verse signifies the completion of a defined section of Judah's allotted territory in the hill country, showcasing the meticulous fulfillment of God's covenantal promise to Israel.

Joshua 15 54 Context

Joshua chapter 15 records the detailed apportionment of the land to the tribe of Judah, which received the largest and most significant territory as foretold in Jacob's blessing (Gen 49:8-12). Following the outline of Judah's immense borders (Josh 15:1-12) and the specific grant of Hebron to Caleb as a personal inheritance (Josh 15:13-19), the chapter systematically lists the cities assigned to Judah, categorizing them by geographical region. Verse 54 falls within the section enumerating the cities of the Hill Country (Josh 15:48-60). This verse, specifically, concludes a grouping of nine cities that began with Arab in Joshua 15:52, establishing a precise count for this particular sub-region within Judah's vast inheritance. This meticulous detail demonstrates the thoroughness of the land distribution, signifying the tangible fulfillment of God's ancient promises and the firm establishment of the Israelites as a settled nation.

Joshua 15 54 Word analysis

• Humtah (חֻמְטָה - Chumaṭah):

  • An ancient settlement whose exact location is uncertain, possibly a smaller town in Judah's hill country. Its inclusion reflects the comprehensive nature of the territorial survey.
  • This shows the detailed record-keeping in the biblical narrative, extending beyond major cities to include even less prominent locales.

• Kiriath Arba (קִרְיַת אַרְבַּע - Qiryath 'Arba'):

  • Meaning "City of Four." This was an archaic name for Hebron, possibly referring to its four prominent areas or four notable inhabitants, perhaps the Anakim.
  • This archaic name connects the conquest narrative to earlier patriarchal accounts, demonstrating historical continuity.

• (that is, Hebron) (הִיא חֶבְרוֹן - hi’ Chebhrōn):

  • A parenthetical clarification, translating to "it is Hebron." Chebhrōn likely means "association" or "confederacy."
  • This crucial annotation clarifies the city's identity for the audience of the time of writing, affirming that Kiriath Arba and Hebron are the same place, and underscoring its pivotal importance in Israelite history from the Patriarchs to King David.

• and Zior (וְצִיעוֹר - wetsî`ôr):

  • Meaning "smallness" or "little." Another minor city in the hill country of Judah, its precise modern location also unknown.
  • Its listing reiterates the complete scope of the allotted territory, down to seemingly insignificant settlements.

• nine cities (תֵּשַׁע עָרִים - têsha` `arîm):

  • Refers to the count of cities beginning from Arab in Joshua 15:52 through Zior in this verse. These include Arab, Dumah, Eshan, Janum, Beth Tappuah, Aphekah, Humtah, Kiriath Arba/Hebron, and Zior.
  • This precise quantification indicates a structured enumeration, serving as an administrative summary of a distinct sub-region within Judah's hill country inheritance. It highlights the organizational and methodical approach to land distribution.

• with their villages (וַחֲצֵרֵיהֶן - waḥatserêhen):

  • Signifies that the inheritance included not only the main fortified cities but also all their surrounding dependent hamlets, rural settlements, and cultivated lands.
  • This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the territorial grants, encompassing all land under the city's economic and social influence, thereby solidifying the tribal boundaries and full control of the designated area.

Joshua 15 54 Bonus section

The highly detailed lists of cities found in Joshua 15 and throughout the book of Joshua serve not only as a record of historical distribution but also carry theological weight. They authenticate the historicity of the Israelite conquest and settlement, lending credence to the divine mandate for occupying the land. Such geographical precision would have acted as a foundational document for tribal identity and future land claims, illustrating God's organized establishment of a nation. The recurring phrase "with their villages" often suggests a network of central fortified cities supported by agricultural communities, reflecting the economic and social realities of ancient land ownership and demonstrating a complete transfer of authority and sustenance within the designated territories. These detailed land grants exemplify the unwavering commitment of God to uphold His covenant with Israel.

Joshua 15 54 Commentary

Joshua 15:54 is a testament to the remarkable precision and divine order characterizing the distribution of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. Within the extensive enumeration of Judah's colossal inheritance, this verse functions as a concluding summary for a specific cluster of nine cities in the strategically important hill country. The explicit identification of "Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron)" is a significant detail. Hebron's prominence stems not merely from its size or defensive capabilities but from its deep theological and historical resonance: it was the patriarchal burial site, Caleb's special reward for faithful espionage and courage, a designated city of refuge, and later, the foundational capital of David's kingdom. The meticulous recording of even smaller, unidentifiable towns like Humtah and Zior, alongside their associated "villages," underscores that God's fulfillment of His covenant promise was thorough and complete, extending sovereignty over every piece of the promised land. This comprehensive accounting showcases God's faithfulness and commitment to establishing His people within their rightful inheritance, down to the minutest detail of their territorial possessions.