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Joshua 11:13

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Joshua 11:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Yet Israel did not burn any of the cities built on their mounds, except Hazor, which Joshua burned.

King James Version KJV

But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.

American Standard Version ASV

But as for the cities that stood on their mounds, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.

Bible in Basic English BBE

As for the towns made on hills of earth, not one was burned by Israel but Hazor, which was burned by Joshua.

Free Bible Version FBV

However, Israel did not burn any of the towns built on mounds, except Hazor, which Joshua did burn.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But Israel burnt none of the cities that stoode still in their strength, saue Hazor onely, that Ioshua burnt.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Only, all the cities which are standing by their hill, Israel hath not burned them, save Hazor only, [it] hath Joshua burnt;

World English Bible WEB

But as for the cities that stood on their mounds, Israel burned none of them, except Hazor only. Joshua burned that.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Except the cities that were on hills and high places, the rest Israel burned: only Asor that was very strong he consumed with fire.

Translation for Translators T4T

Joshua’s men burned Hazor city, but they did not burn any of the other cities that were built on small hills.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 11:13

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 11:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB רַ֣ק כָּל הֶ/עָרִ֗ים הָ/עֹֽמְדוֹת֙ עַל תִּלָּ֔/ם לֹ֥א שְׂרָפָ֖/ם יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל זוּלָתִ֛י אֶת חָצ֥וֹר לְ/בַדָּ֖/הּ שָׂרַ֥ף יְהוֹשֻֽׁעַ
רַ֣ק raq H7535 except DirObjM
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הֶ/עָרִ֗ים ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fp
הָ/עֹֽמְדוֹת֙ ʻâmad H5975 to stand Art | V-Qal
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
תִּלָּ֔/ם têl H8510 mound N-ms | Suff
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
שְׂרָפָ֖/ם sâraph H8313 to burn V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
זוּלָתִ֛י zûwlâh H2108 exception Conj
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
חָצ֥וֹר Châtsôwr H2674 Hazor N-proper
לְ/בַדָּ֖/הּ bad H905 alone Prep | N-ms | Suff
שָׂרַ֥ף sâraph H8313 to burn V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוֹשֻֽׁעַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 11:13

רַ֣ק raq H7535 "except" DirObjM
This Hebrew word means 'except' or 'only', used to limit or emphasize something, like in Exodus 12:11 where it says to eat the Passover meal in haste, with nothing but your clothes on. It can also mean 'but' or 'nevertheless'.
Definition: 1) only, altogether, surely 1a) only 1b) only, nought but, altogether (in limitation) 1c) save, except (after a negative) 1d) only, altogether, surely (with an affirmative) 1e) if only, provided only (prefixed for emphasis) 1f) only, exclusively (for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise. See also: Genesis 6:5; Joshua 13:14; Psalms 32:6.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הֶ/עָרִ֗ים ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הָ/עֹֽמְדוֹת֙ ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Art | V-Qal
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
תִּלָּ֔/ם têl H8510 "mound" N-ms | Suff
A tel is a mound or heap of ruins, often the remains of an old city. It can also refer to a hill or elevated area where a city was built.
Definition: 1) mound, heap, heap of ruins 1a) mound (of ruin-heap of city) 1b) mound, hill (of elevation on which city stood)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: heap, [idiom] strength. See also: Deuteronomy 13:17; Joshua 11:13; Jeremiah 30:18.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שְׂרָפָ֖/ם sâraph H8313 "to burn" V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
זוּלָתִ֛י zûwlâh H2108 "exception" Conj
This word means exception or removal, like scattering something away, and is used in phrases like except or besides. The KJV translates it as beside, but, only, or save. It is often used to make exceptions in biblical commands.
Definition: 1) a removal, a putting away prep 2) except, besides, with the exception of, with removal of conj 3) except that
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: beside, but, only, save. See also: Deuteronomy 1:36; 2 Kings 24:14; Psalms 18:32.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חָצ֥וֹר Châtsôwr H2674 "Hazor" N-proper
Hazor was a significant city in ancient Palestine, mentioned in the book of Joshua as a major Canaanite stronghold. It was later conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership.
Definition: § Hazor = "castle" a site in Arabia
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Hazor. See also: Joshua 11:1; Judges 4:2; Jeremiah 49:28.
לְ/בַדָּ֖/הּ bad H905 "alone" Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
שָׂרַ֥ף sâraph H8313 "to burn" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
יְהוֹשֻֽׁעַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 "Joshua" N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.

Study Notes — Joshua 11:13

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 30:18 This is what the LORD says: “I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings. And the city will be rebuilt on her own ruins, and the palace will stand in its rightful place.

Joshua 11:13 Summary

[This verse is saying that the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, did not destroy all of the cities they conquered, but they did destroy the city of Hazor, which was a major city in the region, as a sign of God's judgment on the Canaanites, as seen in Joshua 11:11-12. This act of destruction was in line with God's commands to the Israelites, as stated in Deuteronomy 20:16-18. The fact that the other cities were not burned suggests that the Israelites were able to occupy and use them for their own purposes, as seen in Joshua 14:1-5 and Joshua 21:43-45. This verse reminds us that God is a God of justice and righteousness, and that He will ultimately judge all people for their sins, as seen in Revelation 20:11-15.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Hazor the only city burned by Joshua?

Hazor was the only city burned by Joshua because it was a key city and a symbol of the Canaanite resistance, as seen in Joshua 11:11, and its destruction served as a warning to other cities, fulfilling the commands given in Deuteronomy 20:16-18.

What does it mean that the cities were built on their mounds?

The cities being built on their mounds refers to the common practice in ancient Canaan of building new cities on top of the ruins of old ones, creating a raised area or mound, as mentioned in Joshua 11:13, and this practice is also referenced in 2 Samuel 20:15 and 2 Kings 19:25.

Is this verse saying that God approved of Israel's destruction of these cities?

This verse is part of a larger narrative that shows God's judgment on the wickedness of the Canaanite cities, as seen in Leviticus 18:24-25 and Deuteronomy 9:4-5, and Israel's actions were in obedience to God's commands, as stated in Joshua 11:15.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?

This verse is part of the larger story of God's redemption of humanity, as seen in Genesis 3:15 and Revelation 21:1-4, and it highlights God's holiness and justice, as well as His desire to create a holy people, as seen in Leviticus 20:26 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.

Reflection Questions

  1. What can I learn from Joshua's obedience to God's commands in this verse, and how can I apply that to my own life?
  2. How does the destruction of these cities relate to God's character, and what does it reveal about His heart for justice and righteousness?
  3. What are some areas in my own life where I need to surrender to God's will, just as Joshua surrendered to God's plan for the conquest of Canaan?
  4. How can I balance God's commands to love and forgive with the reality of God's judgment on sin, as seen in this verse and others like it?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 11:13

But as for the cities that stood still in their strength,.... Whose walls were not demolished when taken, as Kimchi and Jarchi interpret it, or that "stood upon their heaps" (y); upon an eminence,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 11:13

But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 11:13

In their strength, Heb. with (for so this preposition is oft used, as , &c.) their fence or fences, walls or bulwarks, i.e. which were not utterly ruined together with their walls in the taking of them. Save Hazor only; which though taken by the Israelites, was not so much destroyed as other places were. That did Joshua burn, because this city began the war; and being the chief and royal city, might renew the war, if the Canaanites should ever seize upon it.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 11:13

Joshua 11:13 But [as for] the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; [that] did Joshua burn.Ver. 13. That stood still in their strength.] Heb., On their heap: i.e., that prepared to have stood out a siege, but yet repented and did not; or that had not their walls and bulwarks yet rased and dismantled in the fury of war. That did Joshua burn.] For example’ s sake to the rest; and for that the king thereof was the author of that war.

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 11:13

(13) The cities that stood still in their strength.—Literally, that stood on their mounds (“quæerant in collibus et in tumulis sitæ.”—Vulg.). Comp. Joshua 11:20. We may fairly suppose that Jericho and Ai committed themselves to hostile measures against Israel, though they were not able to send forth armies against Joshua before they were attacked. Those who “stood still in their strength” are those who remained absolutely neutral in the war. “The men of Jericho fought against you” (Joshua 24:11).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 11:13

Verse 13. The cities that stood still in their strength] The word תלם tillam, which we translate their strength, and the margin, their heap, has been understood two ways. 1. As signifying those cities which had made peace with the Israelites, when conditions of peace were offered according to the command of the law; and consequently were not destroyed. Such as the cities of the Hivites; see Joshua 11:19. 2. The cities which were situated upon hills and mountains, which, when taken, might be retained with little difficulty. In this sense the place is understood by the Vulgate, as pointing out the cities quae erant in collibus et tumulis sitae, "which were situated on hills and eminences." As the cities of the plain might be easily attacked and carried, Joshua destroyed them; but as those on mountains, hills, or other eminences, might be retained with little trouble, prudence would dictate their preservation, as places of refuge in any insurrection of the people, or invasion of their adversaries. The passage in Jeremiah, Jeremiah 30:18, Jerusalem shall be builded on her own heap, תלה tillah, if understood as above, conveys an easy and clear sense: Jerusalem shall be re-established on her OWN HILL.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 11:13

13. the cities that stood still in their strength] Rather, the cities which stood each on its own hill, or mound, “the citees that weren in the hillis, and in the hillockis set,” Wyclif. Comp. Jeremiah 30:18, “and the city shall be builded upon her own heap” (“little hill” margin). With the exception of Hazor, Joshua did not burn the cities, but left them standing, each on its own hill, the ordinary site for cities in Canaan. Comp. Matthew 5:14.

Barnes' Notes on Joshua 11:13

Render: “But the cities standing each on its own hill” (compare Jeremiah 30:18). The meaning is simply that, with the exception of Hazor, Joshua did not burn the cities, but left them standing, each on its former site.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 11:13

13. The cities that stood still in their strength, that is, on mounds or eminences, (Hebrews òì úìí, on their hill,) were retained, since they could be easily defended, while the cities on the plains were razed.
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