Joshua 15:21
Joshua 15:21 in Multiple Translations
These were the southernmost cities of the tribe of Judah in the Negev toward the border of Edom: Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur,
And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,
And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the border of Edom in the South were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,
The farthest towns of the tribe of Judah in the direction of the limits of Edom to the south, were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur;
The towns for the tribe of Judah in the far south on the border with Edom: Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur,
And the vtmost cities of the tribe of the children of Iudah, toward the coastes of Edom Southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Iagur,
And the cities at the extremity of the tribe of the sons of Judah are unto the border of Edom in the south, Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,
The farthest cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the border of Edom in the South were Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur,
And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah towards the border of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,
And the cities from the uttermost parts of the children of Juda by the borders of Edom to the south, were Cabseel and Eder and Jagur,
The tribe of Judah was allotted all these towns in the southern desert area of Canaan, near the border of the Edom region: Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur,
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 15:21
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 15:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּֽהְי֣וּ
הֶ/עָרִ֗ים
מִ/קְצֵה֙
לְ/מַטֵּ֣ה
בְנֵֽי
יְהוּדָ֔ה
אֶל
גְּב֥וּל
אֱד֖וֹם
בַּ/נֶּ֑גְבָּ/ה
קַבְצְאֵ֥ל
וְ/עֵ֖דֶר
וְ/יָגֽוּר
וַ/יִּֽהְי֣וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הֶ/עָרִ֗ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fp
מִ/קְצֵה֙
qâtseh
H7097
end
Prep | N-cs
לְ/מַטֵּ֣ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
Prep | N-ms
בְנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
גְּב֥וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms
אֱד֖וֹם
ʼĔdôm
H123
Edom
N-proper
בַּ/נֶּ֑גְבָּ/ה
negeb
H5045
Negeb
Prep | N-ms | Suff
קַבְצְאֵ֥ל
Qabtsᵉʼêl
H6909
Kabzeel
N-proper
וְ/עֵ֖דֶר
ʻÊder
H5740
Eder
Conj | N-proper
וְ/יָגֽוּר
Yâgûwr
H3017
Jagur
Conj | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 15:21
וַ/יִּֽהְי֣וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
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.
מִ/קְצֵה֙
qâtseh
H7097
"end"
Prep | N-cs
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
לְ/מַטֵּ֣ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
בְנֵֽי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
גְּב֥וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
אֱד֖וֹם
ʼĔdôm
H123
"Edom"
N-proper
Edom was the twin brother of Jacob and the region where he lived. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and his story is told in Genesis 25. Edom is also another name for Esau.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.25; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Israel (H3478); married to Oholibamah (H0173), Judith (H3067), Adah (H5711H) and Mahalath (H4258); father of: Eliphaz (H0464), Reuel (H7467), Jeush (H3266), Jalam (H3281) and Korah (H7141); also called Edom at Gen.25.30; 36.1,8,19,21; 1x,54; Another name of e.sav (עֵשָׂו "Esau" H6215G) § Edom = "red" 1) Edom 2) Edomite, Idumean-descendants of Esau 3) land of Edom, Idumea-land south and south east of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: Edom, Edomites, Idumea. See also: Genesis 25:30; 1 Chronicles 1:54; Psalms 60:2.
בַּ/נֶּ֑גְבָּ/ה
negeb
H5045
"Negeb"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.
Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country
Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.
קַבְצְאֵ֥ל
Qabtsᵉʼêl
H6909
"Kabzeel"
N-proper
Kabzeel was a city in southern Judah, on the border of Edom, and its name means God gathers, as seen in Joshua 15:21. It represents a place where people came together under God's guidance.
Definition: § Kabzeel = "God gathers" the most remote city of Judah; located in southern Judah on the border of Edom
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Kabzeel. Compare H3343 (יְקַבְצְאֵל). See also: Joshua 15:21; 2 Samuel 23:20; 1 Chronicles 11:22.
וְ/עֵ֖דֶר
ʻÊder
H5740
"Eder"
Conj | N-proper
Eder is a name that refers to a person or a place in the Bible, specifically a town in southern Judah near Edom. The name means 'a flock' and is mentioned in the KJV as Edar or Eder.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at 1Ch.23.23; son of: Mushi (H4187); brother of: Mahli (H4249H) and Jerimoth (H3406K) § Eder = "a flock" a Merarite Levite in the time of David
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Edar, Eder. See also: Joshua 15:21; 1 Chronicles 23:23; 1 Chronicles 24:30.
וְ/יָגֽוּר
Yâgûwr
H3017
"Jagur"
Conj | N-proper
Jagur is a place in Palestine, a town in Judah near the border of Edom. Its name means 'he sojourns' and it is one of the southernmost towns. The KJV simply calls it 'Jagur'.
Definition: § Jagur = "he sojourns" a town of Judah, one of those farthest to the south, on the frontier of Edom
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Jagur. See also: Joshua 15:21.
Study Notes — Joshua 15:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 15:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 15:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 15:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 15:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 15:21
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 15:21
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 15:21
Context — The Cities of Judah
19“Give me a blessing,” she answered. “Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs of water as well.” So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.
20This is the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Judah.
21These were the southernmost cities of the tribe of Judah in the Negev toward the border of Edom: Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur,
22Kinah, Dimonah, Adadah, 23Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 35:21 | Israel again set out and pitched his tent beyond the Tower of Eder. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 11:25 | As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba, Dibon, Jekabzeel, and their villages; |
Joshua 15:21 Summary
The verse Joshua 15:21 lists the southernmost cities of the tribe of Judah, which were located in the Negev region near the border of Edom. This region was a desert area, and the cities listed, such as Kabzeel, Eder, and Jagur, were part of the inheritance given to the tribe of Judah by God, as described in Joshua 14:13 and Deuteronomy 1:19-25. The fact that God provided for His people in this way shows His faithfulness and care, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Lamentations 3:22-23. Just as the tribe of Judah trusted God for their inheritance, we can trust Him to provide for us and guide us in our own lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What region are the cities listed in Joshua 15:21 located in?
The cities listed in Joshua 15:21, such as Kabzeel, Eder, and Jagur, are located in the Negev, which is a desert region in the southern part of Judah, near the border of Edom, as mentioned in the verse. This region is also referenced in other parts of the Bible, such as Genesis 12:9 and Numbers 13:17.
Why is it significant that these cities are listed in the Bible?
The listing of these cities in Joshua 15:21 is significant because it provides a historical record of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah, as described in Joshua 14:13 and Joshua 15:20. This record helps to establish the boundaries and inheritance of the tribe.
What can we learn about the tribe of Judah from this verse?
From Joshua 15:21, we can learn that the tribe of Judah was allotted a significant amount of territory, including the Negev region, which was likely a challenging area to inhabit due to its desert climate, as described in Deuteronomy 8:15. This highlights the faithfulness of God in providing for His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:19-25.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of the book of Joshua?
Joshua 15:21 is part of a larger section in the book of Joshua that describes the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, as commanded by God in Joshua 13:7 and Joshua 14:1-5. This verse specifically lists the southernmost cities of the tribe of Judah, which is a key part of this division.
Reflection Questions
- What does the listing of these cities in the Negev region reveal about God's provision and care for His people, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 40:11?
- How can we apply the concept of inheritance and territory, as described in Joshua 15:21, to our own lives and spiritual journeys, as encouraged in Romans 8:17 and 1 Peter 1:4?
- What challenges might the tribe of Judah have faced in inhabiting the Negev region, and how can we learn from their experiences, as described in Deuteronomy 8:15 and 2 Chronicles 32:1-8?
- How does the faithfulness of God, as seen in the allotment of the Negev region to the tribe of Judah, encourage and inspire us in our own walk with Him, as expressed in Lamentations 3:22-23 and Hebrews 11:6?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 15:21
And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah,.... That is, those cities which were the outward part of the tribe of Judah, the southern border of it; for the midland cities are not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 15:21
And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur, There is given a list of cities within the tribal territory of
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 15:21
The uttermost cities; those which were on the borders of the land, not the midland cities. It is apparent that all the cities belonging to this tribe are not mentioned in this catalogue. Kabzeel, called Jekabzeel, .
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 15:21
(21) And the uttermost cities.—The cities of the tribe of Judah are given under four heads: (a) towards Edom; (b) in the Shephêlah, or plain of the coast (Joshua 15:33, &c.); (c) in the mountains (Joshua 15:48); (d) in the wilderness (Joshua 15:61). Of those in Joshua 15:21-32, the first twenty-nine, Conder identifies only four—viz., Adadah, Joshua 15:22 (Ad’adah); Kerioth Hezron (some see a trace of Kerioth in the sobriquet of Judas Is-cariot, the man of Kerioth), Joshua 15:25 (Hudîreh); Beer-sheba, Joshua 15:28 (Bîr es-seb’a); and Ain Rimmon, Joshua 15:32 ( Umm er-Rumânûn). It is not easy to say precisely how the twenty-nine are to be obtained from the thirty-three, but evidently some of the Hazors are villages attached to the cities. (31) Ziklag.—It is noticeable that Ziklag became the property of the kings of Judah by the gift of Achish, who bestowed it on David (1 Samuel 27:6). not by the gift of Joshua to Judah. The partial character of the conquest and the division of unconquered territory to the tribes is thus illustrated.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 15:21
21. And the uttermost cities] The writer commences with the cities at the extremity of the territory of Judah, the S.E. point of the Dead Sea, on the Edomite frontier. toward the coast of Edom southward] For “coast,” see above, ch. Joshua 13:16. (a) First we have a group of nine cities within the Negeb at the south-east:— (1) Kabzeel = “which God gathers,” the birth-place of Benaiah, one of David’s heroes (2 Samuel 23:20); (2) Eder and (3) Jagur are altogether unknown; (4) Kinah, possibly the territory of the Kenites who settled at Arad; (5) Dimonah = Dibon (Nehemiah 11:25); (6) Adadah, identified by Robinson with Sudeid; (7) Kedesh, (8) Hazor, and (9) Ithnan are unknown.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 15:21
List of the towns of the tribe of Judah. These are arranged in four divisions, according to the natural features of the district; namely,, those of the Negeb or south country Joshua 15:21-32; of “the