King James Version

What Does Joshua 10:39 Mean?

Joshua 10:39 in the King James Version says “And he took it, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof; and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and ut...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he took it, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof; and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining: as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir, and to the king thereof; as he had done also to Libnah, and to her king.”

Joshua 10:39 · KJV

Context

37

And they took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof, and all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining, according to all that he had done to Eglon; but destroyed it utterly, and all the souls that were therein.

38

And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and fought against it:

39

And he took it, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof; and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining: as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir, and to the king thereof; as he had done also to Libnah, and to her king.

40

So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded.

41

And Joshua smote them from Kadeshbarnea even unto Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon.

Read Joshua 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he took it, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof; and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining—this verse summarizes Debir's complete conquest with familiar formulaic language. The phrase "all the cities thereof" again indicates a city-state complex with dependent villages, similar to Hebron. The comprehensive destruction left no survivors, no remnant, no seed for future resistance. The Hebrew hecharim (הֶחֱרִים, "utterly destroyed") maintains the herem theme running throughout the chapter.

As he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir, and to the king thereof; as he had done also to Libnah, and to her king—this triple comparison (Hebron, Debir, Libnah) creates a comprehensive inclusio, bracketing the entire southern campaign with references to consistent application of God's commands. The repetitive formula emphasizes that divine justice operates by principle, not preference. Each city received identical treatment because each stood under the same condemnation. God's impartiality appears not in ignoring sin but in applying identical standards to all (Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9).

The verse's concluding summary brings closure to the southern campaign narrative (vv. 28-39). From Makkedah through Debir, seven cities fell in rapid succession, each receiving thorough judgment. This pattern of seven cities may be deliberate, as seven frequently symbolizes completeness in biblical numerology—suggesting comprehensive conquest of the southern region. The kingdom of God advanced through systematic, thorough execution of divine commands.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Debir's conquest completed the southern campaign's territorial objectives, securing the entire Judean hill country and Shephelah from Canaanite control. The cities conquered—Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Gezer (army only), Eglon, Hebron, and Debir—formed a comprehensive network controlling southern Canaan's strategic cities and routes. Their fall left the region open for Israelite settlement and tribal allotment.

The archaeological record shows a pattern of Late Bronze Age city destructions followed by Iron Age Israelite settlement throughout this region, broadly supporting the biblical narrative. However, as with Hebron, Judges 1:11-15 indicates that Othniel later conquered Debir and received it from Caleb, suggesting initial conquest followed by reoccupation, then final pacification. This pattern reflects the complexity of ancient conquest—military victory did not always mean immediate permanent occupation.

The reference to Libnah at the verse's conclusion creates a literary frame, as Libnah was the second city conquered (vv. 29-30). This inclusio technique (beginning and ending with references to the same element) was common in ancient Near Eastern literature, signaling narrative closure. The southern campaign began at Makkedah and ended at Debir, with systematic destruction of everything between, fulfilling God's command to utterly destroy the Canaanites.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the triple comparison (Hebron-Debir-Libnah) illustrate God's unchanging standards of righteousness and the certainty of His judgments?
  2. What does the pattern of seven conquered cities teach about the completeness and thoroughness God expects in dealing with sin?
  3. How should the combination of Joshua's conquest with later reconquest by Othniel shape your understanding of progressive sanctification requiring both initial victory and ongoing vigilance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
וַֽיִּלְכְּדָ֞הּ1 of 29

“And he took”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

וְאֶת2 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וּלְמַלְכָּֽהּ׃3 of 29

“and to her king”

H4428

a king

וְאֶת4 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל5 of 29
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרֶ֙יהָ֙6 of 29

“thereof and all the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיַּכּ֣וּם7 of 29

“thereof and they smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

לְפִי8 of 29

“them with the edge”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

חֶ֔רֶב9 of 29

“of the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וַֽיַּחֲרִ֙ימוּ֙10 of 29

“and utterly destroyed”

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

אֶת11 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל12 of 29
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נֶ֣פֶשׁ13 of 29

“all the souls”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אֲשֶׁר14 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּ֔הּ15 of 29
H0
לֹ֥א16 of 29
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִשְׁאִ֖יר17 of 29

“that were therein he left”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

שָׂרִ֑יד18 of 29

“none remaining”

H8300

a survivor

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר19 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֛ה20 of 29

“as he had done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְחֶבְר֗וֹן21 of 29

“to Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

כֵּן22 of 29
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

עָשָׂ֛ה23 of 29

“as he had done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִדְבִ֙רָה֙24 of 29

“to Debir”

H1688

debir, the name of an amoritish king and of two places in palestine

וּלְמַלְכָּֽהּ׃25 of 29

“and to her king”

H4428

a king

וְכַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר26 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֛ה27 of 29

“as he had done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְלִבְנָ֖ה28 of 29

“also to Libnah”

H3841

libnah, a place in the desert and one in palestine

וּלְמַלְכָּֽהּ׃29 of 29

“and to her king”

H4428

a king

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 10:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 10:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 3:3Joshua 10:37Joshua 11:8Joshua 10:33Obadiah 1:182 Kings 10:11

Places in This Verse

Debir 1Settlement · Modern: Khirbet Rabud · 31.43°N, 35.01°E11 verses across 3 books
HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
Libnah 1Settlement · Modern: Tell Bornat · 31.63°N, 34.87°E16 verses across 6 books
View all places in Joshua 10 →

Test Your Knowledge

Joshua 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJoshua Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Joshua 10 with CommentaryAll Joshua ChaptersComplete Joshua QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes