King James Version

What Does Joshua 10:41 Mean?

Joshua 10:41 in the King James Version says “And Joshua smote them from Kadeshbarnea even unto Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon. — study this verse from Joshua chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Joshua 10:41 · KJV


Context

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.

42

And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.

43

And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joshua smote them from Kadesh-barnea even unto Gaza—This verse maps the southern extent of Joshua's conquest campaign. Kadesh-barnea (קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ) marked Israel's southern boundary where they wandered for forty years (Numbers 32:8), while Gaza represented the southwestern coastal region of Canaan. The verb nakah (נָכָה, "to strike/smite") indicates decisive military victory, not mere skirmish.

All the country of Goshen—Not Egypt's Goshen, but a distinct region in southern Canaan (Joshua 11:16, 15:51). This comprehensive sweep fulfilled God's promise to give Israel the land from the wilderness to Lebanon (Joshua 1:4). The geographical markers demonstrate the systematic nature of the conquest: from the southern desert (Kadesh-barnea) through the Shephelah (Gaza) to the hill country (Gibeon). God's covenant promise was being fulfilled with military precision under Joshua's leadership.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This conquest occurred around 1406-1400 BC during Joshua's southern campaign. Kadesh-barnea was approximately 50 miles south of Beersheba, marking the traditional southern boundary of the Promised Land. Gaza was a major Philistine city on the Mediterranean coast, though full Philistine settlement came later. The campaign covered roughly 100 miles from north to south.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the geographic specificity of God's promises demonstrate His faithfulness to keep His covenant?
  2. What does Joshua's systematic conquest teach about completing the tasks God assigns us?
  3. How might the mention of Kadesh-barnea (the place of Israel's earlier failure) encourage believers who have experienced setbacks?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיַּכֵּ֧ם1 of 12

smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ2 of 12

And Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

מִקָּדֵ֥שׁ3 of 12
H0
בַּרְנֵ֖עַ4 of 12

them from Kadeshbarnea

H6947

kadesh-barnea, a place in the desert

וְעַד5 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עַזָּ֑ה6 of 12

even unto Gaza

H5804

azzah, a place in palestine

וְאֵ֛ת7 of 12
H853

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

כָּל8 of 12
H3605

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

אֶ֥רֶץ9 of 12

and all the country

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

גֹּ֖שֶׁן10 of 12

of Goshen

H1657

goshen, the residence of the israelites in egypt; also a place in palestine

וְעַד11 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

גִּבְעֽוֹן׃12 of 12

even unto Gibeon

H1391

gibon, a place in palestine


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 10:41 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 10:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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