King James Version

What Does Joshua 11:21 Mean?

Joshua 11:21 in the King James Version says “And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from a...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.”

Joshua 11:21 · KJV

Context

19

There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.

20

For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.

21

And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.

22

There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.

23

So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.

Read Joshua 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains—The Anakim (עֲנָקִים, Anaqim) were the giant race that terrified the faithless spies forty years earlier (Numbers 13:28, 33). Their presence in the mountains had caused Israel's fathers to refuse entering Canaan, resulting in forty years of wilderness wandering. Now Joshua systematically eliminates them from their strongholds: Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel.

The verb cut off (כָּרַת, karat) means to cut down, destroy, or exterminate—the same verb used for covenant-making (literally 'cutting' covenant). Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities (הֶחֱרִימָם יְהוֹשֻׁעַ עִם־עָרֵיהֶם, hecherimam Yehoshua im-areihem)—the herem ban applied completely. This victory demonstrates that faith overcomes obstacles that terrified previous generations. What stopped Israel's fathers (faithlessness before giants) posed no obstacle to Joshua's faithful generation. The theological principle: yesterday's insurmountable problems become today's conquered enemies when God's people trust His promises. Caleb's later request for Hebron (14:12-15) shows personal investment—he would possess the very territory the giants once held.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Anakim were associated with the Rephaim, ancient peoples known for unusual height. Deuteronomy 2:10-11, 20-21 mentions several giant races: Emim, Zamzumim, Rephaim. Whether literally giants or hyperbolic description of formidable warriors, the Anakim represented Israel's greatest fear at Kadesh-Barnea. Their strongholds—Hebron, Debir, Anab—were fortified highland cities. Archaeological excavations at Hebron and Debir (Tel Beit Mirsim or Khirbet Rabud) show Late Bronze Age destruction. Anab was in the Judean highlands. The mountainous terrain favored defenders, making these cities especially formidable. The Anakim's elimination was crucial psychologically and strategically—removing the threat that had paralyzed Israel's faith decades earlier and securing the strategic highlands. Caleb's later conquest of Hebron (15:13-14) personalizes this victory. The remnant Anakim in Philistine cities (verse 22) included Goliath's family (2 Samuel 21:16-22), showing incomplete extermination had lasting consequences. David's defeat of these giants echoed Joshua's victories, demonstrating God's continuing faithfulness across generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'giants' from your past—fears or obstacles that once seemed insurmountable—can faith in God's promises now conquer?
  2. How does this generation's victory over what defeated the previous generation encourage you that past failures don't determine future outcomes?
  3. What incomplete spiritual victories (like Anakim remaining in Gaza, Gath, Ashdod) create ongoing struggles in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיָּבֹ֨א1 of 25

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יְהוֹשֻֽׁעַ׃2 of 25

“Joshua”

H3091

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

בָּעֵ֣ת3 of 25

“And at that time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֗יא4 of 25
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיַּכְרֵ֤ת5 of 25

“and cut off”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת6 of 25
H853

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

הָֽעֲנָקִים֙7 of 25

“the Anakims”

H6062

an anakite or descendant of anak

מִן8 of 25
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַ֣ר9 of 25

“and from all the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

מִן10 of 25
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

חֶבְרוֹן֙11 of 25

“from Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

מִן12 of 25
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

דְּבִ֣ר13 of 25

“from Debir”

H1688

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

מִן14 of 25
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

עֲנָ֔ב15 of 25

“from Anab”

H6024

anab, a place in palestine

וּמִכֹּל֙16 of 25
H3605

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

הַ֣ר17 of 25

“and from all the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יְהוּדָ֔ה18 of 25

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּמִכֹּ֖ל19 of 25
H3605

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

הַ֣ר20 of 25

“and from all the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל21 of 25

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עִם22 of 25
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

עָֽרֵיהֶ֖ם23 of 25

“with their cities”

H5892

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

הֶֽחֱרִימָ֥ם24 of 25

“destroyed them utterly”

H2763

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

יְהוֹשֻֽׁעַ׃25 of 25

“Joshua”

H3091

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

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 11:21 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 11:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 9:2Numbers 13:22-23Joshua 15:13-14Deuteronomy 1:28Deuteronomy 2:21Judges 1:20

Places in This Verse

AnabSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Anab es Seghireh · 31.41°N, 34.95°E2 verses across 1 book
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
View all places in Joshua 11 →

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