King James Version

What Does Joshua 11:3 Mean?

Joshua 11:3 in the King James Version says “And to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusi...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.”

Joshua 11:3 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,

2

And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,

3

And to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.

4

And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.

5

And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. met: Heb. assembled by appointment

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The ethnic catalog continues: 'Canaanites on the east and west, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites in the mountains, and Hivites under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.' This list shows comprehensive representation of Canaan's peoples—six national/ethnic groups from diverse regions. The Canaanites' presence both east and west shows they inhabited both sides of the Jordan Valley. The Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, and Hivites each controlled specific territories, yet now unite against Israel. Mount Hermon (snow-capped peak in far north) and Mizpeh (the valley below) mark the coalition's northern extent. The thoroughness of this census emphasizes that Israel faced essentially all remaining Canaanite power. This united front fulfills Exodus 23:23's prophecy listing nations God would drive out. The very comprehensiveness of opposition validates that Israel faces God's promised enemies, ensuring that victory will clearly be divine, not merely human achievement.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Each group mentioned had distinct cultural and possibly ethnic identities, though boundaries were fluid. Canaanites generally referred to lowland inhabitants, especially coastal regions. Amorites often designated highland dwellers. Hittites in Canaan were likely remnants or descendants of the Hittite Empire (centered in Anatolia) that had declined by this period. Perizzites and Jebusites are less well understood—possibly original inhabitants or specific clans. Hivites are mentioned in connection with Gibeon (9:7) and this northern region. Mount Hermon's snow-covered peak was Canaan's most prominent landmark, visible from great distances. Mizpeh (meaning 'watchtower') likely refers to the valley below Hermon. The geographic and ethnic comprehensiveness shows this wasn't a hasty alliance but organized coalition representing all major Canaanite powers not yet defeated. Ancient Near Eastern coalition warfare often united diverse peoples against common threats. This alliance's breadth made it formidable—yet God had already promised victory (11:6).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does comprehensive opposition (all nations, all regions) actually confirm you're facing the right battle?
  2. What encouragement comes from knowing the enemies you face are those God promised to defeat?
  3. How do diverse opponents uniting against God's work mirror spiritual warfare's nature?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙1 of 13

“And to the Canaanite”

H3669

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

מִמִּזְרָ֣ח2 of 13

“on the east”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

וּמִיָּ֔ם3 of 13

“and on the west”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וְהָֽאֱמֹרִ֧י4 of 13

“and to the Amorite”

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

וְהַֽחִתִּ֛י5 of 13

“and the Hittite”

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

וְהַפְּרִזִּ֥י6 of 13

“and the Perizzite”

H6522

a perizzite, one of the canaanitish tribes

וְהַיְבוּסִ֖י7 of 13

“and the Jebusite”

H2983

a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus

בָּהָ֑ר8 of 13

“in the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וְהַֽחִוִּי֙9 of 13

“and to the Hivite”

H2340

a chivvite, one of the indigenous tribes of palestine

תַּ֣חַת10 of 13
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

חֶרְמ֔וֹן11 of 13

“under Hermon”

H2768

chermon, a mount of palestine

בְּאֶ֖רֶץ12 of 13

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַמִּצְפָּֽה׃13 of 13

“of Mizpeh”

H4709

mitspah, the name of two places 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 11:3 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 11:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 3:3Joshua 18:26Genesis 31:49Joshua 13:11Joshua 15:63Judges 3:5

Places in This Verse

CanaanRegion · Modern: Canaan · 32.77°N, 35.33°E101 verses across 16 books
Mizpah 2Settlement · Modern: Mount Hermon · 33.40°N, 35.85°E1 verse across 1 book
Mount HermonMountain · Modern: Mount Hermon · 33.40°N, 35.85°E16 verses across 6 books
View all places in Joshua 11 →

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