King James Version

What Does Joshua 13:2 Mean?

Joshua 13:2 in the King James Version says “This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,”

Joshua 13:2 · KJV

Context

1

Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. to: Heb. to possess it

2

This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,

3

From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:

4

From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites: Mearah: or, the cave

Read Joshua 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God identifies remaining unconquered territory: 'all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri.' Despite Israel's victories, significant territories remain unconquered. The Philistines along the Mediterranean coast would remain Israel's persistent opponents throughout Judges and into the monarchy. Geshur (northeastern region) also remained independent. This incomplete conquest has theological significance: God promised the land but left enemies to test Israel (Judges 2:21-23, 3:1-4). The passage teaches that spiritual inheritance often comes gradually, requiring ongoing faithfulness. While positionally, believers possess 'every spiritual blessing' (Ephesians 1:3), experientially we must 'fight the good fight of faith' (1 Timothy 6:12) to lay hold of what's ours in Christ. Israel's incomplete conquest foreshadows the church's ongoing spiritual warfare—victory is assured, but battles remain.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Philistines occupied the coastal plain (later called Philistia) in five major cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, Gath. They were formidable opponents with iron technology and military sophistication. Their presence prevented Israel from controlling the lucrative coastal trade routes and Mediterranean ports. Geshur was an Aramean kingdom northeast of the Sea of Galilee. These unconquered territories would trouble Israel throughout their history. The Philistine threat intensified during the Judges period, requiring Samson's exploits and later prompting Israel's request for a king (1 Samuel 8:20). David finally subdued them, though they revived later. Archaeological evidence confirms Philistine presence and culture in coastal cities during this period. The incomplete conquest wasn't military failure but divine pedagogy—God used remaining enemies to test and train each generation in faithfulness and dependence on Him (Judges 3:1-2).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does incomplete conquest (remaining enemies) serve God's purposes in testing and training His people?
  2. What 'remaining enemies' in your spiritual life require ongoing vigilance and warfare?
  3. How do you balance confidence in positional victory (in Christ) with the reality of ongoing spiritual battles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
זֹ֥את1 of 8
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הָאָ֖רֶץ2 of 8

“This is the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַנִּשְׁאָ֑רֶת3 of 8

“that yet remaineth”

H7604

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

כָּל4 of 8
H3605

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

גְּלִיל֥וֹת5 of 8

“all the borders”

H1552

a circuit or region

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים6 of 8

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וְכָל7 of 8
H3605

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

הַגְּשׁוּרִֽי׃8 of 8

“and all Geshuri”

H1651

a geshurite (also collectively) or inhabitants of geshur

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 13:2 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 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 13:11Joel 3:4Judges 3:11 Samuel 27:8Joshua 12:5Genesis 10:14

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