King James Version

What Does Joshua 15:23 Mean?

Joshua 15:23 in the King James Version says “And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,”

Joshua 15:23 · KJV

Context

21

And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,

22

And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,

23

And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,

24

Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,

25

And Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, and Hezron, which is Hazor,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan—Kedesh (קֶדֶשׁ, "holy place" or "sanctuary") was a common name in Israel; this southern Kedesh differs from the more famous Kedesh in Naphtali (a city of refuge). The name indicates a location set apart, possibly for worship or having sacred associations. Hazor (חָצוֹר, "enclosure" or "village") also appears multiple times in Scripture; this Hazor in Judah's south differs from the great Canaanite city-state of Hazor conquered by Joshua in the north (Joshua 11:10). Ithnan (יִתְנָן) is unidentified but may derive from natan ("to give"), possibly meaning "given" or "hired."

The repetition of place names like Kedesh and Hazor across different tribal territories demonstrates how common certain settlement names were in ancient Israel. Modern readers must note geographical context to distinguish between namesakes. This also shows that sacred place names (Kedesh, "holy") weren't unique to singular locations—holiness could mark multiple communities where God was honored.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The southern Hazor mentioned here was a small village, vastly different from the massive northern Hazor that dominated Upper Galilee with a lower city of 175 acres—one of the largest ancient Near Eastern cities. The contrast illustrates the range of settlements in Israel's inheritance, from major urban centers to small hamlets. Each had distinct roles in the tribal economy and defense.

Names like Kedesh ("holy") appearing in multiple territories may indicate Levitical settlements or towns with local sanctuaries before worship centralized in Jerusalem. The distribution of sacred place names suggests that holiness and worship weren't concentrated in a single location but characterized communities throughout the land where Yahweh was honored.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you make your home, workplace, or community a 'Kedesh'—a holy place set apart for God's purposes and glory?
  2. What does the contrast between the great northern Hazor and this small southern Hazor teach about God valuing faithful communities regardless of size or prominence?
  3. How should knowing that God notices and records even small, forgotten settlements affect how you view your own significance in His kingdom purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 3 words
וְקֶ֥דֶשׁ1 of 3

“And Kedesh”

H6943

kedesh, the name of four places in palestine

וְחָצ֖וֹר2 of 3

“and Hazor”

H2674

chatsor, the name (thus simply) of two places in palestine and of one in arabia

וְיִתְנָֽן׃3 of 3

“and Ithnan”

H3497

jithnan, 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 15:23 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 15:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 1:19Numbers 33:37Joshua 12:22

Places in This Verse

Hazor 2Settlement · Modern: El Jebariyeh · 30.72°N, 34.65°E1 verse across 1 book
IthnanSettlement · Modern: Mesudat Har Hemet · 30.61°N, 34.73°E1 verse across 1 book
Kedesh 2Settlement · Modern: Ain el Qudeirat · 30.65°N, 34.42°E1 verse across 1 book
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