King James Version

What Does Joshua 15:25 Mean?

Joshua 15:25 in the King James Version says “And Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, and Hezron, which is Hazor,” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Joshua 15:25 · KJV

Context

23

And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,

24

Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,

25

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

26

Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,

27

And Hazargaddah, and Heshmon, and Bethpalet,

Read Joshua 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, and Hezron, which is Hazor—this verse demonstrates the complexity of ancient naming conventions. Hazor, Hadattah (חָצוֹר חֲדַתָּה) likely means "New Hazor," with chadattah from chadash ("new"), distinguishing it from other settlements named Hazor. Kerioth (קְרִיּוֹת, "cities," plural of qiryah) may indicate a cluster of settlements or a city with multiple districts. Hezron (חֶצְרוֹן, "enclosure" or "court") is identified as the same as Hazor, showing that some places had multiple names or underwent renaming.

The phrase "which is Hazor" (הִיא חָצוֹר) clarifies that Hezron and Hazor refer to the same place, preventing confusion. This editorial note demonstrates Scripture's concern for historical accuracy and geographical precision. The inspired text doesn't obscure complexities but acknowledges them, helping readers understand ancient naming practices. This attention to detail builds confidence in Scripture's reliability.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Multiple names for single locations were common in the ancient Near East. Cities might be renamed after conquest, significant events, or to honor new rulers. The specification "New Hazor" suggests the original Hazor was destroyed or abandoned, and settlers established a nearby replacement. This pattern appears throughout archaeological surveys—tells (ancient mounds) surrounded by later settlements built when original sites proved uninhabitable or too small for growing populations.

Kerioth appears in Moabite territory in later texts (Jeremiah 48:24, 41; Amos 2:2), and some scholars identify this as Kerioth-hezron, possibly the birthplace of Judas Iscariot ("Iscariot" may derive from "ish Kerioth," "man of Kerioth"). If so, Judas came from Judah's inheritance, the only non-Galilean disciple. Such connections show how seemingly dry genealogies and city lists connect to broader biblical narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Scripture's careful attention to geographical and historical details strengthen your confidence in its overall reliability and trustworthiness?
  2. What does God's renaming of places (and people—Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, Saul to Paul) teach about divine purposes transforming identity and meaning?
  3. How can you approach seemingly tedious biblical passages (genealogies, city lists) with expectation that God included them for purposes worth discovering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
חָצֽוֹר׃1 of 6

“And Hazor”

H2674

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

חֲדַתָּה֙2 of 6

“Hadattah”

H2675

new chatsor, a place in palestine

וּקְרִיּ֔וֹת3 of 6

“and Kerioth”

H7152

kerioth, the name of two places in palestine

חֶצְר֖וֹן4 of 6

“and Hezron”

H2696

chetsron, the name of a place in palestine; also of two israelites

הִ֥יא5 of 6
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

חָצֽוֹר׃6 of 6

“And Hazor”

H2674

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

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 15:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

Hazor 3Settlement · Modern: Khirbet el Qaryatein · 31.34°N, 35.12°E1 verse across 1 book
Hazor-hadattahSettlement · Modern: Har Hezron · 31.37°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
Kerioth-hezronSettlement · Modern: Khirbet el Qaryatein · 31.34°N, 35.12°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Joshua 15 →

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