King James Version

What Does Joshua 15:27 Mean?

Joshua 15:27 in the King James Version says “And Hazargaddah, and Heshmon, and Bethpalet,” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Hazargaddah, and Heshmon, and Bethpalet,”

Joshua 15:27 · KJV

Context

25

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

26

Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,

27

And Hazargaddah, and Heshmon, and Bethpalet,

28

And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,

29

Baalah, and Iim, and Azem,

Read Joshua 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Hazar-gaddah, and Heshmon, and Beth-palet—Hazar-gaddah (חֲצַר גַּדָּה, "enclosure of Gaddah" or "village of good fortune") combines chatsir ("enclosure," "village," or "court") with gaddah, possibly related to Gad (the deity of fortune) or simply "good fortune." Like Bealoth (v. 24), this name may indicate a former pagan site cleansed and repurposed. Heshmon (חֶשְׁמוֹן) is unidentified but may derive from shamen ("fat" or "fertile"), indicating productive land despite the Negev's aridity. Beth-palet (בֵּית פֶּלֶט, "house of escape" or "house of deliverance") also appears in post-exilic lists (Nehemiah 11:26), showing continuity of settlement.

The name Beth-palet ("house of escape") may commemorate a significant deliverance or serve as a refuge city. Every village name tells a story—capturing historical events, geographical features, or theological truths. Preserving these names in Scripture ensures that local histories and testimonies of God's faithfulness aren't forgotten but become part of the larger redemptive narrative.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Negev settlements listed in Joshua 15:21-32 formed a network of communities sustaining life in harsh conditions through ingenuity and cooperation. Shared water resources, defensive alliances, and trade connections made survival possible. Archaeological surveys reveal sophisticated water management systems—cisterns, channels, and terracing—maximizing scarce rainfall.

Beth-palet's appearance in both conquest-era and post-exilic lists demonstrates that some settlements maintained continuity across Babylonian exile. When Nehemiah reorganized Judah, returning exiles resettled ancestral cities (Nehemiah 11:25-30), reconnecting with their heritage. This continuity provided identity and stability—they weren't establishing new communities but reclaiming ancient inheritances.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'Beth-palet' moments—times of divine deliverance or escape—has God provided in your life that deserve commemoration and testimony?
  2. How can you ensure that God's faithfulness in your life and community isn't forgotten but becomes part of the ongoing story you pass to future generations?
  3. What does the continuity of settlements from conquest through exile teach about God's faithfulness to preserve and restore His people despite judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַֽחֲצַ֥ר1 of 5
H0
גַּדָּ֛ה2 of 5

“And Hazargaddah”

H2693

chatsar-gaddah, a place in palestine

וְחֶשְׁמ֖וֹן3 of 5

“and Heshmon”

H2829

cheshmon, a place in palestine

וּבֵ֥ית4 of 5
H0
פָּֽלֶט׃5 of 5

“and Bethpalet”

H1046

beth-palet, 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 15:27 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 15:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 11:26

Places in This Verse

Beth-peletSettlement · Modern: Tell es Saqati · 31.31°N, 34.91°E2 verses across 2 books
Hazar-gaddahSettlement · Modern: Tel Beer Sheva · 31.24°N, 34.84°E1 verse across 1 book
HeshmonSettlement · Modern: Tell es Saqati · 31.31°N, 34.91°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Joshua 15 →

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