King James Version

What Does Joshua 15:30 Mean?

Joshua 15:30 in the King James Version says “And Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah,” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah,”

Joshua 15:30 · KJV

Context

28

And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,

29

Baalah, and Iim, and Azem,

30

And Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah,

31

And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,

32

And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:

Read Joshua 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah—Eltolad (אֶלְתּוֹלַד, "God's generation" or "kindred of God") appears also in Simeon's inheritance (Joshua 19:4). Chesil (כְּסִיל, "fool" or possibly "confidence") may be the same as Bethul in Joshua 19:4. Hormah (חָרְמָה, "devoted to destruction" or "ban") has significant history—originally called Zephath, it was where Israel suffered defeat when they presumed to attack Canaan despite God's judgment (Numbers 14:45; Deuteronomy 1:44). Later, Judah and Simeon conquered it, renaming it Hormah because they "utterly destroyed" it under herem (Judges 1:17).

Hormah's name memorializes total destruction—the city and inhabitants were devoted to God as a sacrifice through complete annihilation, following the ban (herem) prescribed for Canaanite cities. This severe judgment on Canaanite wickedness demonstrated God's holiness and intolerance of sin. The city's inclusion in Judah's inheritance shows that what was devoted to destruction became part of the holy land after cleansing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Hormah's location is debated but possibly identified with Tell el-Meshash or Tell Masos in the eastern Negev. The site shows destruction layers from the Late Bronze/Iron Age I transition, consistent with Israelite conquest. The city's dual identity—Zephath (Canaanite name) and Hormah (Israelite name)—illustrates conquest's transformative impact. Renaming signified ownership change and theological redefinition.

The herem (ban/devoted thing) was Israel's most severe judgment form—total destruction of people, animals, and possessions as a sacrifice to God. This wasn't ethnic cleansing motivated by racial hatred but covenant judgment on wickedness that had reached full measure (Genesis 15:16). Canaanite practices—child sacrifice, cult prostitution, bestiality—were abominations requiring eradication lest Israel be corrupted (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). Hormah's fate demonstrated God's absolute intolerance of such evil.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Hormah's transformation from defeat site to victory memorial illustrate God's ability to redeem failures and bring triumph where we once experienced judgment?
  2. What does the <em>herem</em> (devoted destruction) of Canaanite cities teach about God's holiness and His demand that we completely eradicate sin rather than tolerate or compromise with it?
  3. How should understanding God's judgment on Canaanite wickedness shape your response to entrenched sin patterns in your life that require radical elimination?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 3 words
וְאֶלְתּוֹלַ֥ד1 of 3

“And Eltolad”

H513

eltolad, a place in palestine

וּכְסִ֖יל2 of 3

“and Chesil”

H3686

kesil, a place in palestine

וְחָרְמָֽה׃3 of 3

“and Hormah”

H2767

chormah, 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 15:30 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 15:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:4Judges 1:17Deuteronomy 1:44Numbers 14:45

Places in This Verse

ChesilSettlement · Modern: Khirbet ar Ras · 31.33°N, 34.88°E1 verse across 1 book
EltoladSettlement · Modern: Tel Beer Sheva · 31.24°N, 34.84°E3 verses across 2 books
HormahSettlement · Modern: Tel Masos · 31.21°N, 34.96°E9 verses across 6 books
View all places in Joshua 15 →

Test Your Knowledge

Joshua 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJoshua Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Joshua 15 with CommentaryAll Joshua ChaptersComplete Joshua QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes