King James Version

What Does Joshua 15:56 Mean?

Joshua 15:56 in the King James Version says “And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,”

Joshua 15:56 · KJV

Context

54

And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:

55

Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah,

56

And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,

57

Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:

58

Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah—Jezreel (יִזְרְעֶאל, "God sows") here refers not to the famous northern valley but a city in Judah's hill country, home of Ahinoam who became David's wife (1 Samuel 27:3). The Hebrew name's meaning—"God sows"—reflects agricultural hope in a region requiring divine blessing for fruitfulness. Jokdeam (יָקְדְעָם) and Zanoah (זָנוֹחַ) are less prominent but equally part of Judah's inheritance.

The repetition of names (Jezreel appears both in Judah and in the northern Valley of Jezreel) reminds us that different places can share identical names, requiring contextual discernment. This mirrors spiritual reality: identical biblical terms can have different applications depending on context (e.g., "Israel" as person, nation, or spiritual community). Proper interpretation requires attention to specific context rather than assuming all identical terms mean the same thing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These cities lay in the hill country southwest of Hebron. The region's rolling hills and seasonal rainfall made it suitable for grain cultivation and grazing, though less fertile than the coastal plain or northern valleys. The need for careful water management and seasonal adaptation made residents dependent on God's provision of rain "in its season" (Deuteronomy 11:14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the name 'Jezreel' (God sows) reflect dependence on divine blessing for fruitfulness in our work?
  2. What does the existence of multiple places with identical names teach about the importance of context in biblical interpretation?
  3. How might living in marginal agricultural land increase awareness of dependence on God's provision?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 3 words
וְיִזְרְעֶ֥אל1 of 3

“And Jezreel”

H3157

jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites

וְיָקְדְעָ֖ם2 of 3

“and Jokdeam”

H3347

jokdeam, a place in palestine

וְזָנֽוֹחַ׃3 of 3

“and Zanoah”

H2182

zanoach, the name of two places 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 15:56 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

Jezreel 1Settlement · Modern: Yatta · 31.45°N, 35.09°E1 verse across 1 book
JokdeamSettlement · Modern: Khirbet er Raqqa · 31.46°N, 35.12°E1 verse across 1 book
Zanoah 2Settlement · Modern: Khirbet Beit Amra · 31.45°N, 35.05°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Joshua 15 →

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