King James Version

What Does Joshua 15:63 Mean?

Joshua 15:63 in the King James Version says “As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwe...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.”

Joshua 15:63 · KJV

Context

61

In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah,

62

And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.

63

As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out—This sobering verse acknowledges incomplete conquest. The Jebusites (יְבוּסִי) remained in Jerusalem until David finally conquered it centuries later (2 Samuel 5:6-9). The phrase "could not drive them out" raises questions: Was this inability due to Jebusite strength, Judahite weakness, or incomplete faith?

Judges 1:8 records that Judah did attack and burn Jerusalem, yet Jebusites remained. This suggests the city was taken but not held, possibly due to its strong defensive position. "But the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day"—the phrase "unto this day" indicates this was written before David's capture of Jerusalem. The Jebusite presence served as perpetual reminder of incomplete obedience and its consequences. What God commands, He enables; failure to fully possess what God gives results from inadequate faith, not inadequate power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem (Jebus) sat on a ridge surrounded by valleys on three sides, making it naturally defensible. Its elevation (2,500 feet), water source (Gihon Spring), and position controlling north-south routes made it strategically valuable. The Jebusites' ability to hold it for approximately 400 years (from Joshua to David) demonstrates the strength of its position. David's eventual conquest (circa 1000 BC) finally fulfilled what Judah failed to accomplish.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Judah's failure to fully drive out the Jebusites warn against incomplete obedience in areas God has called us to conquer?
  2. What does the eventual conquest under David teach about God's long-term faithfulness despite human failure?
  3. How might tolerating 'Jebusites' (known sins, compromises) in our lives create ongoing problems that require later, more difficult confrontation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאֶת1 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הַיְבוּסִ֜י2 of 18

“As for the Jebusites”

H2983

a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus

וַיֵּ֨שֶׁב3 of 18

“dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם4 of 18

“at Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לֹֽא5 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָוּכְל֥וּ6 of 18

“could”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

בְּנֵ֤י7 of 18

“the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְהוּדָה֙8 of 18

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

לְהֽוֹרִישָׁ֑ם9 of 18

“not drive them out”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

וַיֵּ֨שֶׁב10 of 18

“dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הַיְבוּסִ֜י11 of 18

“As for the Jebusites”

H2983

a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus

אֶת12 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בְּנֵ֤י13 of 18

“the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְהוּדָה֙14 of 18

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם15 of 18

“at Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

עַ֖ד16 of 18
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּ֥וֹם17 of 18

“unto this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּֽה׃18 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 15:63 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 15:63 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 1:21Judges 1:82 Samuel 5:6-91 Chronicles 11:4-8Romans 7:14-21

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Joshua 15 →

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