King James Version

What Does Joshua 18:23 Mean?

Joshua 18:23 in the King James Version says “And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,”

Joshua 18:23 · KJV

Context

21

Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

22

And Betharabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel,

23

And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,

24

And Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:

25

Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,

Read Joshua 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah—Three more cities with minimal biblical mention. Avim likely means 'ruins,' possibly commemorating destroyed Canaanite settlements. Ophrah (distinct from the Ophrah in Judges 6) means 'dust' or 'fawn.' Parah ('heifer') may relate to the red heifer ceremony (Numbers 19).

Even obscure towns received their inheritance. God wastes nothing—every place, person, and purpose fits His plan. The apostle Paul's analogy of the body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) applies geographically: seemingly less honorable parts receive necessary honor. No city, no believer is expendable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These three cities' exact locations remain uncertain, though they were clearly within Benjamin's hill country. Archaeological surveys suggest many small settlements existed that left minimal remains, known only through biblical lists like this one.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you value seemingly insignificant people or places in God's kingdom work?
  2. What does the inclusion of 'ruins' (Avim) teach about God redeeming devastated places and lives?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 3 words
וְהָֽעַוִּ֥ים1 of 3

“And Avim”

H5761

avvim (as inhabited by avvites), a place in palestine (with the article prefix)

וְהַפָּרָ֖ה2 of 3

“and Parah”

H6511

parah, a place in palestine

וְעָפְרָֽה׃3 of 3

“and Ophrah”

H6084

ophrah, the name of an israelite and 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 18:23 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 18:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 13:17

Places in This Verse

AvvimSettlement · Modern: Et Tell · 31.92°N, 35.26°E1 verse across 1 book
Ophrah 1Settlement · Modern: Taybeh · 31.95°N, 35.30°E2 verses across 2 books
ParahSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Ein Fara · 31.83°N, 35.31°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Joshua 18 →

Test Your Knowledge

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