King James Version

What Does Joshua 18:27 Mean?

Joshua 18:27 in the King James Version says “And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah, — study this verse from Joshua chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,

Joshua 18:27 · KJV


Context

25

Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,

26

And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,

27

And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,

28

And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah—Three obscure cities with little biblical mention. Rekem shares a name with a Midianite king (Numbers 31:8) and an individual (1 Chronicles 2:43-44). Irpeel and Taralah remain unidentified. Their obscurity reminds us that most faithful service occurs in forgotten places.

God's kingdom isn't built by celebrities but by countless obscure servants whose names only God remembers. These cities housed families who raised children, worked fields, and worshiped at Shiloh. Their quiet faithfulness mattered as much as the dramatic conquests. True greatness is hidden (Matthew 6:3-4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Many small settlements in Benjamin's territory remain archaeologically unidentified. Ancient cities often had brief existence, destroyed by war or abandoned due to economic changes. These three names survive only in this biblical list.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God sees your hidden faithfulness encourage service in obscure places?
  2. What biblical figures or cities barely mentioned still played crucial roles in God's plan?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 3 words
וְרֶ֥קֶם1 of 3

And Rekem

H7552

rekem, the name of a place in palestine, also of a midianite and an israelite

וְיִרְפְּאֵ֖ל2 of 3

and Irpeel

H3416

jirpeel, a place in palestine

וְתַרְאֲלָֽה׃3 of 3

and Taralah

H8634

taralah, 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 18:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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