King James Version

What Does Joshua 18:28 Mean?

Joshua 18:28 in the King James Version says “And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Joshua 18:28 · King James Version

Context

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.

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem—The list climaxes with Jerusalem. Jebusi identifies its pre-conquest inhabitants (the Jebusites). Though assigned to Benjamin, the city wasn't fully conquered until David (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Gibeath (Gibeah) was Saul's capital. Kirjath (possibly Kirjath-jearim). Fourteen cities with their villages completes Benjamin's city list.

Jerusalem's inclusion, though unconquered, shows faith claiming God's promises before fulfillment. Benjamin's inheritance included the future eternal capital, though they didn't yet possess it. Believers likewise inherit promises not yet fully realized (Hebrews 11:13, 39-40).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem remained Jebusite-controlled until approximately 1000 BC when David captured it and made it Israel's capital. Gibeah (Saul's hometown) has been identified with Tell el-Ful, excavated by archaeologist William Albright. The Jebusite fortress's strength intimidated Israel for centuries.

Reflection Questions

  1. What unfulfilled promises has God given you to claim by faith before seeing fulfillment?
  2. How does Benjamin's inheritance of unconquered Jerusalem encourage patience with God's timing?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְצֵלַ֡ע1 of 16

“And Zelah”

H6762

tsela, a place in palestine

הָאֶ֜לֶף2 of 16

“Eleph”

H507

eleph, a place in palestine

וְהַיְבוּסִ֨י3 of 16

“and Jebusi”

H2983

a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus

הִ֤יא4 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙5 of 16

“which is Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

גִּבְעַ֣ת6 of 16

“Gibeath”

H1394

gibath

קִרְיַ֔ת7 of 16

“and Kirjath”

H7157

kirjath-jearim or kirjath-arim, a place in palestine

עָרִ֥ים8 of 16

“cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אַרְבַּֽע9 of 16

“fourteen”

H702

four

עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה10 of 16
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

וְחַצְרֵיהֶ֑ן11 of 16

“with their villages”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

זֹ֛את12 of 16
H2063

this (often used adverb)

נַֽחֲלַ֥ת13 of 16

“This is the inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

בְּנֵֽי14 of 16

“of 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

בִנְיָמִ֖ן15 of 16

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃16 of 16

“according to their families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

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 18:28 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 18:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 21:14Joshua 15:8Numbers 33:54Isaiah 10:29Judges 19:12-15Hosea 10:9

Places in This Verse

Gibeah 4Settlement · Modern: Tel el Ful · 31.82°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
HaelephSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Salah · 31.80°N, 35.21°E1 verse across 1 book
JebusSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E7 verses across 3 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
Kiriath-jearimSettlement · Modern: Deir el Azar · 31.81°N, 35.10°E19 verses across 8 books
ZelaSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Salah · 31.80°N, 35.21°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in Joshua 18 →

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