King James Version

What Does Joshua 19:27 Mean?

Joshua 19:27 in the King James Version says “And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand,”

Joshua 19:27 · KJV

Context

25

And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph,

26

And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath;

27

And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand,

28

And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon;

29

And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib: Tyre: Heb. Tzor

Read Joshua 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And turneth toward the sunrising to Beth-dagon—The boundary turns eastward (literally "toward the rising of the sun," מִזְרַח שֶׁמֶשׁ mizrach shemesh) to Beth-dagon, meaning "house of Dagon." This Philistine fish-god's presence in Asher's territory names reveals the incomplete conquest warned against in Judges. The mention of Zebulun and the valley of Jiphthah-el shows tribal boundaries interconnecting—no tribe lived in isolation.

Cabul on the left hand (הַשְּׂמֹאול has'mol, the north side when facing east) later becomes infamous when Solomon gives twenty Galilean cities including Cabul to Hiram of Tyre, who despises them (1 Kings 9:13). The name Cabul means "displeasing" or "sterile." Even within blessed Asher's inheritance lay territory that would prove disappointing—a reminder that earthly inheritances are imperfect shadows of the eternal inheritance in Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Beth-dagon's name indicates Canaanite religious influence that persisted after conquest. The valley of Jiphthah-el separated Asher from Zebulun in lower Galilee. Cabul's later reputation as worthless land given to Hiram shows how even prime tribal territories contained less desirable portions, requiring faith to see God's goodness in all allotments.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "Beth-dagons" (places named after false gods) exist within your sphere of influence, and how do you maintain spiritual distinctiveness there?
  2. How does Cabul's story warn against despising God's provision while teaching that earthly inheritances are never perfect?
  3. What does tribal interconnectedness teach about the church's mutual dependence, where no member can say "I have no need of you" (1 Corinthians 12:21)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְשָׁ֨ב1 of 18

“And turneth”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מִזְרַ֣ח2 of 18

“toward the sunrising”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ֮3 of 18
H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

בֵּ֣ית4 of 18
H0
דָּגֹן֒5 of 18

“to Bethdagon”

H1016

beth-dagon, the name of two places in palestine

וּפָגַ֣ע6 of 18

“and reacheth”

H6293

to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity

בִּ֠זְבֻלוּן7 of 18

“to Zebulun”

H2074

zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe

וּבְגֵ֨י8 of 18

“and to the valley”

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

יִפְתַּח9 of 18
H0
אֵ֥ל10 of 18

“of Jiphthahel”

H3317

jiphtach-el, a place in palestine

צָפ֛וֹנָה11 of 18

“toward the north side”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

בֵּ֥ית12 of 18
H0
הָעֵ֖מֶק13 of 18

“of Bethemek”

H1025

beth-ha-emek, a place in palestine

וּנְעִיאֵ֑ל14 of 18

“and Neiel”

H5272

neiel, a place in palestine

וְיָצָ֥א15 of 18

“and goeth out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶל16 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּב֖וּל17 of 18

“to Cabul”

H3521

cabul, the name of two places in palestine

מִשְּׂמֹֽאל׃18 of 18

“on the left hand”

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

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 19:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 19:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 9:131 Samuel 5:2

Places in This Verse

Beth-dagon 2Settlement · Modern: Khirbet Jelameh · 32.72°N, 35.09°E1 verse across 1 book
Beth-emekSettlement · Modern: Tel Emek · 32.97°N, 35.15°E1 verse across 1 book
Cabul 1Settlement · Modern: Kabul · 32.87°N, 35.21°E1 verse across 1 book
NeielSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Yanin · 32.89°N, 35.22°E1 verse across 1 book
Valley of IphtahelValley · Modern: Wadi el Melek · 32.77°N, 35.14°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in Joshua 19 →

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