King James Version

What Does Joshua 19:28 Mean?

Joshua 19:28 in the King James Version says “And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon; — study this verse from Joshua chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Joshua 19:28 · KJV


Context

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

30

Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon—The northern boundary reaches to great Zidon (צִידוֹן רַבָּה Tzidon rabbah), the major Phoenician city that symbolized maritime commerce and pagan culture. This Hebron differs from the southern city given to Caleb; multiple cities shared names throughout Israel. Kanah (קָנָה qanah, "reed") possibly refers to a stream with reeds, while Rehob means "broad place" or "marketplace."

Asher's inheritance extending to Zidon fulfilled Genesis 49:13's prophecy about Zebulun dwelling at the "haven of the sea" and bordering Zidon, though here it's Asher reaching the great Phoenician city. The territorial overlaps in prophetic blessings show how God's promises transcend rigid boundaries—what matters is corporate blessing, not tribal competition. Israel's northernmost reach to Zidon positioned them at the edge of the pagan world, requiring maximum faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zidon (Sidon) was one of the ancient world's most important port cities, famous for purple dye, glassmaking, and seafaring. Its wealth and cultural influence made it both an economic opportunity and spiritual threat to Israel. The Phoenicians' naval dominance and trade networks brought prosperity but also introduced Baal and Asherah worship that repeatedly corrupted Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you navigate the tension of living "up to great Zidon"—engaging with worldly systems for provision while avoiding spiritual compromise?
  2. What does Asher's proximity to Phoenician wealth teach about the unique challenges that come with economic opportunity and cultural influence?
  3. How should Christians view territorial or sphere-of-influence boundaries: as rigid divisions or as flexible spaces requiring wisdom and faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְעֶבְרֹ֥ן1 of 7

And Hebron

H5683

ebron, a place in palestine

וּרְחֹ֖ב2 of 7

and Rehob

H7340

rechob, the name of a place in syria, also of a syrian and an israelite

וְחַמּ֣וֹן3 of 7

and Hammon

H2540

chammon, the name of two places in palestine

וְקָנָ֑ה4 of 7

and Kanah

H7071

kanah, the name of a stream and of a place in palestine

עַ֖ד5 of 7
H5704

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

צִיד֥וֹן6 of 7

Zidon

H6721

tsidon, the name of a son of canaan, and of a place in palestine

רַבָּֽה׃7 of 7

even unto great

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)


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 19:28 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 19:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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