King James Version

What Does Joshua 19:29 Mean?

Joshua 19:29 in the King James Version says “And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings ther... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Joshua 19:29 · KJV


Context

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.

31

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre—The boundary reaches Tyre (צֹר Tzor, "rock"), the fortified (מִבְצָר mivtzar, fortified, strong) Phoenician capital that rivaled Zidon in wealth and influence. Tyre's later king Hiram would partner with Solomon in temple construction (1 Kings 5), while Ezekiel 26-28 pronounces devastating judgment against Tyrian pride. Asher's border touching this "strong city" placed them adjacent to one of antiquity's most powerful city-states.

And the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib—The territory ends at the Mediterranean (הַיָּם hayam, the sea), with Achzib marking the coastal terminus. The phrase "outgoings" (תוֹצְאֹתָיו totze'otav, exits, boundaries) emphasizes defined limits. Even blessed Asher had boundaries; abundant grace doesn't mean limitless territory. God's generosity includes appropriate limits that prevent overextension and maintain distinct tribal identities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Tyre sat on a rocky island offshore, making it virtually impregnable until Alexander the Great built a causeway in 332 BC. Its maritime dominance, skilled craftsmen, and trade networks made it the ancient world's commercial superpower. Achzib (later called Ecdippa) marked the coastal boundary, a strategic location controlling coastal routes between Phoenicia and Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Asher's border at "the strong city Tyre" illustrate that God sometimes places His people next to powerful worldly systems without expecting them to conquer or control those systems?
  2. What does Tyre's dual role—trading partner and object of divine judgment—teach about engaging with secular institutions?
  3. How do God-given boundaries ("outgoings") in your calling or capacity protect you from overextension while maximizing fruitfulness within defined limits?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְשָׁ֤ב1 of 15

turneth

H7725

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

הַגְּבוּל֙2 of 15

And then the coast

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

הָֽרָמָ֔ה3 of 15

to Ramah

H7414

ramah, the name of four places in palestine

וְעַד4 of 15
H5704

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

עִ֖יר5 of 15

city

H5892

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

מִבְצַר6 of 15

and to the strong

H4013

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

צֹ֑ר7 of 15

Tyre

H6865

tsor, a place in palestine

וְשָׁ֤ב8 of 15

turneth

H7725

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

הַגְּבוּל֙9 of 15

And then the coast

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

חֹסָ֔ה10 of 15

to Hosah

H2621

chosah, an israelite; also a place in palestine

וְיהָי֧וּ11 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

תֹֽצְאֹתָ֛יו12 of 15

and the outgoings

H8444

(only in plural collective) exit, i.e., (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source

הַיָּ֖מָּה13 of 15

thereof are at the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

מֵחֶ֥בֶל14 of 15

from the coast

H2256

ruin

אַכְזִֽיבָה׃15 of 15

to Achzib

H392

akzib, the name 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 19:29 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 19:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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