King James Version

What Does Joshua 19:30 Mean?

Joshua 19:30 in the King James Version says “Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages. — study this verse from Joshua chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Joshua 19:30 · KJV


Context

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.

32

The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages—The summary lists twenty and two cities (עֶשְׂרִים וּשְׁתַּיִם עִיר esrim u'shtayim ir) with their villages (חַצְרֵיהֶן chatzreihen, unwalled settlements, daughter villages). Aphek means "fortress" or "stronghold," a common city name across Israel. The precision—exactly 22 cities—demonstrates the careful record-keeping and legal documentation of tribal inheritances.

The phrase "with their villages" indicates that each fortified city controlled surrounding agricultural settlements, creating economic and defensive networks. This settlement pattern reflects ancient Near Eastern urbanization where walled cities provided refuge during attack while villages enabled farming. God's inheritance wasn't just isolated towns but functioning regional systems with cities and satellite communities—complete socioeconomic structures, not mere real estate. The numbered inheritance emphasizes accountability: Asher received specific, measurable blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 22 cities formed a network controlling the western Galilee and coastal plain, one of Canaan's most fertile and strategic regions. The city-village structure (ir and chatzrim) was standard throughout the ancient Near East, with fortified urban centers governing agricultural hinterlands. This administrative system continued through Roman times when Galilee remained a populous, productive region.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the specific count (22 cities) challenge vague spirituality, showing that God's blessings are concrete and measurable?
  2. What does the city-village structure teach about interdependence between different types of communities or roles within the church?
  3. How should Christians steward "numbered inheritances"—specific, finite resources and opportunities—with accountability to the Giver?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְעֻמָ֥ה1 of 7

Ummah

H5981

ummah, a place in palestine

וַֽאֲפֵ֖ק2 of 7

also and Aphek

H663

aphek (or aphik), the name of three places in palestine

וּרְחֹ֑ב3 of 7

and Rehob

H7340

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

עָרִ֛ים4 of 7

cities

H5892

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

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים5 of 7

twenty

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וּשְׁתַּ֖יִם6 of 7

and two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וְחַצְרֵיהֶֽן׃7 of 7

with their villages

H2691

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


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 19:30 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 19:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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