King James Version

What Does Joshua 19:44 Mean?

Joshua 19:44 in the King James Version says “And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath,” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath,”

Joshua 19:44 · KJV

Context

42

And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah,

43

And Elon, and Thimnathah, and Ekron,

44

And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath,

45

And Jehud, and Beneberak, and Gathrimmon,

46

And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho. before: or, over against Japho: or, Joppa

Read Joshua 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath—More cities, including Baalath ('place of Baal'), showing Canaanite religious presence. Gibbethon appears during the divided kingdom as a Philistine city under siege by Israel (1 Kings 15:27, 16:15). These cities' subsequent history shows Dan never fully possessed their inheritance.

Failure to drive out inhabitants plagued Israel (Judges 1:34-35). God commanded complete conquest, but compromise seemed easier. This pattern repeats spiritually: partial obedience equals disobedience. Sin left unconquered eventually conquers the compromiser (Hebrews 12:1).

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Historical & Cultural Context

These three cities lay in the western portion of Dan's territory, prime agricultural land along the coastal plain. Their loss to Philistine dominance forced Dan's migration northward, abandoning their God-given inheritance for easier territory gained by violence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'partial obedience' in your life risks future spiritual compromise?
  2. How does tolerating 'small' sins eventually lead to greater spiritual defeat?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 3 words
וְאֶלְתְּקֵ֥ה1 of 3

“And Eltekeh”

H514

eltekeh or elteke, a place in palestine

וְגִבְּת֖וֹן2 of 3

“and Gibbethon”

H1405

gibbethon, a place in palestine

וּבַֽעֲלָֽת׃3 of 3

“and Baalath”

H1191

baalath, a place 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 19:44 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 19:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 21:231 Kings 16:151 Kings 15:271 Kings 9:18

Places in This Verse

Baalath 1Settlement · Modern: Al Maghar · 31.84°N, 34.78°E1 verse across 1 book
EltekehSettlement · Modern: Tel Shalaf · 31.89°N, 34.77°E2 verses across 1 book
GibbethonSettlement · Modern: Tell Melat · 31.86°N, 34.87°E5 verses across 2 books
View all places in Joshua 19 →

Test Your Knowledge

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