King James Version

What Does Joshua 20:7 Mean?

Joshua 20:7 in the King James Version says “And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, ...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah. appointed: Heb. sanctified”

Joshua 20:7 · KJV

Context

5

And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly , and hated him not beforetime .

6

And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.

7

And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah. appointed: Heb. sanctified

8

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

9

These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.

Read Joshua 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah—The three western cities of refuge: Kedesh (north), Shechem (central), Hebron (south). This ensures geographic accessibility—no Israelite lived far from refuge. Kedesh means 'holy,' Shechem 'shoulder/strength,' Hebron 'fellowship.'

The names prophetically point to Christ: holy (set apart for sinners), strength (able to save), fellowship (communion with God). That refuge cities covered all regions shows God's universal provision. Christ is accessible to all—'whosoever will may come' (Revelation 22:17).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These three cities had significant covenant history. Shechem witnessed covenant renewals (Joshua 24). Hebron was Abraham's home and David's first capital. Kedesh anchored northern Israel. Their selection as refuge cities honored their sacred heritage while serving practical justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does geographic distribution of refuge cities reflect God's accessible grace to all?
  2. What spiritual significance do the names Kedesh (holy), Shechem (strength), and Hebron (fellowship) have?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיַּקְדִּ֜שׁוּ1 of 17

“And they appointed”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֶת2 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

קֶ֤דֶשׁ3 of 17

“Kedesh”

H6943

kedesh, the name of four places in palestine

בַּגָּלִיל֙4 of 17

“in Galilee”

H1551

galil (as a special circuit) in the north of palestine

בְּהַ֥ר5 of 17

“in mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

נַפְתָּלִ֔י6 of 17

“Naphtali”

H5321

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְאֶת7 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁכֶ֖ם8 of 17

“and Shechem”

H7927

shekem, a place in palestine

בְּהַ֥ר9 of 17

“in mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

אֶפְרָ֑יִם10 of 17

“Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְאֶת11 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

קִרְיַ֥ת12 of 17
H0
אַרְבַּ֛ע13 of 17

“and Kirjatharba”

H7153

kirjath-arba or kirjath-ha-arba, a place in palestine

הִ֥יא14 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

חֶבְר֖וֹן15 of 17

“which is Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

בְּהַ֥ר16 of 17

“in mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יְהוּדָֽה׃17 of 17

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

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 20:7 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 20:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 21:111 Chronicles 6:76Luke 1:39Joshua 21:32Joshua 14:15Joshua 21:13

Places in This Verse

Galilee 1Region · Modern: Galilee · 32.76°N, 35.53°E78 verses across 10 books
HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
Kedesh 5Settlement · Modern: Tel Kedesh · 33.11°N, 35.53°E2 verses across 1 book
ShechemSettlement · Modern: Tell Balatah · 32.21°N, 35.28°E45 verses across 10 books
View all places in Joshua 20 →

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