King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:11 Mean?

Joshua 21:11 in the King James Version says “And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the sub...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it. the city: or, Kirjatharba”

Joshua 21:11 · KJV

Context

9

And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are here mentioned by name, mentioned: Heb. called

10

Which the children of Aaron, being of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levi, had: for theirs was the first lot.

11

And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it. the city: or, Kirjatharba

12

But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, gave they to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for his possession.

13

Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.

The priests received "Hebron" (Chevron, חֶבְרוֹן), whose name means "association" or "alliance"—fitting for a city fostering covenant community between God and His people. The phrase "the city of Arba the father of Anak" (Kiriat-Arba avi haAnak, קִרְיַת־אַרְבַּע אֲבִי הָעֲנָק) recalls Hebron's pre-conquest identity. Arba was the Anakim's ancestor (Joshua 14:15), and the Anakim were the giants who terrified the faithless spies (Numbers 13:28, 33). That this former stronghold of Israel's most fearsome enemies became a priestly city and refuge demonstrates God's complete victory—enemies' territory transformed into centers of worship and mercy.

"In the hill country of Judah" (behar Yehudah, בְּהַר יְהוּדָה) locates Hebron at 3,040 feet elevation in Judah's central highlands, 19 miles south of Jerusalem. This elevated positioning symbolizes spiritual prominence—the city housing Abraham's burial cave (Genesis 23:19) and David's first capital (2 Samuel 2:1-4) became a priestly city. The integration of patriarchal heritage, royal history, and priestly function in one location demonstrates God's unified redemptive plan.

The phrase "with the suburbs thereof round about it" (veet-migrashehah sevivotehah, וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ סְבִיבֹתֶיהָ) emphasizes comprehensive provision. The migrash (pasture lands) surrounded Hebron completely (sevivotehah, "round about"), ensuring priests had adequate livestock support. This shows God's provision for His servants is thorough, not minimal—He provides abundantly for those dedicated to His service.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hebron's transformation from Anakim fortress to priestly city is one of Scripture's great redemptive reversals. Caleb conquered it (Joshua 14:12-15) then surrendered it for priestly use—personal victory yielded to kingdom priorities. The Cave of Machpelah in Hebron contains the patriarchs' tombs: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Leah (Genesis 49:29-32). Archaeological evidence confirms Hebron's antiquity and continuous occupation. Today the cave remains contested by Jews, Muslims, and Christians—all claiming Abrahamic heritage. Yet biblically, Hebron's greatest significance is as a city of refuge, prefiguring Christ our refuge from divine wrath (Hebrews 6:18).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Hebron's transformation from giants' stronghold to priestly city encourage you that God can redeem your most fearsome struggles into centers of worship and ministry?
  2. What does Caleb's willingness to surrender conquered Hebron for priestly use teach about sacrificing personal victory for kingdom priorities?
  3. How does Hebron's role as city of refuge deepen your understanding of Christ as your refuge from judgment and the wrath to come?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ1 of 14

“And they gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֜ם2 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֶת3 of 14
H853

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

קִרְיַת֩4 of 14

“them the city”

H7151

a city

אַרְבַּ֨ע5 of 14

“of Arba”

H704

arba, one of the anakim

אֲבִ֧י6 of 14

“the father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הָֽעֲנ֛וֹק7 of 14

“of Anak”

H6061

anak, a canaanite

הִ֥יא8 of 14
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

חֶבְר֖וֹן9 of 14

“which city is Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

בְּהַ֣ר10 of 14

“in the hill”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יְהוּדָ֑ה11 of 14

“country of Judah”

H3063

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

וְאֶת12 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

מִגְרָשֶׁ֖הָ13 of 14

“with the suburbs”

H4054

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

סְבִֽיבֹתֶֽיהָ׃14 of 14

“thereof round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 21:11 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 21:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 6:55Luke 1:39Joshua 20:7-92 Samuel 2:1-3Genesis 35:27Judges 1:10

Places in This Verse

HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
View all places in Joshua 21 →

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