King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:15 Mean?

Joshua 21:15 in the King James Version says “And Holon with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs, — study this verse from Joshua chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Holon with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs,

Joshua 21:15 · KJV


Context

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,

14

And Jattir with her suburbs, and Eshtemoa with her suburbs,

15

And Holon with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs,

16

And Ain with her suburbs, and Juttah with her suburbs, and Bethshemesh with her suburbs; nine cities out of those two tribes.

17

And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Holon with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs (חֹלֹן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ וְאֶת־דְּבִר וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ, Cholon ve'et-migrashehah ve'et-Devir ve'et-migrashehah)—Debir merits special attention as the former Canaanite stronghold Kiriath-sepher ("city of books"), conquered by Caleb's nephew Othniel (Joshua 15:15-17; Judges 1:11-13). Its transformation from pagan learning center to Levitical teaching city illustrates redemptive conquest—replacing false wisdom with Torah truth. The name Debir (דְּבִר) shares its root with davar (word), suggesting its role as a place where God's Word was studied and taught by the Aaronic priesthood.

Holon's precise location remains uncertain (possibly Khirbet 'Alin), but its inclusion demonstrates that even lesser-known cities played vital roles in Israel's spiritual infrastructure. Not all ministry is prominent, yet all is necessary.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Debir (Tell Beit Mirsim or Khirbet Rabud) was excavated extensively, revealing a prosperous Canaanite city destroyed circa 1230-1200 BC, consistent with Joshua's conquest timeline. The site shows evidence of scribal activity, supporting its identification as "city of books." Its strategic location controlled southern trade routes. Holon appears in Jeremiah 48:21 as a Moabite city, suggesting either multiple cities with this name or later territorial shifts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Debir's transformation from "city of books" to Levitical teaching center picture the renewal of the mind in Christ (Romans 12:2)?
  2. What does the allocation of a conquered enemy stronghold to priests teach about spiritual warfare and occupation?
  3. Why is it important that Scripture records even obscure cities like Holon in redemptive history?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְאֶת1 of 8
H853

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

חֹלֹן֙2 of 8

And Holon

H2473

cholon, the name of two places in palestine

וְאֶת3 of 8
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶֽׁהָ׃4 of 8

with her 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

וְאֶת5 of 8
H853

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

דְּבִ֖ר6 of 8

and Debir

H1688

debir, the name of an amoritish king and of two places in palestine

וְאֶת7 of 8
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶֽׁהָ׃8 of 8

with her 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


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 21:15 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 21:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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