King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:17 Mean?

Joshua 21:17 in the King James Version says “And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs,” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Joshua 21:17 · KJV

Context

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,

18

Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities.

19

All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, were thirteen cities with their suburbs.

Read Joshua 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs (מִמַּטֵּה בִנְיָמִן אֶת־גִּבְעוֹן וְאֶת־גֵּבַע, mimateh Vinyamin et-Givon ve'et-Geva)—The shift to Benjamin introduces cities of immense historical significance. Gibeon, whose inhabitants deceived Joshua into a treaty (Joshua 9), became a high place where Solomon offered 1,000 burnt offerings and received divine wisdom (1 Kings 3:4-15). That this city of deception became a venue for divine revelation demonstrates God's sovereign purposes transcending human failure. The tabernacle remained at Gibeon during David's and early Solomon's reign (1 Chronicles 16:39; 21:29).

Geba (not to be confused with Gibeah) served as the northern border of Judah (2 Kings 23:8) and witnessed Jonathan's heroic assault on the Philistine garrison (1 Samuel 14:1-15). These strategic Benjamite cities, allocated to priests, created a spiritual corridor between Judah and northern tribes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gibeon (el-Jib), 6 miles northwest of Jerusalem, was excavated revealing a remarkable water system—a massive pool cut 35 feet into bedrock with a spiral staircase descending 80 feet to the water table. This may be the "pool of Gibeon" where Joab and Abner's forces met (2 Samuel 2:12-17). Geba (Jeba), 6 miles north of Jerusalem, controlled the strategic Wadi Suweinit pass. Both cities formed part of Benjamin's northern defensive line against Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Gibeon's transformation from city of deception to place of divine revelation illustrate the gospel's power to redeem our failures?
  2. Why did God place Levitical cities in Benjamin, the smallest tribe wedged between Judah and Ephraim?
  3. What does the tabernacle's long residence at Gibeon teach about God working through imperfect circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וּמִמַּטֵּ֣ה1 of 10

“And out of the tribe”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

בִנְיָמִ֔ין2 of 10

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֶת3 of 10
H853

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

גִּבְע֖וֹן4 of 10

“Gibeon”

H1391

gibon, a place in palestine

וְאֶת5 of 10
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶֽׁהָ׃6 of 10

“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

אֶת7 of 10
H853

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

גֶּ֖בַע8 of 10

“Geba”

H1387

geba, a place in palestine

וְאֶת9 of 10
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶֽׁהָ׃10 of 10

“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 21:17 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 21:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 9:3Joshua 18:24-251 Chronicles 6:60

Places in This Verse

Geba 1Settlement · Modern: Jaba · 31.86°N, 35.26°E14 verses across 8 books
GibeonSettlement · Modern: El Jib · 31.85°N, 35.18°E39 verses across 7 books
View all places in Joshua 21 →

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