King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:23 Mean?

Joshua 21:23 in the King James Version says “And out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh with her suburbs, Gibbethon 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 Dan, Eltekeh with her suburbs, Gibbethon with her suburbs,”

Joshua 21:23 · KJV

Context

21

For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs,

22

And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs; four cities.

23

And out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh with her suburbs, Gibbethon with her suburbs,

24

Aijalon with her suburbs, Gathrimmon with her suburbs; four cities.

25

And out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs; two cities.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh with her suburbs, Gibbethon with her suburbs (מִמַּטֵּה־דָן אֶת־אֶלְתְּקֵה וְאֶת־גִּבְּתוֹן, mimateh-Dan et-Eltekeh ve'et-Gibbeton)—The shift to Dan introduces a tragic trajectory. Dan, assigned the fertile coastal plain, failed to drive out the Amorites and was "forced into the hill country" (Judges 1:34-35). Eventually most of the tribe migrated north and established idolatrous worship at Laish/Dan (Judges 18), creating one of Israel's two great apostasy centers under Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:28-30). Gibbethon witnessed this failure firsthand: Israel besieged it during Baasha's, Zimri's, and Omri's reigns (1 Kings 15:27; 16:15-17), indicating it remained under Philistine control for generations despite being allocated to Levites.

That God allocated Levitical cities in Dan despite foreknowing that tribe's apostasy demonstrates that divine provision precedes human response. The light was given; Dan chose darkness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gibbethon (Tell el-Melat) was a Philistine stronghold on Dan's western border. The repeated biblical mention of Israel besieging it (1 Kings 15:27; 16:15) shows it remained Philistine-controlled into the divided monarchy period, circa 900 BC—400 years after its supposed allocation to Levites. This failure illustrates the incomplete conquest's consequences. Eltekeh (Tell esh-Shallaf) appears in Sennacherib's annals as the site where he defeated an Egyptian relief force in 701 BC. Dan's coastal cities were perpetually contested territory.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Dan's failure to possess its inheritance warn against incomplete obedience to God's commands?
  2. What does God's allocation of Levitical cities in Dan, despite foreknowing that tribe's apostasy, teach about His character?
  3. How does Gibbethon's centuries-long Philistine occupation illustrate the long-term consequences of failing to drive out enemies?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וּמִמַּ֨טֵּה1 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),

דָ֔ן2 of 10

“of Dan”

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

אֶֽת3 of 10
H853

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

אֶלְתְּקֵ֖א4 of 10

“Eltekeh”

H514

eltekeh or elteke, 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

אֶֽת7 of 10
H853

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

גִּבְּת֖וֹן8 of 10

“Gibbethon”

H1405

gibbethon, 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 21:23 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 21:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:44-45

Places in This Verse

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 21 →

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