King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:28 Mean?

Joshua 21:28 in the King James Version says “And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishon with her suburbs, Dabareh 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 Issachar, Kishon with her suburbs, Dabareh with her suburbs,”

Joshua 21:28 · KJV

Context

26

All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.

27

And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities.

28

And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishon with her suburbs, Dabareh with her suburbs,

29

Jarmuth with her suburbs, Engannim with her suburbs; four cities.

30

And out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with her suburbs, Abdon with her suburbs,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishon with her suburbs, Dabareh with her suburbs,

The Gershonite allocation continues with cities from Issachar's territory in the Jezreel Valley and surrounding regions. Kishon (Qishyon, קִשְׁיוֹן) should not be confused with the Kishon River where Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera (Judges 4:7, 13). The city's exact location remains uncertain, though it was somewhere in Issachar's fertile lowland territory. The 1 Chronicles 6:72 parallel lists it as Kedesh, suggesting either textual variation or multiple names for the same location.

Dabareh (דָּבְרַת, also spelled Daberath) is identified with modern Dabburiya at the western base of Mount Tabor. Its strategic position at the intersection of Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali made it a natural gathering point—Deborah summoned Barak to Mount Tabor nearby (Judges 4:6, 12). The name possibly derives from davar (דָּבָר, "word"), though this connection is speculative. Levitical presence here positioned God's law-teachers at a major tribal crossroads.

Issachar's tribal character was marked by agricultural labor and burden-bearing (Genesis 49:14-15). Jacob's blessing described Issachar as "a strong ass couching down between two burdens," seeing the land's goodness and submitting to labor. Levites among Issachar would minister to hardworking farming communities, teaching that covenant faithfulness brings blessing on agricultural labor (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Issachar's territory encompassed the eastern Jezreel Valley, one of ancient Israel's most fertile regions. The tribe's agricultural productivity made it a major source of tithes supporting the Levites. Chronicles records that "the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" (1 Chronicles 12:32)—suggesting wisdom and discernment characterized this tribe. Levitical teaching in Issachar's cities would have reinforced this reputation for understanding.

Mount Tabor, near Dabareh, served as a significant worship site and military gathering point. The mountain's distinctive dome shape rising from the valley floor made it a natural landmark. Hosea condemned pagan worship there (Hosea 5:1), indicating that even Levitical presence couldn't prevent apostasy when Israel's heart turned from God. This sobering reality reminds us that religious structures alone don't guarantee faithfulness—heart transformation is essential.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Issachar's character as burden-bearers challenge modern Christianity's emphasis on comfort and ease?
  2. What does Levitical presence at tribal crossroads teach about strategic positioning for gospel witness in high-traffic areas of culture?
  3. In what ways do you need greater understanding of the times to know what God's people ought to do in your generation?

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),

יִשָּׂשכָ֔ר2 of 10

“of Issachar”

H3485

jissaskar, a son of jacob

אֶת3 of 10
H853

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

קִשְׁי֖וֹן4 of 10

“Kishon”

H7191

kishjon, 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)

דָּֽבְרַ֖ת8 of 10

“Dabareh”

H1705

daberath, 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 21:28 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 21:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:121 Chronicles 6:72-73

Places in This Verse

DaberathSettlement · Modern: Horvat Devora · 32.70°N, 35.38°E3 verses across 2 books
KishionSettlement · Modern: Tell Qisyon · 32.66°N, 35.39°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in Joshua 21 →

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