King James Version

What Does Joshua 9:17 Mean?

Joshua 9:17 in the King James Version says “And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Che...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.”

Joshua 9:17 · KJV

Context

15

And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.

16

And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them.

17

And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.

18

And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes.

19

But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.

Read Joshua 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Investigation: 'the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjath-jearim.' The verb 'journeyed' (nasa, נָסַע) indicates Israel actively investigated, traveling to verify the report. The 'third day' creates timeline—hear report, travel to cities, confirm proximity all within three days of treaty-making. The naming of four cities—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, Kirjath-jearim—specifies the Gibeonite confederation. This geographic precision adds historical credibility and shows these weren't insignificant villages but four substantial cities in confederation. The investigation's thoroughness shows Israel's leaders trying to understand what they'd committed to. The passage illustrates proper response when deception is discovered: investigate fully, establish facts, then determine appropriate action within covenant constraints. They couldn't undo the oath but could establish accurate understanding and just terms going forward.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The four cities named formed the Gibeonite confederation in Benjamin's territory (later allotted to that tribe, chapter 18). Archaeological surveys and excavations have identified these sites. Gibeon was the largest and most significant (10:2). Chephirah lay about five miles west, Beeroth about six miles north, and Kirjath-jearim about eight miles northwest of Gibeon. The confederation represented a significant population and territory—not just one city but a regional alliance. The discovery that four cities (not just one) were involved would have shocked Israel's leaders—the scope of peoples they'd sworn to protect was larger than initially apparent. The third-day timeline meant rapid response—from treaty signing, to rumor hearing, to investigation, all within three days. This quick action shows Joshua's leadership—addressing problems promptly rather than letting them fester. The naming of specific cities provided clear understanding of treaty obligations' scope and established precedent for future interaction with these communities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does thorough investigation after discovering deception help determine appropriate responses within covenant constraints?
  2. What does Israel's rapid response (three days from treaty to investigation) teach about addressing problems promptly?
  3. When have you had to adjust relationships after discovering they were based on misunderstandings or deception?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּסְע֣וּ1 of 14

“journeyed”

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

בְנֵֽי2 of 14

“And the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל3 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיָּבֹ֛אוּ4 of 14

“and came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל5 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְעָֽרֵיהֶם֙6 of 14

“Now their cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

בַּיּ֣וֹם7 of 14

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑י8 of 14

“on the third”

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

וְעָֽרֵיהֶם֙9 of 14

“Now their cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

גִּבְע֣וֹן10 of 14

“were Gibeon”

H1391

gibon, a place in palestine

וְהַכְּפִירָ֔ה11 of 14

“and Chephirah”

H3716

kephirah, a place in palestine

וּבְאֵר֖וֹת12 of 14

“and Beeroth”

H881

beeroth, a place in palestine

וְקִרְיַ֥ת13 of 14
H0
יְעָרִֽים׃14 of 14

“and Kirjathjearim”

H7157

kirjath-jearim or kirjath-arim, a place in palestine

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 9:17 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 9:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 2:25Joshua 18:25-281 Samuel 7:1Joshua 18:141 Chronicles 21:29Joshua 10:2

Places in This Verse

BeerothSettlement · Modern: Khirbet el Burj · 31.82°N, 35.19°E9 verses across 5 books
ChephirahSettlement · Modern: Khirbet el Kefireh · 31.83°N, 35.11°E4 verses across 3 books
GibeonSettlement · Modern: El Jib · 31.85°N, 35.18°E39 verses across 7 books
Kiriath-jearimSettlement · Modern: Deir el Azar · 31.81°N, 35.10°E19 verses across 8 books
View all places in Joshua 9 →

Test Your Knowledge

Joshua 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJoshua Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Joshua 9 with CommentaryAll Joshua ChaptersComplete Joshua QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes