King James Version

What Does Judges 1:31 Mean?

Judges 1:31 in the King James Version says “Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of ...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:”

Judges 1:31 · KJV

Context

29

Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them.

30

Neither did Zebulun drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became tributaries.

31

Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:

32

But the Asherites dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out.

33

Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, nor the inhabitants of Bethanath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Bethshemesh and of Bethanath became tributaries unto them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:

Asher's failure is most extensive—seven unconquered cities listed: Accho, Zidon, Ahlab, Achzib, Helbah, Aphik, and Rehob. Most were Phoenician coastal cities or towns in coastal plain and lower Galilee. Accho (later Ptolemais, modern Acre) and Zidon (Sidon) were major Mediterranean ports with powerful naval and commercial presence. These cities' strength derived not merely from military fortifications but from extensive trade networks, economic power, and cultural sophistication—making them formidable opponents.

Asher's allotment (Joshua 19:24-31) included some of Canaan's most productive territory—fertile coastal plain and Galilean hills. However, it also bordered Phoenicia, facing advanced urban civilizations (Tyre, Sidon) that Israel never conquered. The Phoenicians' maritime power, iron technology, and cultural development made them virtually unconquerable for early Israel. Even at Israel's height under David and Solomon, Phoenicia remained independent ally rather than conquered vassal (2 Samuel 5:11, 1 Kings 5:1-12).

Theologically, Asher's extensive failure illustrates how certain life areas present extraordinary challenges requiring extraordinary faith. The Phoenician cities weren't merely difficult but seemed impossible—advanced, powerful, culturally influential. Yet God's promises included these territories. Christians face analogous 'Phoenician cities'—entrenched sins, systemic injustices, deeply rooted cultural patterns—that seem unconquerable. However, 'with God all things are possible' (Matthew 19:26). What one generation deemed impossible, subsequent generations may conquer through persistent, faith-filled obedience (Hebrews 11:32-34).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Phoenician cities (Tyre, Sidon, Accho) were among the ancient world's most advanced civilizations. Phoenicians pioneered maritime trade, establishing colonies throughout Mediterranean (Carthage, Cyprus, Spain). They developed alphabetic writing (ancestor of Hebrew, Greek, and Latin alphabets), advanced shipbuilding, purple dye production (from murex snails), and extensive trade networks from Britain to East Africa. Their cultural sophistication and economic power made them formidable.

Archaeological excavations at Phoenician sites reveal impressive material culture—sophisticated pottery, ivory carvings, metalwork, glass production, and monumental architecture. Tyre's island fortifications made it virtually impregnable (resisting Assyrian siege for five years, Nebuchadnezzar for thirteen years, before Alexander the Great finally conquered it via causeway, 332 BCE). This military-technological superiority explains Israel's inability to conquer Phoenicia during the judges period.

Israel's relationship with Phoenicia evolved from failed conquest to trading partnership. Solomon's friendship with Hiram of Tyre provided cedars, craftsmen, and ships for temple construction and Red Sea trade (1 Kings 5:1-12, 9:26-28). However, this relationship brought spiritual dangers—Solomon's Phoenician wives led him to Ashtoreth worship (1 Kings 11:5). Later, Ahab's marriage to Jezebel (Phoenician princess) introduced aggressive Baal worship (1 Kings 16:31-33). Incomplete conquest's consequences included not just military threats but spiritual corruption through cultural-religious influence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'Phoenician cities' (seemingly unconquerable enemies) has God called you to engage despite apparent impossibility?
  2. How does Asher's intimidation by advanced Phoenician civilization parallel modern Christian intimidation by secular cultural sophistication?
  3. What role does faith versus pragmatic assessment play in determining which spiritual battles Christians engage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
אָשֵׁ֗ר1 of 19

“Neither did Asher”

H836

asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine

לֹ֤א2 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הוֹרִישׁ֙3 of 19

“drive out”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

אֶת4 of 19
H853

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

יֽוֹשְׁבֵ֖י5 of 19

“nor the inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַכּ֔וֹ6 of 19

“of Accho”

H5910

akko (from its situation on a bay)

וְאֶת7 of 19
H853

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

יֽוֹשְׁבֵ֖י8 of 19

“nor the inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

צִיד֑וֹן9 of 19

“of Zidon”

H6721

tsidon, the name of a son of canaan, and of a place in palestine

וְאֶת10 of 19
H853

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

אַחְלָ֤ב11 of 19

“nor of Ahlab”

H303

achlab, a place in palestine

וְאֶת12 of 19
H853

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

אַכְזִיב֙13 of 19

“nor of Achzib”

H392

akzib, the name of two places in palestine

וְאֶת14 of 19
H853

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

חֶלְבָּ֔ה15 of 19

“nor of Helbah”

H2462

chelbah, a place in palestine

וְאֶת16 of 19
H853

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

אֲפִ֖יק17 of 19

“nor of Aphik”

H663

aphek (or aphik), the name of three places in palestine

וְאֶת18 of 19
H853

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

רְחֹֽב׃19 of 19

“nor of Rehob”

H7340

rechob, the name of a place in syria, also of a syrian and an israelite

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 1:31 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 Judges 1:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:24-30

Places in This Verse

AccoSettlement · Modern: Tel Akko · 32.92°N, 35.09°E1 verse across 1 book
Achzib 2Settlement · Modern: Tel Achziv · 33.05°N, 35.10°E2 verses across 2 books
AhlabSettlement · Modern: Khirbet al Mahalib · 33.32°N, 35.24°E1 verse across 1 book
AphikSettlement · Modern: Tel Afek · 32.85°N, 35.11°E1 verse across 1 book
HelbahSettlement · Modern: Khirbet al Mahalib · 33.32°N, 35.24°E1 verse across 1 book
Rehob 3Settlement · Modern: Tell Bir el Gharbi · 32.90°N, 35.17°E4 verses across 3 books
SidonSettlement · Modern: Sandikli archaeological site in Sidon · 33.56°N, 35.37°E37 verses across 16 books
View all places in Judges 1 →

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