There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.

JOSHUA 11:22KJV
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Joshua 11:22 (KJV)

What does Joshua 11:22 mean?

Joshua 11:22 states that after Israel’s military campaigns, none of the Anakims—a group known for their great size—remained in the land controlled by the Israelites, except for a few who survived in the cities of Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod. This verse marks the near-complete removal of the Anakims from Israel’s territory, with only isolated survivors in specific Philistine cities.

Joshua 11:22 is part of a summary describing the results of Joshua’s conquests in Canaan. The writer is recounting to the people of Israel how the Anakims, who had once caused fear among the Israelites, were now gone from their land except in a few coastal strongholds. This detail highlights the thoroughness of Israel’s victories and sets up later stories involving these Philistine cities.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 11:22

  • אֲנָקִים (Anakim, ’anaqim): This word refers to a group of people known for their height and strength, often seen as giants. Their removal is significant because they had previously intimidated the Israelites.
  • יָתַר (left, yātar): This word means "to remain" or "to be left over." Its use here emphasizes that the Anakims were almost entirely wiped out, with only a few survivors.
  • שָׁאַר (remained, shā’ar): Closely related to "left," this word also means "to remain" or "to be left." The repetition of this idea underlines the completeness of Israel’s conquest, except for the exceptions named.

Why Joshua 11:22 matters

  • Joshua 11:22 clarifies that the feared Anakims were not completely destroyed but survived in a few Philistine cities, which later become significant in Israel’s history—most notably, Gath is where Goliath comes from.
  • The verse shows the fulfillment of earlier promises and commands about driving out intimidating peoples from the land, addressing the fears that had previously kept Israel from entering Canaan.
  • By naming Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod, Joshua 11:22 connects the conquest narrative to later conflicts with the Philistines, helping readers understand the ongoing challenges Israel would face.