The king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one;

JOSHUA 12:17KJV
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Joshua 12:17 (KJV)

What does Joshua 12:17 mean?

Joshua 12:17 lists two kings—one from Tappuah and one from Hepher—among those defeated by the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership. This verse is part of a record naming the specific kings and cities conquered as Israel took possession of the land west of the Jordan River.

Joshua 12 is a summary given by the narrator, likely for the people of Israel, recounting their victories after entering Canaan. The verse simply names the king of Tappuah and the king of Hepher, showing that these places, along with their rulers, were overcome. This list highlights the thoroughness of Israel’s conquest and serves as a historical record of God’s promise being fulfilled.

Where else these words appear

“Tappuah” Hebrew H8599 · used in 5 verses

  • Joshua 15:34 And Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam,
  • Joshua 16:8 The border went out from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.
  • Joshua 17:8 Now Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim;

“Hepher” Hebrew H2660 · used in 9 verses

  • Numbers 26:32 And of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites.
  • Numbers 27:1 Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.
  • 1 Kings 4:10 The son of Hesed, in Aruboth; to him pertained Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher: