And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.

JOSHUA 14:15KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 14:15 (KJV)

What does Joshua 14:15 mean?

Joshua 14:15 explains that the city now called Hebron was previously known as Kirjatharba, named after Arba, who was a prominent figure among the Anakims. The verse ends by noting that the land experienced peace from war at this point.

This verse comes as part of the account of Caleb receiving Hebron as his inheritance after the Israelites entered Canaan. The mention of Arba and the Anakims highlights the former reputation of the city as a stronghold of giants, making Caleb’s possession of it significant. The statement that the land had rest from war signals a turning point, showing that the period of conquest was ending and a time of peace was beginning.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 14:15

  • Hebron (חֶבְרוֹן, ḥevron): This is the name of the city Caleb receives; it means "association" or "alliance," which may hint at its historical or social significance.
  • Kirjatharba (קִרְיַת אַרְבַּע, qiryat arba): This earlier name means "city of Arba," with Arba described as a "great man" among the Anakims, emphasizing the city's former association with a powerful figure.
  • Anakims (עֲנָקִים, ʿanaqim): This term refers to a group of people known for their great size and strength, often described as giants in the Old Testament, which underlines the challenge Caleb overcame.
  • Rest (שָׁקַט, shaqat): The word used for "rest" here carries the sense of quietness or tranquility after conflict, marking a significant shift from warfare to peace.

Why Joshua 14:15 matters

  • Joshua 14:15 clarifies the historical background of Hebron, connecting it to its earlier Canaanite identity and the legendary figure Arba, which helps readers understand why the city was so significant.
  • The verse highlights the defeat of the Anakims and the transition from conflict to peace, underscoring the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel and the faithfulness of Caleb.
  • By noting that the land had rest from war, the verse signals a major shift in the narrative from conquest to settlement, setting the stage for the next phase of Israel’s history in the land.

Where else these words appear

“Kirjatharba” Hebrew H7153 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 23:2 And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.
  • Joshua 15:13 And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron.
  • Joshua 21:11 And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.

“Anakims” Hebrew H6062 · used in 9 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:28 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.
  • Deuteronomy 2:11 Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emims.
  • Joshua 11:21 And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.

“rest” Hebrew H8252 · used in 41 verses

  • Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.
  • Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

“Hebron” Hebrew H2275 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 13:18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.
  • Joshua 21:13 Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,
  • 2 Samuel 5:13 And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.