Joshua 15:36 (KJV)

What does Joshua 15:36 mean?

Joshua 15:36 lists four towns—Sharaim, Adithaim, Gederah, and Gederothaim—as part of a group of fourteen cities with their villages that were allotted to the tribe of Judah. This verse is part of a detailed record of the land divisions among the tribes of Israel after they entered Canaan.

In the context of Joshua, these lists were spoken by the narrator to document how the land was divided under Joshua’s leadership. The specific towns named here were located in the lowland region given to Judah, showing the careful and organized way the Israelites recorded their inheritance. Each city and its surrounding villages were important for establishing the boundaries and settlements of the tribe.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 15:36

• שַׁעֲרַיִם (Shaʿarayim): This name means "two gates" or "double gate," possibly hinting at a town with a notable entrance or fortification, which may have been significant for defense or trade.
• עֲדִיתַיִם (ʿAdithayim): The meaning is less certain, but as a place name, it marks a specific location within Judah’s territory, showing the diversity of settlements.
• גְּדֵרָה (Gederah) and גְּדֵרוֹתַיִם (Gederothayim): Both names come from a root meaning "wall" or "enclosure," suggesting these towns may have been known for their fortifications or sheepfolds, which fits with the agricultural life of the region.
• אַרְבַּע עָשָׂר (arbaʿ ʿasar): This phrase means "fourteen," confirming the total number of cities listed in this section, emphasizing the completeness and order of the record.

Why Joshua 15:36 matters

• This verse helps clarify the historical and geographical detail of Judah’s inheritance, showing that the biblical record took care to name even small towns and their villages.
• By naming these specific places, Joshua 15:36 highlights the importance of every community in the life of ancient Israel, not just the major cities.
• The verse connects to the larger passage by demonstrating the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the practical steps taken to settle it.