Joshua 15:40 (KJV)

What does Joshua 15:40 mean?

Joshua 15:40 lists three towns—Cabbon, Lahmam, and Kithlish—as part of the territory assigned to the tribe of Judah. This verse is part of a detailed record of the boundaries and cities given to Judah after the Israelites entered the Promised Land.

In the context of the book of Joshua, these lists were spoken by the narrator to document how the land was divided among the tribes. Naming these specific places shows the thoroughness of the land distribution and helps trace the historical geography of ancient Israel. Each name marks a real location important to the people receiving their inheritance.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 15:40

• כַּבּוֹן (Kabbon, transliterated "Cabbon") refers to a town in Judah's territory. Its exact location is uncertain today, but its mention confirms the careful recording of even lesser-known places.
• לַחְמָם (Lahmam, transliterated "Lahmam") is another town included in Judah's allotment. The name itself does not reveal much, but its inclusion highlights the completeness of the tribal boundaries.
• כִּתְלִישׁ (Kithlish, transliterated "Kithlish") is also a town in this list. Like the others, it demonstrates the detailed nature of the land division.

Why Joshua 15:40 matters

• Joshua 15:40 helps readers see that the biblical record pays close attention to detail, listing even small or obscure towns to show the fairness and thoroughness of the land distribution.
• This verse connects to the larger passage by showing how the tribe of Judah received a specific, well-defined inheritance, which was important for their identity and settlement.
• By naming these towns, the text preserves a historical record that can help modern readers and researchers understand the geography and history of ancient Israel.