Joshua 15:55 (KJV)

What does Joshua 15:55 mean?

Joshua 15:55 lists four towns—Maon, Carmel, Ziph, and Juttah—as part of the territory given to the tribe of Judah. This verse is part of a larger section that details the boundaries and cities allotted to Judah after the Israelites entered the land of Canaan.

In context, Joshua is recording the distribution of land among the tribes, as directed by God through Moses and Joshua. The verse simply names these towns to mark out the specific area that would belong to Judah. Each place mentioned had its own local significance, and the list helps define the tribe’s inheritance in concrete terms.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 15:55

• מָעוֹן (Maon, ma·on): This name is often understood as "dwelling" or "habitation." It marks a town in the southern hill country, which later appears in stories about David.
• כַּרְמֶל (Carmel, kar·mel): This name means "garden-land" or "fruitful field." It is not the famous Mount Carmel, but a town in Judah known for its fertile land.
• זִיף (Ziph, zif): This town’s name is linked to the wilderness where David hid from Saul, giving it some narrative importance later in the Bible.
• יֻטָּה (Juttah, yut·tah): The meaning is less clear, but it identifies another specific town in Judah’s territory, showing the detailed record-keeping of the land division.

Why Joshua 15:55 matters

• Joshua 15:55 shows how carefully the land was divided among the tribes, highlighting the importance of each community and its place in Israel’s history.
• The mention of these specific towns helps later readers connect stories about people like David to real locations within Judah.
• This verse is part of a larger effort to establish the Israelites’ new life in the land, giving a sense of order and belonging to each tribe.