Joshua 15:60 (KJV)

What does Joshua 15:60 mean?

Joshua 15:60 lists two towns—Kirjathbaal (also called Kirjathjearim) and Rabbah—along with their surrounding villages as part of the territory assigned to the tribe of Judah. This verse is part of a larger section that details the specific boundaries and towns included in Judah’s inheritance in the land of Canaan.

In the context of the book of Joshua, these lists were given by the narrator to the Israelites, recording how the land was divided among the tribes after they entered Canaan. Naming both Kirjathbaal and its alternate name, Kirjathjearim, helps clarify the identity of the town for later readers, since place names sometimes changed or had different local uses.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 15:60

• קִרְיַת־בַּעַל (Qiryath-ba‘al): This name means “city of Baal.” The mention of Baal here reflects the ancient Canaanite influence on place names, even within Israelite territory.
• קִרְיַת יְעָרִים (Qiryath-ye‘arim): This alternate name means “city of forests” or “town of woods.” The verse clarifies that Kirjathbaal and Kirjathjearim are the same place, which helps avoid confusion in later stories where Kirjathjearim is mentioned.
• רַבָּה (Rabbah): This is the name of another town included in Judah’s territory. The name simply means “great” or “large.”
• עָרִים (ʿarim): This word means “cities” or “towns.” It shows that the focus is on settled places, not just open land.
• חֲצֵרֵיהֶן (ḥătzereihen): This word means “their villages” or “settlements.” It indicates that the main towns also had smaller communities attached to them.

Why Joshua 15:60 matters

• Joshua 15:60 helps clarify the geography of Judah’s territory, especially by noting that Kirjathbaal and Kirjathjearim are the same place, which is important for understanding later biblical events involving the Ark of the Covenant.
• The verse shows how ancient place names could reflect both Canaanite religious influence (Baal) and natural features (forests), giving insight into the history and culture of the region.
• By listing both towns and their villages, Joshua 15:60 emphasizes the organized settlement of the land, not just isolated cities, reflecting the broader process of Israelite occupation and community life in Canaan.