Joshua 19:21 (KJV)

What does Joshua 19:21 mean?

Joshua 19:21 lists four towns—Remeth, Engannim, Enhaddah, and Bethpazzez—that were included in the territory assigned to the tribe of Issachar as part of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. This verse is part of a detailed record showing which specific places each tribe received.

In the context of the book of Joshua, these place names are being read out as part of an official allotment by Joshua and the leaders of Israel to the people of Issachar. The verse is not making a theological point but is instead documenting the boundaries and settlements that would define the tribe’s inheritance. This careful listing helped establish the identity and future of each tribe in the land.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 19:21

• רֶמֶת (Remeth, transliterated "Remeth") means "height" or "elevation." Its inclusion may point to a town located on higher ground within Issachar’s territory.
• עֵין גַּנִּים (Engannim, transliterated "En-gannim") means "spring of gardens." This name suggests a place known for its water source and fertile surroundings, which would have been valuable for agriculture.
• עֵין חַדָּה (Enhaddah, transliterated "En-haddah") means "spring of sharpness" or possibly "spring of the new moon." The exact meaning is less certain, but it indicates another settlement centered around a water source.
• בֵּית פַּצֵּץ (Bethpazzez, transliterated "Beth-pazzez") means "house of dispersion" or "house of scattering." This could hint at a place where people or resources were spread out, though the precise historical significance is unclear.

Why Joshua 19:21 matters

• Joshua 19:21 shows the care taken to record the specific inheritance of each tribe, underlining the importance of land and identity in ancient Israel.
• The verse connects to the larger passage by demonstrating the fulfillment of God’s promise to give each tribe a portion of the land, reinforcing the trustworthiness of that promise.
• By naming these towns, the verse helps later generations locate their ancestral heritage and maintain tribal boundaries, which were crucial for Israel’s social and religious life.