Joshua 19:28 (KJV)

What does Joshua 19:28 mean?

Joshua 19:28 lists several towns—Hebron, Rehob, Hammon, Kanah, and great Zidon—as part of the territory assigned to the tribe of Asher during the division of the Promised Land. This verse marks the boundaries and key locations within Asher’s inheritance.

The book of Joshua records how Joshua, as leader of Israel, distributed the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes after their conquest. In this verse, the focus is on the tribe of Asher and the specific towns that defined their portion. Mentioning “great Zidon” highlights the northern reach of Asher’s territory, touching a significant and well-known city of the region.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 19:28

• זִידוֹן (Zidon, transliterated “Zidon”): This refers to the famous Phoenician city, often called “Sidon” today. The phrase “great Zidon” (צִידוֹן רַבָּה, tsidon rabbah) emphasizes its size and importance, showing that Asher’s territory extended to a major urban center.
• רַבָּה (rabbah, transliterated “great”): This word means “great” or “large.” Its use with Zidon stresses the prominence of this city compared to the other towns listed.

Why Joshua 19:28 matters

• The verse clarifies the extent of Asher’s territory, showing that it reached up to a major city, “great Zidon,” which was outside Israelite control but marked the northern limit.
• Listing these towns helps readers understand the historical and geographical context of Israel’s tribal boundaries, which is important for following later events in the Bible.
• The mention of “great Zidon” connects the biblical narrative to well-known ancient cities, grounding the story in real-world geography and history.