And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.

JOSHUA 19:47KJV
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Joshua 19:47 (KJV)

What does Joshua 19:47 mean?

Joshua 19:47 describes how the tribe of Dan found that the land originally assigned to them was too small, so they went north, fought against the city of Leshem, captured it by force, settled there, and renamed the city Dan after their ancestor. This verse explains a key moment when the Danites expanded their territory beyond what was first given to them.

The book of Joshua is recounting how the land of Canaan was divided among the tribes of Israel after their conquest. Here, the focus is on the tribe of Dan, who struggled to settle in their allotted area, likely due to pressure from neighboring peoples. The verse notes their decision to seek new territory, their military action against Leshem, and the renaming of the city, which ties their identity to their forefather Dan.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 19:47

  • "coast" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word means "border" or "territory," highlighting that the Danites' assigned land was too limited for their needs.
  • "smote" (נָכָה, nakah): This verb means "to strike" or "to defeat," emphasizing that the capture of Leshem was achieved through force, not peaceful settlement.
  • "possessed" (יָרַשׁ, yarash): This word means "to take possession" or "to inherit," underlining that the Danites took full control of Leshem, making it their own.
  • "called" (קָרָא, qara): This means "to name" or "to proclaim," showing the importance of renaming Leshem to Dan, which established a lasting connection to their tribal identity.

Why Joshua 19:47 matters

  • Joshua 19:47 clarifies that not all tribes were able to settle easily in the land assigned to them, showing the practical challenges the Israelites faced even after the conquest.
  • The verse connects to the later story in Judges 18, where the tribe of Dan's migration and conquest of Leshem (also called Laish) is described in more detail, providing important background for later biblical events.
  • By noting the renaming of Leshem to Dan, the verse explains the origin of the city of Dan, which becomes a significant location in Israel's history, especially in the stories of the divided kingdom and idolatry.

Where else these words appear

“Dan” Hebrew H1835 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 2 Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

“took” Hebrew H3920 · used in 112 verses

  • Numbers 21:32 And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.
  • Judges 9:50 Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it.
  • Proverbs 5:22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.