Neither did Zebulun drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became tributaries.

JUDGES 1:30KJV
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Judges 1:30 (KJV)

What does Judges 1:30 mean?

Judges 1:30 describes how the tribe of Zebulun did not drive out the people living in the towns of Kitron and Nahalol, so the Canaanites continued to live among them and were made to pay tribute. Instead of removing these original inhabitants as commanded, Zebulun allowed them to stay in the land under forced labor or taxation.

The verse is part of a larger section where the book of Judges lists the Israelite tribes that failed to fully take possession of their allotted territories after entering Canaan. The focus is on Zebulun’s incomplete obedience: rather than removing the Canaanite presence, they settled for a compromise by making the Canaanites "tributaries," meaning they had to pay or serve the new rulers.

The Hebrew behind Judges 1:30

  • "Drive out" (יָרַשׁ, yarash): This word often means to dispossess or remove from the land. The verse highlights that Zebulun did not completely remove the previous inhabitants, which was a key part of their original task.
  • "Tributaries" (מַס, mas): This term refers to forced laborers or those who pay tribute. Instead of total removal, the Canaanites were subjected to this status, showing a shift from conquest to economic control.

Why Judges 1:30 matters

  • The verse clarifies that partial obedience—allowing the Canaanites to remain as tributaries—was not what was originally commanded, setting up later problems for Israel.
  • It connects to a recurring theme in Judges: the Israelites’ compromises with the people of the land led to ongoing difficulties and conflicts.
  • The mention of specific towns (Kitron and Nahalol) grounds the account in real places, showing this was not just a general failure but had concrete effects on the land and its people.

Where else these words appear

“Nahalol” Hebrew H5096 · used in 3 verses

  • Joshua 19:15 And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages.
  • Joshua 21:35 Dimnah with her suburbs, Nahalal with her suburbs; four cities.

“tributaries” Hebrew H4522 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 49:15 And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.
  • Judges 1:35 But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.
  • 1 Kings 12:18 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

“Zebulun” Hebrew H2074 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 30:20 And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:1 These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,

“Canaanites” Hebrew H3669 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 10:18 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.
  • Numbers 14:45 Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.
  • Judges 1:3 And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.