And the coast of the Amorites was from the going up to Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.

JUDGES 1:36KJV
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Judges 1:36 (KJV)

What does Judges 1:36 mean?

Judges 1:36 describes the boundary of the Amorites’ territory, saying it stretched from the ascent of Akrabbim, from the rock, and went upward. This verse marks out the limits of land controlled by the Amorites at that time.

The book of Judges is recounting how the Israelite tribes settled in Canaan after entering the land. This verse is part of a list showing which areas the Israelites did not fully conquer. The “ascent of Akrabbim” and “the rock” are likely specific geographic landmarks, helping readers visualize where the Amorite territory lay in relation to Israelite land.

The Hebrew behind Judges 1:36

  • “coast” (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word means “border” or “boundary.” It clarifies that the verse is about the edge or limit of the Amorite land, not a seashore.
  • “Akrabbim” (עַקְרַבִּים, Aqrabbim): This is a place name meaning “scorpions.” It likely refers to a steep pass or ascent known for scorpions, marking a southern boundary.
  • “rock” (סֶלַע, sela‘): This word means “rock” or “crag.” It probably refers to a notable rocky landmark, possibly Petra or another prominent feature in the area.
  • “up” / “upward” (מַעֲלֶה, ma‘aleh / מָעְלָה, ma‘lah): Both words refer to going up or ascending, emphasizing the upward slope or elevation in the boundary’s direction.

Why Judges 1:36 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the historical geography of ancient Canaan, showing exactly where the Amorites lived in relation to Israelite tribes.
  • By marking the Amorite boundary, Judges 1:36 highlights areas where Israel had not yet gained control, underlining the incomplete conquest described in this chapter.
  • Understanding these boundaries gives context to later conflicts and interactions between Israel and neighboring peoples throughout the book of Judges.

Where else these words appear

“Akrabbim” Hebrew H4610 · used in 3 verses

  • Numbers 34:4 And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon:
  • Joshua 15:3 And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa:

“up” Hebrew H4608 · used in 18 verses

  • Numbers 34:4 And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon:
  • 1 Samuel 9:11 And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?
  • Nehemiah 12:37 And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.

“rock” Hebrew H5553 · used in 54 verses

  • Numbers 20:8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:12 And other ten thousand left alive did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces.
  • Isaiah 31:9 And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

“Amorites” Hebrew H567 · used in 86 verses

  • Genesis 10:16 And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite,
  • Deuteronomy 1:27 And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.
  • Joshua 24:12 And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.