Joshua 19:38
New International Version
Iron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath and Beth Shemesh. There were nineteen towns and their villages.

New Living Translation
Yiron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh—nineteen towns with their surrounding villages.

English Standard Version
Yiron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh—nineteen cities with their villages.

Berean Standard Bible
Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh. There were nineteen cities, along with their villages.

King James Bible
And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

New King James Version
Iron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath, and Beth Shemesh: nineteen cities with their villages.

New American Standard Bible
Yiron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

NASB 1995
and Yiron and Migdal-el, Horem and Beth-anath and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

NASB 1977
and Yiron and Migdal-el, Horem and Beth-anath and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

Legacy Standard Bible
and Yiron and Migdal-el, Horem and Beth-anath and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

Amplified Bible
and Yiron and Migdal-el, Horem and Beth-anath and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

Christian Standard Bible
Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh—nineteen cities, with their settlements.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh—19 cities, with their villages.

American Standard Version
and Iron, and Migdal-el, Horem, and Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

English Revised Version
And Iron, and Migdal-el, Horem, and Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Yiron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath, and Beth Shemeth. There were 19 cities with their villages.

Good News Translation
Yiron, Migdalel, Horem, Bethanath, and Beth Shemesh: nineteen cities, along with the towns around them.

International Standard Version
Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh, for a total of nineteen towns and their villages.

Majority Standard Bible
Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh. There were nineteen cities, along with their villages.

NET Bible
Yiron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath, and Beth Shemesh. In all they had nineteen cities and their towns.

New Heart English Bible
Yiron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath, and Beth Shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Iron, and Migdal-el, Horem, and Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

World English Bible
Iron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath, and Beth Shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Iron, and Migdal-El, Horem, and Beth-Anath, and Beth-Shemesh; nineteen cities and their villages.

Young's Literal Translation
and Iron, and Migdal-El, Horem, and Beth-Anath, and Beth-Shemesh; nineteen cities and their villages.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Iron, and Migdol-El, Horem, and the Mouse of Affliction, and the House of the Sun; nineteen cities and their enclosures.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jeron and Magdalel, Herem, and Bethanath and Bethsames: nineteen cities, and their villages.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and Yiron and Migdalel, Horem and Bethanath, and Beth-shemesh: nineteen cities, and their villages.

New American Bible
Yiron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities and their villages.

New Revised Standard Version
Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh—nineteen towns with their villages.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Dion, Migdal-el, Hadon, Beth-anoth, and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Diune and Magdaliel and Kharum and Bayth Nath and Bayth Shemesh nineteen cities and their fields
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and Iron, and Migdal-el, and Horem, and Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and Keroe, and Megalaarim, and Baetthame, and Thessamys.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Naphtali's Inheritance
37Kedesh, Edrei, En-hazor, 38Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh. There were nineteen cities, along with their villages. 39This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Naphtali, including these cities and their villages.…

Cross References
Judges 1:33
Naphtali failed to drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and Beth-anath. So the Naphtalites also lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land, but the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and Beth-anath served them as forced laborers.

1 Kings 4:9-10
Ben-deker in Makaz, in Shaalbim, in Beth-shemesh, and in Elon-beth-hanan; / Ben-hesed in Arubboth (Socoh and all the land of Hepher belonged to him);

1 Chronicles 6:74-75
From the tribe of Asher they were given Mashal, Abdon, / Hukok, and Rehob, together with their pasturelands.

1 Chronicles 7:30-31
The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. / The sons of Beriah: Heber, as well as Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith.

1 Chronicles 7:32-33
Heber was the father of Japhlet, Shomer, and Hotham, and of their sister Shua. / The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These were Japhlet’s sons.

1 Chronicles 7:34-35
The sons of Shemer: Ahi, Rohgah, Hubbah, and Aram. / The sons of his brother Helem: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal.

1 Chronicles 7:36-37
The sons of Zophah: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, / Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera.

1 Chronicles 7:38-39
The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara. / The sons of Ulla: Arah, Hanniel, and Rizia.

1 Chronicles 7:40
All these were the descendants of Asher—heads of their families, choice and mighty men of valor, and chiefs among the leaders. The number of men fit for battle, recorded in their genealogies, was 26,000.

Isaiah 9:1
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations:

Matthew 4:13-16
Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, / to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: / “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— ...

Mark 1:21
Then Jesus and His companions went to Capernaum, and right away Jesus entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach.

Luke 4:31
Then He went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath He began to teach the people.

John 1:44
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter.

John 7:52
“Aren’t you also from Galilee?” they replied. “Look into it, and you will see that no prophet comes out of Galilee.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

Beth-shemesh

Joshua 19:22
And the coast reacheth to Tabor, and Shahazimah, and Bethshemesh; and the outgoings of their border were at Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages.

Jump to Previous
Anath Beth Bethanath Beth-Anath Bethshemesh Beth-Shemesh Beth-She'mesh Cities El Hamlets Iron Migdal Nineteen Places Shemesh Towns Unwalled Villages
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Anath Beth Bethanath Beth-Anath Bethshemesh Beth-Shemesh Beth-She'mesh Cities El Hamlets Iron Migdal Nineteen Places Shemesh Towns Unwalled Villages
Joshua 19
1. The lot of Simeon
10. of Zebulun
17. of Issachar
24. of Asher
32. of Naphtali
40. of Dan
49. The children of Israel give an inheritance to Joshua














Iron
Iron is a city located in the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is believed to be in the northern region of ancient Israel. The name "Iron" may be derived from a root meaning "place of wild goats," suggesting a rugged terrain. This city is part of the inheritance given to Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, as they settled in the Promised Land. The allocation of cities like Iron reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land.

Migdal-el
Migdal-el, meaning "tower of God," is another city within Naphtali's inheritance. The name suggests a place of strength or fortification, possibly indicating a strategic location. Towers were often used for defense and as watchpoints in ancient times. The mention of Migdal-el highlights the importance of security and divine protection for the Israelites as they established themselves in Canaan. This city is not frequently mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, but its inclusion underscores the comprehensive nature of the land distribution.

Horem
Horem is a lesser-known city in the biblical record, and its precise location remains unidentified. The name may mean "consecrated" or "devoted," which could imply a religious or cultural significance. The listing of Horem among the cities of Naphtali demonstrates the thoroughness of the tribal allotments and the diversity of the regions they encompassed. Each city, regardless of its prominence, played a role in the overall settlement and development of the Israelite nation.

Beth-anath
Beth-anath, meaning "house of response" or "house of affliction," is a city that later appears in the context of Israel's struggle with Canaanite influences. Judges 1:33 notes that the inhabitants of Beth-anath were not fully driven out, and the Canaanites continued to dwell there, subject to forced labor. This reflects the ongoing challenges Israel faced in fully possessing the land and maintaining their distinct identity amidst surrounding cultures. Beth-anath serves as a reminder of the spiritual and physical battles that accompany the fulfillment of God's promises.

Beth-shemesh
Beth-shemesh, meaning "house of the sun," is a city with significant historical and religious importance. It is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, including as a Levitical city (Joshua 21:16) and in the narrative of the Ark of the Covenant's return from the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:12-15). The name suggests a place associated with solar worship, which was common in Canaanite religion. The presence of Beth-shemesh in Naphtali's territory highlights the ongoing tension between Israelite monotheism and Canaanite religious practices.

There were nineteen cities, along with their villages.
The mention of nineteen cities, along with their villages, emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the land distribution to the tribe of Naphtali. This allocation reflects the fulfillment of God's covenant promises and the establishment of Israel as a nation in the Promised Land. The inclusion of both cities and their surrounding villages indicates the importance of community and agricultural support for sustaining the population. This detailed record of cities underscores the historical reality of Israel's settlement and the divine orchestration of their inheritance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Iron
A city within the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is part of the inheritance given to Naphtali.

2. Migdal-el
Another city in Naphtali's inheritance. The name means "tower of God," indicating a place of strength or refuge.

3. Horem
A city whose name means "devoted" or "consecrated." It is part of the Naphtali territory.

4. Beth-anath
A city named after the Canaanite goddess Anath, indicating the presence of Canaanite influence in the region.

5. Beth-shemesh
Meaning "house of the sun," this city was also part of Naphtali's inheritance and is noted for its religious significance.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Inheritance
The listing of cities in Joshua 19:38 is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the tribes of Israel. Each tribe received its inheritance as God had promised through Moses.

The Importance of Obedience
The failure of Naphtali to fully drive out the Canaanites, as seen in Judges 1:33, serves as a warning about the consequences of partial obedience. It reminds us of the importance of complete obedience to God's commands.

Cultural Influence and Compromise
The presence of cities like Beth-anath, named after a Canaanite deity, highlights the danger of cultural compromise. Believers are called to be in the world but not of it, maintaining their distinct identity in Christ.

Spiritual Significance of Places
Names like Migdal-el ("tower of God") and Beth-shemesh ("house of the sun") remind us of the spiritual significance of places and the importance of dedicating our homes and lives to God.(38) Migdal-el and Horem are identified as Kh.-Mujeidil and Harah on sheet 2, further north again; and Beth-anath as 'Ainatha (sheet 4).

Verse 38. - Migdal-el. The Magdala of the New Testament. It lay on the lake of Gennesareth. Beth-shemesh. A common name, derived from the worship of the sun. This is neither Beth-shemesh of Judah nor of Issachar (see ver. 22).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Iron,
וְיִרְאוֹן֙ (wə·yir·’ō·wn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3375: Yiron -- a city in Naphtali

Migdal-el,
אֵ֔ל (’êl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4027: Migdal-el -- 'tower of God', a stronghold in Naphtali

Horem,
חֳרֵ֥ם (ḥo·rêm)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2765: Horem -- 'sacred', a place in Naphtali

Beth-anath,
עֲנָ֖ת (‘ă·nāṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1043: Beth-anath -- 'temple of Anat', a place in Naphtali

and Beth-shemesh.
שָׁ֑מֶשׁ (šā·meš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1053: Beth-shemesh -- 'sun temple', three places in Palestine, also a place in Egypt

[There were] nineteen
תְּשַֽׁע־ (tə·ša‘-)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8672: Nine, ninth

cities,
עָרִ֥ים (‘ā·rîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

along with their villages.
וְחַצְרֵיהֶֽן׃ (wə·ḥaṣ·rê·hen)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common plural construct | third person feminine plural
Strong's 2691: A yard, a hamlet


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OT History: Joshua 19:38 Iron Migdal El Horem Beth Anath (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 19:37
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