Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Nezib is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It is identified as one of the cities in the territory assigned to the tribe of Judah. The reference to Nezib can be found in Joshua 15:43, where it is listed among other towns in the Shephelah, or the lowland region of Judah. The Berean Standard Bible renders this verse as follows: "Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah—nine cities, along with their villages."Geographical Context Nezib is situated in the Shephelah, a region characterized by its rolling hills and fertile valleys, which served as a buffer zone between the coastal plains and the central highlands of Judah. This area was strategically important due to its agricultural potential and its role as a corridor for trade and military movements. The exact location of Nezib is not definitively known today, but it is generally associated with the archaeological site of Khirbet Beit Nesib, located southwest of Hebron. Historical and Cultural Significance In the biblical narrative, Nezib is part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The allocation of land to the tribes, as described in the Book of Joshua, reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan. Nezib, along with other cities in the Shephelah, would have played a role in the daily life and defense of the tribe of Judah. The cities in this region, including Nezib, were often fortified and served as administrative centers. They were integral to the agricultural economy, producing grains, olives, and grapes, which were staples of the ancient Near Eastern diet. The presence of such cities underscores the organized settlement and development of the land by the Israelites during the period of the Judges and the United Monarchy. Biblical References and Interpretations While Nezib is not mentioned frequently in the Bible, its inclusion in the list of Judahite cities highlights the comprehensive nature of the tribal allotments. The mention of Nezib in Joshua 15:43 is part of a broader narrative that emphasizes the faithfulness of God in providing for His people and establishing them in the Promised Land. From a theological perspective, the distribution of land to the tribes of Israel is seen as a tangible expression of God's covenant with His people. Each city and region, including Nezib, represents a piece of the divine promise and serves as a reminder of the Israelites' identity and mission as God's chosen people. Archaeological Insights Although direct archaeological evidence for Nezib is limited, the identification with Khirbet Beit Nesib provides some insights into the settlement patterns and material culture of the region during the Iron Age. Excavations in the Shephelah have revealed fortified structures, pottery, and other artifacts that shed light on the daily life and interactions of the inhabitants with neighboring peoples, such as the Philistines. In summary, Nezib is a testament to the historical and spiritual heritage of the tribe of Judah, reflecting the broader themes of land, covenant, and identity that permeate the biblical narrative. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary NezibSmith's Bible Dictionary Nezib(garrison, pillar), a city of Judah, (Joshua 15:43) only, in the district of the Shefelah or lowland, one of the same group with Keilah and Mareshah. To Eusebius and Jerome it was evidently known. They place it on the road between Eleutheropolis and Hebron, seven or nine miles from the former, and there it still stands under the almost identical name of Beit Nusib or Chirbeh Nasib . Easton's Bible Dictionary A town in the "plain" of Judah. It has been identified with Beit Nuzib, about 14 miles south-west of Jerusalem, in the Wady Sur (Joshua 15:43). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEZIBne'-zib (netsibh; Codex Vaticanus Naseib; Codex Alexandrinus Nesib): A town in the Judean Shephelah, mentioned along with Keilah and Mareshah (Joshua 15:43). Eusebius, Onomasticon, places it 7 miles from Eleutheropolis (Beit Jibrin), on the road to Hebron. It is represented today by Beit Nasib, a village with ancient remains some 2 miles Southwest of Khirbet Kila (Keilah). Strong's Hebrew 5334. Netsib -- a place in Judah... 5333, 5334. Netsib. 5335 . a place in Judah. Transliteration: Netsib Phonetic Spelling: (nets-eeb') Short Definition: Nezib. ... Nezib. ... /hebrew/5334.htm - 6k Thesaurus Nezib (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NEZIB. ...Nezib (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:43 Iphtah, Ashnah, Nezib, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ... /n/nezib.htm - 7k Keilah (16 Occurrences) Nibhaz (1 Occurrence) Nezi'ah (2 Occurrences) Jiphthah (1 Occurrence) Jiphtah (1 Occurrence) Iphtah (3 Occurrences) Ashnah (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Nezib (1 Occurrence)Joshua 15:43 Subtopics Nezib: A City in the Territory of the Tribe of Judah Related Terms |
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