Old Testament

Joshua 15:46

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

from Ekron to the sea, including everything near Ashdod with their villages;

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

From Ekron even unto the sea, all that lay near Ashdod, with their villages:

What Joshua 15:46 means

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse describes a specific geographical area in the land of Canaan that was allocated to the tribe of Judah. It mentions the region stretching from Ekron, a city in the western part of the territory, to the Mediterranean Sea. The verse highlights the inclusion of nearby villages around Ashdod, another significant city in the area. This allocation is part of the broader narrative of the Israelites taking possession of the Promised Land, where each tribe received its designated territory. The mention of villages indicates that the land was not just barren but populated, suggesting a thriving community. This allocation was crucial for the tribe of Judah as it established their presence and influence in the region, which would play a significant role in their future. Understanding these geographical boundaries helps us appreciate the historical context of the Israelites' settlement and the importance of land in biblical narratives.

How to apply Joshua 15:46 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of community and belonging. Just as the Israelites were given specific lands, we too can find our place in our communities. We should seek to contribute positively to our surroundings, fostering relationships and supporting one another in our shared spaces.

Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Rachel smiling as she holds her newborn son Joseph inside a lamp-lit tent

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Joseph, Jacob's son

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Joshua 15:46

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Joshua 15:46

At a Glance — the Book of Joshua

Author
Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
Written
Around 1400-1370 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The Israelites entering Canaan

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Joshua 15:46 mean?

Joshua 15:46 describes the geographical area allocated to the tribe of Judah, stretching from the city of Ekron to the Mediterranean Sea, including nearby villages around Ashdod. This allocation is part of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land.

What is the significance of Ekron in Joshua 15:46?

Ekron is mentioned as a key city in the western territory of Judah, marking one end of the land allocation. Its inclusion highlights the strategic importance of the region for the tribe of Judah.

What does the mention of villages in Joshua 15:46 indicate?

The mention of villages in Joshua 15:46 indicates that the land was populated and thriving, suggesting a community that existed in the area, which was important for the tribe's settlement and influence.

How does Joshua 15:46 relate to the Promised Land?

Joshua 15:46 is part of the narrative of the Israelites taking possession of the Promised Land, showing how each tribe, including Judah, received specific territories to establish their communities and influence.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.