Old Testament
Judges 18:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They renamed the city Dan, after their ancestor Dan, who was a son of Israel. The city had originally been called Laish.
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And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born unto Israel: howbeit the name of the city was Laish at the first.
What Judges 18:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 18:29, the tribe of Dan renames the city of Laish to Dan, honoring their ancestor Dan, one of the sons of Jacob (Israel). This act signifies their claim over the city and their desire to establish their identity and heritage in the land. The original name, Laish, reflects the city's earlier inhabitants, but the Danites sought to assert their presence and legacy by adopting a name that connected them to their forefather. This renaming also illustrates the broader theme of the Israelites establishing their territories and identities in the Promised Land, often by taking over existing cities and rebranding them. The act of renaming is significant in biblical narratives, as names often carry deep meanings and reflect the values and beliefs of the people. By naming the city after Dan, the tribe reinforces their lineage and unity, which is crucial for their survival and identity in a land filled with challenges and competing tribes.
How to apply Judges 18:29 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own identities and the legacies we carry. Just as the Danites honored their ancestor, we should recognize and appreciate our roots while also considering how we can positively influence our communities and uphold our values in today's world.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 18:29 mean?
Judges 18:29 describes how the tribe of Dan renamed the city of Laish to Dan, honoring their ancestor Dan, a son of Israel. This act symbolizes their claim to the city and their desire to establish their identity in the Promised Land.
What is the significance of renaming the city in Judges 18:29?
The renaming of Laish to Dan in Judges 18:29 signifies the tribe of Dan's assertion of their heritage and territorial claim. It reflects the broader theme of the Israelites establishing their identities by taking over existing cities and rebranding them.
Who was Dan in Judges 18:29?
In Judges 18:29, Dan refers to one of the sons of Jacob (Israel) and the ancestor of the tribe of Dan. The city is named after him to honor their lineage and reinforce their identity in the land.
What does the original name Laish mean in Judges 18:29?
The original name Laish, mentioned in Judges 18:29, refers to the city before it was renamed by the tribe of Dan. It reflects the city's earlier inhabitants and history before the Danites claimed it.
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