Joshua 15:32
New International Version
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain and Rimmon—a total of twenty-nine towns and their villages.

New Living Translation
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon—twenty-nine towns with their surrounding villages.

English Standard Version
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon: in all, twenty-nine cities with their villages.

Berean Standard Bible
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon—twenty-nine cities in all, along with their villages.

King James Bible
And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:

New King James Version
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty-nine, with their villages.

New American Standard Bible
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon; in all, twenty-nine cities with their villages.

NASB 1995
and Lebaoth and Shilhim and Ain and Rimmon; in all, twenty-nine cities with their villages.

NASB 1977
and Lebaoth and Shilhim and Ain and Rimmon; in all, twenty-nine cities with their villages.

Legacy Standard Bible
and Lebaoth and Shilhim and Ain and Rimmon; in all, twenty-nine cities with their villages.

Amplified Bible
and Lebaoth and Shilhim and Ain and Rimmon; in all twenty-nine cities with their villages.

Christian Standard Bible
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon—twenty-nine cities in all, with their settlements.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon—29 cities in all, with their villages.

American Standard Version
and Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages.

English Revised Version
and Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon.

Good News Translation
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon: twenty-nine cities in all, along with the towns around them.

International Standard Version
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon, for a total of 29 cities and villages.

NET Bible
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon--a total of twenty-nine cities and their towns.

New Heart English Bible
and Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and En Rimmon. All the cities are twenty-nine, with their villages.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon—twenty-nine cities in all, along with their villages.

World English Bible
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon. All the cities are twenty-nine, with their villages.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon; all the cities [are] twenty-nine, and their villages.

Young's Literal Translation
and Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon; all the cities are twenty and nine, and their villages.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Lebaoth and Shilhim and Ain and Rimmon: all the cities twenty and nine and their enclosures:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Lebaoth and Selim and Aen and Remmon: all the cities twenty-nine, and their villages.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Lebaoth and Shilhim, and Ain and Rimmon. All the cities were twenty-nine, and their villages.

New American Bible
Lebaoth, Shilhim, and Ain and Rimmon; a total of twenty-nine cities with their villages.

New Revised Standard Version
Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon: in all, twenty-nine towns, with their villages.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Lebaoth, Shaloh, and Airmon, all the cities are thirty-six with their villages;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Labeuth and Shlukh and Irmun, all thirty six cities and their fields
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon; all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and Labos, and Sale, and Eromoth; twenty-nine cities, and their villages.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Cities of Judah
31Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah, 32Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon— twenty-nine cities in all, along with their villages. 33These were in the foothills: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,…

Cross References
Numbers 34:2-12
“Command the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land of Canaan, it will be allotted to you as an inheritance with these boundaries: / Your southern border will extend from the Wilderness of Zin along the border of Edom. On the east, your southern border will run from the end of the Salt Sea, / cross south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continue to Zin, and go south of Kadesh-barnea. Then it will go on to Hazar-addar and proceed to Azmon, ...

Joshua 19:1-9
The second lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Simeon: Their inheritance lay within the territory of Judah / and included Beersheba (or Sheba), Moladah, / Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem, ...

1 Chronicles 4:28-33
They lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, / Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, / Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, ...

Genesis 15:18-21
On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates— / the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, / Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, ...

Deuteronomy 34:1-4
Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho. And the LORD showed him the whole land—from Gilead as far as Dan, / all of Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, / the Negev, and the region from the Valley of Jericho (the City of Palms) all the way to Zoar. ...

Judges 1:17
Then the men of Judah went with their brothers the Simeonites, attacked the Canaanites living in Zephath, and devoted the city to destruction. So it was called Hormah.

1 Samuel 27:6
That day Achish gave him Ziklag, and to this day it still belongs to the kings of Judah.

2 Samuel 24:7
They went toward the fortress of Tyre and all the cities of the Hivites and Canaanites. Finally, they went on to the Negev of Judah, to Beersheba.

Ezekiel 47:13-23
This is what the Lord GOD says: “These are the boundaries by which you are to divide the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel; Joseph shall receive two portions. / You are to divide it equally among them. Because I swore with an uplifted hand to give it to your forefathers, this land will fall to you as an inheritance. / This shall be the boundary of the land: On the north side it will extend from the Great Sea by way of Hethlon through Lebo-hamath to Zedad, ...

Nehemiah 11:25-30
As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba, Dibon, Jekabzeel, and their villages; / in Jeshua, Moladah, and Beth-pelet; / in Hazar-shual; in Beersheba and its villages; ...

Matthew 1:1-17
This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: / Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. / Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram. ...

Luke 3:23-38
Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, / the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, / the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, ...

Acts 13:19
And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance.

Romans 15:8
For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,

Galatians 3:16
The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:

Numbers 34:11
And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward:

Rimmon

Nehemiah 11:29
And at Enrimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,

Jump to Previous
Ain A'in Cities Hamlets Lebaoth Nine Places Rimmon Total Towns Twenty Twenty-Nine Unwalled Villages
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Ain A'in Cities Hamlets Lebaoth Nine Places Rimmon Total Towns Twenty Twenty-Nine Unwalled Villages
Joshua 15
1. The borders of the lot of Judah
13. Caleb's portion and conquest
16. Othniel, for his valour, marries Achsah, Caleb's daughter
18. She obtains a blessing of her father
21. The cities of Judah
63. The Jebusites unconquered














Lebaoth
Lebaoth is a town mentioned in the allotment of land to the tribe of Judah. Its name means "lions," which may indicate the presence of lions in the area or symbolize strength and courage. The exact location of Lebaoth is uncertain, but it is believed to be in the southern part of Judah's territory. This area was known for its pastoral activities, which aligns with the name's association with animals.

Shilhim
Shilhim is another town listed in the inheritance of Judah. The name Shilhim means "fountains" or "springs," suggesting a location with water sources, which would have been vital for sustaining life in the arid region. The mention of Shilhim highlights the importance of water in the ancient Near East and the strategic placement of towns near such resources.

Ain
Ain, meaning "spring" or "eye," is indicative of a water source, similar to Shilhim. The presence of a spring would have made Ain a valuable location for settlement and agriculture. Springs were often seen as blessings from God, providing life-sustaining water in a dry land. Ain's mention in the list underscores the significance of water in the biblical narrative and God's provision for His people.

Rimmon
Rimmon, meaning "pomegranate," is a town that may have been known for its fruitfulness or abundance. The pomegranate is a symbol of fertility and prosperity in the Bible, often associated with the Promised Land's bounty. Rimmon's inclusion in Judah's territory reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to give His people a land flowing with milk and honey.

twenty-nine cities in all
The total number of cities listed as part of Judah's inheritance is twenty-nine. This enumeration signifies the completeness and sufficiency of God's provision for the tribe. The number of cities also reflects the organizational structure of the tribal allotments, ensuring that each tribe had adequate resources and land to sustain its population.

along with their villages
The mention of villages alongside the cities indicates the broader community and agricultural landscape surrounding these urban centers. Villages were essential for supporting the cities, providing food, labor, and other resources. This phrase highlights the interconnectedness of urban and rural life in ancient Israel and the comprehensive nature of the land distribution among the tribes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Lebaoth
A town in the southern part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. Its name means "lionesses," which may indicate strength or a notable feature of the area.

2. Shilhim
Another town within Judah's inheritance. The name is less clear in meaning but is part of the southern settlements.

3. Ain
A town whose name means "spring" or "fountain," suggesting a location with a water source, which would be vital for settlement.

4. Rimmon
A town that means "pomegranate," a fruit often associated with abundance and blessing in the Bible.

5. The Tribe of Judah
The tribe receiving this inheritance, known for its leadership role among the tribes of Israel and its connection to the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The allocation of land to Judah is a fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It reminds us that God is faithful to His word.

Significance of Names and Places
The names of the towns (e.g., Lebaoth, Ain, Rimmon) reflect characteristics or resources of the area, reminding us to consider the significance of our own "territories" and how God has equipped us.

Inheritance and Responsibility
Just as Judah received a physical inheritance, believers receive a spiritual inheritance in Christ. We are called to steward our inheritance responsibly.

Community and Belonging
The mention of cities and villages highlights the importance of community. As believers, we are part of a larger body and have a role within our spiritual community.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Joshua 15:32?

2. How does Joshua 15:32 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?

3. What can we learn about God's provision from the cities listed in Joshua 15:32?

4. How does Joshua 15:32 connect to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17?

5. How can we apply the concept of inheritance from Joshua 15:32 in our lives?

6. What does Joshua 15:32 teach us about the importance of specific details in Scripture?

7. What is the significance of the cities listed in Joshua 15:32 for Israel's history?

8. How does Joshua 15:32 reflect God's promise to the Israelites?

9. Why are specific cities mentioned in Joshua 15:32 important for biblical archaeology?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 15?

11. Who was Hushai in the Bible?

12. What is the identity of the Kenizzites?

13. Joshua 17:14-15: If the tribe's population was huge, why was their allotment so limited, and is this numerically believable?

14. Joshua 24:32 - What historical evidence, if any, validates the transport and burial of Joseph's remains at Shechem centuries after his death?
What Does Joshua 15:32 Mean
Lebaoth

“Lebaoth” opens the cluster of names in Joshua 15:32: “Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon—twenty-nine cities in all, along with their villages”.

• This town sits in the extreme south of Judah’s allotted land, a reminder that God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 13:14-17) stretched all the way to the Negev.

• Later, when the smaller tribe of Simeon needed space, Lebaoth is listed again inside Simeon’s borders (Joshua 19:6; 1 Chronicles 4:31). God’s Word records this transition to show His orderly provision: Judah willingly shared territory, Simeon humbly received it, and no promise was broken in the process.

• Each specific place name underscores the literal, physical nature of the conquest—real people inheriting real soil exactly as the Lord pledged (Deuteronomy 1:7-8).


Shilhim

• Another southern town, Shilhim reinforces that Judah’s inheritance was not limited to high-profile sites like Hebron and Jerusalem; every corner mattered. This echoes Joshua 14:9-12, where Caleb insists on taking even the rugged hill country because God had spoken.

• Shilhim also reappears in Simeon’s list (Joshua 19:6). The overlap illustrates unity among the tribes: distinct inheritances, yet one covenant people (Psalm 133:1-3).

• For today’s reader, an “obscure” name like Shilhim is a quiet nudge that the Lord sees and measures places—and people—others overlook (Luke 12:6-7).


Ain

• Positioned at Judah’s desert edge, Ain (“spring”) reminds us that God provides refreshment even in arid regions (Isaiah 41:17-18).

• In Numbers 34:10-11, Ain serves as a key landmark when Moses traces Israel’s southern boundary. That earlier promise now stands fulfilled under Joshua.

Joshua 19:7 lists Ain again for Simeon, cementing the theme of shared blessing. What once marked a border now nourishes an entire community—echoing Jesus’ later promise of “living water” flowing out to many (John 7:37-38).


Rimmon

• Mentioned here and in Joshua 19:7, Rimmon sits near Ain, forming a pair of settlements that guarded the Negev’s sparse resources.

• In Zechariah 14:10 the prophet uses Rimmon as a geographic bookend for Jerusalem’s future glory (“from Geba to Rimmon”), proving that God keeps track of small towns while orchestrating world-shaking events.

• The Negev could be harsh, yet Rimmon’s inclusion testifies that no environment is beyond Yahweh’s reach (Psalm 139:7-10).


Twenty-nine cities in all

• The precise number is intentional. Moses promised that “every place the sole of your foot treads will be yours” (Deuteronomy 11:24). Joshua’s tally confirms the count.

• It highlights accuracy: Scripture does not round off God’s gifts. From Jericho’s walls to the last hamlet of the south, the conquest record is exact (Joshua 21:43-45).

• It also underscores sufficiency: twenty-nine towns were more than adequate for Judah’s families at that moment. God’s provision always fits His people’s need (Philippians 4:19).


Along with their villages

• A city rarely stood alone; smaller settlements clustered around it for farming, grazing, and refuge (2 Chronicles 11:5-12).

• By noting the villages, the verse affirms that ordinary life—fields, homes, flocks—belongs inside God’s redemptive plan (Colossians 3:17).

• It assures modern readers that the Lord cares about the “villages” in our own lives: the routines, chores, and relationships that seem unremarkable yet are precious to Him (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).


summary

Joshua 15:32 is more than a travel itinerary. Each name verifies that the Lord delivered on His promise down to the last boundary stone. Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon show how God values every tribe, town, and village. The count of twenty-nine cities underscores Scripture’s precision and God’s sufficiency. Together they invite us to trust that the same faithful God still assigns, protects, and blesses every place His people set their feet.

Verse 32. - Ain, Rimmon (see Joshua 19:7; 1 Chronicles 4:32; Nehemiah 11:29). More likely the name of one place Ain-Rimmon, the fountain of the god Rimmon. For Rimmon see 2 Kings 5:18. The word signifying eye, or fountain, is written indifferently Ain or En in our version (see En-shemesh and En-rogel in this chapter). Bitumen is mentioned in Zechariah 14:10 as "south of Jerusalem." Now Umm er-Rumamin (Conder). Verse 32. Twenty-nine. There is another of the very common errors of numbers here. The actual number is thirty-six. The error is as old as the LXX. version.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Lebaoth,
וּלְבָא֥וֹת (ū·lə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3822: Lebaoth -- a city in southern Judah

Shilhim,
וְשִׁלְחִ֖ים (wə·šil·ḥîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7978: Shilhim -- a city in southern Judah

Ain,
וְעַ֣יִן (wə·‘a·yin)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5871: Ain -- a spring (of water)

and Rimmon—
וְרִמּ֑וֹן (wə·rim·mō·wn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7417: A Syrian god

twenty-nine
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים (‘eś·rîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth

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

in all,
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

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 15:32 Lebaoth Shilhim Ain and Rimmon (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 15:31
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