Joshua 15:46
New International Version
west of Ekron, all that were in the vicinity of Ashdod, together with their villages;

New Living Translation
From Ekron the boundary extended west and included the towns near Ashdod with their surrounding villages.

English Standard Version
from Ekron to the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their villages.

Berean Standard Bible
from Ekron to the sea, all the cities near Ashdod, along with their villages;

Berean Literal Bible
from Ekron to the sea, and all that is by the side of Ashdod, and their villages.

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

New King James Version
from Ekron to the sea, all that lay near Ashdod, with their villages;

New American Standard Bible
from Ekron even to the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their villages.

NASB 1995
from Ekron even to the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their villages.

NASB 1977
from Ekron even to the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their villages.

Legacy Standard Bible
from Ekron even to the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their villages.

Amplified Bible
from Ekron even to the sea, all that were beside Ashdod, with their villages;

Berean Annotated Bible
from Ekron (torn up by the roots) to the sea, all the cities near Ashdod (powerful), along with their villages;

Christian Standard Bible
from Ekron to the sea, all the cities near Ashdod, with their settlements;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
from Ekron to the sea, all the cities near Ashdod, with their villages;

American Standard Version
from Ekron even unto the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their villages.

English Revised Version
from Ekron even unto the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their villages.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This included all the cities with their villages between Ekron and the Mediterranean Sea and alongside Ashdod.

Good News Translation
and all the cities and towns near Ashdod, from Ekron to the Mediterranean Sea.

International Standard Version
from Ekron to the Mediterranean Sea, including everything by the edge of Ashdod, along with their villages,

NET Bible
from Ekron westward, all those in the vicinity of Ashdod and their towns;

New Heart English Bible
from Ekron even to the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their villages.

Webster's Bible Translation
From Ekron even to the sea, all that lay near Ashdod, with their villages:
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
from Ekron to the sea, all the cities near Ashdod, along with their villages;

World English Bible
from Ekron even to the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their villages.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
from Ekron and westward, all that [are] by the side of Ashdod, and their villages.

Berean Literal Bible
from Ekron to the sea, and all that is by the side of Ashdod, and their villages.

Young's Literal Translation
from Ekron and westward, all that are by the side of Ashdod, and their villages.

Smith's Literal Translation
From Ekron and the sea, all which was upon the hand of Ashdod, and their enclosures:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
From Accaron even to the sea: all places that lie towards Azotus and the villages thereof.

Catholic Public Domain Version
from Ekron, as far as the sea, all that inclines toward Ashdod, and its villages.

New American Bible
from Ekron to the sea, all the towns that lie alongside Ashdod, and their villages;

New Revised Standard Version
from Ekron to the sea, all that were near Ashdod, with their villages.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And all the land of Ashdod with its villages;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And all the country of Ashdod and their fields
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
from Ekron even unto the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their villages.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
from Accaron, Gemna, and all the cities that are near Asedoth; and their villages.

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Cities of Judah
45Ekron, with its towns and villages; 46from Ekron to the sea, all the cities near Ashdod, along with their villages; 47Ashdod, with its towns and villages; Gaza, with its towns and villages, as far as the Brook of Egypt and the coastline of the Great Sea.…

Cross References
from Ekron to the sea,

Joshua 13:3
from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites;

Judges 1:18
And Judah also captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron—each with its territory.

Numbers 34:6
Your western border will be the coastline of the Great Sea; this will be your boundary on the west.
all the cities near Ashdod,

2 Chronicles 26:6
Uzziah went out to wage war against the Philistines, and he tore down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built cities near Ashdod and among the Philistines.

Amos 1:8
I will cut off the ruler of Ashdod and the one who wields the scepter in Ashkelon. I will turn My hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines will perish,” says the Lord GOD.

Zephaniah 2:4
For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon left in ruins. Ashdod will be driven out at noon, and Ekron will be uprooted.
along with their villages;

Joshua 19:6
Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen—thirteen cities, along with their villages.

1 Chronicles 4:32-33
And their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan—five towns— / and all their surrounding villages as far as Baal. These were their settlements, and they kept a genealogical record:

2 Chronicles 28:18
The Philistines had also raided the cities of the foothills and the Negev of Judah, capturing and occupying Beth-shemesh, Aijalon, and Gederoth, as well as Soco, Timnah, and Gimzo with their villages.
1 Samuel 6:17
As a guilt offering to the LORD, the Philistines had sent back one gold tumor for each city: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron.

1 Kings 4:24
For Solomon had dominion over everything west of the Euphrates—over all the kingdoms from Tiphsah to Gaza—and he had peace on all sides.

Ezekiel 25:16
therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant along the coast.

Jeremiah 47:1-7
This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet about the Philistines before Pharaoh struck down Gaza. / This is what the LORD says: “See how the waters are rising from the north and becoming an overflowing torrent. They will overflow the land and its fullness, the cities and their inhabitants. The people will cry out, and all who dwell in the land will wail / at the sound of the galloping hooves of stallions, the rumbling of chariots, and the clatter of their wheels. The fathers will not turn back for their sons; their hands will hang limp. …

Amos 1:6-8
This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Gaza, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they exiled a whole population, delivering them up to Edom. / So I will send fire upon the walls of Gaza, to consume its citadels. / I will cut off the ruler of Ashdod and the one who wields the scepter in Ashkelon. I will turn My hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines will perish,” says the Lord GOD.

Zechariah 9:5-7
Ashkelon will see and fear; Gaza will writhe in agony, as will Ekron, for her hope will wither. There will cease to be a king in Gaza, and Ashkelon will be uninhabited. / A mixed race will occupy Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. / I will remove the blood from their mouths and the abominations from between their teeth. Then they too will become a remnant for our God; they will become like a clan in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites.

Genesis 10:19
and the borders of Canaan extended from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha.


Treasury of Scripture

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

near [heb] by the place of

2 Chronicles 26:6
And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.

Nehemiah 13:23,24
In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: …

Isaiah 20:1
In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod, (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,) and fought against Ashdod, and took it;

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Ashdod Ekron Hamlets Lay Places Sea Side Together Towns Unwalled Vicinity Villages West Westward
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Ashdod Ekron Hamlets Lay Places Sea Side Together Towns Unwalled Vicinity Villages West Westward
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












from Ekron to the sea,

Ekron marked the northern edge of Judah’s coastal territory, while the Mediterranean Sea formed its western boundary. Though Ekron was a leading Philistine city, it lay within the land assigned to Judah, reflecting the extent of Israel’s promised inheritance.

Jos 13:3 from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron…
Jdg 1:18 And Judah also captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron…
Num 34:6 Your western border will be the coastline of the Great Sea;…

all the cities near Ashdod,

Ashdod was another major Philistine stronghold on the coastal plain. The surrounding towns included in Judah’s allotment showed that the inheritance extended beyond isolated cities to the broader region controlled by Philistine power.

2Ch 26:6 Uzziah went out to wage war against the Philistines,…
Amo 1:8 I will cut off the ruler of Ashdod and the one…
Zep 2:4 For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon…

along with their villages;

Judah’s territory included the smaller agricultural settlements connected to these cities. The listing of villages confirms that the allotment embraced both fortified centers and the rural lands needed to sustain the people.

Jos 19:6 Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen—thirteen cities,…
1Ch 4:32-33 And their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen,…
2Ch 28:18 The Philistines had also raided the cities…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ekron
One of the five major Philistine cities, located in the southwestern part of Canaan. It was a significant center of Philistine power and culture.

2. Ashdod
Another major Philistine city, known for its strategic location and influence. It was a hub of trade and military activity.

3. The Sea
Refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which was the western boundary of the land allotted to the tribe of Judah.

4. Cities and Villages
This phrase indicates the numerous smaller settlements and communities that were part of the territory described, emphasizing the extent of the land.

5. Philistines
A people known for their conflicts with the Israelites, often representing opposition to God's people in the Old Testament account.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Promises
The allocation of land to the tribe of Judah, including cities like Ekron and Ashdod, reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives today.

Spiritual Warfare
The Philistine cities represent spiritual strongholds and opposition. Christians are called to recognize and confront spiritual battles in their own lives, relying on God's strength and guidance.

Territorial Boundaries
Just as the Israelites were given specific boundaries, Christians are called to understand and respect the boundaries God sets in their lives, whether moral, spiritual, or relational.

Cultural Engagement
The presence of Philistine cities within the land of Judah highlights the need for believers to engage with surrounding cultures while maintaining their distinct identity in Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Joshua 15:46?

2. How does Joshua 15:46 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?

3. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Joshua 15:46?

4. How does Joshua 15:46 connect to God's covenant with Abraham?

5. How can we apply the lessons of Joshua 15:46 to our daily lives?

6. What does Joshua 15:46 teach about trusting God's plan for our future?

7. What historical evidence supports the existence of Ekron and Ashdod in Joshua 15:46?

8. How does Joshua 15:46 fit into the broader narrative of Israel's territorial boundaries?

9. What is the theological significance of listing cities like Ekron and Ashdod in Joshua 15:46?

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


(46, 47) Ekron, Ashdod, and Gaza are all identified. Observe that the Philistine territory is assigned to Judah here.

Joshua 15:46 establishes Judah’s western frontier in four sweeping strokes: from the stronghold of Ekron, across fertile plains to the Mediterranean, through every city near Ashdod, and down to the smallest village. Each phrase underscores God’s total, literal gift of the land—comprehensive, uncontested, and trustworthy.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
from Ekron
מֵעֶקְר֖וֹן (mê·‘eq·rō·wn)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6138: Ekron -- a Philistine city

to the sea,
וָיָ֑מָּה (wā·yām·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

all
כֹּ֛ל (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the cities
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

near
יַ֥ד (yaḏ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

Ashdod,
אַשְׁדּ֖וֹד (’aš·dō·wḏ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 795: Ashdod -- a city of the Philistines

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


Additonal Resources
Joshua 15:46 Blue Letter Bible
Joshua 15:46 Bible Gateway
Joshua 15:46 Bible.com

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OT History: Joshua 15:46 From Ekron even to the sea all (Josh. Jos)

Joshua 15:45
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