Judges 1:21
New International Version
The Benjamites, however, did not drive out the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the Benjamites.

New Living Translation
The tribe of Benjamin, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live in Jerusalem among the people of Benjamin.

English Standard Version
But the people of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem, so the Jebusites have lived with the people of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

Berean Standard Bible
The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the Benjamites.

King James Bible
And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.

New King James Version
But the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem; so the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

New American Standard Bible
But the sons of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem; so the Jebusites have lived with the sons of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

NASB 1995
But the sons of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem; so the Jebusites have lived with the sons of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

NASB 1977
But the sons of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem; so the Jebusites have lived with the sons of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the sons of Benjamin did not dispossess the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem; so the Jebusites have lived with the sons of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

Amplified Bible
But the sons of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem; so the Jebusites have lived with the sons of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

Christian Standard Bible
At the same time the Benjaminites did not drive out the Jebusites who were living in Jerusalem. The Jebusites have lived among the Benjaminites in Jerusalem to this day.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
At the same time the Benjaminites did not drive out the Jebusites who were living in Jerusalem. The Jebusites have lived among the Benjaminites in Jerusalem to this day.

American Standard Version
And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.

Contemporary English Version
The Jebusites were living in Jerusalem, and the Benjamin tribe did not defeat them or capture the town. That's why Jebusites still live in Jerusalem along with the people of Benjamin.

English Revised Version
And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem: but the Jebusites dwelt with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem, unto this day.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The men of Benjamin did not force out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem. The Jebusites still live with the tribe of Benjamin in Jerusalem today.

Good News Translation
But the people of the tribe of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem, and the Jebusites have continued to live there with the people of Benjamin ever since.

International Standard Version
However, the descendants of Benjamin did not expel the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem, so the Jebusites have lived with the descendants of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

Majority Standard Bible
The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the Benjamites.

NET Bible
The men of Benjamin, however, did not conquer the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. The Jebusites live with the people of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this very day.

New Heart English Bible
The people of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the people of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

World English Bible
The children of Benjamin didn’t drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem, but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the sons of Benjamin have not dispossessed the Jebusite inhabiting Jerusalem; and the Jebusite dwells with the sons of Benjamin, in Jerusalem, until this day.

Young's Literal Translation
And the Jebusite, inhabiting Jerusalem, the sons of Benjamin have not dispossessed; and the Jebusite dwelleth with the sons of Benjamin, in Jerusalem, till this day.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the Jebusite dwelling in Jerusalem, the sons of Benjamin did not drive out; and the Jebusite dwelt with the sons of Benjamin in Jerusalem even to this day.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the sons of Benjamin did not destroy the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem: and the Jebusite hath dwelt with the sons of Benjamin in Jerusalem until this present day.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But the sons of Benjamin did not wipe out the Jebusite inhabitants of Jerusalem. And the Jebusite has lived with the sons of Benjamin in Jerusalem, even to the present day.

New American Bible
As for the Jebusites dwelling in Jerusalem, the Benjaminites did not dispossess them, so that the Jebusites live with the Benjaminites in Jerusalem to the present day.

New Revised Standard Version
But the Benjaminites did not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem; so the Jebusites have lived in Jerusalem among the Benjaminites to this day.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the children of Benjamin did not destroy the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Yebusites who were dwelling in Jerusalem did not destroy the sons of Benjamin, and the Yebusites have dwelt with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem until today
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwelt with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem, unto this day.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But the children of Benjamin did not take the inheritance of the Jebusite who dwelt in Jerusalem; and the Jebusite dwelt with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem until this day.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jerusalem and Hebron Captured
20Just as Moses had promised, Judah gave Hebron to Caleb, who drove out the descendants of the three sons of Anak. 21The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the Benjamites. 22The house of Joseph also attacked Bethel, and the LORD was with them.…

Cross References
Joshua 15:63
But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the descendants of Judah.

2 Samuel 5:6-7
Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.” / Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).

1 Chronicles 11:4-5
Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land. / The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).

Joshua 18:28
Zelah, Haeleph, Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kiriath-jearim—fourteen cities, along with their villages. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin.

2 Samuel 5:8-9
On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.” / So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward.

1 Kings 9:20-21
As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)— / their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day.

Nehemiah 11:1
Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in the holy city of Jerusalem, while the remaining nine were to dwell in their own towns.

Nehemiah 11:4
while some of the descendants of Judah and Benjamin settled in Jerusalem.) From the descendants of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez;

1 Chronicles 9:2-3
Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. / Some of the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem:

1 Chronicles 9:35
Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon. His wife’s name was Maacah.

Matthew 1:5-6
Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, / and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife,

Acts 13:22
After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’

Hebrews 11:32
And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,

Acts 7:45-47
And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David, / who found favor in the sight of God and asked to provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. / But it was Solomon who built the house for Him.

Matthew 22:42-45
“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” “David’s,” they answered. / Jesus said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord’? For he says: / ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’ ...


Treasury of Scripture

And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

Judges 19:10-12
But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus, which is Jerusalem; and there were with him two asses saddled, his concubine also was with him…

Joshua 15:63
As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.

Joshua 18:11-28
And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph…

Jump to Previous
Benjamin Benjamites Children Dislodge Dispossessed Drive Dwell Dwelleth Dwelt However Inhabited Jebusite Jebusites Jeb'usites Jerusalem Judah Live
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Benjamin Benjamites Children Dislodge Dispossessed Drive Dwell Dwelleth Dwelt However Inhabited Jebusite Jebusites Jeb'usites Jerusalem Judah Live
Judges 1
1. The acts of Judah and Simeon
4. Adonibezek justly requited
8. Jerusalem taken
10. Hebron taken
11. Othniel has Achsah to wife for taking of Debir
16. The Kenites dwell in Judah
17. Hormah, Gaza, Askelon, and Ekron taken
21. The acts of Benjamin
22. Of the house of Joseph, who take Bethel
30. Of Zebulun
31. Of Asher
33. Of Naphtali
34. Of Dan














The Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. Known for their fierce warriors, the Benjamites held a significant position among the tribes. Historically, their territory included Jerusalem, which was a strategic and spiritual center. The failure of the Benjamites to fully possess their inheritance reflects a recurring theme in the Book of Judges, where the Israelites struggle to fully claim the Promised Land due to incomplete obedience to God's commands.

Failed to drive out
The Hebrew root for "failed" (לוֹא יָכְלוּ, lo yaklu) implies an inability or lack of strength. This phrase highlights a spiritual and physical shortcoming. The Benjamites' failure was not merely a military defeat but also a spiritual one, as it demonstrated a lack of faith and obedience to God's command to fully possess the land. This failure set a precedent for future struggles and conflicts with the inhabitants of the land.

The Jebusites
The Jebusites were one of the Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land before the Israelites. They were known to be strong and resilient, with Jerusalem as their stronghold. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Jebusites had a well-fortified city, making it difficult for the Israelites to conquer. The presence of the Jebusites in Jerusalem serves as a reminder of the Israelites' incomplete conquest and the ongoing influence of pagan cultures.

Living in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, a city of immense historical and spiritual significance, was intended to be a central place of worship for the Israelites. The Jebusites' continued presence in Jerusalem symbolizes the persistent challenge of idolatry and foreign influence within Israel. This phrase underscores the tension between God's promise and the Israelites' reality, as Jerusalem would later become the political and spiritual heart of Israel under King David.

So to this day
This phrase indicates the enduring nature of the situation at the time the text was written. It serves as a historical marker, emphasizing the long-term consequences of the Benjamites' failure. The persistence of the Jebusites in Jerusalem is a testament to the Israelites' ongoing struggle with obedience and faithfulness to God's commands.

The Jebusites live there with the Benjamites
The coexistence of the Jebusites and Benjamites in Jerusalem highlights the complexities of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land. This situation reflects a compromise that led to spiritual and cultural challenges for the Israelites. The phrase serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of incomplete obedience and the importance of fully trusting in God's promises and commands.

(21) The children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites.--In Joshua 15:63 we find the same statement respecting the children of Judah. (See Judges 1:8.) Jerusalem was on the borders of Judah (Joshua 16:8) and Benjamin (Judges 18:28). It belongs more properly to the latter, but the conquest of Zion by David (2Samuel 5:7) naturally caused its closer identification with Judah. The Jebusites were tolerated inhabitants ever after this conquest, and had their own prince--Araunah (2Samuel 24:18)--"Araunah the king." We even find traces of them after the exile (Ezra 9:1). Jerusalem is a remarkable exception to the rule that the Israelites conquered "the hill-country," but not the plain. . . . Verse 21. - This verse is identical with Joshua 15:63, except that there we read "the children of Judah" instead of "the children of Benjamin," as in this verse. The boundary line between Judah and Jerusalem passed through JEBUS or JEBUSI, as Jerusalem was anciently called (see Joshua 15:8; Joshua 18:28; Judges 19:10, 11; 1 Chronicles 11:4, 5). Jebus was not finally held by the Israelites till the time of David (see Judges 19:10, note.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The Benjamites,
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

however,
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

failed to
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

drive out
הוֹרִ֖ישׁוּ (hō·w·rî·šū)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3423: To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin

the Jebusites
הַיְבוּסִי֙ (hay·ḇū·sî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2983: Jebusite -- inhabitant of Jebus

living
יֹשֵׁ֣ב (yō·šêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in Jerusalem.
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֔ם (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

And to
עַ֖ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

this
הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

day
הַיּ֥וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

the Jebusites
הַיְבוּסִ֜י (hay·ḇū·sî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2983: Jebusite -- inhabitant of Jebus

dwell
וַיֵּ֨שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

among
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

the Benjamites
בְּנֵ֤י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

in Jerusalem.
בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם (bî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel


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OT History: Judges 1:21 The children of Benjamin did not drive (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 1:20
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