Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They named it Dan after their ancestor Dan, who was born to Israel—though the city used to be called Laish. New Living Translation They renamed the town Dan after their ancestor, Israel’s son, but it had originally been called Laish. English Standard Version And they named the city Dan, after the name of Dan their ancestor, who was born to Israel; but the name of the city was Laish at the first. Berean Standard Bible They named it Dan, after their forefather Dan, who was born to Israel—though the city was formerly named Laish. King James Bible 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. New King James Version And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born to Israel. However, the name of the city formerly was Laish. New American Standard Bible And they named the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father who was born to Israel; however, the name of the city was previously Laish. NASB 1995 They called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father who was born in Israel; however, the name of the city formerly was Laish. NASB 1977 And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father who was born in Israel; however, the name of the city formerly was Laish. Legacy Standard Bible And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father who was born in Israel; however, the name of the city formerly was Laish. Amplified Bible They named the city Dan, after Dan their forefather who was born to Israel (Jacob); however, the original name of the city was Laish. Christian Standard Bible They named the city Dan, after the name of their ancestor Dan, who was born to Israel. The city was formerly named Laish. Holman Christian Standard Bible They named the city Dan, after the name of their ancestor Dan, who was born to Israel. The city was formerly named Laish. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version But they named it Dan, after one of Israel's sons, who was the ancestor of their tribe. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation They named the city Dan in honor of their ancestor Dan, Israel's son. Originally, the city was called Laish. Good News Translation They changed its name from Laish to Dan, after their ancestor Dan, the son of Jacob. International Standard Version They renamed the city Dan, after the name of their ancestor Dan, who had been born in Israel. The former name of the city was Laish. NET Bible They named it Dan after their ancestor, who was one of Israel's sons. But the city's name used to be Laish. New Heart English Bible They called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their ancestor, who was born to Israel. However the name of the city was originally Laish. Webster's Bible Translation And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born to Israel: but the name of the city was Laish at the first. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey named it Dan, after their forefather Dan, who was born to Israel—though the city was formerly named Laish. World English Bible They called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born to Israel; however the name of the city used to be Laish. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand call the name of the city Dan, by the name of their father Dan, who was born to Israel; and yet Laish [is] the name of the city at the first. Young's Literal Translation and call the name of the city Dan, by the name of Dan their father, who was born to Israel; and yet Laish is the name of the city at the first. Smith's Literal Translation And they will call the name of the city, Dan, in the name of Dan their father, who will be born to Israel. And yet Laish the name of the city at first. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleCalling the name of the city Dan after the name of their father, who was the son of Israel, which before was called Lais. Catholic Public Domain Version calling the name of the city Dan, according to the name of their father, who had been born of Israel, though before it was called Laish. New American Bible They named it Dan after their ancestor Dan, who was born to Israel. But Laish was the name of the city formerly. New Revised Standard Version They named the city Dan, after their ancestor Dan, who was born to Israel; but the name of the city was formerly Laish. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born to Israel; but the name of the city was Laish at first. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they called the name of the city Dan, for the name of Dan their father who was begotten by Israel, however Luz was the name of the city from former time OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born to Israel; and the name of the city was Ulamais before. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Danites Take Micah's Idols…28There was no one to deliver them, because the city was far from Sidon and had no alliance with anyone; it was in a valley near Beth-rehob. And the Danites rebuilt the city and lived there. 29They named it Dan, after their forefather Dan, who was born to Israel— though the city was formerly named Laish. 30The Danites set up idols for themselves, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.… Cross References Joshua 19:47 (Later, when the territory of the Danites was lost to them, they went up and fought against Leshem, captured it, and put it to the sword. So they took possession of Leshem, settled there, and renamed it after their father Dan.) Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan. 2 Samuel 24:25 And there he built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then the LORD answered the prayers on behalf of the land, and the plague upon Israel was halted. 1 Kings 12:29-30 One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves. 2 Kings 10:29 but he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. Amos 8:14 Those who swear by the guilt of Samaria and say, ‘As surely as your god lives, O Dan,’ or, ‘As surely as the way of Beersheba lives’—they will fall, never to rise again.” Revelation 7:4-8 And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel: / From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, / from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, ... Genesis 49:16-17 Dan shall provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel. / He will be a snake by the road, a viper in the path that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward. Deuteronomy 33:22 Concerning Dan he said: “Dan is a lion’s cub, leaping out of Bashan.” 1 Chronicles 12:35 From Dan: 28,600 prepared for battle. Ezekiel 48:1-2 “Now these are the names of the tribes: At the northern frontier, Dan will have one portion bordering the road of Hethlon to Lebo-hamath and running on to Hazar-enan on the border of Damascus with Hamath to the north, and extending from the east side to the west side. / Asher will have one portion bordering the territory of Dan from east to west. Matthew 10:5-6 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. / Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. John 4:9 “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Acts 26:7 the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews. Romans 11:1 I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. Treasury of Scripture And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born to Israel: however, the name of the city was Laish at the first. Dan Judges 20:1 Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh. Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. Joshua 19:47 And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father. who was Genesis 30:6 And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan. Genesis 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Jump to Previous Ancestor Born City Dan Howbeit However Israel Laish UsedJump to Next Ancestor Born City Dan Howbeit However Israel Laish UsedJudges 18 1. The Danites send five men to seek out an inheritance3. At the house of Micah they consult with Jonathan, and are encouraged 7. They search Laish, and bring back news of good hope 11. Six hundred men are sent to surprise it 16. In their way they rob Micah of his priest and his consecrated things 27. They win Laish, and call it Dan 30. They set up idolatry, wherein Jonathan inherits the priesthood. They named it Dan The tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named the city after their ancestor. This act of renaming signifies possession and identity, reflecting the tribe's desire to establish a lasting legacy in the Promised Land. Naming places after patriarchs was a common practice, reinforcing tribal heritage and continuity. after their forefather Dan who was born to Israel though the city was formerly named Laish Persons / Places / Events 1. DanThe fifth son of Jacob (Israel) and Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Dan is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after him. 2. Laish An ancient city in the northern part of Canaan, originally inhabited by a peaceful and isolated people before being conquered by the tribe of Dan. 3. The Tribe of Dan One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for their struggle to find a permanent inheritance in the Promised Land, leading them to capture Laish and rename it Dan. 4. Israel (Jacob) The patriarch whose twelve sons became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. The renaming of Laish to Dan connects back to the heritage of Israel. 5. Conquest of Laish An event where the Danites, seeking a territory, captured the city of Laish, destroyed it, and rebuilt it as their own city, renaming it Dan. Teaching Points Heritage and IdentityThe renaming of Laish to Dan signifies the importance of heritage and identity. As Christians, we are reminded of our identity in Christ and the importance of living in a way that honors our spiritual heritage. Seeking God's Will The tribe of Dan's search for a homeland highlights the importance of seeking God's will and guidance in our pursuits. We must ensure our actions align with God's plans rather than our own desires. Consequences of Disobedience The absence of Dan in the list of tribes in Revelation may serve as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and idolatry. It is crucial to remain faithful to God's commandments. Community and Legacy The actions of the Danites in renaming the city reflect the impact of community decisions on legacy. Our choices today can affect future generations, emphasizing the need for godly leadership and decision-making. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 18:29?2. Why was the city renamed Dan in Judges 18:29, and its significance? 3. How does Judges 18:29 reflect Israel's tribal identity and unity? 4. What lessons from Judges 18:29 apply to maintaining spiritual heritage today? 5. How does renaming cities in the Bible symbolize transformation or new beginnings? 6. How can we ensure our actions honor God, as seen in Judges 18:29? 7. Why did the Danites rename Laish to Dan in Judges 18:29? 8. What significance does the name change from Laish to Dan hold? 9. How does Judges 18:29 reflect on the identity of the tribe of Dan? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 18? 11. What role did the Tribe of Dan play biblically? 12. Does archaeological evidence confirm a city like Laish (Judges 18:7) existing so isolated and unfortified, or does the narrative conflict with external data? 13. How does the swift, seemingly unopposed conquest of Laish in Judges 18:27-29 align with other biblical accounts or historical records of territorial conflicts? 14. What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes? What Does Judges 18:29 Mean They named it Dan“They named it Dan” (Judges 18:29) tells us that the conquering Danites immediately stamped the city with their tribal identity. • The act mirrors other moments when God’s people renamed places to mark a fresh work of God or a covenant reality—think of Abram calling a mountain “The LORD Will Provide” in Genesis 22:14, or Joshua renaming Hoshea “Joshua” in Numbers 13:16. • By giving the new settlement the same name as their tribe, the Danites declared, “This is now part of us,” even though it lay far north of the original allotment described in Joshua 19:40-46. • The renaming also fulfilled a prophecy of expansion hinted at in Judges 18:1 (“In those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking an inheritance to dwell in”). after their forefather Dan The verse continues, “after their forefather Dan.” • Dan was the fifth son of Jacob and the firstborn of Bilhah (Genesis 30:6). Leah’s sister Rachel exclaimed, “God has judged me,” so the name “Dan” (meaning “judge”) became a living reminder of God’s justice in family matters. • Genesis 49:16-17 prophesies, “Dan shall provide justice for his people”. By naming the city after him, the tribe signaled its desire to fulfill that destiny in a new territory. • The mention of ancestry roots the action in covenant history; they were not merely settlers but descendants of promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 2:24). who was born to Israel The text clarifies that Dan “was born to Israel”—that is, to Jacob after God changed his name to Israel (Genesis 32:28). • This phrase links the tribe’s present conquest to the patriarchal narrative. God’s faithfulness to Israel’s household extends to every generation (Psalm 105:8-10). • By highlighting Dan’s birth to Israel, Scripture underscores legitimacy: the tribe’s identity flows from the God-given name “Israel,” tying their new home to the larger story of God’s chosen nation. • It also reminds readers that national identity is not geographic first but covenantal; wherever the tribes dwell, they are still Israel (Deuteronomy 4:5-8). though the city was formerly named Laish Finally, Scripture notes, “though the city was formerly named Laish.” • Laish was a quiet, unsuspecting Phoenician-influenced town (Judges 18:7). Its previous name reflected Canaanite culture, but the Danites replaced that culture and name with their own. • Renaming signified ownership and a new spiritual direction—comparable to how Jacob renamed Luz to Bethel in Genesis 28:19. • Yet the footnote exposes the darker side: Judges 18:27-31 reveals the tribe quickly set up a carved image. While the name changed, their heart drifted, paving the way for future idolatry in Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30). • Still, the verse affirms historical accuracy: archaeological references to “Tel Dan” today echo the Bible’s testimony, confirming Scripture’s reliability. summary Judges 18:29 records more than a cosmetic name change. It shows a tribe claiming territory, linking that claim to its patriarch Dan, grounding it in the covenant family of Israel, and replacing a Canaanite identity with an Israelite one. The verse testifies to God’s faithfulness to His people’s lineage, highlights their calling to administer justice, and foreshadows both opportunity and danger—victory under God’s banner, yet vulnerability to idolatry if they drift from Him (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). (29) They called the name of the city Dan.--Just as the Messenians changed the name Zankle into Messene.Verse 29. - Howbeit Laish was the name, etc. The strange form here given in the Septuagint, Oulamais, arises from their having taken the Hebrew word for howbeit (oulam) as part of the name, and left out the L of Laish (see ver. 7, note).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew They namedוַיִּקְרְא֤וּ (way·yiq·rə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read [it] הָעִיר֙ (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement Dan, דָּ֔ן (dān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1835: Dan -- 'judge', a son of Jacob, also a place in Northern Israel after בְּשֵׁם֙ (bə·šêm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8034: A name their forefather אֲבִיהֶ֔ם (’ă·ḇî·hem) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1: Father Dan, דָּ֣ן (dān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1835: Dan -- 'judge', a son of Jacob, also a place in Northern Israel who אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that was born יוּלַּ֖ד (yūl·laḏ) Verb - QalPass - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage to Israel— לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (lə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc though וְאוּלָ֛ם (wə·’ū·lām) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 199: However, on the contrary the city הָעִ֖יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement was formerly לָרִאשֹׁנָֽה׃ (lā·ri·šō·nāh) Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank named שֵׁם־ (šêm-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8034: A name Laish. לַ֥יִשׁ (la·yiš) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3919: Laish -- 'lion', a city and region in northern Canaan Links Judges 18:29 NIVJudges 18:29 NLT Judges 18:29 ESV Judges 18:29 NASB Judges 18:29 KJV Judges 18:29 BibleApps.com Judges 18:29 Biblia Paralela Judges 18:29 Chinese Bible Judges 18:29 French Bible Judges 18:29 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 18:29 They called the name of the city (Jd Judg. Jdg) |
    |