Joshua 15:49
And Dannah, & Kiriath-Sannath, which is Debir, Joshua 15:49 (KJV)
In Joshua 15:49 the King James Version records the phrase “And Dannah, and Kirjath-sannah, which is Debir.” The surrounding text also includes the wording “And Debir also, and Kirjath-sannah, which is Debir; and Dannah, and Kirjath-sannah, which is Debir.” This apparent repetition of “Kirjath-sannah, which is Debir” has been noted by scholars as a possible scribal or translational anomaly, and many editions of the KJV present the verse exactly as shown above.
The verse belongs to the larger narrative that describes the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. Specifically, it records part of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah. The cities mentioned—Dannah and Kirjath‑sannah, also known as Debir—are listed among the southern towns that formed Judah’s share of Canaan.
Geographically, Dannah and Kirjath‑sannah (Debir) lay in the southern region of the land of Canaan. Earlier in Joshua 15:15 the city of Debir is identified with the name Kirjath‑sepher, and later passages such as Joshua 10:41‑42 recount its conquest by Joshua and the Israelites. Their inclusion in the tribal allotment underscores their importance within Judah’s territorial boundaries.
The mention of these cities highlights the faithfulness and obedience of the Israelites in carrying out God’s commands to take possession of the land. By following the divine instructions, the people of Israel were able to receive the portions promised to them, thereby demonstrating the fulfillment of the covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants.
The concept of inheritance in this passage points forward to a spiritual reality for believers today. As Ephesians 1:11 affirms, Christians share in an inheritance in Christ that includes salvation, eternal life, and the blessings of God’s kingdom. Just as the Israelites were called to be good stewards of the physical land they received, believers are likewise called to steward the spiritual blessings entrusted to them, living faithfully and obediently in response to God’s gracious provision.
