Menu

Judges 1:11

Judges 1:11 in Multiple Translations

From there they marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher).

And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher:

And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir. (Now the name of Debir beforetime was Kiriath-sepher.)

And from there he went up against the people of Debir. (Now the name of Debir in earlier times was Kiriath-sepher.)

From there they went on to attack the people living in Debir (previously known as Kiriath Sepher).

And from thence hee went to the inhabitantes of Debir, and the name of Debir in olde time was Kiriath-sepher.

And he goeth thence unto the inhabitants of Debir (and the name of Debir formerly [is] Kirjath-Sepher),

From there he went against the inhabitants of Debir. (The name of Debir before that was Kiriath Sepher.)

And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher:

And departing from thence he went to the inhabitants of Dabir, the ancient name of which was Cariath-Sepher, that is, the city of letters.

Then they left that area and went to fight against the people living in Debir city, which was previously named Kiriath-Sepher.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 1:11

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 1:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ מִ/שָּׁ֔ם אֶל יוֹשְׁבֵ֖י דְּבִ֑יר וְ/שֵׁם דְּבִ֥יר לְ/פָנִ֖ים קִרְיַת סֵֽפֶר
וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ/שָּׁ֔ם shâm H8033 there Prep | Adv
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
יוֹשְׁבֵ֖י yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal
דְּבִ֑יר Dᵉbîyr H1688 Debir N-proper
וְ/שֵׁם shêm H8034 name Conj | N-ms
דְּבִ֥יר Dᵉbîyr H1688 Debir N-proper
לְ/פָנִ֖ים pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
קִרְיַת Qiryath Çannâh H7158 Kiriath-sannah N-proper
סֵֽפֶר Qiryath Çannâh H7158 Kiriath-sannah N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 1:11

וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
מִ/שָּׁ֔ם shâm H8033 "there" Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יוֹשְׁבֵ֖י yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
דְּבִ֑יר Dᵉbîyr H1688 "Debir" N-proper
Debir was an Amoritish king and the name of two places in Palestine, one of which was a town in the territory of Manasseh. It is mentioned in the book of Joshua as a location conquered by the Israelites.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, only mentioned at Jos.10.3 § Lo-debar = "not a pasture" a town in Manasseh in Gilead east of the Jordan
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Debir. See also: Joshua 10:3; Joshua 15:7; 1 Chronicles 6:43.
וְ/שֵׁם shêm H8034 "name" Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
דְּבִ֥יר Dᵉbîyr H1688 "Debir" N-proper
Debir was an Amoritish king and the name of two places in Palestine, one of which was a town in the territory of Manasseh. It is mentioned in the book of Joshua as a location conquered by the Israelites.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, only mentioned at Jos.10.3 § Lo-debar = "not a pasture" a town in Manasseh in Gilead east of the Jordan
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Debir. See also: Joshua 10:3; Joshua 15:7; 1 Chronicles 6:43.
לְ/פָנִ֖ים pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
קִרְיַת Qiryath Çannâh H7158 "Kiriath-sannah" N-proper
Kirjath-sannah, or city of the book, was a town in the mountains of Judah, near Hebron. It is also known as Debir. The city had another name, Kirjath-sepher.
Definition: Kirjath-sepher or Kirjath-sannah = "city of the book" a town in the mountains of Judah to the west of Hebron Another name of de.vir (דְּבִיר "Debir" H1688A)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Kirjath-sannah, Kirjath-sepher. See also: Joshua 15:15; Joshua 15:49; Judges 1:12.
סֵֽפֶר Qiryath Çannâh H7158 "Kiriath-sannah" N-proper
Kirjath-sannah, or city of the book, was a town in the mountains of Judah, near Hebron. It is also known as Debir. The city had another name, Kirjath-sepher.
Definition: Kirjath-sepher or Kirjath-sannah = "city of the book" a town in the mountains of Judah to the west of Hebron Another name of de.vir (דְּבִיר "Debir" H1688A)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Kirjath-sannah, Kirjath-sepher. See also: Joshua 15:15; Joshua 15:49; Judges 1:12.

Study Notes — Judges 1:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 15:15 From there he marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher).
2 Joshua 10:38–39 Finally Joshua and all Israel with him turned toward Debir and fought against it. And they captured Debir, its king, and all its villages. They put them to the sword and devoted to destruction everyone in the city, leaving no survivors. Joshua did to Debir and its king as he had done to Hebron and as he had done to Libnah and its king.

Judges 1:11 Summary

[This verse describes the Israelites' march against the city of Debir, which was formerly known as Kiriath-sepher, as they continued their campaign to conquer the Canaanites. The city's name change may indicate a shift in ownership or control, similar to what happened in Hebron, as mentioned in Judges 1:10. The Israelites' actions were part of God's plan to give them the land, as promised in Genesis 12:7 and repeated in Joshua 1:3. By trusting in God's power and promises, we can learn to face our own challenges and battles with faith and obedience, just as the Israelites did.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Debir being formerly known as Kiriath-sepher?

The name change may indicate a shift in the city's ownership or control, as seen in other instances like Hebron being formerly known as Kiriath-arba in Judges 1:10, highlighting the complex history of the region as described in the book of Joshua 14:15 and Genesis 23:2.

Why did the men of Judah march against the inhabitants of Debir?

The men of Judah marched against Debir as part of their campaign to conquer the Canaanites living in the hill country, the Negev, and the foothills, as mentioned in Judges 1:9, fulfilling God's command to drive out the inhabitants of the land as stated in Deuteronomy 9:4-5.

How does this event relate to the broader context of Israel's conquest of Canaan?

This event is part of the larger narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan, as described in the book of Joshua and Judges, where God gave the land to the Israelites and they were to drive out its inhabitants, as seen in Leviticus 18:24-25 and Numbers 33:51-53.

What can we learn from the Israelites' military campaigns in the book of Judges?

We can learn about the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God's power and promises, as seen in Joshua 1:6-9 and Hebrews 11:30, where the Israelites' successes and failures serve as examples for us today.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about God's plan for the Israelites and their role in the conquest of Canaan?
  2. How can we apply the principles of faith and obedience seen in the Israelites' military campaigns to our own lives and spiritual battles?
  3. What does the name change from Kiriath-sepher to Debir signify, and what can we learn from the history of this city?
  4. In what ways can we trust in God's power and promises, just as the Israelites were called to do in their conquest of Canaan?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 1:11

And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before [was] Kirjathsepher. [See comments on Joshua 15:15].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 1:11

And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher: Debir.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 1:11

Judges 1:11 And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before [was] Kirjathsepher: Judges 1:12 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. Judges 1:13 And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’ s younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. Ver. 11-13, &c. See Joshua 15:15-16, &c., &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 1:11

(11) Debir.—See Joshua 15:15; Joshua 15:49. In Joshua 10:38-39, its conquest is assigned to Joshua. The name means “the oracle.” It afterwards became a Levitic town. There seem to have been two other Debirs (Joshua 15:7; Joshua 13:26). This one is identified by Dr. Rosen with Dewirban, near the spring Ain Nunkûr south-west of Hebron. Kirjath-sepher.—The name is curious and interesting. It means “the city of the book,” and is rendered in the LXX. by “city of letters.” It was also called Kirjath-sannah (Joshua 15:49), which, according to Bochart, means “city of learning.” Perhaps, therefore, we may consider that it was a famous centre of Canaanite culture and worship. All further attempts to explain its three names must be purely conjectural. We may compare with it the name of the Egyptian Byblos (Ewald). The LXX. here fall into mere confusion.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 1:11

11. he went] Originally, perhaps, he went up as in Joshua 15:15; LXX here they went up. The subject is Caleb in Judges 1:20 restored to its proper place. Joshua 15:15-19 describes the capture of Debir in almost identical words. Debir … Kiriath-sepher] Probably eḍ ?-Ḍ ?βharξyeh, 4 or 5 hours S.W. of Hebron, cf. Joshua 11:21; Joshua 15:50, and note the position of Anab. The K.-sannah of Jos 15:50 seems to be merely a corrupted form of Kiriath-sepher, i.e. ‘book-town,’ as the LXX, Vulgate, Targ. (‘Archive-town’) understand it. Some MSS. of the LXX, and the Peshitto, transliterate the Hebr. into a form K.-sτp̣ ?hηr which means ‘town of the scribe,’ and corresponds with the Egyptian name of the place, ‘house of the scribe’ (W. M. Mόller, Asien u. Europa, p. 174). It has been suggested that the town was called Kiriath-sepher because it contained the record-office of the Anβkim, or a library like those preserved in the great cities of Babylonia and Assyria (Sayce). Such fancies are spun out of a dubious etymology; for we cannot be sure that, in this proper name, sepher is the original pronunciation or even a Hebrew word. The original sense of Debξr is equally problematical; in 1 Kings 6:5 etc. debξr = the adytum, lit. the hinder part (not ‘the oracle’), of the temple.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 1:11

OF HEBRON, AND EXPLOIT AND REWARD OF OTHNIEL, Judges 1:10-15. This passage is nearly identical with Joshua 15:14-19. It may have been copied from the Book of Joshua, or from some older work.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate