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Judges 18:29

Judges 18:29 in Multiple Translations

They named it Dan, after their forefather Dan, who was born to Israel—though the city was formerly named Laish.

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.

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.

And they gave the town the name of Dan, after Dan their father, who was the son of Israel: though the town had been named Laish at first.

They renamed the city Dan after their forefather, the son of Israel. Laish was its former name.

And called the name of the citie Dan, after the name of Dan their father which was borne vnto Israel: howbeit the name of the city was Laish at the beginning.

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.

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.

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.

Calling the name of the city Dan after the name of their father, who was the son of Israel, which before was called Lais.

They gave to the city a new name, Dan, in honor of their ancestor Dan, who was one of the sons of Jacob.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 18:29

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 18:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּקְרְא֤וּ שֵׁם הָ/עִיר֙ דָּ֔ן בְּ/שֵׁם֙ דָּ֣ן אֲבִי/הֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוּלַּ֖ד לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְ/אוּלָ֛ם לַ֥יִשׁ שֵׁם הָ/עִ֖יר לָ/רִאשֹׁנָֽה
וַ/יִּקְרְא֤וּ qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שֵׁם shêm H8034 name N-ms
הָ/עִיר֙ ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs
דָּ֔ן Dân H1835 Dan N-proper
בְּ/שֵׁם֙ shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms
דָּ֣ן Dân H1835 Dan N-proper
אֲבִי/הֶ֔ם ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
יוּלַּ֖ד yâlad H3205 to beget V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel Prep | N-proper
וְ/אוּלָ֛ם ʼûwlâm H199 but Conj | Adv
לַ֥יִשׁ Layish H3919 Laish N-proper
שֵׁם shêm H8034 name N-ms
הָ/עִ֖יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs
לָ/רִאשֹׁנָֽה riʼshôwn H7223 first Prep | Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 18:29

וַ/יִּקְרְא֤וּ qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
שֵׁם shêm H8034 "name" 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.
הָ/עִיר֙ ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
דָּ֔ן Dân H1835 "Dan" N-proper
Dan was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Dan was known for its skills in warfare and is mentioned in the book of Genesis.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Dan living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.6; son of: Israel (H3478) and Bilhah (H1090A); brother of: Naphtali (H5321); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hushim (H2366B) § Dan = "a judge" 1) the 5th son of Jacob, the 1st of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid 2) the tribe descended from Dan, the son of Jacob 3) a city in Dan, the most northern landmark of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: Daniel See also: Genesis 14:14; Judges 13:25; Jeremiah 4:15.
בְּ/שֵׁם֙ shêm H8034 "name" Prep | 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.
דָּ֣ן Dân H1835 "Dan" N-proper
Dan was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Dan was known for its skills in warfare and is mentioned in the book of Genesis.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Dan living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.6; son of: Israel (H3478) and Bilhah (H1090A); brother of: Naphtali (H5321); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hushim (H2366B) § Dan = "a judge" 1) the 5th son of Jacob, the 1st of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid 2) the tribe descended from Dan, the son of Jacob 3) a city in Dan, the most northern landmark of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: Daniel See also: Genesis 14:14; Judges 13:25; Jeremiah 4:15.
אֲבִי/הֶ֔ם ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יוּלַּ֖ד yâlad H3205 "to beget" V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/אוּלָ֛ם ʼûwlâm H199 "but" Conj | Adv
This word is used to show contrast, like 'but' or 'however', and is often used to emphasize a point, as seen in its various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) but, but indeed (a strong adversative) 2) however, nevertheless
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: as for, but, howbeit, in very deed, surely, truly, wherefore. See also: Genesis 28:19; Job 2:5; Micah 3:8.
לַ֥יִשׁ Layish H3919 "Laish" N-proper
Laish is a place in Palestine, meaning lion. It is mentioned in the Bible as a city north of Jerusalem, and its name reflects the area's wild nature.
Definition: Laish = "lion" an early name for Dan, a town in northern Israel Another name of dan (דָּן "Dan" H1835G)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Laish. Compare H3889 (לוּשׁ). See also: Judges 18:7; Judges 18:29; Isaiah 10:30.
שֵׁם shêm H8034 "name" 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.
הָ/עִ֖יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
לָ/רִאשֹׁנָֽה riʼshôwn H7223 "first" Prep | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.

Study Notes — Judges 18:29

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 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.)
2 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.
3 1 Kings 15:20 And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and the whole land of Naphtali, including the region of Chinnereth.
4 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.
5 Judges 20:1 Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out, and the congregation assembled as one man before the LORD at Mizpah.
6 Genesis 32:28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.”
7 Genesis 30:6 Then Rachel said, “God has vindicated me; He has heard my plea and given me a son.” So she named him Dan.
8 2 Samuel 17:11 Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle.

Judges 18:29 Summary

This verse tells us that the Danites renamed the city Laish to Dan, after their ancestor Dan, who was one of the twelve sons of Israel. This shows how the Danites wanted to claim the city as their own and establish their identity. However, as we see in the rest of the chapter, this led to idolatry and disobedience to God's commands, as warned against in Deuteronomy 12:1-3. We can learn from this that our actions and decisions should always be guided by a desire to follow God's will, rather than our own desires or sense of identity, and that we should be careful not to 'rename' or redefine God's commands to fit our own circumstances, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where the psalmist writes about the importance of following God's word.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Danites rename the city Laish to Dan?

The Danites renamed the city Laish to Dan after their forefather Dan, who was one of the twelve sons of Israel, as mentioned in Genesis 29:32 and 30:6, to establish their identity and claim on the city.

What is the significance of the city's former name, Laish?

The former name Laish is not directly mentioned in other parts of the Bible, but it shows that the city had a history before the Danites conquered it, similar to how other cities in the Bible had previous names, like Jerusalem being formerly known as Jebus in Judges 19:10-11.

Is this verse related to the rest of the chapter?

Yes, this verse is part of the narrative of the Danites' conquest of Laish, as told in Judges 18:27-31, where they defeat the peaceful inhabitants and establish their own city, which becomes a place of idolatry as mentioned in Judges 18:30-31.

What can we learn from the Danites' actions in this verse?

The Danites' actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of following God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:1-3, where God warns the Israelites against worshiping other gods and setting up idols.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I, like the Danites, might be trying to establish my own identity or legacy, and how can I ensure that these efforts are aligned with God's will?
  2. How can I balance my desire for a sense of belonging and heritage with the need to follow God's commands and avoid idolatry?
  3. What are some 'idols' in my life that I may be unknowingly worshiping, and how can I remove them and focus on worshiping the one true God?
  4. In what ways can I, like the Danites, be tempted to 'rename' or redefine God's commands to fit my own desires or circumstances, and how can I resist this temptation?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 18:29

And they called the name of the city Dan,.... The name of their tribe, and to show that though they were at the furthest part of the land northward, and at such a distance from their tribe, which lay

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 18:29

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. Called the name of the city Dan.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 18:29

After the name of Dan their father; that it might be manifest that they belonged to the tribe of Dan, though they were seated at a great distance from them, even in the most northerly part of the land; whereas the lot of their tribe was in the southern part of Canaan.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 18:29

Judges 18:29 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.Ver. 29. The name of the city was Laish at the first.] Laish, or Leshem. Afterwards it was called Cesarea Paneadis, and Cesarea Philippi, because rebuilt and beautified by Philip, brother to Herod the Tetrarch, in honour of Augustus Caesar.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 18:29

(29) They called the name of the city Dan.—Just as the Messenians changed the name Zankle into Messene.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 18:29

Verse 29. Called the name of the city Dan] This city was afterwards very remarkable as one of the extremities of the promised land. The extent of the Jewish territories was generally expressed by the phrase, From DAN to BEER-SHEBA; that is, From the most northern to the southern extremity.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 18:29

29. howbeit … at the first] The same formula in Genesis 28:19 E; here evidently an editorial, later addition, together with who was born unto Israel.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 18:29

29. Called the name of the city Dan — It henceforth became the northern limit of the land of Israel, and the formula “from Dan to Beer-sheba” is of frequent occurrence throughout the historical books. Compare Judges 20:1.

Sermons on Judges 18:29

SermonDescription
Chuck Missler Genesis #13 Ch. 14-15 Contrast of Abraham and Lot by Chuck Missler In this sermon on Genesis chapters 14 and 15, Chuck Misler explores the relationship between Abraham and Lot. He introduces the concept of the law of first mention, which suggests
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 13:14-18 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on God's appearance to Abram and the promise of land and offspring. God instructs Abram to look in all directions and confirms that he will giv
Percy Ray Where Would You Pitch Your Tent? by Percy Ray In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing and following the word of God without being influenced by those who try to undermine it. He encourages the congr
T. Austin-Sparks Training in the House of God (Genesis 14:14) by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the House of God serves as a training ground for believers, akin to Abram's trained men who were prepared for spiritual warfare. He highlights that
Zac Poonen The Ministry of Melchizedek by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen preaches on the priesthood of Melchizedek, highlighting how Melchizedek knew God intimately and blessed Abraham with a prophetic word that saved him from pride and covet
Zac Poonen (The Full Gospel) 22. the Ministry of Melchizedek by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen preaches on the priesthood of Melchizedek, emphasizing the importance of quietly blessing others without seeking recognition or honor. He highlights how Melchizedek met
Zac Poonen Truly, Thou Art a God Who Hides Thyself by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen preaches on the characteristic of God's nature to work without seeking recognition, using the example of Melchizedek who quietly blessed Abraham without seeking any cred

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