Judges 1:27 Meaning and Explanation
“Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Manasseh fails to drive out the Canaanites of several cities, who remain settled in the land.
What Does Judges 1:27 Mean?
The chapter's sober refrain resumes and lengthens. Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, and Megiddo, with their surrounding towns. The Canaanites were determined to remain, and remain they did, dwelling on in the land that was meant to be cleared.
The piling up of place names underscores how widespread the failure had become. What began as scattered shortfall now spreads across a whole region. The note that the Canaanites would dwell there hints at a stubbornness on their part met by a slackening resolve on Israel's. The danger is plain: tolerated compromise multiplies. What is not addressed early tends to spread, until the very land God gave is shared with what He had warned against.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 1:27
What does Judges 1:27 mean?
Manasseh fails to drive out the Canaanites of several cities, who remain settled in the land.