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H392 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אַכְזִיב
Akzib
Proper noun (place)
Deceitful (place name)

Definition

Strong's H392 Akzib (אַכְזִיב) is the proper name of two distinct towns in the Old Testament: one in the Shephelah of Judah (near Adullam, mentioned in Joshua 15:44 and Micah 1:14) and one in the territory of Asher in northern Canaan (Joshua 19:29; Judges 1:31). The name shares the same root as H391, meaning "deceptive" or "lying."

Usage & Theological Significance

The northern Akzib in Asher is notable because Judges 1:31 records that the tribe of Asher failed to drive out its Canaanite inhabitants — one of many failures of Israel to complete the conquest of Canaan. This partial obedience had long-term consequences, as the remaining Canaanite populations became snares of idolatry. The southern Akzib's prophetic wordplay (Micah 1:14) turned the town's name into a judgment oracle: what was built in pride would become a source of disappointment and shame. Place names in Scripture often carry prophetic weight.

Key Bible Verses

Joshua 15:44 Keilah, Akzib and Mareshah — nine towns and their villages.
Joshua 19:29 The boundary turned to Ramah and went to the fortified city of Tyre, turned toward Hosah and came out at the sea in the region of Akzib.
Judges 1:31 Neither did Asher drive out those living in Akko or Sidon or Ahlab or Achzib or Helbah or Aphek or Rehob.
Micah 1:14 The town of Achzib will prove deceptive to the kings of Israel.
Judges 2:3 I will not drive them out before you; they will become traps for you, and their gods will become snares to you.

Related Words

External Resources

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