Zebulun did not drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, or the inhabitants of Nahalol: Unlike the previous verse, this verse does not begin with the Hebrew waw conjunction, showing a slight break in the narration. We could begin a new paragraph here and perhaps say “As for the tribe/people/clan of Zebulun….” Zebulun was Jacob’s tenth son, born to Leah (Gen 30.19-20). His descendants made up a small tribe that occupied the territory in the western hills north of the Jezreel Valley (verse 19.10-16). However, like the other Israelite tribes, the soldiers of Zebulun could not drive out the local population. Two towns, Kitron and Nahalol, are mentioned as having inhabitants who could not be driven out. The local Canaanite population continued to live in these towns, though eventually some of them became part of the forced labor working force. For did not drive out, see verse 1.19.

But the Canaanites dwelt among them: See comments on verse 1.29. Some see the waw conjunction rendered but as introducing a contrast. However, we might also say “And” or “So.” Another approach would be to omit the conjunction and simply say “The Canaanites continued to live among them.”

And became subject to forced labor is literally “and they were [or, became] to forced labor.” The Hebrew waw conjunction at the beginning of this clause seems to introduce additional information. We might say “and the people of Zebulun forced the Canaanites to work for them” or “and they were forced to work for the people of Zebulun.” NET Bible says “and were forced to do hard labor.” For forced labor, see verse 1.28.

Translation models for this verse are:

• As for the tribe of Zebulun, they did not drive out those living in Kitron and Nahalol. So the Canaanites continued to live among them, though eventually the tribe of Zebulun reduced them to forced labor.

• As well, the people of Zebulun were not able to remove the inhabitants of Kitron and Nahalol. So the Canaanites continued to live among them, but the people of Zebulun [eventually] subjected them to forced labor.

Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .