Original Word: נְעִיאֵל
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: N`iy'el
Pronunciation: nee-EL
Phonetic Spelling: (neh-ee-ale')
KJV: Neiel
Word Origin: [from H5128 (נוַּע - wander) and H410 (אֵל - God)]

1. moved of God
2. Neiel, a place in Israel

From nuwa' and 'el; moved of God; Neiel, a place in Palestine -- Neiel.

see HEBREW nuwa'

see HEBREW 'el

Neiel carries the idea of “the dwelling-place of God.” The name itself testifies to Israel’s conviction that every parcel of land promised to the tribes ultimately belonged to the LORD, whose presence sanctified their inheritance (Leviticus 25:23).

Biblical Occurrence

Neiel is mentioned once, in Joshua 19:27, as a landmark on the eastern border of the tribe of Asher.

“Then it turned eastward to Beth Dagon, passed on to Zebulun and to the Valley of Iphtahel, northward to Beth Emek and Neiel, and extended to Cabul on the left” (Joshua 19:27).

Historical Context

1. Tribal Allotment: The single reference comes in the list that delineates Asher’s inheritance after the conquest. Joshua’s meticulous boundary descriptions affirm the fulfillment of God’s promise first given to Abraham (Genesis 12:7; 15:18-21) and later reiterated through Moses (Deuteronomy 1:8).
2. Covenant Faithfulness: Neiel’s placement among other border towns highlights how the LORD distributed the land by lot “according to their divisions” (Joshua 18:10). Each coordinate, even a small town, underscores the covenant precision of divine provision.
3. Inter-tribal Relations: Neiel stood near the juncture of Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, illustrating the interwoven nature of Israel’s tribes. Peaceful boundaries fostered unity while preserving each tribe’s distinct calling.

Geographical and Archaeological Considerations

The location most often suggested is Khirbet Yasif (el-Yasifeh) in the western Lower Galilee, a few kilometers southeast of present-day Acre. Pottery sherds from Iron Age I–II found on nearby tells align with the early settlement phase following the conquest. Some scholars propose Tell Birah or Ras en-Naqala; however, the Khirbet Yasif identification best suits the boundary sequence in Joshua 19. While no inscription naming Neiel has surfaced, the geography fits Joshua’s east-to-north flow, moving from Beth Dagon through the Valley of Iphtahel toward Cabul.

Theological Significance

1. God’s Presence in Ordinary Places: Though Neiel never appears later in Scripture, its name (“dwelling of God”) invites reflection on the LORD’s desire to dwell among His people—not merely in prominent centers like Jerusalem, but also in small border villages.
2. Land as Gift and Responsibility: The inclusion of Neiel reminds believers that boundaries are God-ordained trusts. Stewardship of land, resources, and vocation flows from the recognition that “the earth is the LORD’s” (Psalm 24:1).
3. Reliability of Scripture: Archaeological correlations between biblical boundary lists and topography reinforce confidence in the historical reliability of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative.

Ministry Lessons

• Hidden Faithfulness: Like Neiel, many servants of God labor in relative obscurity, yet their place in His design is indispensable (1 Corinthians 12:22-24).
• Community Cohesion: Clear God-given boundaries reduce conflict and promote cooperation—a principle applicable to congregational governance and personal relationships.
• Anticipation of Ultimate Inheritance: Neiel’s earthly allotment prefigures the believer’s “inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade, kept in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4).

Key Cross-References

Genesis 17:8; Numbers 34:2; Deuteronomy 1:8; Joshua 13:6-7; Psalm 16:6; Hebrews 4:8-9.