Joshua 13:9
Joshua 13:9 in Multiple Translations
The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, the whole plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon,
From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon;
from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon;
From Aroer, on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the town in the middle of the valley, and all the table-land from Medeba to Dibon;
It stretched from Aroer on the edge of the Arnon valley, from the town in the middle of the valley, and all the plateau of Medeba, up to Dibon;
From Aroer that is on the brinke of the riuer Arnon, and from the citie that is in the mids of the riuer, and all the plaine of Medeba vnto Dibon,
from Aroer, which [is] on the edge of the brook Arnon, and the city which [is] in the midst of the brook, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dihon,
from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain of Medeba to Dibon;
From Aroer that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba to Dibon;
From Aroer, which is upon the bank of the torrent Amen, and in the midst of the valley and all the plains of Medaba, as far as Dibon:
Their land extended from Aroer town at the Arnon River gorge to the town in the middle of the gorge. It included the whole plain from Medeba town south to Dibon town.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 13:9
BAB
Word Study
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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.
Joshua 13:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵ/עֲרוֹעֵ֡ר
אֲשֶׁר֩
עַל
שְׂפַת
נַ֨חַל
אַרְנ֜וֹן
וְ/הָ/עִ֨יר
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
בְּ/תוֹךְ
הַ/נַּ֛חַל
וְ/כָל
הַ/מִּישֹׁ֥ר
מֵידְבָ֖א
עַד
דִּיבֽוֹן
מֵ/עֲרוֹעֵ֡ר
ʻĂrôwʻêr
H6177
Aroer
Prep | N-proper
אֲשֶׁר֩
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׂפַת
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fs
נַ֨חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-ms
אַרְנ֜וֹן
ʼArnôwn
H769
Arnon
N-proper
וְ/הָ/עִ֨יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Conj | Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/תוֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הַ/נַּ֛חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
Art | N-ms
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הַ/מִּישֹׁ֥ר
mîyshôwr
H4334
plain
Art | N-ms
מֵידְבָ֖א
Mêydᵉbâʼ
H4311
Medeba
N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
דִּיבֽוֹן
Dîybôwn
H1769
Dibon(-gad)
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 13:9
מֵ/עֲרוֹעֵ֡ר
ʻĂrôwʻêr
H6177
"Aroer"
Prep | N-proper
Aroer is a place name in the Bible, referring to three different locations in or near Palestine. The name means ruins, and it is mentioned in the book of Joshua. This place was significant in biblical times.
Definition: § Aroer = "ruins" a town in southern Judah
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Aroer. See also: Numbers 32:34; Judges 11:26; Isaiah 17:2.
אֲשֶׁר֩
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׂפַת
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fs
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
נַ֨חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
אַרְנ֜וֹן
ʼArnôwn
H769
"Arnon"
N-proper
The Arnon is a river east of the Jordan, also referring to its surrounding territory. It forms the border between Moab and the Amorites in south Palestine.
Definition: § Arnon = "rushing stream" a river and surrounding valley in south Palestine, forms the border between Moab and the Amorites
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Arnon. See also: Numbers 21:13; Deuteronomy 4:48; Isaiah 16:2.
וְ/הָ/עִ֨יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Conj | 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.
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
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.
בְּ/תוֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הַ/נַּ֛חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/מִּישֹׁ֥ר
mîyshôwr
H4334
"plain"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a level or plain area, often used to describe a geographical region. It can also mean uprightness or justice, and is sometimes used to describe a place of equity or fairness. In the Bible, it appears in various translations, including plain and straight.
Definition: 1) level place, uprightness 1a) level country, table-land, plain 1b) level place 1c) uprightness
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: equity, even place, plain, right(-eously), (made) straight, uprightness. See also: Deuteronomy 3:10; Psalms 27:11; Psalms 26:12.
מֵידְבָ֖א
Mêydᵉbâʼ
H4311
"Medeba"
N-proper
Medeba was a town in ancient Moab, assigned to the tribe of Reuben and located near Heshbon. Its name means water of rest, and it is still a place today, about 4 miles southwest of Heshbon.
Definition: § Medeba = "water of rest" a town in Moab assigned to Reuben and located 4 miles (6 km) southwest of Heshbon; still extant
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Medeba. See also: Numbers 21:30; Joshua 13:16; Isaiah 15:2.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
דִּיבֽוֹן
Dîybôwn
H1769
"Dibon(-gad)"
N-proper
Dibon was a town in Moab that the Israelites took over and rebuilt, as described in Numbers. It was also known as Dibon-gad when the tribe of Gad lived there. The KJV translates it as 'Dibon'.
Definition: Dibon = "wasting" a town in Moab on the east side of the Jordan which was taken over by the Israelites and rebuilt by the children of Gad Another name of di.von (דִּיבֹן, דִּימוֹן "Dibon" H1769G)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Dibon. (Also, with H1410 (גָּד) added, Dibon-gad.) See also: Numbers 21:30; Joshua 13:9; Isaiah 15:2.
Study Notes — Joshua 13:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 13:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 13:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 13:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 13:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 13:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 13:9
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 13:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 13:9
Context — The Inheritance East of the Jordan
7Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.”
8The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites and Gadites, had received the inheritance Moses had given them beyond the Jordan to the east, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had assigned to them:
9The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, the whole plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon,
10and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites who reigned in Heshbon, as far as the border of the Ammonites; 11also Gilead and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites, all of Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 13:16 | The territory from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, to the whole plateau beyond Medeba, |
| 2 | Numbers 21:30 | But we have overthrown them; Heshbon is destroyed as far as Dibon. We demolished them as far as Nophah, which reaches to Medeba. ” |
| 3 | Joshua 12:2 | Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon. He ruled from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along the middle of the valley, up to the Jabbok River (the border of the Ammonites), that is, half of Gilead, |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 3:16 | and to the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the territory from Gilead to the Arnon Valley (the middle of the valley was the border) and up to the Jabbok River, the border of the Ammonites. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 48:22 | upon Dibon, Nebo, and Beth-diblathaim, |
| 6 | Jeremiah 48:18 | Come down from your glory; sit on parched ground, O daughter dwelling in Dibon, for the destroyer of Moab has come against you; he has destroyed your fortresses. |
| 7 | Isaiah 15:2 | Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 3:12 | So at that time we took possession of this land. To the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the land beyond Aroer along the Arnon Valley, and half the hill country of Gilead, along with its cities. |
Joshua 13:9 Summary
Joshua 13:9 describes a specific area of land that God gave to the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh as an inheritance. This area includes the Arnon Valley, the city in the middle of the valley, and the plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon. Just like God was faithful to give the Israelites the land He promised (as seen in Joshua 21:43-45 and Psalm 105:42-45), He is also faithful to give us our spiritual inheritance, as described in Romans 8:14-17. As we reflect on this verse, we can be encouraged by God's attention to detail and care for His people, and trust in His faithfulness to fulfill His promises in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Arnon Valley and why is it significant in Joshua 13:9?
The Arnon Valley is a region in the land of Canaan that was given to the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh as an inheritance, as seen in Joshua 13:9 and also in Deuteronomy 2:24 and Numbers 21:24, where it is described as part of the land God gave to the Israelites.
What city is in the middle of the Arnon Valley according to Joshua 13:9?
The city in the middle of the valley is not explicitly named in Joshua 13:9, but based on the context and other scripture references like Deuteronomy 2:36, it is likely Aroer or a city in close proximity to it.
What is the significance of Medeba in the Bible and how does it relate to Joshua 13:9?
Medeba is a city mentioned in Joshua 13:9 as part of the inheritance given to the Reubenites, and it is also mentioned in Isaiah 15:2 and Numbers 21:30, where it is associated with the Moabites and the Israelites' conquests.
How does the description of the area from Aroer to Dibon in Joshua 13:9 relate to God's promises to the Israelites?
The detailed description of the area from Aroer to Dibon in Joshua 13:9 demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Exodus 23:31, where God promises the land of Canaan to the Israelites as an inheritance.
Reflection Questions
- As you reflect on Joshua 13:9, consider how God's specific and detailed plans for the Israelites' inheritance can inform your understanding of His plans for your life.
- What does the mention of specific cities and regions in Joshua 13:9 teach you about God's attention to detail and care for His people?
- How does the concept of inheritance in Joshua 13:9 relate to your spiritual inheritance as a child of God, as described in Romans 8:14-17 and Galatians 4:7?
- As you read about the area from Aroer to Dibon, think about how the physical boundaries and territories can serve as a reminder of the spiritual boundaries and territories that God has established for His people.
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 13:9
From Aroer, that [is] on the bank of the river Arnon,.... A city belonging to Moab, from whence the description begins, the river Arnon, on which it was situated, being the border between Moab and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 13:9
From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon; From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 13:9
The city that is in the midst of the river; of which see Poole "", and see Poole "". Either this is the same city now mentioned, even Aroer, which is said to have been a double city, as the very name seems to import, whereof one part was on the bank of the river, and the other in the middle of it, whence we read of the cities of Aroer, ; or it is another city, possibly Ar, as it is elsewhere named. Medeba and Dibon; two cities anciently belonging to the Moabites, and taken from them by the Amorites, , and from them by the Israelites; and after the Israelites were gone into captivity, recovered by the first possessors the Moabites, as may seem from .
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 13:9
Joshua 13:9 From Aroer, that [is] upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that [is] in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon;Ver. 9. From Aroer, that is upon the bank.] Besides which, it may seem there was another Aroer, in the midst of the river, as Venice in the midst of the sea, and taking for her motto, “ Media insuperabilis unda. ”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 13:9
Verse 9. From Aroer] See Clarke on Joshua 12:2.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 13:9
9. and all the plain of Medeba] Instead of “half Gilead,” as in ch. Joshua 12:2, we have here “all the plain (= Mishor = “table-land” or “downs”) of Medeba unto Dibon,” “the wijld feeldis of Medeba,” Wyclif. Medeba is first mentioned in the fragment of a populare song of the time of the conquest, Numbers 21:30, “Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which reacheth unto Medeba.” It is in the pastoral district of the Belka, four miles S. E. of Heshbon, and like it lying on a rounded but rocky hill. In Christian times it was a noted bishopric of the patriarchate of Becerra. Dibon, or Dibon-Gad, from its being taken possession of and rebuilt by the children of Gad (Numbers 32:3; Numbers 32:34), or Dimon (in Isaiah 15:9), has been discovered with the name Dhiban on the Roman road three miles north of the Arnon (Wady el-Mojeb). Here the inscribed block of basalt, known as “the Moabite stone,” was discovered in 1868.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 13:9
9-12. On the places named in these verses see the notes on Joshua 13:16-31, where the tribal territories are fully described.