Joshua 15:2
Joshua 15:2 in Multiple Translations
Their southern border started at the bay on the southern tip of the Salt Sea,
And their south border was from the shore of the salt sea, from the bay that looketh southward:
And their south border was from the uttermost part of the Salt Sea, from the bay that looketh southward;
Their south limit was from the farthest part of the Salt Sea, from the inlet looking to the south:
Their boundary began at the end of the Salt Sea—the bay that faces south—
And their South border was the salt Sea coast, from the point that looketh Southward.
and to them the south border is at the extremity of the salt sea, from the bay which is looking southward;
Their south border was from the uttermost part of the Salt Sea, from the bay that looks southward;
And their south border was from the shore of the salt-sea, from the bay that looketh southward:
Its beginning was from the top of the most salt sea, and from the bay thereof, that looketh to the south.
The southern border of the land that was allotted to the tribe of Judah started at the south end of the Dead Sea and extended west.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 15:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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 15:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֤י
לָ/הֶם֙
גְּב֣וּל
נֶ֔גֶב
מִ/קְצֵ֖ה
יָ֣ם
הַ/מֶּ֑לַח
מִן
הַ/לָּשֹׁ֖ן
הַ/פֹּנֶ֥ה
נֶֽגְבָּ/ה
וַ/יְהִ֤י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶם֙
Prep | Suff
גְּב֣וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms
נֶ֔גֶב
negeb
H5045
Negeb
N-ms
מִ/קְצֵ֖ה
qâtseh
H7097
end
Prep | N-cs
יָ֣ם
yâm
H3220
West
N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֑לַח
melach
H4417
salt
Art | N-ms
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/לָּשֹׁ֖ן
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
Art | N-cs
הַ/פֹּנֶ֥ה
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Art | V-Qal
נֶֽגְבָּ/ה
negeb
H5045
Negeb
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 15:2
וַ/יְהִ֤י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/הֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
גְּב֣וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
נֶ֔גֶב
negeb
H5045
"Negeb"
N-ms
The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.
Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country
Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.
מִ/קְצֵ֖ה
qâtseh
H7097
"end"
Prep | N-cs
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
יָ֣ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
הַ/מֶּ֑לַח
melach
H4417
"salt"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers specifically to salt that is easily pulverized and dissolved, often used to season food. It is also associated with salt pits, where salt was harvested. The word highlights the importance of salt in ancient Israelite life.
Definition: salt
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: salt(-pit). See also: Genesis 14:3; Judges 9:45; Psalms 60:2.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/לָּשֹׁ֖ן
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
Art | N-cs
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
הַ/פֹּנֶ֥ה
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
נֶֽגְבָּ/ה
negeb
H5045
"Negeb"
N-ms | Suff
The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.
Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country
Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.
Study Notes — Joshua 15:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 15:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 15:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 15:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 15:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 15:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 15:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 15:2
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 15:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 15:2
- Sermons on Joshua 15:2
Context — Judah’s Inheritance
1Now the allotment for the clans of the tribe of Judah extended to the border of Edom, to the Wilderness of Zin at the extreme southern boundary:
2Their southern border started at the bay on the southern tip of the Salt Sea,
3proceeded south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continued on to Zin, went over to the south of Kadesh-barnea, ran past Hezron up to Addar, and curved toward Karka. 4It proceeded to Azmon, joined the Brook of Egypt, and ended at the Sea. This was their southern border.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 14:3 | The latter five came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea ). |
| 2 | Ezekiel 47:8 | And he said to me, “This water flows out to the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah. When it empties into the Sea, the water there becomes fresh. |
| 3 | Isaiah 11:15 | The LORD will devote to destruction the gulf of the Sea of Egypt; with a scorching wind He will sweep His hand over the Euphrates. He will split it into seven streams for men to cross with dry sandals. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 47:18 | On the east side the border will run between Hauran and Damascus, along the Jordan between Gilead and the land of Israel, to the Eastern Sea and as far as Tamar. This will be the eastern boundary. |
| 5 | Joshua 3:16 | the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. |
| 6 | Numbers 34:3 | Your southern border will extend from the Wilderness of Zin along the border of Edom. On the east, your southern border will run from the end of the Salt Sea, |
Joshua 15:2 Summary
The verse Joshua 15:2 describes the starting point of the southern border of the tribe of Judah, which began at the bay on the southern tip of the Salt Sea. This border was important because it marked the territory that God had given to the tribe of Judah, as promised in Deuteronomy 1:7 and Joshua 1:4. Just like the Israelites needed to trust God to establish their borders, we can trust God to guide us and provide for our needs, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Matthew 6:25-34. By trusting in God's promises, we can have confidence in His plan for our lives, just as the Israelites did when they followed God's instructions to conquer and settle the Promised Land, as described in Joshua 1:1-9 and Hebrews 11:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the southern border in Joshua 15:2?
The southern border marked the boundary of the tribe of Judah's inheritance, as promised by God in Deuteronomy 1:7 and Joshua 1:4. This border is important because it defines the territory that God had given to the tribe of Judah.
What is the Salt Sea mentioned in Joshua 15:2?
The Salt Sea, also known as the Dead Sea, is a body of water that is located near the southern tip of the territory of Judah, as seen in Joshua 15:2 and Ezekiel 47:18. It is a significant geographical feature in the region.
Why is the bay on the southern tip of the Salt Sea important in this verse?
The bay on the southern tip of the Salt Sea serves as a reference point for the starting point of the southern border of Judah, as described in Joshua 15:2. This helps to establish the boundaries of the tribe's territory, as seen in Numbers 34:3-5.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Joshua?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the book of Joshua, which describes the conquest and division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, as seen in Joshua 1:1-6 and Psalm 105:44. The description of the southern border in Joshua 15:2 is an important part of this narrative.
Reflection Questions
- What does the concept of borders and boundaries mean to me spiritually, and how can I apply it to my own life, as seen in Psalm 16:6?
- How does the idea of a promised inheritance, as seen in Joshua 15:2, relate to my own relationship with God and His promises to me, as described in Romans 8:17 and Galatians 3:29?
- What can I learn from the way the Israelites trusted God to establish their borders and provide for their needs, as described in Joshua 1:6 and Deuteronomy 8:7-10?
- How can I apply the principles of trust and obedience, as seen in the Israelites' experience, to my own life and circumstances, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 15:2
And their south border was from the shore of the salt sea,.... Sometimes called the dead sea, the sea of Sodom, and the lake Asphaltites, which, as Jarchi observes, was southeast of the land of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 15:2
And their south border was from the shore of the salt sea, from the bay that looketh southward: Their south border was from the shore of the salt sea , [ miqtseeh (H7097)] - from the extremity, explained in the following clause.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 15:2
The bay, Heb. the tongue; by which he understands either a creek or arm of that sea; or a promontory, which by learned authors is sometimes called a tongue; it is not material to know which of these it was.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 15:2
Joshua 15:2 And their south border was from the shore of the salt sea, from the bay that looketh southward:Ver. 2. And their south border.] See Numbers 34:2. Where God doth, as it were, draw a map of Canaan, and showeth the bounds of it on every side. From the bay that looketh southward.] Heb., From the tongue: some render it from the promontory running out into the sea, in form of a tongue.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 15:2
(2) Their south border.—The southern boundary of Judah is thus described by Conder (Bible Handbook, p. 257):—“The south boundary of Judah is described from east to west, and became afterwards that of Simeon (see Joshua 19:1). Although the points mentioned along the border are not all certainly known, there is no doubt that the great mountain wall which extends from the Dead Sea to the water-shed south of Rehoboth (Er-Ruheibeh) formed the natural and recognised boundary of Palestine, while the river of Egypt (Joshua 15:4) is generally supposed to be the present Wâdy-el’-Arish, the northern boundary between Syria and Egypt. The north branch of this valley ( Wâdy-el-Abiad) rises near ‘Abdeh (Ebodah), south of Rehoboth, and thus carries on the boundary from the mountain rampart. A new identification of importance may be here mentioned, namely, Hezron (Joshua 15:3), the next point to Kadesh-barnea on the west side. Kadesh has been shown to lie probably in the neighbourhood of Wâdy-el-Yemen, and immediately west of that valley is the mountain called Hadîreh, a name radically identical with Hezron.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 15:2
Verse 2. From the bay that looketh southward] These were the southern limits of the tribe of Judah, which commenced at the extremity of the lake Asphaltites or Dead Sea, and terminated at Sihor or the river of Egypt, and Mediterranean Sea; though some think it extended to the Nile.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 15:2
2. And their south border] The general account of the position of the tribe of Judah is followed by a more particular description of its boundaries. And first the southern boundary is described. from the shore] The southern border of Canaan has already been described in Numbers 34:3-5. It is here given in still greater detail. It commenced (a) from the “shore (or end) of the Salt Sea,” or more exactly, the tongue which turneth southward (see margin), “fro the tonge of it that biholdith to the south,” Wyclif. By this “tongue” is meant the southern portion of the Dead Sea reaching from the peninsula, which runs at a great distance from the Sea on the west of Karah, and extends quite to the south point at the so-called Salt-hill and Salt-Marsh.” Keil. “We were now in the most desolate and dreary corner of that desolate shore, without one trace of vegetable life, not even a stray salsola, or salicornia, to relieve the flat sand beds. The sand and loam of the shore was deep and heavy; our horses sank at each step above the fetlocks, and not until we were wet through, could we return to the Salt Mountains on our right.… The whole ridge (of the mountain) is of pure rock-salt, perhaps 200 feet high, and covered by a layer of chalky marl and natron, about 50 or 60 feet thick.… The salt deposit is similar in its nature and geological position to the salt rocks of Cheshire, and the new red sandstone of England.” Tristram’s Land of Moab, pp. 39, 40, 41.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 15:2
2. Their south border seems to have fetched a curve or semicircle from the south end of the Dead Sea, sweeping far round by the wilderness of Zin, and thence northwesterly to the Mediterranean.
Sermons on Joshua 15:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Holy Communion - His Body and Blood by Michael Koulianos | Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of Holy Communion, inviting the congregation to surrender fully to Jesus and experience His healing presence. He highlights the power |
|
Guilt and Freedom by David Roper | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the book of Joshua and the thrilling days of Israel's conquest of the land. He emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience as crucial |