Joshua 15:9
Joshua 15:9 in Multiple Translations
From the hilltop the border curved to the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah, proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron, and then bent around toward Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).
And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjath-jearim:
and the border extended from the top of the mountain unto the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border extended to Baalah (the same is Kiriath-jearim);
And the limit is marked out from the top of the mountain to the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah, and out to the towns of Mount Ephron, as far as Baalah (which is Kiriath-jearim):
From there the boundary ran from the top of the mountain to the water spring at Nephtoah and on to the towns on Mount Ephron. Then it bent towards Ballah (Kiriath-jearim).
So this border compasseth from the top of the mountaine vnto the fountaine of the water of Nephtoah, and goeth out to the cities of mount Ephron: and this border draweth to Baalah, which is Kiriath-iearim.
and the border hath been marked out, from the top of the hill-country unto the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah, and hath gone out unto the cities of mount Ephron, and the border hath been marked out [to] Baalah, (it [is] Kirjath-Jearim);
The border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of Mount Ephron; and the border extended to Baalah (also called Kiriath Jearim);
And the border was drawn from the top of the hill to the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjath-jearim:
And it passeth on from the top of the mountain to the fountain of the water of Nephtoa: and reacheth to the towns of mount Ephron: and it bendeth towards Baala, which is Cariathiarim, that is to say, the city of the woods.
From there the border extended northwest to Nephtoah Spring, and from there to the cities near Ephron Mountain. From there the border extended west toward Baalah, which is now named Kiriath-Jearim.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 15:9
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 15:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/תָאַ֨ר
הַ/גְּב֜וּל
מֵ/רֹ֣אשׁ
הָ/הָ֗ר
אֶל
מַעְיַן֙
מֵ֣י
נֶפְתּ֔וֹחַ
וְ/יָצָ֖א
אֶל
עָרֵ֣י
הַר
עֶפְר֑וֹן
וְ/תָאַ֤ר
הַ/גְּבוּל֙
בַּעֲלָ֔ה
הִ֖יא
קִרְיַ֥ת
יְעָרִֽים
וְ/תָאַ֨ר
tâʼar
H8388
to border
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הַ/גְּב֜וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
Art | N-ms
מֵ/רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms
הָ/הָ֗ר
har
H2022
mountain
Art | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מַעְיַן֙
maʻyân
H4599
spring
N-ms
מֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
נֶפְתּ֔וֹחַ
Nephtôwach
H5318
Nephtoah
N-proper
וְ/יָצָ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עָרֵ֣י
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp
הַר
har
H2022
mountain
N-ms
עֶפְר֑וֹן
ʻEphrôwn
H6085
Ephron
N-proper
וְ/תָאַ֤ר
tâʼar
H8388
to border
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הַ/גְּבוּל֙
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
Art | N-ms
בַּעֲלָ֔ה
Baʻălâh
H1173
Baalah
N-proper
הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
קִרְיַ֥ת
Qiryath Yᵉʻârîym
H7157
Kiriath-jearim
N-proper
יְעָרִֽים
Qiryath Yᵉʻârîym
H7157
Kiriath-jearim
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 15:9
וְ/תָאַ֨ר
tâʼar
H8388
"to border"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to draw or delineate something, like tracing an outline. It can also mean to extend or mark out boundaries. The KJV translates it as be drawn or mark out.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to be drawn, incline, delineate, extend 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: be drawn, mark out, (Rimmon-) methoar (by union with H7417 (רִמּוֹן)). See also: Joshua 15:9; Joshua 18:17; Isaiah 44:13.
הַ/גְּב֜וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
Art | 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.
מֵ/רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הָ/הָ֗ר
har
H2022
"mountain"
Art | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מַעְיַן֙
maʻyân
H4599
"spring"
N-ms
A mayan was a spring or fountain, and can also refer to a source of satisfaction. It is mentioned in the Bible as a physical spring, but also figuratively as a source of joy or comfort.
Definition: spring
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: fountain, spring, well. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 87:7; Psalms 74:15.
מֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
נֶפְתּ֔וֹחַ
Nephtôwach
H5318
"Nephtoah"
N-proper
Nephtoach refers to a place in Palestine with a spring or source of water. It is located on the boundary of Judah and Benjamin. The KJV translates it as Neptoah.
Definition: § Nephtoah = "opening" a spring or source of water on the boundary of the territories of Judah and Benjamin; located northwest of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Neptoah. See also: Joshua 15:9; Joshua 18:15.
וְ/יָצָ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עָרֵ֣י
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp
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.
הַר
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
עֶפְר֑וֹן
ʻEphrôwn
H6085
"Ephron"
N-proper
Ephron is the name of a Canaanite and two places in Palestine, first mentioned in Genesis 41:52 as the son of Joseph. It is also the name of a place where Abraham bought a cave to bury Sarah.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.41.52; son of: Joseph (H3130) and Asenath (H0621); brother of: Manasseh (H4519); father of: Shuthelah (H7803), Becher (H1071H), Tahan (H8465), Ezer (H5827), Elead (H0496) and Beriah (H1283H); also called Ephrathite (NIV: Ephraimite) at 1Sa.1.1; Ephron (Qere, KJV: Ephrain) at 2Ch.13.19; Another name of eph.ra.yim (אֶפְרַ֫יִם "Ephraim" H0669G) § Ephron = "fawn-like" 1) a Hittite, son of Zohar and the one from whom Abraham bought the field and cave of Machpelah 2) a city on the borders of Benjamin 3) a mountain on the northern border of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Ephron, Ephrain (from the margin). See also: Genesis 23:8; Genesis 25:9; 2 Chronicles 13:19.
וְ/תָאַ֤ר
tâʼar
H8388
"to border"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to draw or delineate something, like tracing an outline. It can also mean to extend or mark out boundaries. The KJV translates it as be drawn or mark out.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to be drawn, incline, delineate, extend 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: be drawn, mark out, (Rimmon-) methoar (by union with H7417 (רִמּוֹן)). See also: Joshua 15:9; Joshua 18:17; Isaiah 44:13.
הַ/גְּבוּל֙
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
Art | 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.
בַּעֲלָ֔ה
Baʻălâh
H1173
"Baalah"
N-proper
Baalah is a place name in Palestine, meaning mistress, also known as Kiriath-jearim.
Definition: Baalah = "mistress" or Kirjath-baal; modern Kuriet el Enab Another name of qir.yat ye.a.rim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים "Kiriath-jearim" H7157)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Baalah. See also: Joshua 15:9; Joshua 15:11; 1 Chronicles 13:6.
הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
קִרְיַ֥ת
Qiryath Yᵉʻârîym
H7157
"Kiriath-jearim"
N-proper
Kirjath-jearim means city of forests, a place in Palestine on the borders of Judah and Benjamin. It appears in the Bible as a significant location. The city was also known as Kirjath-baal and Baalah.
Definition: § Kirjath-jearim = "city of forests" a city on the northern boundary of Judah and on the western and southern boundaries of Benjamin also 'Kirjath-baal' and 'Baalah'
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Kirjath, Kirjath-jearim, Kirjath-arim. See also: Joshua 9:17; 1 Samuel 7:2; Jeremiah 26:20.
יְעָרִֽים
Qiryath Yᵉʻârîym
H7157
"Kiriath-jearim"
N-proper
Kirjath-jearim means city of forests, a place in Palestine on the borders of Judah and Benjamin. It appears in the Bible as a significant location. The city was also known as Kirjath-baal and Baalah.
Definition: § Kirjath-jearim = "city of forests" a city on the northern boundary of Judah and on the western and southern boundaries of Benjamin also 'Kirjath-baal' and 'Baalah'
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Kirjath, Kirjath-jearim, Kirjath-arim. See also: Joshua 9:17; 1 Samuel 7:2; Jeremiah 26:20.
Study Notes — Joshua 15:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 15:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 15:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 15:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 15:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 15:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 15:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 15:9
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 15:9
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 15:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 15:9
Context — Judah’s Inheritance
7Then the border went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor, turning north to Gilgal, which faces the Ascent of Adummim south of the ravine. It continued along the waters of En-shemesh and came out at En-rogel.
8From there the border went up the Valley of Ben-hinnom along the southern slope of the Jebusites (that is, Jerusalem) and ascended to the top of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom on the west, at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim.
9From the hilltop the border curved to the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah, proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron, and then bent around toward Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).
10The border curled westward from Baalah to Mount Seir, ran along the northern slope of Mount Jearim (that is, Chesalon), went down to Beth-shemesh, and crossed to Timnah. 11Then it went out to the northern slope of Ekron, curved toward Shikkeron, proceeded to Mount Baalah, went on to Jabneel, and ended at the Sea.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 13:6 | David and all Israel went up to Baalah of Judah (that is, Kiriath-jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name. |
| 2 | Joshua 18:15 | On the south side the border began at the outskirts of Kiriath-jearim and extended westward to the spring at the Waters of Nephtoah. |
| 3 | Judges 18:12 | They went up and camped at Kiriath-jearim in Judah. That is why the place west of Kiriath-jearim is called Mahaneh-dan to this day. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 6:2 | And he and all his troops set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name— the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it. |
| 5 | Joshua 9:17 | So the Israelites set out and on the third day arrived at their cities—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. |
Joshua 15:9 Summary
Joshua 15:9 describes the border of the tribe of Judah, which curved to the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah and proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron. This border is a reminder that God is sovereign over all the earth and its geography, just as He was sovereign over the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land (as seen in Exodus 23:31). As we consider our own lives and circumstances, we can trust that God is guiding and directing us, even when we don't understand the specifics of His plan (Proverbs 3:5-6). By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have confidence and peace, knowing that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah in Joshua 15:9?
The spring of the Waters of Nephtoah is likely a notable landmark in the region, serving as a boundary marker for the tribe of Judah, as seen in Joshua 15:9. This is similar to how God used natural landmarks in the wilderness to guide the Israelites, as described in Numbers 33:1-49.
What is the relationship between Mount Ephron and the cities mentioned in Joshua 15:9?
Mount Ephron is likely a mountain or hill where several cities were located, and the border of Judah's territory proceeded to these cities, as stated in Joshua 15:9. This is consistent with the description of the cities of the hill country in Joshua 11:21.
Why is Baalah also referred to as Kiriath-jearim in Joshua 15:9?
Baalah and Kiriath-jearim are likely alternative names for the same city, with Kiriath-jearim being used in other passages such as 1 Samuel 7:1-2, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept for a time.
How does the border description in Joshua 15:9 relate to the overall division of the land?
The border description in Joshua 15:9 is part of the larger division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, as described in Joshua 13-19, and is consistent with God's promise to give the land to the Israelites, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Exodus 23:31.
Reflection Questions
- As you consider the borders and boundaries described in Joshua 15:9, what are the 'borders' in your own life that God may be asking you to trust Him with?
- How can you apply the concept of God's sovereignty over geography and territory to your own life and circumstances?
- What can we learn from the way God divided the land among the tribes of Israel, and how can we apply those principles to our own relationships and communities?
- In what ways can you see God's hand guiding and directing the events of your life, just as He guided the Israelites in the wilderness and into the Promised Land?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 15:9
And the border was drawn from the top of the hill,.... Mount Moriah, and went round in a circuit, so Jarchi and Kimchi: unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah; which lay at the bottom of it;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 15:9
And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjath-je'arim:
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 15:9
Of Mount Ephron, i.e. belonging to or bordering upon Mount Ephron. Kirjath-jearim, called Kirjath-baal, .
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 15:9
Joshua 15:9 And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which [is] Kirjathjearim:Ver. 9. Which is Kirjathjearim,] i.e., Urbs nemorum. Vat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 15:9
(9) Kirjath-jearim is by Conder identified as ’Arma (spelt ’Erma on the Ordnance map), four miles east of Beth-shemesh (’Ain Shemes, or Shems).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 15:9
Verse 9. Baalah, which is Kirjath-jearim] This place was rendered famous in Scripture, in consequence of its being the residence of the ark, for twenty years after it was sent back by the Philistines; see 1 Samuel 5:1-7.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 15:9
9. and the border was drawn] From the summit of the mountain just alluded to, the border was drawn to “the fountain of the water at Nephtoah.” Nephtoah has been identified with Ain Lifta, a spring situated a little distance above the village of the same name, N.W. of Jerusalem. It irrigates a strip of smiling gardens, and its excellent water is carried also to Jerusalem. and went out to the cities of mount Ephron] Ephron is nowhere else mentioned. It is probably the range of hills on the west side of Wâdy-Beit-Hanina, opposite Lifta. and … was drawn to Baalah] another name for Kirjath-jearim or Kirjath-Baal (Joshua 15:60; Joshua 18:14). Baalah was probably the earlier or Canaanite appellation. We have already met with Kirjath-jearim as one of the four cities of the Gibeonites (above, ch. Joshua 9:17). It is famous as the spot, (a) behind which the band of Danites pitched their camp before their expedition to Laish (Judges 18:12); (b) where the Ark remained upwards of twenty years (1 Samuel 7:2), and (c) whence it was removed by David to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite (1 Chronicles 13:5-6). It is now known as Kureyet el-Enab.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 15:9
Nephtoab is probably the modern “Ain Lifta”, two miles and a half northwestward of Jerusalem: and Mount Ephron is conjecturally connected with the city Ephrain 2 Chronicles 13:19 or Ophrah Joshua 18:23.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 15:9
9. Nephtoah is identified by Dr. Barclay with Ain Lifta, a spring three miles northwest of Jerusalem, near a village of the same name.