Joshua 16:3
Joshua 16:3 in Multiple Translations
Then it descended westward to the border of the Japhletites as far as the border of Lower Beth-horon and on to Gezer, and it ended at the Sea.
And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Beth-horon the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.
and it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, unto the border of Beth-horon the nether, even unto Gezer; and the goings out thereof were at the sea.
And it goes down to the west to the limit of the Japhletites, to the limit of Beth-horon the lower, as far as Gezer; ending at the sea.
Then it descended west to the border of the Japhletites and the border of Lower Beth-horon, on up to Gezer, and then out to the sea.
And goeth down Westward to the coast of Iaphleti, vnto the coast of Beth-horon the nether, and to Gezer: and the endes thereof are at the Sea.
and gone down westward unto the border of Japhleti, unto the border of Beth-Horon the lower, and unto Gezer, and its outgoings have been at the sea.
and it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, to the border of Beth Horon the lower, and on to Gezer; and ended at the sea.
And goeth down westward to the border of Japhleti, to the border of Beth-horon the nether, and to Gezer: and the limits of it are at the sea.
And goeth down westward, by the border of Jephleti, unto the borders of Beth-horon the nether, and to Gazer: and the countries of it are ended by the great sea:
From there it extended west to the border of the land where the Japhleti people-group lived, and then it extended west to the area near Lower Beth-Horon. From there it extended west to Gezer city and from there to the Mediterranean Sea.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 16:3
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 16:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יָֽרַד
יָ֜מָּ/ה
אֶל
גְּב֣וּל
הַ/יַּפְלֵטִ֗י
עַ֣ד
גְּב֧וּל
בֵּית
חוֹרֹ֛ן
תַּחְתּ֖וֹן
וְ/עַד
גָּ֑זֶר
וְ/הָי֥וּ
תצאת/ו
תֹצְאֹתָ֖י/ו
יָֽמָּ/ה
וְ/יָֽרַד
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
יָ֜מָּ/ה
yâm
H3220
West
N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
גְּב֣וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms
הַ/יַּפְלֵטִ֗י
Yaphlêṭîy
H3311
Japhletite
Art | Ngmsa
עַ֣ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
גְּב֧וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms
בֵּית
Bêyth Chôwrôwn
H1032
Beth-horon
N-proper
חוֹרֹ֛ן
Bêyth Chôwrôwn
H1032
Beth-horon
N-proper
תַּחְתּ֖וֹן
tachtôwn
H8481
lower
Adj
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
גָּ֑זֶר
Gezer
H1507
Gezer
N-proper
וְ/הָי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
תצאת/ו
tôwtsâʼâh
H8444
outgoing
N-fp | Suff
תֹצְאֹתָ֖י/ו
tôwtsâʼâh
H8444
outgoing
N-fp | Suff
יָֽמָּ/ה
yâm
H3220
West
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 16:3
וְ/יָֽרַד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
יָ֜מָּ/ה
yâm
H3220
"West"
N-ms | Suff
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.
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.
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.
הַ/יַּפְלֵטִ֗י
Yaphlêṭîy
H3311
"Japhletite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Japhletite is a descendant of Japhlet, an Israelite from the tribe of Asher, as mentioned in Joshua 16:3.
Definition: Someone descended from Japhlet who was a man of the tribe of Asher living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.16.3; son of: Heber (H2268); brother of: Shomer (H7763H), Hotham (H2369) and Shua (H7774); father of: Pasach (H6457), Bimhal (H1118) and Ashvath (H6220) Group of yaph.let (יַפְלֵט "Japhlet" H3310) § Japhleti see Japhlet = "let him escape" descendants of Asher of the family of Japhlet who lived on the southwest border of Ephraim. Used as location
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Japhleti. See also: Joshua 16:3.
עַ֣ד
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.
גְּב֧וּל
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.
בֵּית
Bêyth Chôwrôwn
H1032
"Beth-horon"
N-proper
Beth-horon means house of hollowness, referring to two places in Palestine. Lower Beth-horon is 800 feet below Upper Beth-horon in the mountains of Ephraim.
Definition: Beth-horon = "house of hollowness" Lower Beth-horon-town located 800 feet (245 m) lower than Upper Beth-horon on the mountains of Ephraim Combined with bet cho.ron (בֵּית חוֹרֹן "Beth-horon" H1032)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Beth-horon. See also: Joshua 10:10; Joshua 21:22; 2 Chronicles 25:13.
חוֹרֹ֛ן
Bêyth Chôwrôwn
H1032
"Beth-horon"
N-proper
Beth-horon means house of hollowness, referring to two places in Palestine. Lower Beth-horon is 800 feet below Upper Beth-horon in the mountains of Ephraim.
Definition: Beth-horon = "house of hollowness" Lower Beth-horon-town located 800 feet (245 m) lower than Upper Beth-horon on the mountains of Ephraim Combined with bet cho.ron (בֵּית חוֹרֹן "Beth-horon" H1032)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Beth-horon. See also: Joshua 10:10; Joshua 21:22; 2 Chronicles 25:13.
תַּחְתּ֖וֹן
tachtôwn
H8481
"lower"
Adj
Tachtown means lower or bottommost, describing something as the lowest or nethermost part. It is used to describe physical locations or positions.
Definition: lower, lowest, nether
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: lower(-est), nether(-most). See also: Joshua 16:3; Isaiah 22:9; Ezekiel 43:14.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | 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.
גָּ֑זֶר
Gezer
H1507
"Gezer"
N-proper
Gezer is a place in the Bible, a city in Palestine near Ephraim. The name Gezer means portion, and it was a special city for the Levites. It is mentioned in the books of Joshua and Kings.
Definition: Gazer or Gezer = "portion" a Levitical city on the border of Ephraim Also named: gov (גֹּב "Gob" H1359)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Gazer, Gezer. See also: Joshua 10:33; 1 Kings 9:15; 1 Chronicles 20:4.
וְ/הָי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
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.
תצאת/ו
tôwtsâʼâh
H8444
"outgoing"
N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a boundary or border, like the edge of a country. It can also mean a source or a way to escape, as in escaping death. In the Bible, it is often used to describe geographical borders.
Definition: 1) outgoing, border, a going out, extremity, end, source, escape 1a) outgoing, extremity (of border) 1b) source (of life) 1c) escape (from death)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: border(-s), going(-s) forth (out), issues, outgoings. See also: Numbers 34:4; Joshua 17:18; Psalms 68:21.
תֹצְאֹתָ֖י/ו
tôwtsâʼâh
H8444
"outgoing"
N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a boundary or border, like the edge of a country. It can also mean a source or a way to escape, as in escaping death. In the Bible, it is often used to describe geographical borders.
Definition: 1) outgoing, border, a going out, extremity, end, source, escape 1a) outgoing, extremity (of border) 1b) source (of life) 1c) escape (from death)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: border(-s), going(-s) forth (out), issues, outgoings. See also: Numbers 34:4; Joshua 17:18; Psalms 68:21.
יָֽמָּ/ה
yâm
H3220
"West"
N-ms | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Joshua 16:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 16:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 16:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 16:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 16:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 16:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 16:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 16:3
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 16:3
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 16:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 16:3
Context — Ephraim’s Inheritance
1The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended from the Jordan at Jericho to the waters of Jericho on the east, through the wilderness that goes up from Jericho into the hill country of Bethel.
2It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz) and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth.
3Then it descended westward to the border of the Japhletites as far as the border of Lower Beth-horon and on to Gezer, and it ended at the Sea.
4So Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, received their inheritance. 5This was the territory of the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: The border of their inheritance went from Ataroth-addar in the east to Upper Beth-horonCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 10:33 | At that time Horam king of Gezer went to help Lachish, but Joshua struck him down along with his people, leaving no survivors. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 8:5 | He rebuilt Upper and Lower Beth-horon as fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars, |
| 3 | Joshua 18:13 | From there the border crossed over to the southern slope of Luz (that is, Bethel) and went down to Ataroth-addar on the hill south of Lower Beth-horon. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 7:24 | His daughter was Sheerah, who built Lower and Upper Beth-horon, as well as Uzzen-sheerah. |
| 5 | Numbers 34:6 | Your western border will be the coastline of the Great Sea; this will be your boundary on the west. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 9:15–17 | This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon imposed to build the house of the LORD, his own palace, the supporting terraces, and the wall of Jerusalem, as well as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire, killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon’s wife. So Solomon rebuilt Gezer, Lower Beth-horon, |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 7:28 | Their holdings and settlements included Bethel and its villages, Naaran to the east, Gezer and its villages to the west, and Shechem and its villages as far as Ayyah and its villages. |
Joshua 16:3 Summary
[Joshua 16:3 describes the western border of the territory allotted to the descendants of Joseph, which extends from the border of the Japhletites to the Mediterranean Sea, as seen in Numbers 34:6. This border is significant because it marks the western boundary of the land of Canaan, and it serves as a reminder of God's promise to provide for and guide His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:8 and Joshua 1:6. The description of the border in Joshua 16:3 is a testament to God's faithfulness and provision, and it encourages us to trust in His sovereignty and guidance in our own lives. By reflecting on this verse, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's plan and purpose for our lives, and we can learn to trust in His goodness and love, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the border of the Japhletites in Joshua 16:3?
The border of the Japhletites marks the western boundary of the territory allotted to the descendants of Joseph, as described in Joshua 16:3, and is an important geographical marker in the division of the land of Canaan, as seen in Joshua 13:7 and Numbers 34:6.
Why is Gezer included in the border description of Joshua 16:3?
Gezer is included in the border description to provide a clear understanding of the territorial boundaries, and its mention serves as a reference point for the allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, as seen in Joshua 21:21 and 1 Kings 9:15-17.
What is the Sea being referred to in Joshua 16:3?
The Sea being referred to in Joshua 16:3 is the Mediterranean Sea, which marked the western boundary of the land of Canaan, as described in Numbers 34:6 and Exodus 23:31.
How does the description of the border in Joshua 16:3 relate to the overall theme of the book of Joshua?
The description of the border in Joshua 16:3 is part of the larger theme of the book of Joshua, which is the conquest and division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, as seen in Joshua 1:6 and Deuteronomy 1:8.
Reflection Questions
- As I reflect on the borders and boundaries described in Joshua 16:3, how do I see God's sovereignty and provision in my own life, and what boundaries has He set for me?
- What can I learn from the way the Israelites trusted God to provide for them and guide them in the division of the land, and how can I apply that trust to my own circumstances?
- In what ways do I see the concept of borders and boundaries playing out in my own life, and how can I use those boundaries to serve and glorify God?
- How does the description of the Sea as the western boundary in Joshua 16:3 remind me of God's power and majesty, and what impact does that have on my faith and trust in Him?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 16:3
And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti,.... This place is now unknown, though no doubt well known to the sons of Joseph, when this lot fell to them, and its border was described: unto the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 16:3
And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 16:3
Of the two Beth-horons, see ,11.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 16:3
Joshua 16:3 And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.Ver. 3. And to Gezer.] Where the Canaanites held them till Solomon’ s days; but were then slain by Pharaoh, king of Egypt, in favour of his daughter, Solomon’ s wife.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 16:3
XVI. OF JOSEPH—i.e., of Ephraim and Manasseh (Joshua 16:1 to Joshua 18:1, inclusive). (1) The lot of the children of Joseph.—The order of precedence among the tribes of Israel was always Judah first and the sons of Joseph second. In the words of 1 Chronicles 5:2, “Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph’s.” Accordingly in the division of the land of Canaan under Joshua, there are three successive stages: first, the settlement of the tribe of Judah in the strongholds of the south of Palestine; secondly, the establishment of Ephraim and Manasseh in the centre of the country, and in some strong positions towards the north; thirdly, the settlement of the remaining tribes, so as to fill up the gaps left between Judah and Joseph, and also upon the outskirts of their territory, so as to be, as it were, under the shadow of their wings. In the inheritance of Ephraim and Manasseh we observe some features which distinguish this description from that of Judah’s inheritance in Joshua 15. The boundaries of the territory are given, but there is no catalogue of cities. There is also another peculiarity: the tribe of Ephraim is interlocked with the tribe of Manasseh, and the tribe of Manasseh again with Issachar and Asher, by the possession of cities in the territory of these other tribes. (1-3) Comp. Joshua 18:12-14. The south border of Joseph was the north border of Benjamin.
(See Conder’s Bible Handbook, p. 260, and Ordnance Map, sheets 14, 15, and 18) Archi is ’Ain ’Arîk (sheet 14). Ataroth is Ed-Dârieh (sheet 18). Japhleti is not identified. Beth-horon is Beit ’Ur. Gezer is Tell Jezer.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 16:3
Verse 3. Beth-horon the nether] This city was about twelve miles from Jerusalem, on the side of Nicopolis, formerly Emmaus. - CALMET. See Clarke on Joshua 10:10.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 16:3
3. and goeth down westward] Hence the boundary passed unto the “coast” of Beth-horon the nether, i.e. the “Lower Beth-horon,” and Gezer, to the Mediterranean Sea at Jaffa. Japhleti] is unknown. Beth-horon] See above, ch. Joshua 10:10-11. Gezer] See above ch. Joshua 10:33. It probably lay between Beth-horon and Lydda. “The territory assigned to ‘the house of Joseph’ may be roughly estimated at 55 miles from east to west, by 70 from north to south, a portion about equal in extent to the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk combined.”
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 16:3
Of Japhleti - Rather “of the Japhletite.” All history of the name is lost.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 16:3
3. On Japhleti, or the Japhletite, the note on Archi (Joshua 16:2) will also apply. On Beth-horon see at Joshua 10:10, and Gezer, Joshua 10:33. The Sea — The Mediterranean.