Joshua 16:5
Joshua 16:5 in Multiple Translations
This 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-horon
¶ And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Ataroth-addar, unto Beth-horon the upper;
And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: the border of their inheritance eastward was Ataroth-addar, unto Beth-horon the upper;
And the limit of the land of the children of Ephraim by their families was marked out in this way: the limit of their heritage to the east was Ataroth-addar, to Beth-horon the higher;
This was the territory allocated to the tribe of Ephraim, by families. The boundary of their allocation ran from Ataroth-addar in the east to Upper Beth-horon
Also the borders of the children of Ephraim according to their families, euen the borders of their inheritance on the Eastside were Atroth-addar, vnto Beth-horon the vpper.
And the border of the sons of Ephraim is by their families; and the border of their inheritance is on the east, Atroth-Addar unto Beth-Horon the upper;
This was the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families. The border of their inheritance eastward was Ataroth Addar, to Beth Horon the upper.
And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus : even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Ataroth-adar, to Beth-horon the upper:
And the border of the children of Ephraim was according to their kindreds: and their possession towards the east was Ataroth-addar unto Beth-horon the upper.
The border of the land that was allotted to the clans of the tribe of Ephraim started at Ataroth-Addar city in the east. It extended to Upper Beth-Horon
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 16:5
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 16:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֛י
גְּב֥וּל
בְּנֵֽי
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑/ם
וַ/יְהִ֞י
גְּב֤וּל
נַחֲלָתָ/ם֙
מִזְרָ֔חָ/ה
עַטְר֣וֹת
אַדָּ֔ר
עַד
בֵּ֥ית
חוֹרֹ֖ן
עֶלְיֽוֹן
וַ/יְהִ֛י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
גְּב֥וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms
בְּנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑/ם
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
Prep | N-fp | Suff
וַ/יְהִ֞י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
גְּב֤וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms
נַחֲלָתָ/ם֙
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
N-fs | Suff
מִזְרָ֔חָ/ה
mizrâch
H4217
east
N-ms | Suff
עַטְר֣וֹת
ʻAṭrôwth ʼAddâr
H5853
Ataroth-addar
N-proper
אַדָּ֔ר
ʻAṭrôwth ʼAddâr
H5853
Ataroth-addar
N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
בֵּ֥ית
Bêyth Chôwrôwn
H1032
Beth-horon
N-proper
חוֹרֹ֖ן
Bêyth Chôwrôwn
H1032
Beth-horon
N-proper
עֶלְיֽוֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
high
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 16:5
וַ/יְהִ֛י
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.
גְּב֥וּל
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.
בְּנֵֽי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑/ם
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
וַ/יְהִ֞י
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.
גְּב֤וּל
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.
נַחֲלָתָ/ם֙
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
N-fs | Suff
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
מִזְרָ֔חָ/ה
mizrâch
H4217
"east"
N-ms | Suff
This word means the direction of the sunrise, or east. It is used in the Bible to describe the direction of the sun and the east side of something.
Definition: 1) place of sunrise, east 1a) sunrise, east (with 'sun') 1b) the east (without 'sun') 1b1) to or toward the place of sunrise 1b2) to the east, eastward
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: east (side, -ward), (sun-) rising (of the sun). See also: Exodus 27:13; 1 Kings 7:25; Psalms 50:1.
עַטְר֣וֹת
ʻAṭrôwth ʼAddâr
H5853
"Ataroth-addar"
N-proper
Ataroth-addar means crowns of glory, a town in Benjamin. It was a Gadite town on the west border of Benjamin. The name symbolizes a place of glory and honor.
Definition: § Ataroth-adar or Ataroth-addar = "crowns of glory" a Gadite town on the west border of Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Ataroth-adar(-addar). See also: Joshua 16:5; Joshua 18:13.
אַדָּ֔ר
ʻAṭrôwth ʼAddâr
H5853
"Ataroth-addar"
N-proper
Ataroth-addar means crowns of glory, a town in Benjamin. It was a Gadite town on the west border of Benjamin. The name symbolizes a place of glory and honor.
Definition: § Ataroth-adar or Ataroth-addar = "crowns of glory" a Gadite town on the west border of Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Ataroth-adar(-addar). See also: Joshua 16:5; Joshua 18:13.
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.
בֵּ֥ית
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.
חוֹרֹ֖ן
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.
עֶלְיֽוֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
"high"
Adj
The Most High, a name for God emphasizing His supreme power and authority. It appears in Psalm 57:2, where David cries out to the Most High God for help, showing trust in God's power. This name highlights God's lofty position above all things.
Definition: adj 1) high, upper 1a) of Davidic king exalted above monarchs
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most). See also: Genesis 14:18; Psalms 47:3; Psalms 7:18.
Study Notes — Joshua 16:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 16:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 16:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 16:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 16:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 16:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 16:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 16:5
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 16:5
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 16:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 16:5
Context — Ephraim’s Inheritance
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-horon
6and out toward the Sea. From Michmethath on the north it turned eastward toward Taanath-shiloh and passed by it to Janoah on the east. 7From Janoah it went down to Ataroth and Naarah, and then reached Jericho and came out at the Jordan.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Joshua 16:2 | It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz) and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth. |
Joshua 16:5 Summary
This verse describes the territory that God gave to the descendants of Ephraim, which was a part of the promised land. The border of their inheritance started at Ataroth-addar in the east and went to Upper Beth-horon, showing that God had a specific plan for each tribe. As we read this verse, we can remember that God also has a plan for our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, and that He provides for us just like He provided for the Israelites. By trusting in God's faithfulness, we can have confidence in His provision for us, just as the Ephraimites trusted in His promise of their inheritance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Ataroth-addar in Joshua 16:5?
Ataroth-addar is a city on the eastern border of the territory of Ephraim, marking the beginning of their inheritance, as seen in Joshua 16:5, and is also mentioned in Joshua 18:13 as a boundary for the tribe of Benjamin.
Why is Upper Beth-horon important in this verse?
Upper Beth-horon is a city that marks the western border of the territory of Ephraim, as stated in Joshua 16:5, and its significance is also seen in Joshua 10:10-11, where the Lord helped the Israelites defeat the Amorites.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Joshua 16?
This verse is part of the description of the territory of the descendants of Ephraim, which is also discussed in Joshua 16:1-4 and Joshua 16:6-10, providing a detailed account of their inheritance.
What can we learn about God's provision from this verse?
This verse shows that God provided a specific territory for the descendants of Ephraim, demonstrating His care and provision for His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:7-10 and Jeremiah 31:23-25.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach me about God's faithfulness to His promises?
- How can I apply the concept of inheritance to my own life as a child of God?
- What can I learn from the way the Israelites received their inheritance, and how can I trust God for my own provision?
- In what ways can I be grateful for the spiritual inheritance I have in Christ, as described in Ephesians 1:3-14?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 16:5
And the border of the children of Ephraim, according to their families, was [thus],.... Or what follows is the description of it: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 16:5
And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Beth-horon the upper; The border of their
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 16:5
On the east side, i.e. the north-east side. It is no wonder, if some of these descriptions are dark and doubtful to us at this distance of time and place; there having been so many alterations made in places, and so many circumstances being now altogether undiscoverable. But this is evident to every man of common sense, that this and all the descriptions here mentioned were then certain and evident to the Israelites, because these were the foundation of their present practice, and of all the possessions which then they took and peaceably possessed in succeeding ages.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 16:5
Joshua 16:5 And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was [thus]: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;Ver. 5. Was Atarothaddar unto Bethhoron the upper.] As there were two Bethhorons, so Eusebius telleth us that there were two Ataroths: one near Rama; the other, four miles distant from Samaria.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 16:5
(5-8) The border (of Ephraim’s inheritance) on the east side.—The words “on the east side” are not easy to understand. If Ataroth-addar is rightly identified as Ed-Dârieh, and Mickmethah as the plain of Mukhnah, then the line from Ataroth-addar and Beth-horon to Michmethah is a line running due north, and separating the territory of Ephraim on the east from that of Dan on the west. The line from Michmethah to Taanath-shiloh (Tana, sheet 12) and Janohah (Yânûn, south of T’ana, sheet 15), and so to Jordan, is a line running from north-west to south-east. The brook Kanah is (roughly) continuous with this line, but in a westerly direction, and leads us towards the sea. We thus obtain for the territory of Ephraim four boundary-lines—viz.: (a) the plain of Jordan on the east; (b) the line of hills bordering the Shephelah on the west; (c) the brook Kanah, and the line passing through Taanath-shiloh and Janohah to Jordan on the north; and (d) the north border of Benjamin (Joshua 16:1-3, and Joshua 18:12-14) on the south.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 16:5
Verse 5. Ataroth-addar] See Clarke on Joshua 16:2. Beth-horon the upper] The situation of this town is little known. It was eastward of Beth-horon the nether, and consequently not far from it.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 16:5
5–10. The Inheritance of the Tribe of Ephraim 5. And the border] The border given is not traced out with the same completeness as that given above of the tribe of Judah. No mention, it will be observed, is made of the northern boundary line of the tribes descended from Joseph, although the eastern and western boundaries are implied, viz. the Jordan and the Mediterranean. on the east side] It is to be borne in mind that the border traced above in Joshua 16:1-3 is here presupposed. The boundary is not drawn de novo, but is based upon the other. Ataroth-addar] Comp. ch. Joshua 18:13. It is a little remarkable that the “Upper Beth-horon” is mentioned in this verse instead of Lower Beth-horon, as in Joshua 16:3. But both places were situated close to each other.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 16:5
From the abrupt manner in which the statements are introduced, as well as from their imperfect character, there is probability in the conjecture that some words have, in these verses, fallen out of the text.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 16:5
EPHRAIM’S BORDERS, Joshua 16:5-10.[This outline of Ephraim’s borders has evidences of being merely a fragment, and much corrupted at that.