Joshua 18:15

Verse

On the south side the border began at the outskirts of Kiriath-jearim and extended westward to the spring at the Waters of Nephtoah.

American Standard Version (1901)

And the south quarter was from the uttermost part of Kiriath-jearim; and the border went out westward, and went out to the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah;

Bible in Basic English

And the south part is from the farthest point of Kiriath-jearim, and the line goes out to the west to the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah:

Free Bible Version

The southern boundary began at the edge of Kiriath-jearim. It ran to the spring at Nephtoah,

Geneva Bible 1599

And the Southquarter is from the ende of Kiriath-iearim, and this border goeth out Westward, and commeth to the fountaine of waters of Nephtoah.

King James (Authorized) Version

And the south quarter was from the end of Kirjath-jearim, and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah:

Translation for Translators

The southern border of their land started near Kiriath-Jearim and extended west to Nephtoah Springs.

Unlocked Literal Bible

The south side began just outside of Kiriath Jearim. The border went from there to Ephron, to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah.

Noah Webster Bible

And the south quarter was from the end of Kirjah-jearim, and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah:

World English Bible

The south quarter was from the farthest part of Kiriath Jearim. The border went out westward, and went out to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah.

Young's Literal Translation

And the south quarter [is] from the end of Kirjath-Jearim, and the border hath gone out westward, and gone out unto the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah;

Context

Benjamin’s Inheritance

¹⁴On the west side the border curved southward from the hill facing Beth-horon on the south and came out at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), a city of the sons of Judah. This was the western side.¹⁵On the south side the border began at the outskirts of Kiriath-jearim and extended westward to the spring at the Waters of Nephtoah.¹⁶Then it went down to the foot of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim and ran down the Valley of Hinnom toward the southern slope of the Jebusites and downward to En-rogel.

Summary

In Joshua 18:15, the Israelites are instructed to set up the tabernacle at Shiloh, signifying the central place of worship and unity for the tribes of Israel. This act symbolizes God's presence among His people and His desire for them to come together in worship and fellowship. By establishing Shiloh as the religious center, the Israelites were reminded of their covenant relationship with God and the importance of seeking Him above all else. This verse highlights the significance of communal worship, obedience to God's commands, and the unity of God's people in fulfilling His purposes.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And the south quarter was from the end of Kirjathjearim,.... Where the western quarter ended: and the border went out on the west; not directly south, but somewhat westerly. It is, in the original, "the sea", and should be rendered, "from the sea", or "from the west" (m); and Jarchi confesses his ignorance, and says, I know not what sea it is; and well he might, for there was no sea here; but the Mediterranean sea, being to the west of the land of Israel, it is often used for the west in the Hebrew language, and so here: and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah; See Gill on Jos 15:9; (m) "a mari", Masius; "ab occidente", Noldius, No. 1083. p. 239.