Joshua 18:20

Verse

On the east side the border was the Jordan. These were the borders around the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin.

American Standard Version (1901)

And the Jordan was the border of it on the east quarter. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the borders thereof round about, according to their families.

Bible in Basic English

And the limit of the east part is the Jordan. This is the heritage of the children of Benjamin, marked out for their families by these limits on all sides.

Free Bible Version

The eastern boundary was the Jordan. These were the boundaries around the land of the tribe of Benjamin, by families.

Geneva Bible 1599

Also Iorden is the border of it on the Eastside: this is the inheritance of the children of Beniamin by the coastes thereof rounde about according to their families.

King James (Authorized) Version

And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families.

Translation for Translators

The Jordan River was the eastern boundary of the land allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. Those were the boundaries of the land allotted to them.

Unlocked Literal Bible

The Jordan formed its border on the eastern side. This was the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin, and it was given clan by clan, border after border, all around.

Noah Webster Bible

And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the limits of it round about, according to their families.

World English Bible

The Jordan was its border on the east quarter. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the borders around it, according to their families.

Young's Literal Translation

and the Jordan doth border it at the east quarter; this [is] the inheritance of the sons of Benjamin, by its borders round about, for their families.

Context

Benjamin’s Inheritance

¹⁹The border continued to the northern slope of Beth-hoglah and came out at the northern bay of the Salt Sea, at the mouth of the Jordan. This was the southern border. ²⁰On the east side the border was the Jordan. These were the borders around the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin.

Summary

In this verse, the territory of the tribe of Benjamin is described as having twelve towns, which were part of their inheritance. This allocation of land was significant as it fulfilled the promise of God to the Israelites, ensuring that each tribe received their portion. The detailed account of the towns allotted to Benjamin highlights the meticulous planning and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant with His people. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and trust in God's provision and promises.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Jordan was the border of it on the east side,.... It had Jordan on the east, Dan on the west, Judah on the south, and Joseph or Ephraim on the north: this was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families; this is the general description of the limits of this tribe, the particular cities in it follow.