Joshua 13:16

Authorized King James Version

And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֨י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָהֶ֜ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הַגְּב֗וּל

H1366

And their coast

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

מֵֽעֲרוֹעֵ֡ר

H6177

was from Aroer

aror, the name of three places in or near palestine

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׂפַת

H8193

that is on the bank

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

הַנַּ֛חַל

H5158

of the river

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

אַרְנ֜וֹן

H769

Arnon

the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory

#10

וְהָעִ֨יר

H5892

and the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#11

אֲשֶׁ֧ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

בְּתוֹךְ

H8432

that is in the midst

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#13

הַנַּ֛חַל

H5158

of the river

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

#14

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#15

הַמִּישֹׁ֖ר

H4334

and all the plain

a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (

#16

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#17

מֵֽידְבָֽא׃

H4311

by Medeba

medeba, a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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