Joshua 15:4

Authorized King James Version

From thence it passed toward Azmon, and went out unto the river of Egypt; and the goings out of that coast were at the sea: this shall be your south coast.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָבַ֣ר
From thence it passed
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#2
עַצְמ֗וֹנָה
toward Azmon
atsmon, a place near palestine
#3
וְיָצָא֙
and went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#4
נַ֣חַל
unto the river
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#5
מִצְרַ֔יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#6
וְהָי֛ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
תֹּֽצְא֥וֹת
and the goings out
(only in plural collective) exit, i.e., (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source
#8
גְּב֥וּל
coast
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#9
יָ֑מָּה
were at the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#10
זֶה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#11
יִֽהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
לָכֶ֖ם
H0
#13
גְּב֥וּל
coast
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#14
נֶֽגֶב׃
this shall be your south
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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