Joshua 15:8

Authorized King James Version

And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָלָ֨ה
went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#2
הַגְּב֜וּל
And the border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#3
גֵֽי
by the valley
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
#4
בֶן
of the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
הִנֹּם֙
of Hinnom
hinnom, apparently a jebusite
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
כֶּ֤תֶף
side
the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi
#8
הַיְבוּסִי֙
of the Jebusite
a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus
#9
מִנֶּ֔גֶב
unto the south
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
#10
הִ֖יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#11
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
the same is Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#12
וְעָלָ֨ה
went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#13
הַגְּב֜וּל
And the border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#14
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
רֹ֣אשׁ
to the top
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#16
הָהָ֗ר
of the mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#17
אֲ֠שֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
פְּנֵ֤י
that lieth before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#20
גֵֽי
by the valley
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
#21
הִנֹּם֙
of Hinnom
hinnom, apparently a jebusite
#22
יָ֔מָּה
westward
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
#23
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#24
בִּקְצֵ֥ה
which is at the end
an extremity
#25
עֵֽמֶק
of the valley
a vale (i.e., broad depression)
#26
רְפָאִ֖ים
of the giants
a giant
#27
צָפֽוֹנָה׃
northward
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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