Joshua 15:9

Authorized King James Version

And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjath-jearim:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְתָאַ֤ר
was drawn
to delineate; reflexive to extend
#2
הַגְּבוּל֙
And the border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#3
מֵרֹ֣אשׁ
from the top
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#4
הַר
of mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
מַעְיַן֙
unto the fountain
a fountain (also collectively), figuratively, a source (of satisfaction)
#7
מֵ֣י
of the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#8
נֶפְתּ֔וֹחַ
of Nephtoah
nephtoach, a place in palestine
#9
וְיָצָ֖א
and went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#10
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
עָרֵ֣י
to the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#12
הַר
of mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#13
עֶפְר֑וֹן
Ephron
ephron, the name of a canaanite and of two places in palestine
#14
וְתָאַ֤ר
was drawn
to delineate; reflexive to extend
#15
הַגְּבוּל֙
And the border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#16
בַּֽעֲלָ֔ה
to Baalah
baalah, the name of three places in palestine
#17
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
#18
קִרְיַ֥ת
H0
#19
יְעָרִֽים׃
which is Kirjathjearim
kirjath-jearim or kirjath-arim, a place in palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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