Joshua 17:9

Authorized King James Version

And the coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also was on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיָרַ֣ד
descended
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#2
וּגְב֤וּל
And the coast
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#3
לַנַּ֔חַל
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)
#4
קָנָ֜ה
Kanah
kanah, the name of a stream and of a place in palestine
#5
נֶ֣גְבָּה
southward
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
#6
לַנַּ֔חַל
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)
#7
עָרֵ֣י
the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#8
הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙
these or those
#9
לְאֶפְרַ֔יִם
of Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#10
בְּת֖וֹךְ
are among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#11
עָרֵ֣י
the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#12
מְנַשֶּׁה֙
of Manasseh
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#13
וּגְב֤וּל
And the coast
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#14
מְנַשֶּׁה֙
of Manasseh
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#15
מִצְּפ֣וֹן
also was on the north side
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#16
לַנַּ֔חַל
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)
#17
וַיְהִ֥י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#18
תֹֽצְאֹתָ֖יו
and the outgoings
(only in plural collective) exit, i.e., (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source
#19
הַיָּֽמָּה׃
of it 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

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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