Joshua 18:12

Authorized King James Version

And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Beth-aven.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֨י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
לָהֶ֧ם
H0
#3
הַגְּבוּל֩
And their border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#4
לִפְאַ֥ת
side
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
#5
מִצָּפ֗וֹן
on the north
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#6
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן
was from Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#8
וְעָלָ֤ה
side and went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#9
הַגְּבוּל֩
And their border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#10
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
כֶּ֨תֶף
to the 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
#12
יְרִיח֜וֹ
of Jericho
jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine
#13
מִצָּפ֗וֹן
on the north
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#14
וְעָלָ֤ה
side and went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#15
בָהָר֙
through the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#16
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
#17
וְהָיָה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#18
תֹּֽצְאֹתָ֔יו
and the goings out
(only in plural collective) exit, i.e., (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source
#19
מִדְבַּ֖רָה
thereof were at the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#20
בֵּ֥ית
H0
#21
אָֽוֶן׃
of Bethaven
beth-aven, 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

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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