Joshua 18:15
And the south quarter was from the end of Kirjath-jearim, and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah:
Original Language Analysis
וּפְאַת
quarter
H6285
וּפְאַת
quarter
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
נֶ֕גְבָּה
And the south
H5045
נֶ֕גְבָּה
And the south
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
2 of 13
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
יְעָרִ֑ים
of Kirjathjearim
H7157
יְעָרִ֑ים
of Kirjathjearim
Strong's:
H7157
Word #:
5 of 13
kirjath-jearim or kirjath-arim, a place in palestine
וְיָצָ֕א
and went out
H3318
וְיָצָ֕א
and went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
6 of 13
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
הַגְּבוּל֙
and the border
H1366
הַגְּבוּל֙
and the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
יָ֔מָּה
on the west
H3220
יָ֔מָּה
on the west
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
8 of 13
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
וְיָצָ֕א
and went out
H3318
וְיָצָ֕א
and went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
9 of 13
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מַעְיַ֖ן
to the well
H4599
מַעְיַ֖ן
to the well
Strong's:
H4599
Word #:
11 of 13
a fountain (also collectively), figuratively, a source (of satisfaction)
Historical Context
Nephtoah (modern Lifta near Jerusalem) was a perennial spring feeding Jerusalem's water supply. Control of water sources meant survival in ancient Palestine. This boundary segment defined Judah-Benjamin relations for centuries, including competition for Jerusalem's control.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'wells' of spiritual refreshment mark the boundaries of your walk with God?
- How do natural resources like water point to God's providential care?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The south quarter was from the end of Kirjath-jearim, and the border went out on the west—Benjamin's southern boundary starts at Kirjath-jearim and extends westward to the well of waters of Nephtoah. Water sources were crucial border markers in arid Palestine. The Hebrew ma'yan mayim (מַעְיַן מָיִם) emphasizes fresh, flowing water—a valuable resource.
Wells and springs figure prominently in biblical narratives: Hagar's well (Genesis 21:19), Isaac's wells (Genesis 26), Jacob's well (John 4). Water symbolizes life, sustenance, and God's provision. Boundary markers using water sources remind Israel that God gives both land and life-sustaining resources.