Joshua 18:16

Authorized King James Version

And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to En-rogel,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיָרַ֖ד
and 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
הַגְּב֜וּל
And the border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
קְצֵ֣ה
to the end
an extremity
#5
הָהָ֗ר
of the mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#6
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
פְּנֵי֙
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
#9
גֵּ֨י
the valley
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
#10
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
#11
הִנֹּ֜ם
of Hinnom
hinnom, apparently a jebusite
#12
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
בְּעֵ֥מֶק
and which is in the valley
a vale (i.e., broad depression)
#14
רְפָאִ֖ים
of the giants
a giant
#15
צָפ֑וֹנָה
on the north
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#16
וְיָרַ֖ד
and 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
#17
גֵּ֨י
the valley
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
#18
הִנֹּ֜ם
of Hinnom
hinnom, apparently a jebusite
#19
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#20
כֶּ֤תֶף
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
#21
הַיְבוּסִי֙
of Jebusi
a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus
#22
נֶ֔גְבָּה
on the south
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
#23
וְיָרַ֖ד
and 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
#24
עֵ֥ין
H0
#25
רֹגֵֽל׃
to Enrogel
en-rogel, a place near jerusalem

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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