Now these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east:

JOSHUA 12:1KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 12:1 (KJV)

What does Joshua 12:1 mean?

Joshua 12:1 lists the kings east of the Jordan River whom the Israelites defeated and whose land they took, stretching from the Arnon River to Mount Hermon and including the eastern plains. This verse introduces a record of Israel’s military victories and the territory they gained before crossing into the main part of Canaan.

Joshua 12:1 is part of a summary section in the book of Joshua, where the writer (traditionally thought to be Joshua himself) catalogs the lands conquered by Israel under his leadership. The verse sets the geographical boundaries: from the Arnon River in the south, up to Mount Hermon in the north, and all the flatlands to the east of the Jordan. This context helps the reader see the scope of Israel’s conquests before they entered the heartland of Canaan.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 12:1

  • "land" (אֶרֶץ, ’erets): This word refers to territory or region, not just soil or ground. Here, it emphasizes the actual regions the Israelites took over, highlighting the shift in ownership.
  • "smote" (נָכָה, nākhāh): This word means to strike or defeat. The use here underlines that these kings were not just displaced but actively defeated in battle.
  • "possessed" (יָרַשׁ, yārash): This word means to take possession or inherit. It points out that Israel didn’t just win battles—they settled and claimed the land as their own.
  • "side" (עֵבֶר, ‘ēver): This word means "region" or "across," and in this context, it clarifies that the events happened on the eastern side of the Jordan, not in the main land of Canaan.

Why Joshua 12:1 matters

  • Joshua 12:1 helps the reader see that Israel’s conquest was not limited to the land west of the Jordan; significant victories and settlements happened east of the river as well.
  • The verse sets up the detailed list that follows, giving a sense of order and completeness to Israel’s military campaign.
  • By naming specific boundaries and regions, Joshua 12:1 grounds the story in real geography, making the historical claims more concrete for the original audience and for readers today.

Where else these words appear

“Hermon” Hebrew H2768 · used in 13 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:8 And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;
  • Joshua 11:17 Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:23 And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land: they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon.

“Arnon” Hebrew H769 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 21:13 From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.
  • Deuteronomy 2:36 From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:
  • Joshua 13:16 And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;

“plain” Hebrew H6160 · used in 57 verses

  • Numbers 22:1 And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
  • Joshua 4:13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
  • Psalms 68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

“rising” Hebrew H4217 · used in 71 verses

  • Exodus 27:13 And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.
  • Joshua 16:6 And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah;
  • 2 Chronicles 4:4 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.