And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah:

JOSHUA 12:3KJV
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Joshua 12:3 (KJV)

What does Joshua 12:3 mean?

Joshua 12:3 describes the boundaries of a region conquered by the Israelites, stretching from the plain near the Sea of Chinneroth (the Sea of Galilee) on the east, down to the Salt Sea (the Dead Sea) on the east, along the way to Bethjeshimoth, and southward below the slopes of Pisgah. The verse lists specific geographic markers to outline the territory taken from defeated kings.

This verse is part of a summary given by the narrator of Joshua, recounting the lands conquered under Moses and Joshua’s leadership. The detailed place names and directions help the original audience understand exactly which areas were now under Israelite control, providing a record of God’s fulfillment of His promises about the land.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 12:3

  • "plain" (עֲרָבָה, ʿaravah): This word refers to the low-lying flatlands or desert plain, especially the Jordan Valley. It highlights the specific type of terrain being described.
  • "sea" (יָם, yam): Used here for both the Sea of Chinneroth and the Salt Sea, this word simply means "sea" or "large body of water," but in context, it points to well-known landmarks.
  • "Chinneroth" (כִּנְּרוֹת, Kinneroth): This is the ancient name for what is now called the Sea of Galilee. The name helps locate the northern boundary of the described region.
  • "salt" (מֶלַח, melach): Used to describe the "Salt Sea," which is another name for the Dead Sea, emphasizing its high salt content.
  • "Bethjeshimoth" (בֵּית הַיְשִׁמוֹת, Beit-ha-yeshimot): This place name means "house of the deserts" or "house of the wastes," marking a specific location near the eastern edge of the conquered territory.
  • "Ashdothpisgah" (אַשְׁדּוֹת הַפִּסְגָּה, Ashdot ha-Pisgah): This phrase means "slopes of Pisgah," referring to the foothills or lower slopes of Mount Pisgah, a prominent landmark east of the Jordan.

Why Joshua 12:3 matters

  • Joshua 12:3 clarifies the exact boundaries of the land conquered east of the Jordan, which helps readers visualize the scope of Israel’s victories and the fulfillment of earlier promises.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of specific geographic markers in ancient records, showing that the biblical writers cared about historical and territorial accuracy.
  • By naming places like Chinneroth, the Salt Sea, Bethjeshimoth, and Ashdothpisgah, the verse connects the story of Joshua to real locations, grounding the biblical narrative in the physical landscape of the region.

Where else these words appear

“Ashdothpisgah” Hebrew H798 · used in 3 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:17 The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.
  • Joshua 13:20 And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth,

“Bethjeshimoth” Hebrew H1020 · used in 4 verses

  • Numbers 33:49 And they pitched by Jordan, from Bethjesimoth even unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab.
  • Joshua 13:20 And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth,
  • Ezekiel 25:9 Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities which are on his frontiers, the glory of the country, Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim,

“Ashdothpisgah” Hebrew H794 · used in 6 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:17 The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.
  • Deuteronomy 4:49 And all the plain on this side Jordan eastward, even unto the sea of the plain, under the springs of Pisgah.
  • Joshua 12:8 In the mountains, and in the valleys, and in the plains, and in the springs, and in the wilderness, and in the south country; the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites:

“Chinneroth” Hebrew H3672 · used in 7 verses

  • Numbers 34:11 And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward:
  • Joshua 11:2 And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,
  • Joshua 19:35 And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth,