From thence it passed toward Azmon, and went out unto the river of Egypt; and the goings out of that coast were at the sea: this shall be your south coast.

JOSHUA 15:4KJV
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Joshua 15:4 (KJV)

What does Joshua 15:4 mean?

Joshua 15:4 describes the southern border of the territory given to the tribe of Judah, marking it as running from Azmon to the "river of Egypt" and ending at the sea. This verse sets out the specific southern boundary line that would define Judah's land.

In the context of the book of Joshua, these words are part of a detailed description given by the narrator, explaining how the land of Canaan was divided among the Israelite tribes. The verse uses place names and landmarks familiar to the original audience, showing exactly where Judah’s southern border lay in relation to neighboring regions and natural features.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 15:4

  • "Passed" (עָבַר, avar): This word means to cross over or pass through. Here, it shows the border line moving from one landmark to the next, emphasizing the careful tracing of Judah’s territory.
  • "River" (נַחַל, nachal): This word often refers to a wadi or seasonal stream, not always a large river. In this verse, it is commonly understood as the "brook of Egypt," likely a smaller watercourse marking the edge of the land, not the Nile.
  • "Coast" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word means border or boundary. The verse repeats it to stress the precise limits of Judah’s land, highlighting the importance of clearly defined tribal territories.

Why Joshua 15:4 matters

  • Joshua 15:4 clarifies that the "river of Egypt" is a border marker, not the Nile, which helps avoid confusion about the extent of Judah’s territory.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of defined boundaries in ancient Israel, showing how land was carefully allocated and recorded.
  • This boundary description connects to the larger theme in Joshua of God fulfilling promises by giving the Israelites specific land, with each tribe receiving its portion in detail.

Where else these words appear

“Azmon” Hebrew H6111 · used in 3 verses

  • Numbers 34:4 And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon:
  • Numbers 34:5 And the border shall fetch a compass from Azmon unto the river of Egypt, and the goings out of it shall be at the sea.

“out” Hebrew H8444 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 34:4 And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon:
  • Joshua 16:3 And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.
  • Joshua 19:14 And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel:

“south” Hebrew H5045 · used in 98 verses

  • Genesis 12:9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.
  • Joshua 15:21 And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,
  • Isaiah 30:6 The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.

“river” Hebrew H5158 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Judges 5:21 The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
  • Job 28:4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.