And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;

JOSHUA 16:5KJV
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Joshua 16:5 (KJV)

What does Joshua 16:5 mean?

Joshua 16:5 describes the specific eastern border of the land allotted to the tribe of Ephraim, listing Atarothaddar and Upper Bethhoron as key boundary points. This verse is part of a detailed account of how the land of Canaan was divided among Israel’s tribes after they entered the land.

Joshua, as the leader of Israel, is overseeing the distribution of territory to each tribe. Here, the focus is on Ephraim’s inheritance, with the verse marking out the family boundaries using well-known towns as reference points. This careful description shows the importance of land and inheritance in Israel’s history, and helps establish clear, recognized borders for each tribe.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 16:5

  • "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word refers to a boundary or limit, emphasizing the precise and legal nature of the territory being described. It highlights that these are not vague regions but officially recognized borders.
  • "children" (בֵּן, ben): Often translated as "children" or "descendants," this word here points to the descendants of Ephraim, underlining that the inheritance is passed down through family lines.
  • "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This term means a possession or allotted portion, stressing that the land is not just territory but a divinely assigned heritage for the tribe.
  • "side" (קֶדֶם, qedem): This word often means "east" or "front," clarifying that the border being described is specifically on the eastern side of Ephraim’s territory.

Why Joshua 16:5 matters

  • Joshua 16:5 clears up exactly where Ephraim’s territory began, which helps avoid disputes between tribes about land ownership.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of family and inheritance in ancient Israel, showing that land was carefully divided according to lineage.
  • By naming specific towns, Joshua 16:5 connects the story to real locations, grounding the biblical narrative in actual geography and history.

Where else these words appear

“Atarothaddar” Hebrew H5853 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 18:13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.

“Bethhoron” Hebrew H1032 · used in 13 verses

  • Joshua 10:10 And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.
  • Joshua 18:14 And the border was drawn thence, and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:68 And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs,

“upper” Hebrew H5945 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
  • 2 Chronicles 27:3 He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much.
  • Psalms 83:18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.

“side” 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.