The border went out from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.

JOSHUA 16:8KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 16:8 (KJV)

What does Joshua 16:8 mean?

Joshua 16:8 describes the western boundary of the land allotted to the tribe of Ephraim, running from the town of Tappuah to the river Kanah and ending at the sea. This verse explains that this specific territory was given as an inheritance to the families of Ephraim.

In the book of Joshua, Joshua is leading the Israelites as they divide the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes. Here, the focus is on the tribe of Ephraim and the detailed description of their borders. The verse highlights the importance of clear boundaries and the fulfillment of God’s promise to give each tribe its own land.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 16:8

  • "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word refers to a boundary or border, emphasizing the careful and official marking of the land given to Ephraim.
  • "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This term means a possession or allotted portion, underlining that the land was not just territory but a lasting gift passed down through generations.
  • "tribe" (מַטֶּה, matteh): This word can mean both "tribe" and "staff," pointing to the organizational structure of Israel and the identity of each group within the nation.
  • "families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot): This word highlights that the inheritance was divided not just by tribe but also by extended family groups, ensuring each family had its share.

Why Joshua 16:8 matters

  • Joshua 16:8 clarifies the specific borders of Ephraim’s territory, which helps readers understand the historical and geographical context of Israel’s settlement in Canaan.
  • The verse emphasizes the orderly and fair distribution of land among the tribes, showing the importance of structure and inheritance in Israelite society.
  • By naming locations and boundaries, Joshua 16:8 connects the story to real places, grounding the biblical narrative in the actual landscape of ancient Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Kanah” Hebrew H7071 · used in 3 verses

  • Joshua 17:9 And the coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also was on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea:
  • Joshua 19:28 And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon;

“Tappuah” Hebrew H8599 · used in 5 verses

  • Joshua 12:17 The king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one;
  • Joshua 15:34 And Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam,
  • Joshua 17:8 Now Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim;

“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 15:11 And the border went out unto the side of Ekron northward: and the border was drawn to Shicron, and passed along to mount Baalah, and went out unto Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were 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:

“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.