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.

JOSHUA 18:13KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 18:13 (KJV)

What does Joshua 18:13 mean?

Joshua 18:13 describes part of the boundary line for the tribe of Benjamin, showing how their territory stretched from the area near Luz (also called Bethel), moved southward, and then descended to Atarothadar, close to the hill south of Lower Bethhoron. The verse is giving precise geographical markers for the land division among Israel’s tribes.

This verse is part of a larger section where Joshua, as leader of Israel, is overseeing the allotment of land to each tribe after they entered Canaan. The details here help the Israelites know exactly where Benjamin’s borders lie, using well-known towns and landmarks of that time. By listing these places, the text ensures there is no confusion about which land belongs to whom.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 18:13

  • The word for "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul) is used twice in this verse, emphasizing the careful marking of tribal boundaries, which was important for maintaining peace and order among the tribes.
  • "Luz" (לוּז, luz) is mentioned as the original name for Bethel, reminding readers that some places had older names before the Israelites settled there.
  • The term "descended" (יָרַד, yarad) signals a change in elevation, showing that the boundary line moves from higher ground near Bethel down toward Atarothadar and Lower Bethhoron, which helps readers picture the landscape.

Why Joshua 18:13 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the exact location of Benjamin’s territory, which is important for understanding later stories involving this tribe.
  • The mention of both old and new place names (Luz and Bethel) highlights the transition from Canaanite to Israelite control and helps connect different parts of the biblical story.
  • By giving such specific border details, the verse shows the care taken to avoid disputes and to treat each tribe fairly in the division of the land.

Where else these words appear

“Atarothadar” Hebrew H5853 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 16:5 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;

“Luz” Hebrew H3870 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 28:19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.
  • Genesis 48:3 And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,
  • Judges 1:23 And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel.(Now the name of the city before was Luz.)

“nether” Hebrew H8481 · used in 13 verses

  • 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.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:5 Also he built Bethhoron the upper, and Bethhoron the nether, fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars;
  • Ezekiel 41:7 And there was an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers: for the winding about of the house went still upward round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house was still upward, and so increased from the lowest chamber to the highest by the midst.

“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,