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.

JOSHUA 18:14KJV
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Joshua 18:14 (KJV)

What does Joshua 18:14 mean?

Joshua 18:14 describes part of the western boundary for the tribe of Benjamin, marking how the border curves south from a hill near Bethhoron and ends at Kirjathbaal (also called Kirjathjearim), a city belonging to the tribe of Judah. This verse details the specific landmarks used to define the west side of Benjamin’s allotted territory.

In the book of Joshua, Joshua is overseeing the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. This verse is part of a larger section where the boundaries for each tribe’s inheritance are carefully described. The verse uses well-known towns and natural features as reference points, helping the Israelites understand exactly where Benjamin’s land ended and Judah’s began.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 18:14

  • The word for "border" is גְּבוּל (g’vul), which means a boundary or limit. This word emphasizes the fixed, official nature of the tribal territories.
  • "Compassed" comes from סָבַב (savav), meaning to go around or circle. This shows that the border did not go straight but curved around a specific area, which would have been important for those living nearby.
  • "Corner" is פִּנָּה (pinnah), meaning a turning point or angle. This highlights that the boundary made a noticeable turn at this spot, marking a significant change in direction.
  • "Sea" is יָם (yam), which often means the Mediterranean Sea, but here it refers to the western direction, as "sea" was a common way to indicate west in ancient Israelite geography.

Why Joshua 18:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies the precise borders between the tribes of Benjamin and Judah, which was important for avoiding disputes over land and resources.
  • By naming specific towns and features, the verse connects the ancient boundaries to real, recognizable places, grounding the story in the physical landscape of Israel.
  • The careful description of borders in this and surrounding verses shows the importance of order and fairness in dividing the land among the tribes, reflecting the value placed on community and inheritance in Israelite society.

Where else these words appear

“Kirjathbaal” Hebrew H7154 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 15:60 Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:

“drawn” Hebrew H8388 · used in 5 verses

  • Joshua 15:9 And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjathjearim:
  • 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 18:17 And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

“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 18:13 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.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:68 And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs,

“Kirjathjearim” Hebrew H7157 · used in 19 verses

  • Joshua 9:17 And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.
  • 1 Samuel 6:21 And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and fetch it up to you.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:5 So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.