And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,

JOSHUA 18:16KJV
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Joshua 18:16 (KJV)

What does Joshua 18:16 mean?

Joshua 18:16 describes a specific section of the boundary line for the tribe of Benjamin, detailing how the border runs down from the end of a mountain near the Valley of Hinnom, passes by the Valley of the Giants to the north, descends further to the Valley of Hinnom by the southern side of Jebusi (Jerusalem), and finally goes down to Enrogel. This verse is part of a careful listing of landmarks that defined tribal territories in ancient Israel.

In this passage, Joshua is overseeing the division of the land among the tribes of Israel after they have entered Canaan. The verse provides detailed geographic references, using well-known locations of the time to mark the boundaries. The mention of places like the Valley of Hinnom and Jebusi (the old name for Jerusalem) shows the importance of clear, recognizable borders for each tribe’s inheritance.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 18:16

  • "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word points to a marked boundary or limit, emphasizing how carefully the land was divided and defined for each tribe.
  • "valley" (גַּיְא, gai and עֵמֶק, emeq): Two different Hebrew words for "valley" appear here, showing that the text distinguishes between types of valleys or ravines, which may have had different geographical or strategic significance.
  • "Jebusi" (יְבוּסִי, Yevusi): This is the ancient name for Jerusalem before Israelite control, reminding the reader that at this point, Jerusalem was still inhabited by the Jebusites.

Why Joshua 18:16 matters

  • Joshua 18:16 helps modern readers visualize the ancient landscape and understand how the Israelites used natural landmarks to define their tribal territories.
  • The verse highlights the care taken to ensure each tribe received a fair and clearly marked inheritance, which was crucial for maintaining peace and order among the tribes.
  • Mentioning Jebusi (Jerusalem) before it was conquered by Israel connects this passage to later biblical events, showing the unfolding story of Israel’s relationship with this key city.

Where else these words appear

“Enrogel” Hebrew H5883 · used in 4 verses

  • Joshua 15:7 And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is before the going up to Adummim, which is on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:
  • 2 Samuel 17:17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.
  • 1 Kings 1:9 And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:

“Hinnom” Hebrew H2011 · used in 11 verses

  • Joshua 15:8 And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:
  • 2 Chronicles 33:6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
  • Jeremiah 7:32 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be called Tophet, nor the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of slaughter: for they shall bury in Tophet, till there be no place.

“giants” Hebrew H7497 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 14:5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
  • Joshua 13:12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.
  • 2 Samuel 21:22 These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

“Jebusi” Hebrew H2983 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 10:16 And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite,
  • Joshua 9:1 And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof;
  • 2 Samuel 24:18 And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.