And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this was the south coast.

JOSHUA 18:19KJV
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Joshua 18:19 (KJV)

What does Joshua 18:19 mean?

Joshua 18:19 describes the exact boundary line for a tribe of Israel, saying the border ran along the side of Bethhoglah to the north, reached the north bay of the Salt Sea (Dead Sea) at the southern end of the Jordan River, and marked the southern edge of the territory. This verse is part of a detailed description of land allotments among the tribes after entering Canaan.

Joshua, as leader, is overseeing the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. The verse is part of instructions given to surveyors or representatives from the tribes, ensuring everyone knows the precise borders of their inheritance. The description uses specific landmarks and directions to avoid disputes and make the boundaries clear.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 18:19

  • "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word refers to a boundary or border, emphasizing the importance of clear territorial lines in ancient Israel.
  • "bay" (לִשֹּׁן, lashon): Literally meaning "tongue," this word is used for a tongue-shaped inlet or bay of the sea, describing the shape of the land at the edge of the Salt Sea.
  • "Salt Sea" (יָם הַמֶּלַח, yam ha-melach): The Hebrew name for the Dead Sea, highlighting the geographical accuracy and the well-known landmark for the southern boundary.

Why Joshua 18:19 matters

  • Joshua 18:19 helps clarify the southern boundary of the tribe’s territory, which is important for understanding later events and disputes over land.
  • The verse shows how carefully the Israelites recorded and respected boundaries, reflecting the value placed on order and fairness in dividing the land.
  • By naming specific places and natural features, Joshua 18:19 connects the biblical narrative to real geography, grounding the story in actual locations that can still be identified today.

Where else these words appear

“Bethhoglah” Hebrew H1031 · used in 3 verses

  • Joshua 15:6 And the border went up to Bethhogla, and passed along by the north of Betharabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben:
  • Joshua 18:21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

“outgoings” 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:

“salt” Hebrew H4417 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
  • Joshua 3:16 That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
  • 2 Kings 14:7 He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.

“side” Hebrew H3802 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 27:14 The hangings of one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.
  • 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.
  • Isaiah 49:22 Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.