And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel:

JOSHUA 19:14KJV
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Joshua 19:14 (KJV)

What does Joshua 19:14 mean?

Joshua 19:14 describes the northern boundary of a territory given to one of the tribes of Israel, saying it curves around to the town of Hannathon and ends at the valley of Jiphthahel. This verse is part of a detailed list marking out the borders of tribal lands in ancient Israel.

In this passage, Joshua is overseeing the division of the Promised Land among the tribes, and the text is giving precise geographic details for one tribe’s inheritance. The verse helps the original audience understand exactly where the land begins and ends, using known landmarks and towns to define the area.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 19:14

  • "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word refers to a boundary or limit. Its use here emphasizes the careful, legal definition of tribal territory.
  • "compasseth" (סָבַב, savav): This verb means to go around or encircle. It shows that the boundary does not run straight but curves or bends at this point.
  • "side" (צָפוֹן, tsafon): This word means "north," clarifying the direction of the border’s movement.
  • "outgoings" (תּוֹצָאוֹת, totzaot): This term refers to the end points or where the border exits. It signals the conclusion of this particular stretch of boundary.
  • "valley" (גַּיְא, gai): This word means a valley or low area, marking a natural feature used as a landmark.
  • "Hannathon" (חַנָּתוֹן, Hannathon) and "Jiphthahel" (יִפְתַּח אֵל, Yiphtach-el): These are place names, anchoring the description in real geography.

Why Joshua 19:14 matters

  • Joshua 19:14 shows the care taken to define each tribe’s inheritance, highlighting the importance of fairness and clarity in dividing the land.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage by showing that Israel’s settlement was organized and based on recognizable landmarks, not arbitrary lines.
  • Understanding these boundaries helps modern readers appreciate the historical and legal context of Israel’s tribal system, and why such details mattered to the original audience.

Where else these words appear

“Jiphthahel” Hebrew H3317 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand,

“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 18:19 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.

“valley” Hebrew H1516 · used in 54 verses

  • Numbers 21:20 And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.
  • 1 Chronicles 18:12 Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand.
  • Jeremiah 2:23 How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways;

“side” Hebrew H6828 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
  • 1 Chronicles 26:17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.
  • Ezekiel 21:4 Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north: