And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho.

JOSHUA 19:46KJV
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Joshua 19:46 (KJV)

What does Joshua 19:46 mean?

Joshua 19:46 lists specific towns—Mejarkon and Rakkon—and describes their location as being near the border facing Japho. This verse is part of a detailed description of the land allotted to the tribe of Dan in ancient Israel.

In this context, Joshua is recording the boundaries of the territory given to each tribe after the Israelites entered the Promised Land. The verse names places that marked the edge of Dan’s inheritance, with Japho (later known as Joppa, a port city) serving as a recognizable landmark on the Mediterranean coast.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 19:46

  • Mejarkon (מֵי הַיַּרְקוֹן, Mejarkon): This name means “waters of the Yarkon,” likely referring to the Yarkon River, an important water source in the region. Its mention shows the boundary included a significant natural landmark.
  • Rakkon (רַקּוֹן, Rakkon): The meaning of this name is uncertain, but it is listed as a town or settlement near the coast, helping define the western edge of Dan’s territory.
  • border (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word means “boundary” or “border,” emphasizing that the verse is describing the outer limits of the territory.
  • before (לִפְנֵי, lifnei): This word means “in front of” or “facing,” clarifying that the border is positioned toward Japho, not just near it.
  • Japho (יָפוֹ, Yapho): This is the ancient name for Joppa, a well-known port city. Its mention anchors the description in a recognizable location for readers then and now.

Why Joshua 19:46 matters

  • Joshua 19:46 helps clarify the exact boundaries of the tribe of Dan’s inheritance, which is important for understanding later events involving this tribe.
  • The mention of Japho (Joppa) connects the ancient boundary to a city that appears elsewhere in the Bible, helping readers trace the continuity of biblical geography.
  • By listing specific towns and landmarks, the verse shows how the land was divided in practical, recognizable terms for the people living at the time.

Where else these words appear

“Japho” Hebrew H3305 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 2:16 And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.
  • Ezra 3:7 They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.
  • Jonah 1:3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

“before” Hebrew H4136 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • Numbers 8:3 And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • Joshua 22:11 And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.