King James Version

What Does Joshua 13:20 Mean?

Joshua 13:20 in the King James Version says “And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah , and Bethjeshimoth, Ashdothpisgah: or, springs of Pisgah, or, the hill — study this verse from Joshua chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah , and Bethjeshimoth, Ashdothpisgah: or, springs of Pisgah, or, the hill

Joshua 13:20 · KJV


Context

18

And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

19

And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley,

20

And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah , and Bethjeshimoth, Ashdothpisgah: or, springs of Pisgah, or, the hill

21

And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, which were dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.

22

Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them. soothsayer: or, diviner


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Beth-peor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth—Beth-peor (בֵּית פְּעוֹר, "house of Peor") was the infamous site where Israel committed fornication and idolatry with Moabite women, worshiping Baal-peor (Numbers 25:1-9). That 24,000 Israelites died there in divine judgment, yet the location became part of Reuben's inheritance, demonstrates redemptive transformation. Ashdoth-pisgah (אַשְׁדֹּת הַפִּסְגָּה, "slopes of Pisgah") refers to the ridge where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death (Deuteronomy 3:27, 34:1).

Beth-jeshimoth (בֵּית הַיְשִׁמוֹת, "house of the deserts") was Israel's final camp before crossing Jordan (Numbers 33:49). These three sites carry profound theological weight: Beth-peor speaks of sin and judgment redeemed; Pisgah of unfulfilled longing transformed into inheritance for the next generation; Beth-jeshimoth of wilderness wandering ending in covenant fulfillment. God gave Reuben not neutral territory but places dense with redemptive history, constant reminders of judgment, grace, and faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Beth-peor was located in the Abarim mountain range east of the Jordan, opposite Jericho. Mount Pisgah (also called Nebo) rises 2,680 feet, offering panoramic views westward across the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem's hill country. Moses died and was buried nearby (Deuteronomy 34:5-6). Beth-jeshimoth lay in the Plains of Moab near the Jordan. These locations were Israel's last stops before entering Canaan, heavy with anticipation and memory.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's redemption of Beth-peor (site of judgment) into inherited blessing illustrate the gospel's transforming power?
  2. What can we learn from God giving Reuben territory associated with Moses' death—blessing mixed with solemn remembrance?
  3. How might living in places marked by both failure (Beth-peor) and faithfulness (Pisgah) shape spiritual formation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וּבֵ֥ית1 of 6
H0
פְּע֛וֹר2 of 6

And Bethpeor

H1047

beth-peor, a place east of the jordan

וְאַשְׁדּ֥וֹת3 of 6
H794

a ravine

הַפִּסְגָּ֖ה4 of 6
H6449

pisgah, a mountain east of jordan

וּבֵ֥ית5 of 6
H0
הַיְשִׁמֽוֹת׃6 of 6

and Bethjeshimoth

H1020

beth-ha-jeshimoth, a town east of the jordan


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 13:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 13:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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