King James Version

What Does Joshua 13:4 Mean?

Joshua 13:4 in the King James Version says “From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the borders of t...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites: Mearah: or, the cave”

Joshua 13:4 · KJV

Context

2

This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,

3

From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:

4

From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites: Mearah: or, the cave

5

And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising , from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath.

6

All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, and all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee.

Read Joshua 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
More unconquered territory: 'From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites.' The extensive catalog—Canaanite lands, Mearah, Sidonian territory, Aphek, Amorite borders—shows significant unconquered regions, particularly in Phoenician (Sidonian) territory along the northern coast. These wealthy, advanced civilizations remained independent. God's statement of this unconquered territory comes as He tells Joshua 'thou art old and stricken in years' (verse 1), suggesting one generation couldn't complete the entire conquest. This teaches that God's kingdom work spans generations—each faithfully serving their time while entrusting future progress to God's sovereignty and successive generations' faithfulness. Believers must embrace their specific calling without demanding to see every promised outcome fulfilled in their lifetime.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Sidonians (Phoenicians) were highly advanced in trade, navigation, and craftsmanship. Their cities (Sidon, Tyre) would become wealthy Mediterranean trading powers, remaining independent throughout most of Israel's history. Solomon later employed Phoenician craftsmen for temple construction (1 Kings 5:6). Aphek was a strategic city in the northern territory. The phrase 'borders of the Amorites' indicates the northern extent of Canaanite civilization. These northern territories were never fully conquered by Israel—they remained independent Phoenician city-states. Archaeological evidence confirms advanced Phoenician culture and extensive trade networks. The significance: Israel's borders never matched God's maximum promised extent (Genesis 15:18 promises from Egypt to Euphrates River). Only briefly during David-Solomon's empire did Israel approach this, and even then through treaties rather than conquest. The lesson: full kingdom realization awaits God's timing; meanwhile, faithfulness in our generation matters regardless of incomplete fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you faithfully serve your generation while accepting you won't see all promised outcomes fulfilled?
  2. What does God's multi-generational plan teach about patient faithfulness versus demanding immediate complete results?
  3. How can you contribute to kingdom work that will continue beyond your lifetime?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
מִתֵּימָ֞ן1 of 12

“From the south”

H8486

the south (as being on the right hand of a person facing the east)

כָּל2 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֶ֣רֶץ3 of 12

“all the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֗י4 of 12

“of the Canaanites”

H3669

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

וּמְעָרָ֛ה5 of 12

“and Mearah”

H4632

mearah, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֥ר6 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לַצִּֽידֹנִ֖ים7 of 12

“that is beside the Sidonians”

H6722

a tsidonian or inhabitant of tsidon

עַד8 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֲפֵ֑קָה9 of 12

“unto Aphek”

H663

aphek (or aphik), the name of three places in palestine

עַ֖ד10 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

גְּב֥וּל11 of 12

“to the borders”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

הָֽאֱמֹרִֽי׃12 of 12

“of the Amorites”

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

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 13:4 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 13:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:301 Samuel 4:1Judges 1:34-36Joshua 11:3Joshua 10:40Joshua 12:7-8

Places in This Verse

Aphek 4Settlement · Modern: Afqa · 34.07°N, 35.89°E1 verse across 1 book
MearahSettlement · Modern: Jezzine · 33.54°N, 35.58°E1 verse across 1 book
SidonSettlement · Modern: Sandikli archaeological site in Sidon · 33.56°N, 35.37°E37 verses across 16 books
View all places in Joshua 13 →

Test Your Knowledge

Joshua 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJoshua Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Joshua 13 with CommentaryAll Joshua ChaptersComplete Joshua QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes