King James Version

What Does Joshua 15:11 Mean?

Joshua 15:11 in the King James Version says “And the border went out unto the side of Ekron northward: and the border was drawn to Shicron, and passed along to mount...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 15:11 · KJV

Context

9

And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjathjearim:

10

And the border compassed from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim, which is Chesalon, on the north side, and went down to Bethshemesh, and passed on to Timnah:

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.

12

And the west border was to the great sea, and the coast thereof. This is the coast of the children of Judah round about according to their families.

13

And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron. the city: or, Kirjatharba

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The boundary reaches Ekron (עֶקְרוֹן), one of the five principal Philistine cities (pentapolis) along with Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Gath. Ekron's inclusion "northward" as Judah's boundary marker is significant—though assigned to Judah (Joshua 15:45), it was later allotted to Dan (Joshua 19:43) and remained effectively Philistine-controlled throughout most of the judges and early monarchy periods. The city suffered divine judgment when the captured Ark brought plague (1 Samuel 5:10-12).

Shicron and Mount Baalah (distinct from Baalah/Kirjath-jearim in v. 9) mark the continued westward progression. The boundary concludes at Jabneel (יַבְנְאֵל, "God causes to build"), later called Jamnia, on the Mediterranean coast. This coastal city gained prominence after Jerusalem's destruction in 70 CE when Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai established a Jewish academy here, preserving rabbinic Judaism.

The phrase "the goings out of the border were at the sea" (ha-yam, הַיָּם) completes the northern boundary at the Mediterranean, coming full circle from the description's start at the Dead Sea (v. 5). This comprehensive border tracing demonstrates covenant precision—God's promises include specific, measurable territories.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ekron, identified with Tel Miqne, was excavated extensively 1981-1996, revealing one of the largest Iron Age cities in Israel/Palestine (covering 50+ acres at its peak). Archaeological finds confirm its Philistine character, including inscriptions mentioning Ekron by name. The city's olive oil industry was ancient world's largest, with over 100 oil presses discovered. Ekron's strategic location controlling routes between the coast and highlands made it politically and economically significant. The city's assignment to Judah but occupation by Philistines illustrates incomplete conquest's ongoing challenge. Jabneel/Jamnia's later importance as a rabbinic center shows how coastal cities maintained Jewish presence even after the temple's destruction. The Mediterranean coast in this region features sandy beaches and shifting dunes, less suitable for major harbors than Phoenicia's rocky northern coast.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ekron's assignment to Judah but continued Philistine occupation illustrate the difference between positional blessings (what God promises) and practical appropriation (what we actually possess)?
  2. What territories in your spiritual life has God assigned to you that remain incompletely conquered, requiring renewed commitment and faith to fully claim?
  3. How can Jabneel's transformation from boundary marker to center of Jewish learning encourage you about God's ability to use even marginalized places for significant purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְיָצָ֣א1 of 18

“and went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַגְּב֖וּל2 of 18

“And the border”

H1366

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

אֶל3 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֶּ֣תֶף4 of 18

“unto the side”

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

עֶקְרוֹן֮5 of 18

“of Ekron”

H6138

ekron, a place in palestine

צָפוֹנָה֒6 of 18

“northward”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וְתָאַ֤ר7 of 18

“was drawn”

H8388

to delineate; reflexive to extend

הַגְּב֖וּל8 of 18

“And the border”

H1366

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

שִׁכְּר֔וֹנָה9 of 18

“to Shicron”

H7942

drunkenness, shikkeron, a place in palestine

וְעָבַ֥ר10 of 18

“and passed along”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

הַר11 of 18

“to mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

הַֽבַּעֲלָ֖ה12 of 18

“Baalah”

H1173

baalah, the name of three places in palestine

וְיָצָ֣א13 of 18

“and went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

יַבְנְאֵ֑ל14 of 18

“unto Jabneel”

H2995

jabneel, the name of two places in palestine

וְהָי֛וּ15 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

תֹּֽצְא֥וֹת16 of 18

“and the goings out”

H8444

(only in plural collective) exit, i.e., (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source

הַגְּב֖וּל17 of 18

“And the border”

H1366

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

יָֽמָּה׃18 of 18

“were at the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

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 15:11 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 15:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 1:2-32 Kings 1:61 Samuel 7:141 Samuel 5:10Joshua 19:43-44Joshua 15:45

Places in This Verse

EkronSettlement · Modern: Tel Miqne · 31.78°N, 34.85°E20 verses across 8 books
Great SeaBody of Water · Modern: Mediterranean Sea · 31.80°N, 34.17°E36 verses across 14 books
Jabneel 1Settlement · Modern: Yibna · 31.87°N, 34.75°E2 verses across 2 books
Mount BaalahHill · Modern: Mughar · 31.84°N, 34.79°E1 verse across 1 book
ShikkeronSettlement · Modern: Tell el Ful · 31.82°N, 34.81°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Joshua 15 →

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