King James Version

What Does Joshua 16:5 Mean?

Joshua 16:5 in the King James Version says “And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on ...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;”

Joshua 16:5 · KJV

Context

3

And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.

4

So the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance.

5

And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;

6

And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah;

7

And it went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath, and came to Jericho, and went out at Jordan.

Read Joshua 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Ataroth-addar, unto Beth-horon the upper—now the text focuses specifically on Ephraim's boundaries, distinct from Manasseh. The phrase according to their families (lemishpechotam, לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם) indicates subdivisions within the tribe, as land was distributed not just tribally but to clans and extended families, ensuring every household received inheritance.

Ataroth-addar ("crowns of Addar," עֲטְרוֹת אַדָּר) was a fortified town on Ephraim's southern boundary, distinct from the Ataroth mentioned in verse 2. The specificity of place names—Ataroth versus Ataroth-addar—demonstrates the precision of biblical geography and the importance of accurate boundary documentation. Beth-horon the upper (בֵּית־חוֹרוֹן הָעֶלְיוֹן) complemented Beth-horon the lower (v. 3), together controlling the strategic pass from the coastal plain to the highlands.

The eastern boundary formed Ephraim's border with Benjamin, while Beth-horon marked the southern limit. This prime central hill country provided fertile agricultural land, defensive terrain, and control of major north-south travel routes. Ephraim's strategic position contributed to its later prominence, though it also led to pride and rivalry with Judah that eventually split the kingdom (1 Kings 12).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase "according to their families" reflects the clan-based social structure of ancient Israel. Clans (mishpachot, מִשְׁפָּחוֹת) formed intermediate units between tribes and individual households, typically comprising several hundred to several thousand people descended from a common ancestor. This structure ensured social cohesion, mutual defense, and economic cooperation. Land ownership was vested in families rather than individuals, preventing permanent alienation and ensuring each generation inherited agricultural means. The year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25) protected this family land system by requiring property return to original families every fifty years, preventing permanent poverty or wealth concentration. Beth-horon's archaeological remains confirm its strategic importance, with fortifications from multiple periods. The twin cities controlled the main western approach to Jerusalem, making them perpetual military objectives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the distribution of inheritance to families (not just individuals or tribes) emphasize the importance of multi-generational faithfulness and legacy?
  2. What spiritual territory has God given your family or community collectively that requires cooperation and mutual support to possess?
  3. How can you guard against the pride that infected Ephraim—using God-given blessings and strategic position for self-exaltation rather than serving God's purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיְהִ֛י1 of 15
H1961

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

גְּב֤וּל2 of 15

“And the border”

H1366

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

בְּנֵֽי3 of 15

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֶפְרַ֖יִם4 of 15

“of Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם5 of 15

“according to their families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

וַיְהִ֞י6 of 15
H1961

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

גְּב֤וּל7 of 15

“And the border”

H1366

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

נַֽחֲלָתָם֙8 of 15

“of their inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

מִזְרָ֔חָה9 of 15

“on the east side”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

עַטְר֣וֹת10 of 15
H0
אַדָּ֔ר11 of 15

“was Atarothaddar”

H5853

atroth-addar, a place in palestine

עַד12 of 15
H5704

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

בֵּ֥ית13 of 15
H0
חוֹרֹ֖ן14 of 15

“unto Bethhoron”

H1032

beth-choron, the name of two adjoining places in palestine

עֶלְיֽוֹן׃15 of 15

“the upper”

H5945

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

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 16:5 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 16:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 18:13Joshua 16:2

Places in This Verse

Ataroth-addarSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Atara · 31.88°N, 35.22°E2 verses across 1 book
Upper Beth-horonSettlement · Modern: Beit Ur al Fauqa · 31.89°N, 35.11°E3 verses across 3 books
View all places in Joshua 16 →

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