King James Version

What Does Joshua 16:6 Mean?

Joshua 16:6 in the King James Version says “And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanaths...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Joshua 16:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

The border went out from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.

Read Joshua 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanath-shiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah—this verse traces Ephraim's northern boundary, which separated it from Manasseh. The border's complex path toward the sea (westward) and then turning eastward reflects the irregular terrain of hill country boundaries following ridges, valleys, and existing settlements.

Michmethah (מִכְמְתָת) served as a western reference point, while Taanath-shiloh ("approach to Shiloh," תַּאֲנַת שִׁלֹה) indicates proximity to Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was established (18:1; 19:51). This placed Ephraim adjacent to Israel's worship center, giving the tribe special religious significance during the period of Judges and early monarchy. Janohah (יָנוֹחָה) marked the eastern portion of the boundary.

The geographical precision, though challenging for modern readers, served critical purposes: preventing tribal disputes, ensuring equitable distribution, and establishing legal documentation. These boundaries were recorded not merely for historical interest but as binding property descriptions with economic and social implications for generations. The complexity also demonstrates Scripture's roots in concrete historical reality rather than mythological abstraction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Shiloh served as Israel's central sanctuary for approximately 300 years (c. 1390-1050 BCE), from Joshua's time until the ark's capture by Philistines (1 Samuel 4). Ephraim's territory encompassing Shiloh gave the tribe immense religious prestige and influence. Archaeological excavations at Shiloh reveal evidence of destruction around 1050 BCE, consistent with Jeremiah's reference to God's judgment on Shiloh (Jeremiah 7:12-14; 26:6). The site's religious importance made surrounding boundaries politically significant, as control of approaches to the sanctuary affected pilgrimage routes and offerings. The detailed boundary descriptions in Joshua resemble ancient Near Eastern land grant documents and treaty texts that meticulously defined territorial limits. Such precision was essential in agricultural societies where land provided the economic foundation for survival and prosperity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ephraim's proximity to Shiloh—Israel's worship center—challenge you to consider whether geographical blessing translates to spiritual faithfulness or can breed presumption?
  2. What boundaries in your spiritual life protect your calling and prevent conflicts with others' responsibilities and gifts?
  3. How do you respond when God's blessings place you near centers of spiritual activity—with humble service or prideful assumption of superiority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְיָצָ֨א1 of 14

“went out”

H3318

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

הַגְּב֛וּל2 of 14

“And the border”

H1366

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

הַיָּ֗מָּה3 of 14

“toward 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

הַֽמִּכְמְתָת֙4 of 14

“to Michmethah”

H4366

mikmethath, a place in palestine

מִצָּפ֔וֹן5 of 14

“on the north side”

H6828

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

וְנָסַ֧ב6 of 14

“went about”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

הַגְּב֛וּל7 of 14

“And the border”

H1366

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

מִמִּזְרַ֖ח8 of 14

“by it on the east”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

תַּֽאֲנַ֣ת9 of 14
H0
שִׁלֹ֑ה10 of 14

“unto Taanathshiloh”

H8387

taanath-shiloh, a place in palestine

וְעָבַ֣ר11 of 14

“and passed”

H5674

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

אוֹת֔וֹ12 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִמִּזְרַ֖ח13 of 14

“by it on the east”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

יָנֽוֹחָה׃14 of 14

“to Janohah”

H3239

janochah, a place in palestine

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 16:6 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 16:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 17:7Joshua 18:1

Places in This Verse

Great SeaBody of Water · Modern: Mediterranean Sea · 31.80°N, 34.17°E36 verses across 14 books
Janoah 1Settlement · Modern: Khirbet Yanun · 32.16°N, 35.36°E2 verses across 1 book
MichmethathSettlement · Modern: Khirbet en Nabi · 32.18°N, 35.27°E2 verses across 1 book
Taanath-shilohSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Tana el Fauqa · 32.18°N, 35.37°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Joshua 16 →

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