King James Version

What Does Joshua 18:12 Mean?

Joshua 18:12 in the King James Version says “And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.

Joshua 18:12 · KJV


Context

10

And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.

11

And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.

12

And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.

13

And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.

14

And the border was drawn thence, and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Their border on the north side was from Jordan—Benjamin's northern boundary begins at the Jordan River, marking their eastern entry point. The border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, passing the conquered city, then went up through the mountains westward into the central highlands. The goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Beth-aven defines the boundary's western terminus.

Jericho, Israel's first conquest, anchors Benjamin's territory. This reminds them perpetually of God's power and faithfulness. Beth-aven ('house of wickedness') may be a derogatory name for Bethel after its corruption (Hosea 4:15), showing how holy places can become defiled.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This boundary description follows ancient Near Eastern legal conventions, using landmarks and cities as reference points. Jericho's ruins served as a visible border marker. The wilderness of Beth-aven lay near Ai, scene of Israel's defeat due to Achan's sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual landmarks in your past remind you of God's faithfulness?
  2. How can holy places or memories become corrupted, and how do we guard against this?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיְהִ֨י1 of 21
H1961

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

לָהֶ֧ם2 of 21
H0
הַגְּבוּל֩3 of 21

And their border

H1366

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

לִפְאַ֥ת4 of 21

side

H6285

properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity

מִצָּפ֗וֹן5 of 21

on the north

H6828

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

מִן6 of 21
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן7 of 21

was from Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

וְעָלָ֤ה8 of 21

side and went up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הַגְּבוּל֩9 of 21

And their border

H1366

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

אֶל10 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֶּ֨תֶף11 of 21

to 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

יְרִיח֜וֹ12 of 21

of Jericho

H3405

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine

מִצָּפ֗וֹן13 of 21

on the north

H6828

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

וְעָלָ֤ה14 of 21

side and went up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בָהָר֙15 of 21

through the mountains

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יָ֔מָּה16 of 21

westward

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

וְהָיָה֙17 of 21
H1961

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

תֹּֽצְאֹתָ֔יו18 of 21

and the goings out

H8444

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

מִדְבַּ֖רָה19 of 21

thereof were at the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

בֵּ֥ית20 of 21
H0
אָֽוֶן׃21 of 21

of Bethaven

H1007

beth-aven, 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 18:12 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 18:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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