King James Version

What Does Joshua 18:13 Mean?

Joshua 18:13 in the King James Version says “And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; and the border descende...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Joshua 18:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And the south quarter was from the end of Kirjathjearim, and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah:

Read Joshua 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Beth-el, southward—Luz was Bethel's original Canaanite name. Jacob renamed it Beth-el ('house of God') after his vision of the ladder (Genesis 28:19). Including both names preserves historical memory. The border continues to Ataroth-adar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Beth-horon.

Bethel's mention connects Benjamin's inheritance to patriarchal history. Every boundary marker tells covenant story. The geography isn't random—it recalls Jacob's encounter with God, Abraham's altars, and divine promises. Believers likewise inherit a 'cloud of witnesses' (Hebrews 12:1) whose faith marks our spiritual landscape.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Bethel ('house of God') became a major worship center, later corrupted under Jeroboam I who erected a golden calf there (1 Kings 12:29). The 'nether' (lower) Beth-horon was a strategic pass controlling the Jerusalem-coastal plain road, site of many biblical battles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do place names in your spiritual journey remind you of God's interventions?
  2. What danger exists when sacred places become associated with false worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְעָבַר֩1 of 22

“went over”

H5674

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

מִשָּׁ֨ם2 of 22
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

הַגְּבוּל֙3 of 22

“And the border”

H1366

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

ל֙וּזָה֙4 of 22

“from thence toward Luz”

H3870

luz, the name of two places in palestine

אֶל5 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֶּ֤תֶף6 of 22

“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

ל֙וּזָה֙7 of 22

“from thence toward Luz”

H3870

luz, the name of two places in palestine

מִנֶּ֥גֶב8 of 22

“southward”

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

הִ֖יא9 of 22
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בֵּֽית10 of 22
H0
אֵ֑ל11 of 22

“which is Bethel”

H1008

beth-el, a place in palestine

וְיָרַ֤ד12 of 22

“descended”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

הַגְּבוּל֙13 of 22

“And the border”

H1366

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

עַטְר֣וֹת14 of 22
H0
אַדָּ֔ר15 of 22

“to Atarothadar”

H5853

atroth-addar, a place in palestine

עַל16 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָהָ֕ר17 of 22

“near the hill”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

אֲשֶׁ֛ר18 of 22
H834

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

מִנֶּ֥גֶב19 of 22

“southward”

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

לְבֵית20 of 22
H0
חֹר֖וֹן21 of 22

“Bethhoron”

H1032

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

תַּחְתּֽוֹן׃22 of 22

“of the nether”

H8481

bottommost

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 18:13 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 18:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 28:19Joshua 16:2-3Joshua 10:11Joshua 16:5Judges 1:22-26Joshua 21:22

Places in This Verse

Ataroth-addarSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Atara · 31.88°N, 35.22°E2 verses across 1 book
Bethel 1Settlement · Modern: Beitin · 31.92°N, 35.24°E69 verses across 12 books
Lower Beth-horonSettlement · Modern: Beit Ur al Tahta · 31.89°N, 35.08°E5 verses across 4 books
Luz 1Settlement · Modern: Beitin · 31.92°N, 35.24°E6 verses across 3 books
View all places in Joshua 18 →

Test Your Knowledge

Joshua 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJoshua Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Joshua 18 with CommentaryAll Joshua ChaptersComplete Joshua QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes