King James Version

What Does Joshua 18:19 Mean?

Joshua 18:19 in the King James Version says “And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay o... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this was the south coast. bay: Heb. tongue

Joshua 18:19 · KJV


Context

17

And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

18

And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah: Arabah: or, the plain

19

And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this was the south coast. bay: Heb. tongue

20

And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families.

21

Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The border passed along to the side of Beth-hoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan—Beth-hoglah ('house of the partridge') marks the northeastern corner where Benjamin's border reaches the Dead Sea (yam ha-melach, יָם הַמֶּלַח, 'salt sea'). The north bay specifies the Dead Sea's northern tip where the Jordan flows in.

This was the south coast completes Benjamin's boundary description. From Jordan's source to its termination in the lifeless salt sea, the border encompasses death-to-life geography. This pictures redemption: from death in sin to life in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Dead Sea, earth's lowest point at 1,410 feet below sea level, supported no life due to extreme salinity. Its placement at Benjamin's border created a natural eastern defense. Beth-hoglah lay in the Jordan plain, part of the lush region contrasting with the Dead Sea's barrenness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the journey from living water (Jordan) to dead water (Salt Sea) picture spiritual decline?
  2. What 'Dead Sea' situations in your life need the living water of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְעָבַ֨ר1 of 22

passed along

H5674

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

גְּב֥וּל2 of 22

And the border

H1366

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

אֶל3 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֶּ֣תֶף4 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

בֵּית5 of 22
H0
חָגְלָה֮6 of 22

of Bethhoglah

H1031

beth-choglah, a place in palestine

צָפ֔וֹנָה7 of 22

northward

H6828

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

וְהָי֣ה׀8 of 22
H1961

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

תֹּֽצְא֣וֹתיו9 of 22

and the outgoings

H8444

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

גְּב֥וּל10 of 22

And the border

H1366

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

אֶל11 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְשׁ֤וֹן12 of 22

bay

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

יָם13 of 22

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

הַמֶּ֙לַח֙14 of 22

of the salt

H4417

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

צָפ֔וֹנָה15 of 22

northward

H6828

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

אֶל16 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קְצֵ֥ה17 of 22

end

H7097

an extremity

הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן18 of 22

of Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

נֶֽגֶב׃19 of 22

at the south

H5045

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

זֶ֖ה20 of 22
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

גְּב֥וּל21 of 22

And the border

H1366

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

נֶֽגֶב׃22 of 22

at the south

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to 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 18:19 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 18:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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