King James Version

What Does Joshua 18:20 Mean?

Joshua 18:20 in the King James Version says “And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts th... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Joshua 18:20 · KJV


Context

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,

22

And Betharabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jordan was the border of it on the east side—The Jordan River forms Benjamin's entire eastern boundary. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families concludes the boundary description. The Jordan's prominence reminds Benjamin of Israel's miraculous crossing (Joshua 3-4)—their inheritance began with divine intervention.

Every Benjamite family received according to their families, ensuring no household was disinherited. This reflects covenant faithfulness: God keeps promises not just tribally but personally. Each family matters to God, anticipating Christ who knows His sheep by name (John 10:3).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Jordan River varied from 90-100 feet wide and 3-10 feet deep during normal flow, becoming impassable during spring floods. Its role as Benjamin's eastern border connected them to the Transjordan tribes and served as a major water source for their territory.

Reflection Questions

  1. What miraculous provisions mark the beginning of your spiritual inheritance?
  2. How does God's attention to individual families encourage your confidence in His personal care?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהַיַּרְדֵּ֥ן1 of 12

And Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

יִגְבֹּל2 of 12

was the border

H1379

properly, to twist as a rope; to bound (as by a line)

אֹת֖וֹ3 of 12
H853

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

לִפְאַת4 of 12

side

H6285

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

קֵ֑דְמָה5 of 12

of it on the east

H6924

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

זֹ֡את6 of 12
H2063

this (often used adverb)

נַֽחֲלַת֩7 of 12

This was the inheritance

H5159

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

בְּנֵ֨י8 of 12

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

בִנְיָמִ֧ן9 of 12

of Benjamin

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

לִגְבֽוּלֹתֶ֛יהָ10 of 12

by the coasts

H1367

a boundary, region

סָבִ֖יב11 of 12

thereof round about

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃12 of 12

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


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 18:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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