King James Version

What Does Joshua 19:12 Mean?

Joshua 19:12 in the King James Version says “And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, an...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia,”

Joshua 19:12 · KJV

Context

10

And the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families: and the border of their inheritance was unto Sarid:

11

And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam;

12

And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia,

13

And from thence passeth on along on the east to Gittahhepher, to Ittahkazin, and goeth out to Remmonmethoar to Neah; methoar: or, which is drawn

14

And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chisloth-tabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia.

The boundary description pivots at Sarid, turning eastward toward the sunrising (mizrachah mizrach ha-shemesh, מִזְרָחָה מִזְרַח הַשָּׁמֶשׁ). This beautiful Hebrew phrase literally means "toward the rising of the sun," emphasizing cardinal orientation through natural observation. Ancient Israelites marked directions by the sun's movement, grounding abstract geography in daily experience of God's creation.

Chisloth-tabor (כִּסְלֹת תָּבוֹר) literally means "the flanks of Tabor," referring to settlements on the slopes of Mount Tabor. This prominent mountain (1,929 feet elevation) dominated the landscape and served as a crucial geographical landmark. Mount Tabor appears prominently in Deborah and Barak's victory over Sisera (Judges 4:6-14), where Zebulun fought valiantly (Judges 5:18). The inclusion of Tabor in Zebulun's boundary thus connects their inheritance to future military triumphs accomplished through faith.

Daberath (דָּבְרַת) was later assigned as a Levitical city (Joshua 21:28; 1 Chronicles 6:72), demonstrating how tribal inheritances included provisions for priestly families. Japhia (יָפִיעַ) possibly means "he will shine" or "conspicuous," perhaps describing its elevated location. These sites trace Zebulun's eastern boundary, marking where their territory bordered Naphtali and Issachar. Each landmark witnessed God's faithfulness in giving Israel the land He had promised to Abraham 600 years earlier.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mount Tabor, mentioned indirectly through Chisloth-tabor, became one of ancient Israel's most significant landmarks. Its distinctive dome shape, rising prominently from the Jezreel Valley, made it visible for miles and a natural gathering point. Early Christian tradition identified Tabor as the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8), though this is debated since the text doesn't specify which mountain Jesus climbed.

Daberath's identification as a Levitical city demonstrates the integration of priestly families throughout tribal territories. The Levites received no contiguous tribal inheritance but rather cities scattered among the other tribes (Joshua 21:1-42). This dispersion served theological purposes—having priests dwelling among each tribe ensured that teaching of the Law and maintenance of proper worship permeated all Israel geographically. Zebulun, though not the most prominent tribe, contributed to supporting the Levitical priesthood through providing cities and pasture lands.

The Jezreel Valley and Mount Tabor region witnessed many decisive moments in Israel's history. Beyond Deborah's victory, this area saw Gideon's triumph over the Midianites (Judges 6-7), Saul's final battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31), and Josiah's death fighting Pharaoh Neco (2 Kings 23:29). The land Zebulun inherited thus became a stage for pivotal events in redemptive history, demonstrating that God's purposes unfold in specific locations, not merely abstract spiritual realms.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Hebrew phrase 'toward the sunrising' illustrate how Scripture grounds spiritual truth in observable natural phenomena?
  2. What does the inclusion of Mount Tabor in Zebulun's inheritance teach about how God's assignments often include future opportunities for faith and courage we don't yet foresee?
  3. How does the Levitical city system—scattering priests among all tribes—inform how the church should distribute spiritual leadership and teaching throughout all communities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְשָׁ֣ב1 of 14

“And turned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מִשָּׂרִ֗יד2 of 14

“from Sarid”

H8301

sarid, a place in palestine

קֵ֚דְמָה3 of 14

“eastward”

H6924

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

מִזְרַ֣ח4 of 14

“toward the sunrising”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ5 of 14
H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

עַל6 of 14
H5921

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

גְּב֥וּל7 of 14

“unto the border”

H1366

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

כִּסְלֹ֖ת8 of 14
H0
תָּבֹ֑ר9 of 14

“of Chislothtabor”

H3696

kisloth-tabor, a place in palestine

וְיָצָ֥א10 of 14

“and then goeth out”

H3318

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

אֶל11 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַדָּֽבְרַ֖ת12 of 14

“to Daberath”

H1705

daberath, a place in palestine

וְעָלָ֥ה13 of 14

“and goeth up”

H5927

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

יָפִֽיעַ׃14 of 14

“to Japhia”

H3309

japhia, the name of a canaanite, an israelite, and 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 19:12 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 19:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 6:72Joshua 21:28Judges 4:12Psalms 89:12Judges 4:6Joshua 19:22

Places in This Verse

Chisloth-taborSettlement · Modern: Iksal · 32.68°N, 35.32°E1 verse across 1 book
DaberathSettlement · Modern: Horvat Devora · 32.70°N, 35.38°E3 verses across 2 books
JaphiaSettlement · Modern: Yafa · 32.69°N, 35.28°E1 verse across 1 book
SaridSettlement · Modern: Tel Shadud · 32.66°N, 35.23°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in Joshua 19 →

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