Joshua 15:5
Joshua 15:5 in Multiple Translations
The eastern border was the Salt Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan. The northern border started from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan,
And the east border was the salt sea, even unto the end of Jordan. And their border in the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the uttermost part of Jordan:
And the east border was the Salt Sea, even unto the end of the Jordan. And the border of the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the end of the Jordan;
And the east limit is the Salt Sea as far as the end of Jordan. And the limit of the north part of the land is from the inlet of the sea at the end of Jordan:
The eastern border of Judah was the Salt Sea, up to where the Jordan River ends. The northern boundary ran from the northern bay of the sea where the Jordan ends
Also the Eastborder shalbe the salt Sea, vnto the end of Iorden: and the border on the North quarter from the point of the Sea, and from the end of Iorden.
And the east border [is] the salt sea, unto the extremity of the Jordan, and the border at the north quarter [is] from the bay of the sea, at the extremity of the Jordan;
The east border was the Salt Sea, even to the end of the Jordan. The border of the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the end of the Jordan.
And the east border was the salt-sea, even to the end of Jordan: and their border in the north quarter was from the bay of the sea, at the uttermost part of Jordan:
But on the east side the beginning shall be the most salt sea even to the end of the Jordan: and towards the north, from the bay of the sea unto the same river Jordan.
The eastern border of the land of the tribe of Judah was the Dead Sea, and it extended north to where the Jordan River ends at the Dead Sea.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 15:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 15:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/גְב֥וּל
קֵ֨דְמָ/ה֙
יָ֣ם
הַ/מֶּ֔לַח
עַד
קְצֵ֖ה
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֑ן
וּ/גְב֞וּל
לִ/פְאַ֤ת
צָפ֨וֹנָ/ה֙
מִ/לְּשׁ֣וֹן
הַ/יָּ֔ם
מִ/קְצֵ֖ה
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
וּ/גְב֥וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
Conj | N-ms
קֵ֨דְמָ/ה֙
qedem
H6924
front
N-ms | Suff
יָ֣ם
yâm
H3220
West
N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֔לַח
melach
H4417
salt
Art | N-ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
קְצֵ֖ה
qâtseh
H7097
end
N-cs
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֑ן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
וּ/גְב֞וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
Conj | N-ms
לִ/פְאַ֤ת
pêʼâh
H6285
side
Prep | N-fs
צָפ֨וֹנָ/ה֙
tsâphôwn
H6828
Zaphon
N-fs | Suff
מִ/לְּשׁ֣וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
Prep | N-cs
הַ/יָּ֔ם
yâm
H3220
West
Art | N-ms
מִ/קְצֵ֖ה
qâtseh
H7097
end
Prep | N-cs
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 15:5
וּ/גְב֥וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
קֵ֨דְמָ/ה֙
qedem
H6924
"front"
N-ms | Suff
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
יָ֣ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
הַ/מֶּ֔לַח
melach
H4417
"salt"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers specifically to salt that is easily pulverized and dissolved, often used to season food. It is also associated with salt pits, where salt was harvested. The word highlights the importance of salt in ancient Israelite life.
Definition: salt
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: salt(-pit). See also: Genesis 14:3; Judges 9:45; Psalms 60:2.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
קְצֵ֖ה
qâtseh
H7097
"end"
N-cs
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֑ן
Yardên
H3383
"Jordan"
Art | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
וּ/גְב֞וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
לִ/פְאַ֤ת
pêʼâh
H6285
"side"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to the side or corner of something, like the edge of a room or a region. It is used in the Bible to describe geography or location. In the KJV, it is translated as 'corner' or 'side'.
Definition: 1) corner, edge, side, quarter, extremity 1a) corner 1b) side
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: corner, end, quarter, side. See also: Exodus 25:26; Jeremiah 25:23; Jeremiah 9:25.
צָפ֨וֹנָ/ה֙
tsâphôwn
H6828
"Zaphon"
N-fs | Suff
This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.
Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.
מִ/לְּשׁ֣וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
Prep | N-cs
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
הַ/יָּ֔ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
מִ/קְצֵ֖ה
qâtseh
H7097
"end"
Prep | N-cs
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
Yardên
H3383
"Jordan"
Art | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
Study Notes — Joshua 15:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 15:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 15:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 15:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 15:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 15:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 15:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 15:5
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 15:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 15:5
Context — Judah’s Inheritance
3proceeded south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continued on to Zin, went over to the south of Kadesh-barnea, ran past Hezron up to Addar, and curved toward Karka.
4It proceeded to Azmon, joined the Brook of Egypt, and ended at the Sea. This was their southern border.
5The eastern border was the Salt Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan. The northern border started from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan,
6went up to Beth-hoglah, proceeded north of Beth-arabah, and went up to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben. 7Then the border went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor, turning north to Gilgal, which faces the Ascent of Adummim south of the ravine. It continued along the waters of En-shemesh and came out at En-rogel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 34:12 | Then the border will go down along the Jordan and end at the Salt Sea. This will be your land, defined by its borders on all sides.” |
| 2 | Joshua 18:15–19 | On the south side the border began at the outskirts of Kiriath-jearim and extended westward to the spring at the Waters of Nephtoah. Then it went down to the foot of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim and ran down the Valley of Hinnom toward the southern slope of the Jebusites and downward to En-rogel. From there it curved northward and proceeded to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth facing the Ascent of Adummim, and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben. Then it went on to the northern slope of Beth-arabah and went down into the valley. The border continued to the northern slope of Beth-hoglah and came out at the northern bay of the Salt Sea, at the mouth of the Jordan. This was the southern border. |
| 3 | Numbers 34:10 | And your eastern border will run straight from Hazar-enan to Shepham, |
Joshua 15:5 Summary
Joshua 15:5 describes the eastern and northern borders of the territory allocated to the tribe of Judah, with the Salt Sea and the mouth of the Jordan River serving as key reference points. This verse reminds us that God is a God of detail and care, who provides for His people and asks us to trust and obey Him, just as He did for the Israelites in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 29:5-6). As we reflect on this verse, we can apply the principles of obedience and trust to our own lives, knowing that God is always with us and guiding us (Joshua 1:9). By trusting in God's provision and care, we can establish healthy boundaries and live a life that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Salt Sea in Joshua 15:5?
The Salt Sea, also known as the Dead Sea, marked the eastern boundary of the territory allocated to the tribe of Judah, as described in Joshua 15:5, and its unique characteristics are noted in Ezekiel 47:8-10, highlighting God's power and provision.
Why is the mouth of the Jordan River important in this verse?
The mouth of the Jordan River served as a reference point for determining the eastern and northern borders of Judah's territory, as seen in Joshua 15:5, and its significance is also mentioned in Genesis 13:10-12, where the Jordan River is first introduced as a geographical landmark.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Joshua 15?
Joshua 15:5 is part of a larger description of the territory allocated to the tribe of Judah, highlighting God's faithfulness to His people and the importance of obeying His commands, as emphasized in Joshua 1:7-9 and Deuteronomy 29:9.
What can we learn from the geographical details in this verse?
The specific geographical details in Joshua 15:5, such as the Salt Sea and the mouth of the Jordan River, demonstrate God's attention to detail and care for His people, as seen in Psalm 95:4-5, where God's creation and provision are celebrated.
Reflection Questions
- As I reflect on the boundaries described in Joshua 15:5, what are the 'borders' in my own life that God is asking me to respect and trust Him with?
- How does the mention of the Salt Sea and the Jordan River in this verse remind me of God's power and provision in my own life?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of obedience and trust, as seen in Joshua 15:5, to my own journey of faith?
- What are some ways that God is asking me to 'mark out' or establish boundaries in my own life, just as He did for the tribe of Judah in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 15:5
And the east border [was] the salt sea, [even] unto the end of Jordan,.... To the place where Jordan fell into it; so that this border was the whole length of the salt sea, which Josephus says (y)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 15:5
And the east border was the salt sea, even unto the end of Jordan.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 15:5
The end of Jordan, i.e. the place where Jordan runs into the Salt Sea.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 15:5
Joshua 15:5 And the east border [was] the salt sea, [even] unto the end of Jordan. And [their] border in the north quarter [was] from the bay of the sea at the uttermost part of Jordan:Ver. 5. The salt sea.] The lake of Sodom, into which the river Jordan runneth, and there endeth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 15:5
(5) Their border in the north quarter.—This can be followed with the Ordnance Survey of Palestine, and is described by Conder in the following way:—“It started from the Jordan mouth, but did not apparently follow the river, as Beth Arabah (unknown) and Beth Hogla (’Ain Hajlah, about two miles west of Jordan—sheet 18) belonged to Benjamin. Passing along the valley of Achor (Wâdy Kelt), it left Gilgal on the north, and ascended the pass to the going up of Adummim (Tal’at-ed-Dumm), the ancient and modern name ‘bloody’ being apparently derived from the brick-red marls here found amid a district of white chalk.” (It is easy to conjecture other reasons.) A line of Roman road on the map is a very fair guide to the boundary here described, and thus far it lies on sheet 18 En Rogel, the next known point (on sheet 17), close to Zoheleth (Zahweileh, 1 Kings 1:9), was evidently the present spring ‘Ain Umm-ed-Deraj, in the Kedron Valley (this may be sought in the separate survey of Jerusalem, which is upon a larger scale). Thence the border ran across the slope (Cataph, Joshua 15:8, “side”), beside the valley of Ben Hinnom (Wâdy Rabâby), south of Jebus, and thus reached the watershed. (Here the boundary-line takes a turn to the northward.) It then apparently passed along the broad vale (Emek, Joshua 15:8) of Rephaim (“valley of the giants”), which Josephus makes to extend towards Bethlehem. This valley is identified with El-Bukeia (sheet 17). The waters of Nephtoah are apparently identical with ‘Ain ’Atân, south-west of Bethlehem.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 15:5
Verse 5. The east border was the Salt Sea] The Salt Sea is the same as the Dead Sea, lake Asphaltites, &c. And here it is intimated that the eastern border of the tribe of Judah extended along the Dead Sea, from its lowest extremity to the end of Jordan, i.e., to the place where Jordan falls into this sea.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 15:5
5. And the east border] “Till to the laste partis of Jordan,” Wyclif. This was the Salt Sea in all its extent from south to north, even “unto the end of Jordan,” i. e. to the point where it enters the Dead Sea. their border in the north quarter was from the bay of the sea] i. e. from the embouchure of the Jordan. “The tonge of the see vnto the same flood of Jordan,” Wyclif.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 15:5
5. East border was the salt sea — Which formed a boundary line for nearly fifty miles. End of Jordan — That is, the month of the Jordan; called also in this same verse the uttermost part of Jordan.