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Joshua 16:2

Joshua 16:2 in Multiple Translations

It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz) and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth.

And goeth out from Beth-el to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,

and it went out from Beth-el to Luz, and passed along unto the border of the Archites to Ataroth;

And it goes out from Beth-el to Luz, and on as far as the limit of the Archites to Ataroth;

From Bethel (or Luz) it continued to the border of Ataroth the Archite.

And goeth out from Beth-el to Luz, and runneth along vnto the borders of Archiataroth,

and hath gone out from Beth-El to Luz, and passed over unto the border of Archi [to] Ataroth,

It went out from Bethel to Luz, and passed along to the border of the Archites to Ataroth;

And goeth out from Beth-el to Luz, and passeth along to the borders of Archi to Ataroth,

And goeth out from Bethel to Luza: and passeth the border of Archi, to Ataroth,

It extended west from Jericho to the hilly area near Bethel, which is also called Luz. It extended as far as Ataroth, at the border of the land where the Arki people-group lived.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 16:2

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 16:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/יָצָ֥א מִ/בֵּֽית אֵ֖ל ל֑וּזָ/ה וְ/עָבַ֛ר אֶל גְּב֥וּל הָ/אַרְכִּ֖י עֲטָרֽוֹת
וְ/יָצָ֥א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Qal-3ms
מִ/בֵּֽית Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 Bethel Prep | N-proper
אֵ֖ל Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 Bethel N-proper
ל֑וּזָ/ה Lûwz H3870 Luz N-proper | Suff
וְ/עָבַ֛ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
גְּב֥וּל gᵉbûwl H1366 border N-ms
הָ/אַרְכִּ֖י ʼArkîy H757 Archite Art | Ngmsa
עֲטָרֽוֹת ʻĂṭârôwth H5852 Ataroth N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 16:2

וְ/יָצָ֥א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מִ/בֵּֽית Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 "Bethel" Prep | N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
אֵ֖ל Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 "Bethel" N-proper
Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.
Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.
ל֑וּזָ/ה Lûwz H3870 "Luz" N-proper | Suff
Luz is a place name in the Bible, referring to two locations in Palestine, including the early name of Bethel. It means almond tree and is associated with the town where Jacob set up an altar and pillar.
Definition: Luz = "almond tree" the early name of Bethel and probably the name of the town in close proximity to the actual location of the altar and pillar of Jacob Another name of bet-el (בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל "Bethel" H1008G)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Luz. See also: Genesis 28:19; Joshua 16:2; Judges 1:26.
וְ/עָבַ֛ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
גְּב֥וּל gᵉbûwl H1366 "border" 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.
הָ/אַרְכִּ֖י ʼArkîy H757 "Archite" Art | Ngmsa
A person from the city of Erek, or an Archite. In the book of Joshua, the Archites are mentioned as a group of people. Hushai, an advisor to King David, was an Archite.
Definition: Someone from Arach(?), first mentioned at Jos.16.2 § Archite or Archi = "lengthy" referring to the home city of Hushai
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Archi, Archite. See also: Joshua 16:2; 2 Samuel 17:5; 1 Chronicles 27:33.
עֲטָרֽוֹת ʻĂṭârôwth H5852 "Ataroth" N-proper
Ataroth means crowns, a place between Ephraim and Benjamin in Palestine. It appears in the Bible as a boundary location. The name represents a crown or a place of honor.
Definition: § Ataroth = "crowns" a place on the boundary of Ephraim and Manasseh between Ephraim and Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Ataroth. See also: Numbers 32:3; Joshua 16:2; Joshua 16:7.

Study Notes — Joshua 16:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 18:13 From there the border crossed over to the southern slope of Luz (that is, Bethel) and went down to Ataroth-addar on the hill south of Lower Beth-horon.
2 Genesis 28:19 and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz.
3 2 Samuel 16:16 And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
4 Judges 1:22–26 The house of Joseph also attacked Bethel, and the LORD was with them. They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz), and when the spies saw a man coming out of the city, they said to him, “Please show us how to get into the city, and we will treat you kindly.” So the man showed them the entrance to the city, and they put the city to the sword but released that man and all his family. And the man went to the land of the Hittites, built a city, and called it Luz, which is its name to this day.
5 1 Chronicles 27:33 Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.

Joshua 16:2 Summary

Joshua 16:2 describes the border of the land given to the descendants of Joseph, specifically mentioning the area from Bethel to the border of the Archites in Ataroth. This verse helps us understand how God carefully divided the land among the tribes of Israel, just as He has a plan for each of our lives (see Jeremiah 29:11). As we read about these ancient borders, we can reflect on our own journey and how God is guiding us (see Proverbs 3:5-6). By trusting in His goodness and provision, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Bethel in Joshua 16:2?

Bethel, also known as Luz, holds great importance as it was a place where Jacob had a life-changing encounter with God, as recorded in Genesis 28:11-22, and it serves as a boundary marker in the allotment of the descendants of Joseph.

Who are the Archites mentioned in this verse?

The Archites are a group of people who lived in the area of Ataroth, and while the Bible does not provide extensive information about them, their mention in Joshua 16:2 indicates their presence in the region, similar to other groups like the Japhletites in the same area.

What is the purpose of describing the borders in such detail?

The detailed description of the borders, as seen in Joshua 16:2, is crucial for understanding the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, as commanded by God, and it helps to establish the boundaries and inheritance of each tribe, as mentioned in Joshua 13:7 and Joshua 23:4.

How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of the book of Joshua?

Joshua 16:2 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Joshua, which describes the conquest and division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, fulfilling God's promises to Abraham, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Genesis 15:18-21.

Reflection Questions

  1. As you reflect on the boundaries and inheritance described in Joshua 16:2, consider how God has uniquely placed and gifted you for His purposes.
  2. What can we learn from the way the Israelites carefully divided the land, and how can we apply those principles to our own lives and communities?
  3. How does the mention of specific places and groups, like Bethel and the Archites, remind us of the richness and diversity of human experience and God's interaction with different people and cultures?
  4. In what ways can we, like the Israelites, trust God's guidance and provision as we navigate our own 'borders' and challenges in life, remembering His promise to be with us always, as stated in Matthew 28:20?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 16:2

And goeth out from Bethel to Luz,.... For though these two places in time became one, yet they were originally distinct.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 16:2

And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth, No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 16:2

From Beth-el to Luz, or, from Bethel-luzah, as the LXX. here join the words; for Beth-el was anciently called Luz, 48:3; though some think this was another Luz, spoken of . Others make Beth-el and Luz two neighbouring towns, which afterwards being more built and inhabited, became one, as oft hath happened.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 16:2

Joshua 16:2 And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,Ver. 2. Unto the borders of Archi.] Hushai’ s country, ennobled by his name, as Co was to Hippocrates, and little Hippo by great Augustine.

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 16:2

XVI. OF JOSEPH—i.e., of Ephraim and Manasseh (Joshua 16:1 to Joshua 18:1, inclusive). (1) The lot of the children of Joseph.—The order of precedence among the tribes of Israel was always Judah first and the sons of Joseph second. In the words of 1 Chronicles 5:2, “Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph’s.” Accordingly in the division of the land of Canaan under Joshua, there are three successive stages: first, the settlement of the tribe of Judah in the strongholds of the south of Palestine; secondly, the establishment of Ephraim and Manasseh in the centre of the country, and in some strong positions towards the north; thirdly, the settlement of the remaining tribes, so as to fill up the gaps left between Judah and Joseph, and also upon the outskirts of their territory, so as to be, as it were, under the shadow of their wings. In the inheritance of Ephraim and Manasseh we observe some features which distinguish this description from that of Judah’s inheritance in Joshua 15. The boundaries of the territory are given, but there is no catalogue of cities. There is also another peculiarity: the tribe of Ephraim is interlocked with the tribe of Manasseh, and the tribe of Manasseh again with Issachar and Asher, by the possession of cities in the territory of these other tribes. (1-3) Comp. Joshua 18:12-14. The south border of Joseph was the north border of Benjamin. (See Conder’s Bible Handbook, p. 260, and Ordnance Map, sheets 14, 15, and 18) Archi is ’Ain ’Arîk (sheet 14). Ataroth is Ed-Dârieh (sheet 18). Japhleti is not identified. Beth-horon is Beit ’Ur. Gezer is Tell Jezer.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 16:2

Verse 2. From Bethel to Luz] From Genesis 28:19 it appears that the place which Jacob called Beth-el was formerly called Luz; see the note there: but here they seem to be two distinct places. It is very likely that the place where Jacob had the vision was not in Luz, but in some place within a small distance of that city or village, (see the note on Genesis 28:12), and that sometimes the whole place was called Beth-el, at other times Luz, and sometimes, as in the case above, the two places were distinguished. As we find the term London comprises, not only London, but also the city of Westminster and the borough of Southwark; though at other times all three are distinctly mentioned. Archi to Ataroth] Archi was the country of Hushai, the friend of David, 2 Samuel 15:32, who is called Hushai the Archite. Ataroth, called Ataroth-addar, Ataroth the illustrious, Joshua 16:5, and simply Ataroth, Joshua 16:7, is supposed to have been about fifteen miles from Jerusalem.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 16:2

2. and goeth out] Thence it passed on to Luz. It seems impossible to determine exactly whether Bethel and Luz were the same town, Luz being the Canaanite and Bethel the Hebrew name, or whether they were distinct places close to one another. (a) This verse, Joshua 18:13, and Genesis 28:19, seem to favour the last interpretation. (b) Genesis 35:6, Judges 1:23, favour the former. The conclusion of Mr Grove is “that the two places were distinct during the times preceding the conquest, Luz being the city, and Bethel the pillar and altar of Jacob; but after the destruction of Luz by the tribe of Ephraim the town of Bethel arose.” See his Article in Smith’s Bibl. Dict. unto the borders of Archi] Comp. 2 Samuel 16:16, 1 Chronicles 27:33, where we read of Hushai the Archite. The precise locality is unknown. to Ataroth] See below Joshua 16:5, and comp. Joshua 18:13.

Barnes' Notes on Joshua 16:2

Of Archi - (Read “of the Archite,” also a designation of David’s friend Hushai (2 Samuel 15:32; 2 Samuel 16:16, etc.). The word is derived from Erech Genesis 10:10.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 16:2

2. From Beth-el to Luz — Beth-el and Luz were the same city. See note on Joshua 7:2. The Beth-el of the text is to be understood of the Mount Bethel named in the preceding verse. Borders of Archi — Or, of the Archite.

Sermons on Joshua 16:2

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Paris Reidhead Jacob by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob recognizes that he is in the house of God and vows to worship Him. He makes a vow to God, stating t
Major Ian Thomas Church in Need of Repentance by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a man of God who was approached by a king and offered rewards and refreshment. However, the man of God refused, as he had received a
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