Joshua 13 27

Joshua 13:27 kjv

And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border, even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.

Joshua 13:27 nkjv

and in the valley Beth Haram, Beth Nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, with the Jordan as its border, as far as the edge of the Sea of Chinnereth, on the other side of the Jordan eastward.

Joshua 13:27 niv

and in the valley, Beth Haram, Beth Nimrah, Sukkoth and Zaphon with the rest of the realm of Sihon king of Heshbon (the east side of the Jordan, the territory up to the end of the Sea of Galilee).

Joshua 13:27 esv

and in the valley Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, having the Jordan as a boundary, to the lower end of the Sea of Chinnereth, eastward beyond the Jordan.

Joshua 13:27 nlt

In the valley were Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah, Succoth, Zaphon, and the rest of the kingdom of King Sihon of Heshbon. The western boundary ran along the Jordan River, extended as far north as the tip of the Sea of Galilee, and then turned eastward.

Joshua 13 verses

Joshua 13 27 Meaning

Joshua 13:27 outlines a specific portion of the inheritance allocated to the Transjordanian tribes, particularly detailing the northern boundary and key cities within this territory. It delineates the extent of land stretching from the Jordan Valley up to the Sea of Chinnereth (modern Sea of Galilee), emphasizing its prior possession by Sihon, king of Heshbon, which had been conquered by Moses. This verse reinforces the precise and God-ordained nature of Israel's territorial divisions east of the Jordan River.

Joshua 13 27 Context

Joshua 13 marks a pivotal shift in the Book of Joshua from the conquest narratives to the division of the land. After recounting various campaigns, particularly the initial success in conquering southern and northern Canaan, God commands Joshua, though old, to begin the systematic allocation of the promised inheritance. This chapter specifically details the distribution of territory east of the Jordan River to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This allocation was pre-arranged by Moses (Numbers 32, Deuteronomy 3). Verse 27, in particular, identifies several strategic cities and defines the northern reaches of this Transjordanian territory, stressing its northern boundary, ultimately using the Jordan River itself as a key divider and the Sea of Chinnereth (Sea of Galilee) as the furthest northern point of influence for this specific allocation, thereby delineating a significant portion of what would become the land of Gilead and Bashan.

Joshua 13 27 Word analysis

• and in the valley, (וּבָעֵמֶק, u-va-'emek): The prefixed waw ("and") connects this description to the preceding enumeration of Gad's territory (Jos 13:24-26). 'Emek refers to a lowland or plain, often a fertile area suitable for habitation and agriculture. This particular "valley" likely refers to the Jordan Valley in the region relevant to Gad's northern boundary and extending into Manasseh's. Its mention highlights the geographical precision of the tribal allotments.
• Beth-haram, (בֵּית הָרָם, Beit ha-Ram): "House of the High Place" or "House of the Height." An important town in the Jordan Valley, part of Gad's inheritance. It may reflect earlier Canaanite religious practices centered on elevated locations, which Israel then took over.
• Beth-nimrah, (בֵּית נִמְרָה, Beit Nimrah): "House of the Leopard" or "House of Clear Water" (less common). Also located in the Jordan Valley east of the Jordan. Both Beth-haram and Beth-nimrah are re-fortified by Gad (Num 32:36), indicating their strategic importance and their role in solidifying Israelite control in the Transjordan. Their very names, still preserved, point to the reality of the detailed biblical account and their prior identity before Israelite settlement.
• Succoth, (סֻכּוֹת, Sukkot): "Booths" or "Tents." A significant city in the Jordan Valley. Known as the place where Jacob made temporary dwellings on his return from Paddan Aram (Gen 33:17) and later associated with Gideon's campaign against Midian (Judg 8:5-16). Its inclusion in the list underscores its historical and geographical prominence, now part of Gad's tribal land.
• and Zaphon, (וְצָפוֹן, ve-Tzafon): "North" or "Northward." A city of the tribe of Gad. Its name reinforces its geographical location or its role as a northern outpost for the region. The detailing of these cities demonstrates meticulous record-keeping and highlights the complete transfer of sovereignty to Israel, in defiance of any previous Canaanite claims.
• the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, (יֶתֶר מַמְלֶכֶת סִיחוֹן מֶלֶךְ חֶשְׁבּוֹן, yetere mamleket Sihon melekh Heshbon): This phrase emphasizes that these listed cities constituted the remainder, or core, of Sihon's territory that extended northwards. The conquest of Sihon was a decisive moment in Israel's history, securing a vital bridgehead for the Transjordanian tribes (Num 21:21-35; Deut 2:26-3:11). Attributing this land to Sihon before Israel's possession serves as a clear historical marker, validating Israel's divine right by conquest. It also refutes any potential later claims from Moab or Ammon to these lands, by reiterating that they belonged to the Amorites and were now fully Israel's by divine decree and conquest, not by unlawful seizure from Moab/Ammon (Judges 11:12-28 clarifies this against the Ammonite king).
• with the Jordan as a boundary, (וְהַיַּרְדֵּן גְּבוּל, ve-ha-Yarden gvul): The Jordan River served as a crucial natural boundary for the entire Promised Land, physically dividing the territories of the two and a half tribes from the western tribes. Its role as a gvul (border, boundary) is consistent throughout the territorial descriptions (e.g., Jos 18:20). The precision of "boundary" establishes clear limitations and prevents disputes.
• to the end of the Sea of Chinnereth on the east side of the Jordan. (עַד־קְצֵה יָם כִּנֶּרֶת מֵעֵבֶר לַיַּרְדֵּן מִזְרָחָה, 'ad qetzeh Yam Kinneret me-'ever la-Yarden mizraḥah): This marks the northernmost extent of the designated area east of the Jordan. "Yam Kinneret" is the ancient name for the Sea of Galilee, often referring to its harp-like shape ("kinnor" is harp). The phrase "to the end of" could mean to its very tip, or it implies that the boundary follows the eastern shore of the sea, definitively placing the northernmost point of this tribal inheritance at this famous landmark. "On the east side of the Jordan" reiterates the geographical specificity and distinctness of this Transjordanian allocation, confirming its location.

Joshua 13 27 Bonus section

• The strategic significance of the Transjordanian territory (Gilead and Bashan) was its fertile land, pasturage, and access to trade routes (e.g., the King's Highway). Securing this area provided essential resources for the Israelite population.
• The repetitive nature of geographical details and the explicit naming of conquered kings (Sihon and Og) in Joshua are hallmarks of ancient Near Eastern land grants and treaties. This structure gives the text legal and theological weight, confirming the divine "deed" for Israel.
• The listing of specific cities like Beth-haram and Beth-nimrah (rebuilt by Gad, Num 32:36) reflects an initial phase of immediate consolidation and re-settlement after the conquest, illustrating practical implementation of the land distribution.

Joshua 13 27 Commentary

Joshua 13:27 provides crucial geographical detail, cementing the extent of tribal inheritance for Gad (specifically, as its northernmost point, flowing into the region of the half-tribe of Manasseh). This detailed enumeration of cities and precise boundaries is not merely a list; it serves as a legal document establishing Israel's rightful claim to the land promised by God. The mention of Sihon's kingdom directly references God's prior conquest through Moses, reinforcing the divine sovereignty over the land and its distribution. The clear boundaries, defined by the Jordan River and extending to the Sea of Chinnereth, affirm the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. This verse underscores the reality of the divine grant and Israel's possession of this Transjordanian territory. The historical exactness, even noting specific place names and the previous occupants, solidifies the factual basis of the narrative. It points to a systematic and ordered transfer of ownership, ordained by God Himself, providing a framework for generations of Israelite life in the promised land.