Joshua 16 7

Joshua 16:7 kjv

And it went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath, and came to Jericho, and went out at Jordan.

Joshua 16:7 nkjv

Then it went down from Janohah to Ataroth and Naarah, reached to Jericho, and came out at the Jordan.

Joshua 16:7 niv

Then it went down from Janoah to Ataroth and Naarah, touched Jericho and came out at the Jordan.

Joshua 16:7 esv

then it goes down from Janoah to Ataroth and to Naarah, and touches Jericho, ending at the Jordan.

Joshua 16:7 nlt

From Janoah it turned southward to Ataroth and Naarah, touched Jericho, and ended at the Jordan River.

Joshua 16 verses

Joshua 16 7 Meaning

Joshua 16:7 describes a specific segment of the southern border for the tribal inheritance of Ephraim. It details the topographical flow of the boundary, commencing its descent from Janohah, continuing through Ataroth, and then reaching Naarath. This line then proceeds southward, making contact with the territory surrounding Jericho, before finally reaching and terminating at the Jordan River. The verse meticulously outlines a distinct portion of the land granted to Ephraim by divine allotment.

Joshua 16 7 Context

Joshua chapter 16 focuses on the allocation of land for the descendants of Joseph, specifically the tribe of Ephraim, which, along with Manasseh (the other son of Joseph), received their inheritance before the remaining seven tribes. This chapter provides the northern, western, southern, and eastern boundaries of Ephraim's territory. Verse 7 specifically defines a segment of Ephraim's southern boundary. Historically, these detailed descriptions were essential for the Israelites to understand their allotted land, preventing future disputes among tribes, and securing their inheritance as promised by God. The meticulous geographical detail reflects God's faithfulness in providing for His people and the careful administration of Joshua and Eleazar in dividing the Promised Land according to divine command.

Joshua 16 7 Word analysis

• "and it went down" (וְיָרַד, wêyārad): From the Hebrew verb יָרַד (yārad), meaning "to descend" or "go down." This implies a topographical downward movement of the boundary line, suggesting that the precise border followed the natural contours and elevation changes of the land, emphasizing the detail of the survey.
• "from Janohah" (מִיָּנוֹחָה, miyyānocha): "From Janohah." Janohah was an ancient town or locality, likely east of Shechem, marking a significant point along Ephraim's boundary. The exact location is still debated among scholars, highlighting the antiquity and specificity of the biblical record as a historical geographic account.
• "to Ataroth" (עֲטָרוֹת, ʻaṭarōt): Refers to a specific town or landmark, likely Ataroth-Addar (mentioned in Josh 16:5), which means "crowns" or "circular places." It serves as another definite point defining the course of the tribal border, signifying known landmarks in the division process.
• "and to Naarath" (וְנַעֲרָתָה, wênaʻarātâ): "And to Naarath." This indicates another key location, often identified with Tell al-Jisar. Its name may be connected to Hebrew roots implying "youth" or a "shaking/fanning," perhaps relating to springs or an exposed area. The inclusion of this point further emphasizes the meticulous detail of the land survey.
• "and touched Jericho" (וּפָגַע בִּירִיחֹו, ûpāgaʻ bîrīḥô): "And hit/met Jericho." The verb פָּגַע (pāgaʻ) signifies meeting, touching, or striking. This implies that the boundary line did not encompass the city of Jericho fully within Ephraim's direct allotment but extended to its territory or touched its immediate vicinity. Jericho (יְרִיחוֹ, Yerichô) means "fragrant" or "its moon," and it was a historically and strategically critical city near the Jordan River, famously associated with its miraculous fall in Joshua chapter 6.
• "and came out at Jordan" (וְיָצָא לַיַּרְדֵּן, wêyāṣāʼ layyardēn): "And exited to the Jordan." The verb יָצָא (yāṣāʼ) means "to go out" or "emerge." This denotes the final segment of this border line, where it reached and concluded at the Jordan River. The Jordan (יַרְדֵּן, Yarden), meaning "the descender," served as a significant and unambiguous eastern geographical boundary for most tribes on the western side of the river.

Words-group analysis:

• "went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath": This phrase meticulously details the progression and topographical description of a significant segment of Ephraim’s southern boundary. It indicates a systematic charting of the land from one identified point to the next, following natural gradients, illustrating the methodical approach to the land division.
• "touched Jericho, and came out at Jordan": This defines the ultimate terminus of this part of Ephraim’s southern border. It clarifies that while Ephraim's inheritance extended to the general area of Jericho, its specific boundary touched the periphery or adjacent lands of Jericho, not necessarily integrating the walled city within Ephraim's core territory on this line, and then finally extended eastward to the definitive landmark of the Jordan River. This ensures clear demarcation for tribal claims.

Joshua 16 7 Bonus section

The careful listing of specific geographical points in Joshua, as seen in this verse, served multiple purposes beyond simple demarcation. It was a foundational legal document for the tribes, akin to a deed, outlining their legitimate possession based on divine promise. These boundaries were considered sacred, echoing passages like Proverbs 22:28 ("Do not move an ancient landmark that your fathers have set") and Deuteronomy 19:14, which condemned tampering with border markers. This indicates the high regard and permanence attached to the allocated land boundaries. The verse's reference to Jericho's proximity signifies its strategic importance, sitting at an oasis near a vital ford of the Jordan, but the fact that the line only "touched" it rather than engulfing it directly may hint at its special, perhaps accursed, status, having been a city fully devoted to the LORD in judgment (herem).

Joshua 16 7 Commentary

Joshua 16:7 is a testament to the divine order and precision in God's fulfillment of His promises to Israel. This seemingly simple geographical description holds profound significance, underscoring the meticulous nature of the land allocation. It is not a general overview but a specific detail, highlighting that every tribal boundary was clearly defined, ensuring equity and preventing disputes. The verse affirms the reality of the inheritance given, echoing God’s faithfulness in providing a "rest" for His people after generations of wandering. The inclusion of Jericho emphasizes the physical and historical realities involved in the inheritance. The detailed border descriptions served as a physical manifestation of God's covenant promises, guiding Israel in stewarding their God-given territory and serving as a record for future generations.