Joshua 19 13

Joshua 19:13 kjv

And from thence passeth on along on the east to Gittahhepher, to Ittahkazin, and goeth out to Remmonmethoar to Neah;

Joshua 19:13 nkjv

And from there it passed along on the east of Gath Hepher, toward Eth Kazin, and extended to Rimmon, which borders on Neah.

Joshua 19:13 niv

Then it continued eastward to Gath Hepher and Eth Kazin; it came out at Rimmon and turned toward Neah.

Joshua 19:13 esv

From there it passes along on the east toward the sunrise to Gath-hepher, to Eth-kazin, and going on to Rimmon it bends toward Neah,

Joshua 19:13 nlt

Then it continued east to Gath-hepher, Eth-kazin, and Rimmon and turned toward Neah.

Joshua 19 verses

Joshua 19 13 Meaning

This verse precisely details a segment of the southern border for the tribal allotment of Zebulun within the Promised Land. It signifies the meticulous fulfillment of God’s covenant promises concerning the inheritance of land for His people, outlining specific geographical markers to define the precise extent of their territory.

Joshua 19 13 Context

Joshua 19:13 is part of a detailed record within the Book of Joshua concerning the division and distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel after their military conquests. Chapter 19 specifically details the inheritances of the tribes of Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. The verse focuses on a precise section of Zebulun's southern boundary. This painstaking demarcation underscored the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise to Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land (Gen 12:7, Gen 15:18). Historically and culturally, land inheritance was crucial for identity, provision, and legal claim in ancient Israel. The exact listing of these places served as a divine charter, preventing future disputes and testifying to God's faithfulness in providing for His people precisely as promised. This detailed mapping asserts Yahweh’s supreme authority over the land, contrasting with local Canaanite beliefs that their gods were sovereign over particular territories.

Joshua 19 13 Word analysis

• and goeth out (וְיָצָא - wəyatsa): From the verb יָצָא (yatsa), meaning "to go out," "to proceed." The repetition of this phrase (and similar phrasing for boundary descriptions) emphasizes a linear progression and meticulous delineation of the border. It indicates a precise surveying, not just a vague allocation.
• from thence (מִשָּׁם - mishsham): "from there." Refers to the preceding point mentioned in Joshua 19:12, a general area from which this specific segment of the boundary extends, signifying a continuous, traced line.
• to Gittah-hepher (אֶל-גַּת חֵפֶר - el Gat Chepher): "To Gath-Hepher." Gat means "winepress" and Chepher means "digging" or "well." So, "Winepress of the Well." This was a significant landmark. While here it's purely geographical, this city is also notable as the hometown of the prophet Jonah (2 Kgs 14:25), subtly connecting this physical inheritance to the spiritual history of Israel.
• to Iattah-kazin (יַתָּה-קָצִין - Yattah-Qatzin): The Hebrew includes "and went out" (וְיָצָא wəyatsa) before Yattah-Qatzin, similar to the beginning of the verse. Yattah may mean "it stretches," and Qatzin (from root Qatzon) means "prince" or "officer." So possibly "it stretches to the officer's place." It functions as another precisely marked point along the boundary line, critical for its exactness.
• and goeth out to (וְיָצָא - wəyatsa): Again, "and it went out" or "proceeded to." Reinforces the continuous movement and tracing of the border.
• Rimmon-methoar (רִמּוֹן הַמְּתֹאָר - Rimmon hamməto'ar): Rimmon means "pomegranate." Hamməto'ar (הַמְּתֹאָר) is a rare participle meaning "that turns aside," "that marks the border," or "that is delineated." It describes a significant landmark that either changes the direction of the border or is itself a carefully demarcated point. It conveys a precise definition.
• which stretcheth (נֶאֱצָל - ne'etsal): From the verb אָצַל (atsal), meaning "to be drawn near," "to be set apart," or "to extend." It suggests an approximation or adjacency to the next point, indicating that the border line runs up to or alongside Neah. It denotes proximity rather than necessarily passing directly through it.
• unto Neah (אֵל-נֶעָה - el Ne'ah): "To Neah." Ne'ah itself (נֶעָה) can relate to "moving" or "agitation." It is another specific geographical location that serves as a final point for this segment of Zebulun's border. The exactness of these names ensures no ambiguity in the land’s boundaries.

• "and goeth out from thence to Gittah-hepher, to Iattah-kazin": This segment highlights the direct progression of the boundary line from a previous point, through the notable city of Gath-hepher (Jonah’s hometown), and onwards to another defined location, Yattah-Qazin. The repetition of "goeth out" emphasizes the linear, carefully surveyed nature of the border.
• "and goeth out to Rimmon-methoar which stretcheth unto Neah": This portion details the next section of the boundary, indicating that it proceeds to Rimmon (the pomegranate city) which is specifically marked for the border ("methoar"). From Rimmon, the boundary extends to or along Neah. This continues the theme of meticulous, unambiguous demarcation crucial for rightful possession and minimizing future conflict. The description confirms the divinely-guided, methodical distribution of land.

Joshua 19 13 Bonus section

The seemingly exhaustive lists of towns and boundary markers throughout Joshua 15-19 are not merely historical records; they are profound theological statements. Ancient Near Eastern treaties and land grants often included detailed boundary descriptions as proof of ownership and sovereignty. By presenting the land distribution in this precise manner, the Book of Joshua affirms that Yahweh, not human conquest alone, is the true Giver and Administrator of the land. This meticulous record also served a legal function for generations, helping to prevent inter-tribal disputes over land claims. The very dryness of the geographical detail underlines the unwavering factual nature of God's promise being fulfilled, standing in contrast to the transient and shifting claims of other deities or human powers. Furthermore, the identification of Gath-hepher as Jonah’s later hometown reminds us that even these precise physical allocations would serve as settings for God's ongoing work through prophets and His covenant people.

Joshua 19 13 Commentary

Joshua 19:13, though seemingly a dry geographical listing, holds profound theological significance. It demonstrates the meticulous and exact fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel concerning the land inheritance. Each town and landmark mentioned served as concrete, tangible proof of God’s faithfulness, His orderly nature, and His absolute sovereignty over all creation. The precision in delineating boundaries, down to specific landmarks like "Winepress of the Well" (Gath-Hepher) and "Pomegranate of Delineation" (Rimmon-methoar), illustrates that God's provision for His people is not vague or approximate, but perfect and detailed. This particular segment of Zebulun’s border affirms the real-world consequence of a divine decree, solidifying Israel's legal and spiritual claim to their allotted territory. It reminds believers that God's promises are trustworthy and detailed, ensuring their ultimate and perfect fulfillment, just as His promises for an eternal spiritual inheritance are precisely secured through Christ.