Joshua 19 14

Joshua 19:14 kjv

And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel:

Joshua 19:14 nkjv

Then the border went around it on the north side of Hannathon, and it ended in the Valley of Jiphthah El.

Joshua 19:14 niv

There the boundary went around on the north to Hannathon and ended at the Valley of Iphtah El.

Joshua 19:14 esv

then on the north the boundary turns about to Hannathon, and it ends at the Valley of Iphtahel;

Joshua 19:14 nlt

The northern boundary of Zebulun passed Hannathon and ended at the valley of Iphtah-el.

Joshua 19 verses

Joshua 19 14 Meaning

Joshua 19:14 defines a specific section of the northern boundary of the tribal inheritance of Zebulun. It states that Zebulun's border extended northward to a specific landmark called Hannathon, and that this particular segment of the boundary concluded or terminated at the Valley of Iphtahel. This verse, therefore, pinpoints crucial geographical markers that delineated Zebulun's divinely apportioned territory, underscoring the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises of land to His people Israel.

Joshua 19 14 Context

Joshua chapter 19 concludes the detailed account of the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, specifically focusing on the last seven tribes to receive their inheritance by lot: Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. Verse 14 falls within the description of the territory allocated to the tribe of Zebulun (Joshua 19:10-16). This meticulous boundary-setting highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land. Historically, after approximately seven years of conquest, the period under Joshua marked the transition from nomadic existence to settled life in the Promised Land. The detailed boundaries served not only as a legal and administrative record for tribal identity and resource management but also as a tangible sign of God's covenant loyalty and Israel's secure possession of the land. Each defined boundary, like that extending to Hannathon and the Valley of Iphtahel, solidified the tribe's inheritance as a divinely given portion, distinct from their neighbors, affirming the LORD's ultimate sovereignty over the land and its distribution.

Joshua 19 14 Word analysis

• and: (Hebrew: וְ - wə). A conjunctive particle, often translated as "and," linking this specific boundary segment to the preceding descriptions of Zebulun's inheritance (verses 10-13). It indicates a continuation of the boundary description.
• the border: (Hebrew: הַגְּבוּל - hag-gəḇūl). "The border" or "the boundary." This noun (gevul) frequently appears in Joshua's land descriptions, emphasizing the defined and fixed nature of these territorial divisions. It implies divinely established lines rather than arbitrarily drawn ones. The definiteness (prefixed "ha-") highlights a specific boundary being described.
• went around it: (Hebrew: נָסַב - nāsaḇ). From the verb meaning "to turn," "to encircle," "to go around." Here, it signifies that the boundary line curved or extended, likely from a previous point described, moving towards Hannathon. It depicts a continuous, demarcated line rather than just a straight segment. The implicit "it" refers to the territory of Zebulun mentioned in previous verses.
• on the north: (Hebrew: צָפוֹנָה - ṣā-p̄ō-nāh). "Northward" or "to the north." This provides crucial directional information, essential for mapping and understanding the territorial layout. It confirms this specific segment's orientation.
• to Hannathon: (Hebrew: חַנָּתוֹן - ḥan-nā-ṯōwn). A specific ancient town or landmark. Its precise modern identification is debated but believed to be Tel Hannaton in Lower Galilee, strategically located. As a named location, it provided a concrete and identifiable anchor for the boundary. Its inclusion shows the meticulous detail of God's provision.
• and its termination: (Hebrew: וְהָיוּ תּוֹצְאוֹתָיו - wə-hā-yū ṯōw-ṣə-ʾō-ṯāyw). Literally "and its outgoings/outlets were." Totse'ot (תּוֹצְאוֹת) refers to the end points, issues, or terminations of a boundary line. It clarifies where this particular stretch of the boundary came to its close. The plural implies various ending points along this section of the northern boundary before the next section begins, or simply "its borders" overall in that direction.
• was at: (Hebrew: הָיוּ - hā-yū). The verb "were," simply indicating location.
• the Valley of Iphtahel: (Hebrew: נַחַל יִפְתַּח-אֵל - naḥal Yiphtaḥ-El). Another significant geographical feature. Nachal (נַחַל) means "wadi," "brook," or "valley," typically a seasonal stream bed that forms a natural topographical division. Yiphtaḥ-El (יִפְתַּח-אֵל) means "God opens." This name could imply a significant opening or pass in the landscape, a divine provision, or perhaps a place where God opened up or judged. Its theological meaning subtly reinforces God's hand in shaping the land's divisions.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "and the border went around it on the north": This phrase signifies the precise, curving or extending nature of Zebulun's boundary along its northern flank. It indicates a systematic delineation of the territory, not merely general descriptions, emphasizing God's orderly provision.
• "to Hannathon, and its termination was at the Valley of Iphtahel": This specifies two distinct and important geographical markers defining the endpoints of this northern segment. The mention of specific places highlights the tangible reality of God's land distribution and serves as a legal and administrative marker for future generations, preventing disputes over unclear borders. The Valley of Iphtahel, bearing a name related to God, also subtly attributes the land's physical features to divine design.

Joshua 19 14 Bonus section

The careful delineation of borders in Joshua 19, including verse 14, served as a theological statement about Yahweh as the true landlord and sovereign of Canaan. Unlike pagan deities associated with specific localities and limited powers, the God of Israel allocates land with universal authority, determining precise boundaries for His chosen people. The land's division by lot, far from being a random event, was understood as a direct divine determination (Prov 16:33), reinforcing God's will in the specifics of tribal inheritance. The tribal boundaries set forth in Joshua would deeply influence Israelite identity, economic life, and even later prophetic discourse for centuries. The specific tribal territories, including Zebulun's, also become relevant in the New Testament, as areas like "Galilee of the Gentiles" (Isa 9:1, Matt 4:15-16) encompass these ancient lands, tying the Messiah's earthly ministry back to the promised tribal inheritances. The long-term historical impact of these geographical details demonstrates the enduring significance of what might initially seem like minor descriptive passages in the Bible.

Joshua 19 14 Commentary

Joshua 19:14 is not merely a dry geographical notation but a profound testament to God's meticulous faithfulness. As part of the extensive land distribution in Joshua 19, this verse underscores that Zebulun's inheritance was not a randomly acquired plot but a precisely measured and divinely ordained portion. The detailing of landmarks like Hannathon and the Valley of Iphtahel emphasizes the literal fulfillment of centuries-old promises made to the patriarchs (e.g., Abraham in Genesis 15) and later specified by Moses (e.g., Numbers 34). This specific allocation demonstrates God's sovereignty over the earth and His people. The inclusion of named features ensures accountability and security for each tribe, establishing clear boundaries as part of God's ordered world. It reflects a theology where God is intimately involved in the practical realities of His people's lives, from their spiritual covenant to their physical land tenure. This precision provides a blueprint for an organized society operating under God's blessing and provision.