Joshua 15:5
New International Version
The eastern boundary is the Dead Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan. The northern boundary started from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan,

New Living Translation
The eastern boundary extended along the Dead Sea to the mouth of the Jordan River. The northern boundary began at the bay where the Jordan River empties into the Dead Sea,

English Standard Version
And the east boundary is the Salt Sea, to the mouth of the Jordan. And the boundary on the north side runs from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan.

Berean Standard Bible
The eastern border was the Salt Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan. The northern border started from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan,

King James Bible
And the east border was the salt sea, even unto the end of Jordan. And their border in the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the uttermost part of Jordan:

New King James Version
The east border was the Salt Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan. And the border on the northern quarter began at the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan.

New American Standard Bible
The eastern border was the Salt Sea, as far as the mouth of the Jordan. And the border of the north side was from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan.

NASB 1995
The east border was the Salt Sea, as far as the mouth of the Jordan. And the border of the north side was from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan.

NASB 1977
And the east border was the Salt Sea, as far as the mouth of the Jordan. And the border of the north side was from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the east border was the Salt Sea, as far as the mouth of the Jordan. And the border of the north side was from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan.

Amplified Bible
The eastern border was the Salt (Dead) Sea, as far as the mouth of the Jordan. The northern border was from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan.

Christian Standard Bible
Now the eastern border was along the Dead Sea to the mouth of the Jordan. The border on the north side was from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now the eastern border was along the Dead Sea to the mouth of the Jordan. The border on the north side was from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan.

American Standard Version
And the east border was the Salt Sea, even unto the end of the Jordan. And the border of the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the end of the Jordan;

Contemporary English Version
Judah's eastern border ran the full length of the Dead Sea. The northern border started at the northern end of the Dead Sea.

English Revised Version
And the east border was the Salt Sea, even unto the end of Jordan. And the border of the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the end of Jordan:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The eastern border is the Dead Sea as far north as the mouth of the Jordan River. The northern border starts from the north end of the Dead Sea at the mouth of the Jordan

Good News Translation
The eastern border was the Dead Sea, all the way up to the inlet where the Jordan empties into it. The northern border began there,

International Standard Version
The eastern border was the Dead Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan River. The border of the north side extended from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan River

Majority Standard Bible
The eastern border was the Salt Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan. The northern border started from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan,

NET Bible
The eastern border was the Salt Sea to the mouth of the Jordan River. The northern border started north of the Salt Sea at the mouth of the Jordan,

New Heart English Bible
The east border was the Salt Sea, even to the end of the Jordan. The border of the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the end of the Jordan.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the east border was the salt-sea, even to the end of Jordan: and their border in the north quarter was from the bay of the sea, at the uttermost part of Jordan:

World English Bible
The east border was the Salt Sea, even to the end of the Jordan. The border of the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the end of the Jordan.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the east border [is] the Salt Sea, to the extremity of the Jordan, and the border at the north quarter [is] from the bay of the sea, at the extremity of the Jordan;

Young's Literal Translation
And the east border is the salt sea, unto the extremity of the Jordan, and the border at the north quarter is from the bay of the sea, at the extremity of the Jordan;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the east bound, the salt sea, unto the end of Jordan: and the bound to the north side, from the tongue of the sea from the extremity of Jordan:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But on the east side the beginning shall be the most salt sea even to the end of the Jordan: and towards the north, from the bay of the sea unto the same river Jordan.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, toward the east, the beginning shall be the very salty sea, even to the limit of the Jordan, and that which looks toward the north, from the bay of the sea, even to the same river Jordan.

New American Bible
The eastern boundary was the Salt Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan. The northern boundary climbed northward from the tongue of the sea, toward the mouth of the Jordan,

New Revised Standard Version
And the east boundary is the Dead Sea, to the mouth of the Jordan. And the boundary on the north side runs from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the east boundary was from the farthest end of the Salt Sea, as far as the mouth of the Jordan. And the border on the north side was from the bay of the Sea at the mouth of the Jordan;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the border of the East is the edge of the Sea of Salt unto the edge of the Jordan and the border to the side of the north is from the isthmus of the Sea from the end of the Jordan
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the east border was the Salt Sea, even unto the end of the Jordan. And the border of the north side was from the bay of the sea at the end of the Jordan.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And their boundaries eastward are all the salt sea as far as Jordan; and their borders from the north, and from the border of the sea, and from part of Jordan -

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Judah's Inheritance
4It proceeded to Azmon, joined the Brook of Egypt, and ended at the Sea. This was their southern border. 5The eastern border was the Salt Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan. The northern border started from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan, 6went up to Beth-hoglah, proceeded north of Beth-arabah, and went up to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben.…

Cross References
Genesis 13:10-11
And Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan, all the way to Zoar, was well watered like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) / So Lot chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself and set out toward the east. And Abram and Lot parted company.

Genesis 19:24-25
Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. / Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground.

Numbers 34:10-12
And your eastern border will run straight from Hazar-enan to Shepham, / then go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain and continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth. / Then the border will go down along the Jordan and end at the Salt Sea. This will be your land, defined by its borders on all sides.”

Deuteronomy 3:17
The Jordan River in the Arabah bordered it from Chinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) with the slopes of Pisgah to the east.

Deuteronomy 4:49
including all the Arabah on the east side of the Jordan and as far as the Sea of the Arabah, below the slopes of Pisgah.

2 Kings 14:25
This Jeroboam restored the boundary of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word that the LORD, the God of Israel, had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher.

2 Kings 25:5
but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him.

Jeremiah 39:5
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him.

Ezekiel 47:18
On the east side the border will run between Hauran and Damascus, along the Jordan between Gilead and the land of Israel, to the Eastern Sea and as far as Tamar. This will be the eastern boundary.

Ezekiel 48:28
The southern border of Gad will run from Tamar to the waters of Meribath-kadesh, then along the Brook of Egypt and out to the Great Sea.

Matthew 3:5-6
People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan. / Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

Matthew 4:25
Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

Matthew 19:1
When Jesus had finished saying these things, He left Galilee and went into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.

Mark 1:5
People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

Luke 3:3
He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,


Treasury of Scripture

And the east border was the salt sea, even to the end of Jordan. And their border in the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the uttermost part of Jordan:

Numbers 34:12
And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.

Jump to Previous
Bay Border Boundary East Eastern End Extremity Inlet Jordan Limit Mouth North Northern Part Quarter Runs Salt Salt-Sea Sea Side Started Tongue Uttermost
Jump to Next
Bay Border Boundary East Eastern End Extremity Inlet Jordan Limit Mouth North Northern Part Quarter Runs Salt Salt-Sea Sea Side Started Tongue Uttermost
Joshua 15
1. The borders of the lot of Judah
13. Caleb's portion and conquest
16. Othniel, for his valour, marries Achsah, Caleb's daughter
18. She obtains a blessing of her father
21. The cities of Judah
63. The Jebusites unconquered














The eastern border was the Salt Sea
The Salt Sea, known today as the Dead Sea, is a significant geographical landmark in biblical history. It is the lowest point on Earth's surface and is characterized by its high salinity, which prevents most marine life from thriving. In biblical times, the Salt Sea marked the eastern boundary of the tribe of Judah's inheritance. This boundary was significant as it separated the land of Israel from the territories to the east, such as Moab and Ammon. The Salt Sea is also associated with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as mentioned in Genesis 19, symbolizing God's judgment.

as far as the mouth of the Jordan.
The mouth of the Jordan refers to the point where the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea. The Jordan River is a central waterway in the biblical narrative, symbolizing transition and purification. It was the site where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership (Joshua 3-4) and where John the Baptist later baptized Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17). The river's mouth serves as a natural demarcation line, emphasizing the completion of the eastern boundary of Judah's territory.

The northern border started from the bay of the sea
The bay of the sea likely refers to the northernmost part of the Dead Sea, where the Jordan River enters. This area would have been a strategic location, providing access to water resources and serving as a natural defense line. The northern border's starting point at this bay highlights the importance of water bodies in defining territorial boundaries in ancient times. It also underscores the connection between the land and the covenant promises given to the Israelites, as the land was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness.

at the mouth of the Jordan,
Reiterating the mouth of the Jordan as a boundary point emphasizes its significance in the territorial delineation of the tribes of Israel. This location not only served as a geographical marker but also held spiritual importance. The Jordan River was a site of miraculous events, such as the parting of its waters for the Israelites' crossing and the healing of Naaman the leper (2 Kings 5:14). The river's mouth, therefore, represents both a physical and spiritual threshold, marking the transition from wilderness wandering to the inheritance of the Promised Land.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Salt Sea (Dead Sea)
A significant body of water in the region, known for its high salinity. It serves as a natural boundary for the land allotted to the tribe of Judah.

2. Jordan River
A major river in the Middle East that flows into the Salt Sea. It is a significant geographical and spiritual landmark in the Bible, often symbolizing transition and new beginnings.

3. Tribe of Judah
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, receiving its inheritance in the Promised Land. Judah's territory is described in detail in Joshua 15.

4. Land Allotment
The division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, as commanded by God through Moses and executed by Joshua.

5. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, responsible for leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and overseeing the distribution of the land.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Promises
The detailed description of the land allotment to Judah is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Significance of Boundaries
The establishment of clear boundaries for the tribes of Israel underscores the importance of order and structure in God's plan for His people.

Spiritual Symbolism of Water
The Salt Sea and the Jordan River serve as powerful symbols of cleansing, transition, and the boundary between the old life and the new life in Christ.

Heritage and Identity
The inheritance of land by the tribe of Judah reminds believers of their spiritual heritage and identity in Christ, encouraging them to live in the fullness of God's promises.(5) Their border in the north quarter.--This can be followed with the Ordnance Survey of Palestine, and is described by Conder in the following way:--"It started from the Jordan mouth, but did not apparently follow the river, as Beth Arabah (unknown) and Beth Hogla ('Ain Hajlah, about two miles west of Jordan--sheet 18) belonged to Benjamin. Passing along the valley of Achor (Wady Kelt), it left Gilgal on the north, and ascended the pass to the going up of Adummim (Tal'at-ed-Dumm), the ancient and modern name 'bloody' being apparently derived from the brick-red marls here found amid a district of white chalk." (It is easy to conjecture other reasons.) A line of Roman road on the map is a very fair guide to the boundary here described, and thus far it lies on sheet 18 En Rogel, the next known point (on sheet 17), close to Zoheleth (Zahweileh, 1Kings 1:9), was evidently the present spring 'Ain Umm-ed-Deraj, in the Kedron Valley (this may be sought in the separate survey of Jerusalem, which is upon a larger scale). Thence the border ran across the slope (Cataph, Joshua 15:8, "side"), beside the valley of Ben Hinnom (Wady Rababy), south of Jebus, and thus reached the watershed. (Here the boundary-line takes a turn to the northward.) It then apparently passed along the broad vale (Emek, Joshua 15:8) of Rephaim ("valley of the giants"), which Josephus makes to extend towards Bethlehem. This valley is identified with El-Bukeia (sheet 17). The waters of Nephtoah are apparently identical with 'Ain 'Atan, south-west of Bethlehem.

Verse 5. - To the end of Jordan. The spot where it emptied itself into the Dead Sea. The bay of the sea at the uttermost part of Jordan. As in ver. 3, the word here translated bay is tongue in the original. What is meant is that the northern boundary started from the point where the Jordan entered the Dead Sea.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The eastern
קֵ֙דְמָה֙ (qê·ḏə·māh)
Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6924: The front, of place, time

border
וּגְב֥וּל (ū·ḡə·ḇūl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed

was the Salt Sea
יָ֣ם (yām)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

as far as
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the mouth
קְצֵ֖ה (qə·ṣêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7097: End, extremity

of the Jordan.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

The northern
צָפ֙וֹנָה֙ (ṣā·p̄ō·w·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6828: Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter

border [started]
וּגְב֞וּל (ū·ḡə·ḇūl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed

from the bay
מִלְּשׁ֣וֹן (mil·lə·šō·wn)
Preposition-m | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 3956: The tongue

of the sea
הַיָּ֔ם (hay·yām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

at the mouth
מִקְצֵ֖ה (miq·ṣêh)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7097: End, extremity

of the Jordan,
הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃ (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine


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OT History: Joshua 15:5 The east border was the Salt Sea (Josh. Jos)
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