Joshua 18:16
New International Version
The boundary went down to the foot of the hill facing the Valley of Ben Hinnom, north of the Valley of Rephaim. It continued down the Hinnom Valley along the southern slope of the Jebusite city and so to En Rogel.

New Living Translation
and down to the base of the mountain beside the valley of Ben-Hinnom, at the northern end of the valley of Rephaim. From there it went down the valley of Hinnom, crossing south of the slope where the Jebusites lived, and continued down to En-rogel.

English Standard Version
Then the boundary goes down to the border of the mountain that overlooks the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, which is at the north end of the Valley of Rephaim. And it then goes down the Valley of Hinnom, south of the shoulder of the Jebusites, and downward to En-rogel.

Berean Standard Bible
Then it went down to the foot of the hill that faces the Valley of Ben-hinnom at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim and ran down the Valley of Hinnom toward the southern slope of the Jebusites and downward to En-rogel.

King James Bible
And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,

New King James Version
Then the border came down to the end of the mountain that lies before the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, which is in the Valley of the Rephaim on the north, descended to the Valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite city on the south, and descended to En Rogel.

New American Standard Bible
Then the border went down to the edge of the hill which is in the Valley of Ben-hinnom, which is in the Valley of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the Valley of Hinnom, to the slope of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En-rogel.

NASB 1995
The border went down to the edge of the hill which is in the valley of Ben-hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the slope of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En-rogel.

NASB 1977
And the border went down to the edge of the hill which is in the valley of Ben-hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the slope of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En-rogel.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the border went down to the edge of the hill which is in the valley of Ben-hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the slope of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En-rogel.

Amplified Bible
Then the border went down to the edge of the hill overlooking the Valley of Ben-hinnom (son of Hinnom), which is at the north end of the Valley of Rephaim; and it descended to the Valley of Hinnom, south to the slope of the Jebusite, and went on down to En-rogel.

Christian Standard Bible
The border descended to the foot of the hill that faces Ben Hinnom Valley at the northern end of Rephaim Valley. It ran down Hinnom Valley toward the south Jebusite slope and downward to En-rogel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The border descended to the foot of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim. It ran down the Valley of Hinnom toward the south Jebusite slope and downward to En-rogel.

American Standard Version
and the border went down to the uttermost part of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is in the vale of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En-rogel;

Contemporary English Version
From there it went to the bottom of the hill at the northern end of Rephaim Valley. The other side of this hill faces Hinnom Valley, which is on the land that slopes south from Jerusalem. The border went down through Hinnom Valley until it reached Enrogel.

English Revised Version
and the border went down to the uttermost part of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is in the vale of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En-rogel;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the border descends to the foot of the mountain that overlooks the valley of Ben Hinnom, in the north end of the valley of Rephaim. It descends to the valley of Hinnom, to the south slope of the city of Jebus, and down to En Rogel.

Good News Translation
It then went down to the foot of the mountain that overlooks Hinnom Valley, at the north end of Rephaim Valley. It then went south through Hinnom Valley, south of the Jebusite ridge, toward Enrogel.

International Standard Version
From there the boundary proceeded to the border of the mountain that overlooks the Ben-hinnom Valley at the northern end of the Rephaim Valley, where it proceeded down the Hinnom Valley south of the slope of the Jebusites toward En-rogel.

Majority Standard Bible
Then it went down to the foot of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim and ran down the Valley of Hinnom toward the southern slope of the Jebusites and downward to En-rogel.

NET Bible
The border then descended to the edge of the hill country near the Valley of Ben Hinnom located in the Valley of the Rephaites to the north. It descended through the Valley of Hinnom to the slope of the Jebusites to the south and then down to En Rogel.

New Heart English Bible
The border went down to the farthest part of the mountain that lies before the Valley of Ben Hinnom, which is in the Valley of Rephaim northward. It went down to the Valley of Hinnom, to the slope of the Jebusites southward, and went down to En Rogel.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to En-rogel,

World English Bible
The border went down to the farthest part of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim northward. It went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En Rogel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the border has come down to the extremity of the hill which [is] on the front of the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, which [is] in the Valley of the Rephaim northward, and has gone down the Valley of Hinnom to the side of Jebusi southward, and gone down [to] En-Rogel,

Young's Literal Translation
and the border hath come down unto the extremity of the hill which is on the front of the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is in the valley of the Rephaim northward, and hath gone down the valley of Hinnom unto the side of Jebusi southward, and gone down to En-Rogel,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the bound went down to the extremity of the mountain which is upon the face of the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim, north, and went down to the valley of Hinnom to the shoulder of Jebusi south, to En-Rogel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And it goeth down to that part of the mountain that looketh on the valley of the children of Ennom: and is over against the north quarter in the furthermost part of the valley of Raphaim, and it goeth down into Geennom (that is the valley of Ennom) by the side of the Jebusite to the south: and cometh to the fountain of Rogel,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And it descends to that part of the mountain which looks out toward the Valley of the sons of Hinnom. And it is opposite the northern region, in the furthest part of the Valley of the Rephaim. And it descends into Geennom, (that is, the Valley of Hinnom,) near the side of the Jebusite toward the south. And it extends to the Fountain of Rogel,

New American Bible
It went down to the edge of the mountain on the north of the Valley of Rephaim, where it faces the Valley of Ben-hinnom; and continuing down the Valley of Hinnom along the southern flank of the Jebusites, reached En-rogel.

New Revised Standard Version
then the boundary goes down to the border of the mountain that overlooks the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is at the north end of the valley of Rephaim; and it then goes down the valley of Hinnom, south of the slope of the Jebusites, and downward to En-rogel;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the border descended to the end of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is in the valley of the Giants on the north, and went down to the valley of the son of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusites on the south, then descended to En-dogel,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the border came down to the end of the mountain before the face of the Valley of the Son of Hannum that is from the north, and came down the border of the Son of Hannum which is in the Deep Valley of the Giants that is at the north, and went down the border of the Son of Hannum to the side of the Yebusites at the south, and it went down to Eyn Dugel
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the border went down to the uttermost part of the mountain that lieth before the Valley of the son of Hinnom, which is in the vale of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the Valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En-rogel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the borders shall extend down on one side, this is in front of the forest of Sonnam, which is on the side of Emec Raphain northward, and it shall come down to Gaeenna behind Jebusai southward: it shall come down to the fountain of Rogel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Benjamin's Inheritance
15On the south side the border began at the outskirts of Kiriath-jearim and extended westward to the spring at the Waters of Nephtoah. 16Then it went down to the foot of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim and ran down the Valley of Hinnom toward the southern slope of the Jebusites and downward to En-rogel. 17From there it curved northward and proceeded to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth facing the Ascent of Adummim, and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben.…

Cross References
Joshua 15:7
Then the border went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor, turning north to Gilgal, which faces the Ascent of Adummim south of the ravine. It continued along the waters of En-shemesh and came out at En-rogel.

Joshua 15:8
From there the border went up the Valley of Ben-hinnom along the southern slope of the Jebusites (that is, Jerusalem) and ascended to the top of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom on the west, at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim.

Joshua 15:9
From the hilltop the border curved to the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah, proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron, and then bent around toward Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).

Judges 1:21
The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the Benjamites.

2 Samuel 5:7
Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).

2 Samuel 5:9
So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward.

1 Chronicles 11:4
Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land.

1 Chronicles 11:5
The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).

1 Chronicles 11:7
So David took up residence in the fortress; that is why it was called the City of David.

Nehemiah 11:1
Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in the holy city of Jerusalem, while the remaining nine were to dwell in their own towns.

Nehemiah 11:4
while some of the descendants of Judah and Benjamin settled in Jerusalem.) From the descendants of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez;

Nehemiah 11:25
As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba, Dibon, Jekabzeel, and their villages;

Matthew 5:35
or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

Matthew 21:1
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two disciples,

Luke 19:29
As He approached Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, He sent out two of His disciples,


Treasury of Scripture

And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,

the valley of the son

Joshua 15:8
And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:

2 Kings 23:10
And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.

2 Chronicles 28:3
Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

the valley of the giants.

Joshua 15:8
And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:

Joshua 18:16
And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,

1 Chronicles 14:9
And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

Joshua 18:28
And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

Joshua 15:63
As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.

Judges 1:8,21
Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire…

En-rogel

Joshua 15:7
And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is before the going up to Adummim, which is on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:

2 Samuel 17:17
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

1 Kings 1:9
And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:

Jump to Previous
Border Descended Edge En End Enrogel Hill Hinnom Jebusi Jebusite Lies Mountain North Northward Overlooks Part Rephaim Reph'aim Rogel Shoulder Side Slope South Southward Uttermost Vale Valley
Jump to Next
Border Descended Edge En End Enrogel Hill Hinnom Jebusi Jebusite Lies Mountain North Northward Overlooks Part Rephaim Reph'aim Rogel Shoulder Side Slope South Southward Uttermost Vale Valley
Joshua 18
1. The tabernacle is set up at Shiloh
2. The remainder of the land is described, and divided into seven parts
10. Joshua distributes it by lot
11. The lot and border of Benjamin
21. Their cities














Then the border went down
This phrase indicates a transition in the geographical boundary being described. The Hebrew root for "border" is "גְּבוּל" (gevul), which often signifies a limit or boundary. In the context of the Israelites, boundaries were divinely ordained, symbolizing God's promise and provision. The act of the border "going down" suggests a descent, both physically and spiritually, as the Israelites move into the land God has given them.

to the edge of the hill
The "edge of the hill" signifies a boundary marker, a point of transition from one area to another. Hills in biblical times were often seen as places of strategic importance and spiritual significance. The Hebrew word for "hill" is "גִּבְעָה" (giv'ah), which can also mean a high place, often associated with worship or divine encounters.

facing the Valley of Ben-hinnom
The "Valley of Ben-hinnom" is historically significant, later becoming associated with idolatrous practices and child sacrifices, as seen in 2 Kings 23:10. The Hebrew "בֶּן־הִנֹּם" (Ben-hinnom) means "son of Hinnom," and this valley eventually became synonymous with Gehenna, a term used in the New Testament to describe hell. This highlights the spiritual battle between God's people and the surrounding pagan practices.

at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim
The "Valley of Rephaim" was known as a fertile area, often associated with the Rephaim, a group of ancient giants. The Hebrew "רְפָאִים" (Rephaim) can mean "giants" or "spirits of the dead." This reference underscores the Israelites' conquest over formidable foes, symbolizing God's power to overcome even the greatest of challenges.

It then descended to the Valley of Hinnom
The repetition of "descended" emphasizes the downward movement, both geographically and spiritually. The "Valley of Hinnom" is the same as the Valley of Ben-hinnom, reinforcing its significance. The descent into this valley can be seen as a metaphor for the Israelites' need to remain vigilant against spiritual decline.

to the southern slope of the Jebusites
The "Jebusites" were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem, known as Jebus. The Hebrew "יְבוּסִי" (Yevusi) refers to this Canaanite tribe. The "southern slope" indicates a specific geographical area, highlighting the precision of God's promises. The eventual conquest of the Jebusites by King David (2 Samuel 5:6-9) fulfills God's promise to give the land to Israel.

and down to En-rogel
"En-rogel" is a well-known water source near Jerusalem. The Hebrew "עֵין רֹגֵל" (En Rogel) means "spring of the fuller," possibly referring to a place where clothes were washed. Water sources were vital for survival and prosperity, symbolizing God's provision. The mention of En-rogel marks a significant point in the boundary, reminding the Israelites of God's sustenance and faithfulness.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then [it]
הַגְּב֜וּל (hag·gə·ḇūl)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed

went down
וְיָרַ֨ד (wə·yā·raḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

of the hill
הָהָ֗ר (hā·hār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

that
אֲשֶׁר֙ (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

faces
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the Valley of Hinnom
גֵּ֣י (gê)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1516: A valley

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

end of the Valley
בְּעֵ֥מֶק (bə·‘ê·meq)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6010: A vale

of Rephaim
רְפָאִ֖ים (rə·p̄ā·’îm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 7497: Rephaim -- inhabitants of an area East of the Jordan

and ran down
וְיָרַד֩ (wə·yā·raḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

the Valley of Hinnom
גֵּ֨י (gê)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1516: A valley

toward
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the southern
נֶ֔גְבָּה (neḡ·bāh)
Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5045: South country, the Negeb, south

slope
כֶּ֤תֶף (ke·ṯep̄)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3802: The shoulder, side-piece, lateral projection of anything

of the Jebusites
הַיְבוּסִי֙ (hay·ḇū·sî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2983: Jebusite -- inhabitant of Jebus

and downward
וְיָרַ֖ד (wə·yā·raḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

to En-rogel.
רֹגֵֽל׃ (rō·ḡêl)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5883: En-rogel -- a place near Jerusalem


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OT History: Joshua 18:16 The border went down to the farthest (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 18:15
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