Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version It then curved north, went to En Shemesh, continued to Geliloth, which faces the Pass of Adummim, and ran down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben. New Living Translation From En-rogel the boundary proceeded in a northerly direction and came to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth (which is across from the slopes of Adummim). Then it went down to the Stone of Bohan. (Bohan was Reuben’s son.) English Standard Version Then it bends in a northerly direction going on to En-shemesh, and from there goes to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim. Then it goes down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben, Berean Standard Bible From 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. King James Bible And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben, New King James Version And it went around from the north, went out to En Shemesh, and extended toward Geliloth, which is before the Ascent of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. New American Standard Bible Then it turned northward and went to En-shemesh, and went to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. NASB 1995 It extended northward and went to En-shemesh and went to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. NASB 1977 And it extended northward and went to En-shemesh and went to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. Legacy Standard Bible Then it curved northward and went out to En-shemesh and went out to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. Amplified Bible Then it turned toward the north and went on to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. Christian Standard Bible It curved northward and went to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth, which is opposite the Ascent of Adummim, and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben. Holman Christian Standard Bible It curved northward and went to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth, which is opposite the Ascent of Adummim, and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben. American Standard Version and it extended northward, and went out at En-shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim; and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben; Contemporary English Version At Enrogel the border curved north and went to Enshemesh and on east to Geliloth, which is across the valley from Adummim Pass. Then it went down to the Monument of Bohan, who belonged to the Reuben tribe. English Revised Version and it was drawn on the north, and went out at En-shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim; and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben; GOD'S WORD® Translation Then it turns north and goes to En Shemesh and from there to the region opposite the Adummim Pass. It descends to the Rock of Bohan, son of Reuben. Good News Translation It then turned north to Enshemesh and then on to Geliloth, opposite Adummim Pass. The border then went down to the Stone of Bohan (Bohan was a son of Reuben) International Standard Version Then it turned north toward En-shemesh and proceeded from there to Geliloth opposite the ascent of Adummim, where it turned toward the Stone of Bohan, Reuben's son, NET Bible It went northward, extending to En Shemesh and Geliloth opposite the Pass of Adummim, and descended to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben. New Heart English Bible It extended northward, went out at En Shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim. It went down to the Stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. Webster's Bible Translation And was drawn from the north, and went forth to En-shemesh, and went forth towards Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFrom 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. World English Bible It extended northward, went out at En Shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim. It went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand has been marked out on the north, and gone out to En-Shemesh, and gone out to Geliloth, which [is] opposite the ascent of Adummim, and gone down [to] the stone of Bohan son of Reuben, Young's Literal Translation and hath been marked out on the north, and gone out to En-Shemesh, and gone out unto Geliloth, which is over-against the ascent of Adummim, and gone down to the stone of Bohan son of Reuben, Smith's Literal Translation And it was marked out from the north, and went down to the Fountain of the Sun, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim, and went down to the stone of Bohan, son of Reuben. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BiblePassing thence to the north, and going out to Ensemes, that is to say, the fountain of the sue: Catholic Public Domain Version crossing from there to the north, and going out to En-Shemesh, that is, to the Fountain of the Sun. New American Bible Inclining to the north, it extended to En-shemesh, and thence to Geliloth, opposite the pass of Adummim. Then it dropped to Eben-Bohan-ben-Reuben, New Revised Standard Version then it bends in a northerly direction going on to En-shemesh, and from there goes to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim; then it goes down to the Stone of Bohan, Reuben’s son; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd was drawn from the north, and went to the En-shemesh, and thence towards Galilee, which is opposite the ascent of Ramin, then descended to Leban, and Bohan which belonged to the son of Reuben, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And it faces from the north and it goes to Mabu Shemsha –”The Spring of the Sun” and it goes to Galilee which is next to the ascent of Ramin and went down to Leban and to Bahan, the Son of Rubil OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it was drawn on the north, and went out at En-shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim; and it went down to the Stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the borders shall go across to the fountain of Baethsamys: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Benjamin's Inheritance…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. 18Then it went on to the northern slope of Beth-arabah and went down into the valley.… Cross References Joshua 15:6-7 went up to Beth-hoglah, proceeded north of Beth-arabah, and went up to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben. / 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. Numbers 34:4-5 cross south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continue to Zin, and go south of Kadesh-barnea. Then it will go on to Hazar-addar and proceed to Azmon, / where it will turn from Azmon, join the Brook of Egypt, and end at the Sea. Ezekiel 47:15-17 This shall be the boundary of the land: On the north side it will extend from the Great Sea by way of Hethlon through Lebo-hamath to Zedad, / Berothah, and Sibraim (which is on the border between Damascus and Hamath), as far as Hazer-hatticon, which is on the border of Hauran. / So the border will run from the Sea to Hazar-enan, along the northern border of Damascus, with the territory of Hamath to the north. This will be the northern boundary. 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. 1 Chronicles 6:66-70 And some of the clans of the Kohathites were given cities from the tribe of Ephraim for their territory: / They were given Shechem (a city of refuge) with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer, / Jokmeam, Beth-horon, ... Genesis 28:19 and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz. Genesis 35:6 So Jacob and everyone with him arrived in Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. Genesis 48:7 Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem). 1 Samuel 7:16 Every year he would go on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all these places. 1 Samuel 10:3 Then you will go on from there until you come to the Oak of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine. 2 Samuel 2:29 And all that night Abner and his men marched through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, marched all morning, and arrived at Mahanaim. 2 Kings 2:2 and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. Jeremiah 31:15 This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Matthew 2:18 “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” John 4:5 So He came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Treasury of Scripture And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben, the stone Joshua 15:6 And the border went up to Bethhogla, and passed along by the north of Betharabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben: Jump to Previous Adummim Ascent Bends Bohan Continued Curved Descended Direction Drawn En Enshemesh En-Shemesh Extended North Northward Opposite Ran Reuben Shemesh Stone Thence TowardsJump to Next Adummim Ascent Bends Bohan Continued Curved Descended Direction Drawn En Enshemesh En-Shemesh Extended North Northward Opposite Ran Reuben Shemesh Stone Thence TowardsJoshua 18 1. The tabernacle is set up at Shiloh2. 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 From there it curved northward This phrase describes the boundary line of the land allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. The direction northward indicates a shift in the boundary line, which is significant in the precise delineation of tribal territories. This reflects the importance of land inheritance in Israelite society, as each tribe's portion was divinely ordained and crucial for maintaining tribal identity and heritage. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. En ShemeshA location mentioned in the boundary descriptions of the tribal allotments. It is a spring or fountain, often associated with the sun. 2. Geliloth A place mentioned in the boundary descriptions, possibly meaning "circles" or "regions." Its exact location is uncertain, but it is significant in defining the tribal territories. 3. Ascent of Adummim A pass or ascent, likely a steep incline, known for its reddish hue. It is situated on the road from Jericho to Jerusalem. 4. Stone of Bohan son of Reuben A landmark named after Bohan, a descendant of Reuben. It served as a boundary marker. 5. Bohan son of Reuben A member of the tribe of Reuben, whose name is used to identify a specific landmark. Teaching Points The Importance of BoundariesJust as God established physical boundaries for the tribes of Israel, He establishes spiritual and moral boundaries for our lives. Recognizing and respecting these boundaries is crucial for living a life that honors God. God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment The detailed description of land allotments is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us as well. Significance of Landmarks Landmarks like the Stone of Bohan serve as reminders of God's provision and guidance. In our lives, we should establish spiritual landmarks that remind us of God's faithfulness and direction. Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ The division of land among the tribes reflects the unity and diversity within the body of Christ. Each tribe had its unique role and territory, just as each believer has a unique role within the church. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 18:17?2. How does Joshua 18:17 demonstrate God's attention to detail in land distribution? 3. What can we learn about God's promises from Joshua 18:17's boundary descriptions? 4. How does Joshua 18:17 connect to God's covenant with Abraham regarding land? 5. How can we apply the precision in Joshua 18:17 to our spiritual lives? 6. What does Joshua 18:17 teach about God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises? 7. What is the significance of the boundary description in Joshua 18:17 for Israel's tribal divisions? 8. How does Joshua 18:17 reflect God's promise to the Israelites regarding the Promised Land? 9. What archaeological evidence supports the geographical locations mentioned in Joshua 18:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 18? 11. Who is Joshua the High Priest in Zechariah? 12. Joshua 17:16, 18: Are 'chariots of iron' an anachronism for the Bronze Age timeline, suggesting historical inaccuracy? 13. Joshua 17:14-15: If the tribe's population was huge, why was their allotment so limited, and is this numerically believable? 14. 1 Samuel 2:12-17 describes corrupt priests at Shiloh--do archaeological records confirm such a worship center and priesthood as depicted? What Does Joshua 18:17 Mean From there it curved northward“From there it curved northward…” (Joshua 18:17) • The boundary line for Benjamin (v. 11) actually bends at this point, showing God’s precise division of land—no vague borders, but clear edges established by divine command (cf. Numbers 34:2–12; Acts 17:26). • The curve keeps Benjamin nestled between Ephraim to the north and Judah to the south (Joshua 18:11; 15:1), preserving each tribe’s unique inheritance while maintaining unity within Israel. • Such detailed geography reminds us that the Lord cares about the practical details of His people’s lives, not just the big-picture promises (Psalm 147:4; Matthew 10:29–31). proceeded to En-shemesh “…and proceeded to En-shemesh…” (Joshua 18:17) • En-shemesh, “spring of the sun,” sat east of Jerusalem near the Kidron Valley (1 Kings 1:9). Its natural water source speaks of continual provision in Benjamin’s territory (Psalm 23:2). • By placing a border at a spring, the Lord again secures daily necessities for His people, echoing earlier promises of “a land with wells you did not dig” (Deuteronomy 6:11). • En-shemesh also lay on the route David later used when fleeing Absalom (2 Samuel 15:23), tying tribal allotment to future redemptive history. and on to Geliloth facing the Ascent of Adummim “…and on to Geliloth facing the Ascent of Adummim…” (Joshua 18:17) • Geliloth (“circles”) likely overlaps with Gilgal (Joshua 15:7). Its name recalls Israel’s earlier camp where God “rolled away” the reproach of Egypt (Joshua 5:9), connecting past deliverance to present inheritance. • The Ascent of Adummim (“rise of the red places”) marks the rugged road between Jerusalem and Jericho—later the setting for Jesus’ Good Samaritan parable (Luke 10:30). • Facing this ascent, Benjamin’s border straddles a strategic trade and travel corridor, positioning the tribe for both protection and ministry to passing nations (Genesis 12:3). and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben “…and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben.” (Joshua 18:17) • A landmark named for Bohan—a Reubenite whose tribe settled east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:33)—anchors the border. This stone, first cited in Judah’s allotment (Joshua 15:6), shows inter-tribal connections even across the river. • Stones served as witness markers (Genesis 31:45-52; Joshua 4:7). This one testifies to God’s faithfulness in apportioning land just as He promised (Genesis 15:18-21). • The descent “down” toward the Jordan anticipates Benjamin’s low-lying plains, fertile for agriculture and essential for sustaining the tribe (Deuteronomy 8:7-9). summary Joshua 18:17 maps a literal, God-ordained border for Benjamin, bending north, touching a life-giving spring, skirting a historic ascent, and ending at a memorial stone. Each waypoint affirms the Lord’s meticulous care, His integration of past redemption with present provision, and His purpose of positioning His people for future influence. The verse may read like geography, yet it pulses with covenant faithfulness, reminding us that every inch of our inheritance is likewise measured and secured by a faithful God. Verse 17. - Geliloth (see Joshua 15:7).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew From there it curvedוְתָאַ֣ר (wə·ṯā·’ar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8388: Taanath-shiloh -- probably to incline northward מִצָּפ֗וֹן (miṣ·ṣā·p̄ō·wn) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6828: Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter and proceeded וְיָצָא֙ (wə·yā·ṣā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim to En-shemesh שֶׁ֔מֶשׁ (še·meš) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5885: En-shemesh -- 'spring of (the) sun', a place on the border between Judah and Benjamin and on to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Geliloth גְּלִיל֔וֹת (gə·lî·lō·wṯ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1553: Geliloth -- 'circles', a Palestinian place name facing נֹ֖כַח (nō·ḵaḥ) Preposition Strong's 5227: The front part, opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of the Ascent מַעֲלֵ֣ה (ma·‘ă·lêh) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4608: An elevation, acclivity, platform, a rise, priority of Adummim, אֲדֻמִּ֑ים (’ă·ḏum·mîm) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 131: Adummim -- a place between Jerusalem and Jericho and continued down וְיָרַ֕ד (wə·yā·raḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend to the Stone אֶ֥בֶן (’e·ḇen) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 68: A stone of Bohan בֹּ֖הַן (bō·han) Noun - proper Strong's 932: Bohan -- 'closing', a descendant of Reuben son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Reuben. רְאוּבֵֽן׃ (rə·’ū·ḇên) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7205: Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc Links Joshua 18:17 NIVJoshua 18:17 NLT Joshua 18:17 ESV Joshua 18:17 NASB Joshua 18:17 KJV Joshua 18:17 BibleApps.com Joshua 18:17 Biblia Paralela Joshua 18:17 Chinese Bible Joshua 18:17 French Bible Joshua 18:17 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 18:17 It extended northward went out at En (Josh. 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