Joshua 15:3
New International Version
crossed south of Scorpion Pass, continued on to Zin and went over to the south of Kadesh Barnea. Then it ran past Hezron up to Addar and curved around to Karka.

New Living Translation
ran south of Scorpion Pass into the wilderness of Zin, and then went south of Kadesh-barnea to Hezron. Then it went up to Addar, where it turned toward Karka.

English Standard Version
It goes out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, passes along to Zin, and goes up south of Kadesh-barnea, along by Hezron, up to Addar, turns about to Karka,

Berean Standard Bible
proceeded south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continued on to Zin, went over to the south of Kadesh-barnea, ran past Hezron up to Addar, and curved toward Karka.

King James Bible
And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa:

New King James Version
Then it went out to the southern side of the Ascent of Akrabbim, passed along to Zin, ascended on the south side of Kadesh Barnea, passed along to Hezron, went up to Adar, and went around to Karkaa.

New American Standard Bible
Then it proceeded southward to the ascent of Akrabbim and continued to Zin, then went up by the south of Kadesh-barnea and continued to Hezron, and went up to Addar and turned to Karka.

NASB 1995
Then it proceeded southward to the ascent of Akrabbim and continued to Zin, then went up by the south of Kadesh-barnea and continued to Hezron, and went up to Addar and turned about to Karka.

NASB 1977
Then it proceeded southward to the ascent of Akrabbim and continued to Zin, then went up by the south of Kadesh-barnea and continued to Hezron, and went up to Addar and turned about to Karka.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then it went out southward to the ascent of Akrabbim and passed on to Zin and went up by the south of Kadesh-barnea and continued to Hezron and went up to Addar and turned about to Karka.

Amplified Bible
Then it proceeded southward to the ascent of Akrabbim and continued along to Zin, and then went by the south of Kadesh-barnea and continued along to Hezron, and went up to Addar and turned about to Karka.

Christian Standard Bible
and went south of the Scorpions’ Ascent, proceeded to Zin, ascended to the south of Kadesh-barnea, passed Hezron, ascended to Addar, and turned to Karka.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and went south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, proceeded to Zin, ascended to the south of Kadesh-barnea, passed Hezron, ascended to Addar, and turned to Karka.

American Standard Version
and it went out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh-barnea, and passed along by Hezron, and went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka;

Contemporary English Version
As it went west from there, it ran south of Scorpion Pass to Zin, and then came up from the south to Kadesh-Barnea. It continued past Hezron up to Addar, turned toward Karka,

English Revised Version
and it went out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh-barnea, and passed along by Hezron, and went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
and goes south of the Akrabbim Pass. It then passes Zin and goes up south of Kadesh Barnea. From there it goes to Hezron, up to Addar, around to Karka,

Good News Translation
went southward from the Akrabbim Pass and on to Zin. It ran south of Kadesh Barnea, past Hezron and up to Addar, turned toward Karka,

International Standard Version
proceeding south to the ascent of Akrabbim, then continuing to Zin, and from there up along the south of Kadesh-barnea to Hezron, and from there up to Addar and then to Karka,

Majority Standard Bible
proceeded south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continued on to Zin, went over to the south of Kadesh-barnea, ran past Hezron up to Addar, and curved toward Karka.

NET Bible
extended south of the Scorpion Ascent, crossed to Zin, went up from the south to Kadesh Barnea, crossed to Hezron, went up to Addar, and turned toward Karka.

New Heart English Bible
and it went out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh Barnea, and passed along by Hezron, went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka;

Webster's Bible Translation
And it went out to the south side to Maaleh-acrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended on the south side to Kadesh-barnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa:

World English Bible
and it went out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh Barnea, and passed along by Hezron, went up to Addar, and turned toward Karka;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it has gone out to the south to Maaleh-Akrabbim, and passed over to Zin, and gone up on the south to Kadesh-Barnea, and passed over [to] Hezron, and gone up to Adar, and turned around to Karkaa,

Young's Literal Translation
and it hath gone out unto the south to Maaleh-Akrabbim, and passed over to Zin, and gone up on the south to Kadesh-Barnea, and passed over to Hezron, and gone up to Adar, and turned round to Karkaa,

Smith's Literal Translation
And it went out to the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and it passed over Zin and went up from the south to Kadesh-Barnea, and passed by Hezron and went up to Adar and encompassed Karkaa.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And it goeth out towards the ascent of the Scorpion, and passeth on to Sina: and ascendeth into Cadesbarne, and reacheth into Esron, going up to Addar, and compassing Carcaa.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And it extends toward the ascent of the Scorpion, and it passes on to Sinai. And it ascends into Kadesh-barnea, and it passes through to Hezron, ascending to Addar, and encompassing Karka.

New American Bible
and went southward below the pass of Akrabbim, across through Zin, up to a point south of Kadesh-barnea, across to Hezron, and up to Addar; from there, looping around Karka,

New Revised Standard Version
it goes out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, passes along to Zin, and goes up south of Kadesh-barnea, along by Hezron, up to Addar, makes a turn to Karka,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it went out toward the ascent of Akrakam, and passed along to Zin, then went up on the south side of Rakim-gia, and passed along to Hezroth, and went up to Adar, and circled Karka;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it went out from the south to the ascent of Aqarqam and it passed on to Tsin and came up from the south to Raqem d’Gaya and it passed to Khatseruth and came up to Adar and it went around to Qarqa
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it went out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh-barnea, and passed along by Hezron, and went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they proceed before the ascent of Acrabin, and go out round Sena, and go up from the south to Cades Barne; and go out to Asoron, and proceed up to Sarada, and go out by the way that is west of Cades.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Judah's Inheritance
2Their southern border started at the bay on the southern tip of the Salt Sea, 3proceeded south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continued on to Zin, went over to the south of Kadesh-barnea, ran past Hezron up to Addar, and curved toward Karka. 4It proceeded to Azmon, joined the Brook of Egypt, and ended at the Sea. This was their southern border.…

Cross References
Numbers 34:3-5
Your southern border will extend from the Wilderness of Zin along the border of Edom. On the east, your southern border will run from the end of the Salt Sea, / 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.

Deuteronomy 34:1-4
Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho. And the LORD showed him the whole land—from Gilead as far as Dan, / all of Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, / the Negev, and the region from the Valley of Jericho (the City of Palms) all the way to Zoar. ...

Ezekiel 47:19
On the south side it will run from Tamar to the waters of Meribath-kadesh, and along the Brook of Egypt to the Great Sea. This will be the southern boundary.

Genesis 15:18
On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates—

Exodus 23:31
And I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants into your hand, and you will drive them out before you.

1 Kings 4:21
And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

2 Chronicles 9:26
He reigned over all the kings from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt.

Nehemiah 9:8
You found his heart faithful before You, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites and Hittites, of the Amorites and Perizzites, of the Jebusites and Girgashites—to give it to his descendants. You have kept Your promise, because You are righteous.

Isaiah 27:12
In that day the LORD will thresh from the flowing Euphrates to the Wadi of Egypt, and you, O Israelites, will be gathered one by one.

Jeremiah 47:7
How can it rest when the LORD has commanded it? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the shore of its coastland.”

Matthew 4:24-25
News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and He healed them. / Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

Mark 3:7-8
So Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea, accompanied by a large crowd from Galilee, Judea, / Jerusalem, Idumea, the region beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him when they heard what great things He was doing.

Luke 6:17
Then Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of His disciples was there, along with a great number of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon.

Acts 8:26-40
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go south to the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” / So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, / and on his return was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet. ...

Acts 9:32-35
As Peter traveled throughout the area, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. / There he found a man named Aeneas who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. / “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and put away your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up, ...


Treasury of Scripture

And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side to Kadeshbarnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa:

Maaleh-acrabbim.

Numbers 34:4
And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon:

Judges 1:36
And the coast of the Amorites was from the going up to Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.

Zin

Genesis 14:7
And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.

Numbers 20:1
Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.

Numbers 32:8
Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadeshbarnea to see the land.

Adar Probably the same as Hazar-addar

Numbers 34:4
And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon:

Jump to Previous
Adar Addar Akrabbim Akrab'bim Ascended Ascent Barnea Compass Continued Crossed Curved Direction Hezron Kadesh Kadeshbarnea Kadesh-Barnea Ka'desh-Bar'nea Passed Past Proceeded Ran Round Scorpion Side Slope South Southward Turned Turning Turns Zin
Jump to Next
Adar Addar Akrabbim Akrab'bim Ascended Ascent Barnea Compass Continued Crossed Curved Direction Hezron Kadesh Kadeshbarnea Kadesh-Barnea Ka'desh-Bar'nea Passed Past Proceeded Ran Round Scorpion Side Slope South Southward Turned Turning Turns Zin
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














proceeded southward
The phrase "proceeded southward" indicates a movement in a specific direction, emphasizing the geographical orientation of the boundary being described. In Hebrew, the term for "south" is "negev," which also refers to the arid desert region in southern Israel. This movement southward is significant as it delineates the southern boundary of the tribe of Judah, highlighting the importance of land allocation in fulfilling God's promise to Abraham regarding the inheritance of the land (Genesis 15:18-21).

ascent of Akrabbim
The "ascent of Akrabbim" refers to a steep pass or incline. The Hebrew word "Akrabbim" means "scorpions," suggesting a rugged and challenging terrain. This ascent is part of the southern border of the Promised Land, marking a transition from the wilderness to the settled land. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom, symbolizing the trials and perseverance required to enter God's promises.

continued to Zin
The "wilderness of Zin" is a desert region located in the southern part of Canaan. The Hebrew root "Zin" is associated with a "thorn" or "barrier," reflecting the harsh and inhospitable nature of the area. This wilderness was part of the Israelites' wanderings, and its mention here underscores the transformation from a place of testing to a boundary of blessing, as the land is now being apportioned to the tribes.

went over to the south of Kadesh-barnea
"Kadesh-barnea" is a significant location in Israel's history, serving as a major encampment during their wilderness journey. The name "Kadesh" means "holy" or "sacred," while "Barnea" may mean "desert of wandering." This site is where the Israelites sent spies into Canaan and faced a pivotal moment of faith and obedience. Its inclusion in the boundary description highlights the transition from wandering to settlement, from testing to fulfillment.

then went on to Hezron
"Hezron" is a location whose exact site is uncertain, but it is part of the southern boundary of Judah. The name "Hezron" can mean "enclosure" or "surrounded," suggesting a place of security and protection. This reflects God's provision and the establishment of a secure inheritance for His people, reinforcing the theme of divine faithfulness in granting the land.

up to Addar
"Addar" is another location along the boundary, with its name meaning "mighty" or "glorious." This term conveys strength and prominence, symbolizing the strength of the tribe of Judah and their role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The boundary's progression to Addar signifies the establishment of a stronghold within the Promised Land.

turned toward Karka
The phrase "turned toward Karka" indicates a change in direction, marking the boundary's continuation. "Karka" is a location whose meaning is uncertain, but its mention signifies the detailed and precise nature of the land allocation. This turning point in the boundary serves as a metaphor for the turning points in the spiritual journey, where God directs His people according to His divine plan and purpose.

Verse 3. And it went out to the south side to Maaleh-acrabbim. Or, perhaps, and it went to the southward of Maaleh-acrabbim, translated in Numbers 34:4, "the ascent of Acrabbim." The literal meaning of Maaleh-acrabbim is Scorpion Rise (see Judges 1:36). Keil thinks that it was a pass in the Mount Halak, or the Smooth Mountain, mentioned in Joshua 11:17; Joshua 12:7. "De Saulcy suggests the Wady Zouara, and testifies to the scorpions found under every pebble" (Stanley, 'Sinai and Palestine,' p. 113). And Ainsworth, 'Travels in Asia Minor,' 2:354, says that some spots are almost uninhabitable in consequence. Knobel supposes it to be the pass es-Sufah on the road between Petra and Hebron. But the border of Judah seems to have gone in a southwesterly direction. To Zin. Rather, in the direction of Zin. On the south side unto Kadesh-barnea. Or, as above, southward of Kadesh-barnea. The exact position of Kadesh-Burnea has not been ascertained. It was between the wilderness of Zin and that of Paran (Numbers 13:26; Numbers 20:1). Dean Stanley identifies it with Petra, which was about 30 miles in a northeasterly direction from the Gulf of Akaba on the Red Sea, and close to Mount Her. A more recent traveller (see Bartlett, 'Egypt and Palestine,' pp. 366-376) identifies it with Ain Gadis, about 60 miles to the westward of Petra, and he claims Winer, Kurz, Kalisch, and Knobel as supporters of his view. The latter founds his view on the discovery of Ain Gadis by Rowlands, and supports it by the authority of Ritter. Ritter, however, as his translator informs us, embodied the results of the investigations of Mr. Rowlands' while his work was preparing for the press, and did not give the matter that full consideration which he was accustomed to do. The chief objection to it is that (see vex. 1) Ain Gadis can hardly be described as on "the border of Edom." The general view is that it lay somewhat to the northeast of Hezron and to the northwest of Petra, at the foot of the range of mountains which form the southern boundary of Judesa. Here the spies brought their report to Moses (ch. 14:6, 7; Numbers 13:26). Here Miriam was buried, and where Moses incurred the wrath of God from his mode of working the miracle which supplied the Israelites with water (Numbers 20.). It was "a city in the uttermost border" of Edom (Numbers 20:16), and it was some distance from Mount Hor, for we find it described as a journey (Numbers 20:22); and by passing from Kadesh to Mount Hor and thence by the way of the Red Sea, the Israelites "compassed the land of Edom" (Numbers 21:4), a fact which seems to prove that Petra and Kadesh-barnea were not the same place. Kadesh is supposed by M. Chabas to be the "Qodesh of the country of the Amaor," or Amorites, in the monuments of Seti I. and Rameses II. It is depicted as "on a hillside with a stream on one side," and is thus distinguished from Qodesh of the Kheta or Hittites, which is in a flat country beside a lake (Tomkins, 'Studies of the Time of Abraham,' p. 84). Fetched a compass to Karkaa. Rather, was deflected in the direction of Karkaa. Nothing is known of the places here mentioned. Cf. Numbers 34:4, where Karkaa is not mentioned, but the deflection in the neighbourhood of Asmon is.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
proceeded
וְ֠יָצָא (wə·yā·ṣā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

to the south
מִנֶּ֜גֶב (min·ne·ḡeḇ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5045: South country, the Negeb, south

of the Ascent
לְמַעֲלֵ֤ה (lə·ma·‘ă·lêh)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's Hebrew

of Akrabbim,
עַקְרַבִּים֙ (‘aq·rab·bîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4610: Akrabbim -- 'ascent of scorpions', a place on the southern border of Israel

continued on
וְעָ֣בַר (wə·‘ā·ḇar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

to Zin,
צִ֔נָה (ṣi·nāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6790: Zin -- a desert area which included Kadesh-barnea

went over
וְעָלָ֥ה (wə·‘ā·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

to the south
מִנֶּ֖גֶב (min·ne·ḡeḇ)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5045: South country, the Negeb, south

of Kadesh-barnea,
בַּרְנֵ֑עַ (bar·nê·a‘)
Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6947: Kadesh-barnea -- a place in the desert

ran past
וְעָבַ֤ר (wə·‘ā·ḇar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

Hezron
חֶצְרוֹן֙ (ḥeṣ·rō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2696: Hezron -- two Israelites, also two places in Judah

up to
וְעָלָ֣ה (wə·‘ā·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

Addar,
אַדָּ֔רָה (’ad·dā·rāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 146: Addar -- a descendant of Benjamin, also a city in Judah

and curved
וְנָסַ֖ב (wə·nā·saḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround

toward Karka.
הַקַּרְקָֽעָה׃ (haq·qar·qā·‘āh)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7173: Karka -- 'floor', a place on southern border of Judah


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OT History: Joshua 15:3 And it went out southward (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 15:2
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