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).

◄ Joshua 15:9 ►

New International Version
From the hilltop the boundary headed toward the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, came out at the towns of Mount Ephron and went down toward Baalah (that is, Kiriath Jearim).

New Living Translation
From there the boundary extended from the top of the mountain to the spring at the waters of Nephtoah, and from there to the towns on Mount Ephron. Then it turned toward Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).

English Standard Version
Then the boundary extends from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and from there to the cities of Mount Ephron. Then the boundary bends around to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).

Berean Standard Bible
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).

King James Bible
And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjathjearim:

New King James Version
Then the border went around from the top of the hill to the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and extended to the cities of Mount Ephron. And the border went around to Baalah (which is Kirjath Jearim).

New American Standard Bible
And from the top of the mountain the border turned to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah and proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron, then the border turned to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).

NASB 1995
From the top of the mountain the border curved to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah and proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron, then the border curved to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).

NASB 1977
And from the top of the mountain the border curved to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah and proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron, then the border curved to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).

Legacy Standard Bible
From the top of the mountain the border curved to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah and proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron; then the border curved to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).

Amplified Bible
Then the border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah and proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron; then the border curved to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).

Christian Standard Bible
From the top of the hill the border curved to the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah, went to the cities of Mount Ephron, and then curved to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim ).

Holman Christian Standard Bible
From the top of the hill the border curved to the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah, went to the cities of Mount Ephron, and then curved to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).

American Standard Version
and the border extended from the top of the mountain unto the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border extended to Baalah (the same is Kiriath-jearim);

Contemporary English Version
At the top of the mountain it turned and went to Nephtoah Spring and then to the ruins on Mount Ephron. From there, it went to Baalah, which is now called Kiriath-Jearim.

English Revised Version
and the border was drawn from the top of the mountain unto the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah (the same is Kiriath-jearim):

GOD'S WORD® Translation
From the top of that mountain the border goes around to the spring of Nephtoah. From there it goes to the cities of Mount Ephron and around to Baalah (now called Kiriath Jearim).

Good News Translation
From there it went to the Springs of Nephtoah and out to the cities near Mount Ephron. There it turned toward Baalah (or Kiriath Jearim),

International Standard Version
The border proceeded from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, then to the cities of Mount Ephron, and then the border curved toward Baalah (also known as Kiriath-jearim).

Majority Standard Bible
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).

NET Bible
It then went from the top of the hill to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, extended to the cities of Mount Ephron, and went to Baalah (that is, Kiriath Jearim).

New Heart English Bible
The border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of Mount Ephron; and the border extended to Baalah (that is, Kiriath Jearim);

Webster's Bible Translation
And the border was drawn from the top of the hill to the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjath-jearim:

World English Bible
The border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of Mount Ephron; and the border extended to Baalah (also called Kiriath Jearim);

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and the border has been marked out, from the top of the hill-country to the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah, and has gone out to the cities of Mount Ephron, and the border has been marked out [to] Ba‘alah (it [is] Kirjath-Jearim);

Young's Literal Translation
and the border hath been marked out, from the top of the hill-country unto the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah, and hath gone out unto the cities of mount Ephron, and the border hath been marked out to Baalah, (it is Kirjath-Jearim);

Smith's Literal Translation
And the bound extended from the head of the mountain to the fountain of water of Nephtoah, and it went out to the city of mount Ephron; and the bound extended to Baalah; this is Kirjath-Jearim:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And it passeth on from the top of the mountain to the fountain of the water of Nephtoa: and reacheth to the towns of mount Ephron: and it bendeth towards Baala, which is Cariathiarim, that is to say, the city of the woods.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And it passes through, from the top of the mountain, even to the fountain of the Water of Nephtoah. And it continues on, as far as the villages of mount Ephron. And it inclines toward Baalah, which is Kiriath-jearim, that is, the City of Forests.

New American Bible
From the top of the mountain it ran to the fountain of waters of Nephtoah, extended to the cities of Mount Ephron, and continued to Baalah, or Kiriath-jearim.

New Revised Standard Version
then the boundary extends from the top of the mountain to the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah, and from there to the towns of Mount Ephron; then the boundary bends around to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim);

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the border ran from the top of the mountain to the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah, and thence to the tip of mount Ebron; then the border ran to Baalah, which is Koriath-narin;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the boundary faces from the top of the mountain to the Fountain of Waters of Naphtukh and it went out to the horn of the Mountain of Ebroon and faces the boundary to Baala which is Quryath Narin

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the border was drawn from the top of the mountain unto the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah--the same is Kiriath-jearim.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the border going forth from the top of the mountain terminates at the fountain of the water of Naphtho, and terminates at mount Ephron; and the border will lead to Baal; this is the city of Jarim.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Judah's Inheritance
…8From there the border went up the Valley of 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. 9From 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). 10The border curled westward from Baalah to Mount Seir, ran along the northern slope of Mount Jearim (that is, Chesalon), went down to Beth-shemesh, and crossed to Timnah.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Joshua 18:15-19
On the south side the border began at the outskirts of Kiriath-jearim and extended westward to the spring at the Waters of Nephtoah. / 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. / 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. ...

Joshua 16:1-4
The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended from the Jordan at Jericho to the waters of Jericho on the east, through the wilderness that goes up from Jericho into the hill country of Bethel. / It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz) and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth. / Then it descended westward to the border of the Japhletites as far as the border of Lower Beth-horon and on to Gezer, and it ended at the Sea. ...

Numbers 34:2-12
“Command the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land of Canaan, it will be allotted to you as an inheritance with these boundaries: / 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, ...

Ezekiel 47:13-20
This is what the Lord GOD says: “These are the boundaries by which you are to divide the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel; Joseph shall receive two portions. / You are to divide it equally among them. Because I swore with an uplifted hand to give it to your forefathers, this land will fall to you as an inheritance. / 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, ...

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.

1 Chronicles 6:66-81
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, ...

Judges 1:34-36
The Amorites forced the Danites into the hill country and did not allow them to come down into the plain. / And the Amorites were determined to dwell in Mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim. But when the house of Joseph grew in strength, they pressed the Amorites into forced labor. / And the border of the Amorites extended from the Ascent of Akrabbim to Sela and beyond.

1 Kings 4:7-19
Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year, / and these were their names: Ben-hur in the hill country of Ephraim; / Ben-deker in Makaz, in Shaalbim, in Beth-shemesh, and in Elon-beth-hanan; ...

2 Samuel 24:7
They went toward the fortress of Tyre and all the cities of the Hivites and Canaanites. Finally, they went on to the Negev of Judah, to Beersheba.

Genesis 49:13
Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and become a harbor for ships; his border shall extend to Sidon.

Matthew 4:13-16
Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, / to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: / “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— ...

Luke 4:14-15
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region. / He taught in their synagogues and was glorified by everyone.

John 4:3-5
He left Judea and returned to Galilee. / Now He had to pass through Samaria. / So He came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.

Acts 9:31
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:37-38
You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed: / how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

Treasury of Scripture

And the border was drawn from the top of the hill to the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjathjearim:

Nephtoah

Joshua 18:15
And the south quarter was from the end of Kirjathjearim, and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah:

2 Samuel 6:2
And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.

1 Chronicles 13:6
And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it.

Kirjath-jearim

Joshua 9:17
And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.

Judges 18:12
And they went up, and pitched in Kirjathjearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahanehdan unto this day: behold, it is behind Kirjathjearim.

Jump to Previous

Baalah Border Cities Curved Drawn Ephron Extended Extends Hill Hill-Country Jearim Kiriath Kiriath-Jearim Kir'iath-Je'arim Kirjathjearim Kirjath-Jearim Marked Mount Mountain Nephtoah Nephto'ah Proceeded Reached Round Spring Top Water Waters

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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

Berean Study Bible

Then the boundary continued
The Hebrew word for "boundary" is "גְּבוּל" (gevul), which signifies a border or limit. In the context of the Promised Land, boundaries were divinely ordained, marking the inheritance of the tribes of Israel. This continuation of the boundary signifies the unfolding of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as the land is being apportioned to the tribes. It is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of respecting divinely established limits.

to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah
The "spring of the waters" indicates a natural water source, essential for sustaining life in the arid regions of ancient Israel. "Nephtoah" is believed to be located near present-day Lifta, northwest of Jerusalem. Springs were vital for settlement and agriculture, symbolizing God's provision and sustenance. In a spiritual sense, water often represents life and purification, pointing to the living water that Christ offers (John 4:10).

and went out to the cities of Mount Ephron
"Mount Ephron" is a location that is not extensively detailed in other biblical texts, but its mention here indicates its significance in delineating tribal territories. The name "Ephron" may derive from a root meaning "fawn-like" or "dusty," suggesting a geographical or visual characteristic. The cities around this mount would have been strategic for defense and trade, highlighting the importance of community and cooperation among the Israelites.

and extended to Baalah
"Baalah" is another name for Kiriath-jearim, a city with historical and religious significance. The name "Baalah" means "mistress" or "lady," possibly indicating a place of importance or reverence. This city later becomes notable as the temporary resting place of the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 7:1-2), symbolizing God's presence among His people. The extension of the boundary to Baalah underscores the integration of sacred spaces within the tribal lands.

(that is, Kiriath-jearim)
"Kiriath-jearim" translates to "City of Forests," suggesting a lush, wooded area. This city played a crucial role in Israel's history, particularly in the narrative of the Ark. Its mention here connects the physical land with the spiritual journey of the Israelites, as they move from wandering to establishing a nation under God's covenant. The dual naming of the city reflects the layered history and significance of the land, reminding believers of the depth and richness of God's promises.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(9) Kirjath-jearim is by Conder identified as 'Arma (spelt 'Erma on the Ordnance map), four miles east of Beth-shemesh ('Ain Shemes, or Shems).

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 9. - Was drawn. Or, extended. The fountain of the waters of Nephtoah. If these be identified with En Etam, as is done by the Rabbis (whom Conder follows), and if we suppose it to have supplied Jerusalem with water by the aqueduct which ran from a point southwest of Betlehem to Jerusalem, we must place it south of Bethlehem, and imagine that the border ran directly south here. Far more probable is the notion of Vandevelde, which places it northwest of Jerusalem, at Ain Lifta. Conder's view is dominated by the situation he has assigned to Kirjath-jearim (see note on Joshua 9:17). If the view there given in these notes is sound, the border now ran in a northwesterly direction from Jerusalem to within five miles of Gibeon (see also note on Joshua 18:14). Kirjath-jearim. See Joshua 9:17. To the authorities mentioned there in favour of Kuriet el Enab we may add Knobel, Ritter, and Tristram, in his last book, 'Bible Lands.' The view taken above corresponds to the minuteness of detail with which the boundary is given. To place Nephtoah south of Bethlehem and Kirjath-jearim at 'Arma would make the boundary far less distinct.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

From the hilltop
מֵרֹ֣אשׁ (mê·rōš)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218: The head

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

curved
וְתָאַ֨ר (wə·ṯā·’ar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8388: Taanath-shiloh -- probably to incline

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

the spring
מַעְיַן֙ (ma‘·yan)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4599: A fountain, a source

of the Waters
מֵ֣י (mê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

of Nephtoah,
נֶפְתּ֔וֹחַ (nep̄·tō·w·aḥ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5318: Nephtoah -- a place on the border of Judah and Benjamin

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

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

the cities
עָרֵ֣י (‘ā·rê)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

of Mount
הַר־ (har-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

Ephron,
עֶפְר֑וֹן (‘ep̄·rō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6085: Ephron -- a Hittite, also a mountain and a place in Israel

and then bent around
וְתָאַ֤ר (wə·ṯā·’ar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8388: Taanath-shiloh -- probably to incline

toward Baalah
בַּעֲלָ֔ה (ba·‘ă·lāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1173: Baalah -- the name of several places in Israel

(that is,
הִ֖יא (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

Kiriath-jearim).
יְעָרִֽים׃ (yə·‘ā·rîm)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7157: Kiriath-jearim -- 'city of forests', a city given to Judah, then to Benjamin

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OT History: Joshua 15:9 The border extended from the top (Josh. Jos)