Joshua 16:8
New International Version
From Tappuah the border went west to the Kanah Ravine and ended at the Mediterranean Sea. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the Ephraimites, according to its clans.

New Living Translation
From Tappuah the boundary extended westward, following the Kanah Ravine to the Mediterranean Sea. This is the homeland allocated to the clans of the tribe of Ephraim.

English Standard Version
From Tappuah the boundary goes westward to the brook Kanah and ends at the sea. Such is the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Ephraim by their clans,

Berean Standard Bible
From Tappuah the border went westward to the Brook of Kanah and ended at the Sea. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Ephraim,

Berean Literal Bible
From Tappuah the border went out westward to the Brook of Kanah, and it ended at the sea. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim by their clans.

King James Bible
The border went out from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.

New King James Version
The border went out from Tappuah westward to the Brook Kanah, and it ended at the sea. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim according to their families.

New American Standard Bible
From Tappuah the border continued westward to the brook of Kanah, and it ended at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim according to their families,

NASB 1995
From Tappuah the border continued westward to the brook of Kanah, and it ended at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim according to their families,

NASB 1977
From Tappuah the border continued westward to the brook of Kanah, and it ended at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim according to their families,

Legacy Standard Bible
From Tappuah the border continued westward to the brook of Kanah, and it ended at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim according to their families,

Amplified Bible
The border continued from Tappuah westward to the Brook Kanah, and it ended at the [Mediterranean] sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim according to their families (clans),

Berean Annotated Bible
From Tappuah (the apple city) the border went westward to the Brook of Kanah (reed) and ended at the Sea. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Ephraim (doubly fruitful),

Christian Standard Bible
From Tappuah the border went westward along the Brook of Kanah and ended at the Mediterranean Sea. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the descendants of Ephraim by their clans, together with

Holman Christian Standard Bible
From Tappuah the border went westward along the Brook of Kanah and ended at the Mediterranean Sea. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the descendants of Ephraim by their clans, together with

American Standard Version
From Tappuah the border went along westward to the brook of Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim according to their families;

English Revised Version
From Tappuah the border went along westward to the brook of Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim according to their families;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
At Tappuah the border goes west along the Kanah River and ends at the Mediterranean Sea. This is the land given as an inheritance to the families of the tribe of Ephraim

Good News Translation
The border went west from Tappuah to the stream Kanah and ended at the Mediterranean Sea. This was the land given to the families of the tribe of Ephraim as their possession,

International Standard Version
From Tappuach, the border proceeded west to the Kanah brook, ending at the Mediterranean Sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the descendants of Ephraim according to their families,

NET Bible
From Tappuah it went westward to the Valley of Kanah and ended at the sea. This is the land assigned to the tribe of Ephraim by its clans.

New Heart English Bible
From Tappuah the border went along westward to Wadi Kanah; and ended at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Ephraim according to their families;

Webster's Bible Translation
The border went out from Tappuah westward to the river Kanah; and the limits of it were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
From Tappuah the border went westward to the Brook of Kanah and ended at the Sea. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Ephraim,

World English Bible
From Tappuah the border went along westward to the brook of Kanah; and ended at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim according to their families;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
From Tappuah the border goes westward to the Brook of Kanah, and its outgoings have been at the sea: this [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim, for their families.

Berean Literal Bible
From Tappuah the border went out westward to the Brook of Kanah, and it ended at the sea. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim by their clans.

Young's Literal Translation
From Tappuah the border goeth westward unto the brook of Kanah, and its outgoings have been at the sea: this is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim, for their families.

Smith's Literal Translation
The bound went from Tuppuah to to the sea to the torrent Kanah; and the goings out were the sea. This the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim according to their families.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
From Taphua it passeth on towards the sea into the valley of reeds, and the goings out thereof are at the most salt sea. This is the possession of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.

Catholic Public Domain Version
From Tappuah, it passes on, opposite the sea, into the Valley of Reeds. And its exit is at the very salty sea. This is the possession of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim, by their families.

New American Bible
From Tappuah the boundary ran westward to the Wadi Kanah and ended at the sea. This was the heritage of the Ephraimites by their clans,

New Revised Standard Version
From Tappuah the boundary goes westward to the Wadi Kanah, and ends at the sea. Such is the inheritance of the tribe of the Ephraimites by their families,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the border went out westward to the river Kabah; and the limits thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the descendants of Ephraim by their families.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it went on to the border west of the river of Qaba, and its limits were to the West. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Aphreim for their families
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
From Tappuah the border went along westward to the brook of Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim according to their families;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the borders will proceed from Tapho to the sea to Chelcana; and their termination will be at the sea; this is the inheritance of the tribe of Ephraim according to their families.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ephraim's Inheritance
7From Janoah it went down to Ataroth and Naarah, and then reached Jericho and came out at the Jordan. 8From Tappuah the border went westward to the Brook of Kanah and ended at the Sea. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Ephraim, 9along with all the cities and villages set apart for the descendants of Ephraim within the inheritance of Manasseh.…

Cross References
From Tappuah

Joshua 17:8
The region of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but Tappuah itself, on the border of Manasseh, belonged to Ephraim.

Joshua 17:7
Now the border of Manasseh went from Asher to Michmethath near Shechem, then southward to include the inhabitants of En-tappuah.

Joshua 12:17
the king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one;
the border went westward

Joshua 15:10
The 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.

Joshua 19:34
Then the border turned westward to Aznoth-tabor and ran from there to Hukkok, touching Zebulun on the south side, Asher on the west, and Judah at the Jordan on the east.
to the Brook of Kanah

Joshua 17:9
From there the border continued southward to the Brook of Kanah. There were cities belonging to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh, but the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook and ended at the Sea.

Numbers 34:5
where it will turn from Azmon, join the Brook of Egypt, and end at the Sea.

Joshua 15:4
It proceeded to Azmon, joined the Brook of Egypt, and ended at the Sea. This was their southern border.
and ended at the Sea.

Numbers 34:6
Your western border will be the coastline of the Great Sea; this will be your boundary on the west.

Joshua 19:29
The border then turned back toward Ramah as far as the fortified city of Tyre, turned toward Hosah, and came out at the Sea in the region of Achzib,

Ezekiel 47:20
And on the west side, the Great Sea will be the boundary up to a point opposite Lebo-hamath. This will be the western boundary.
This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Ephraim,

Joshua 19:50
as the LORD had commanded. They gave him the city of Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, as he requested. He rebuilt the city and settled in it.

Numbers 26:28-37
The descendants of Joseph included the clans of Manasseh and Ephraim. / These were the descendants of Manasseh: The Machirite clan from Machir, the father of Gilead, and the Gileadite clan from Gilead. / These were the descendants of Gilead: the Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek, …

Deuteronomy 33:13-17
Concerning Joseph he said: “May his land be blessed by the LORD with the precious dew from heaven above and the deep waters that lie beneath, / with the bountiful harvest from the sun and the abundant yield of the seasons, / with the best of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills, …
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, …

Joshua 15:1-12
Now the allotment for the clans of the tribe of Judah extended to the border of Edom, to the Wilderness of Zin at the extreme southern boundary: / Their southern border started at the bay on the southern tip of the Salt Sea, / 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. …


Treasury of Scripture

The border went out from Tappuah westward to the river Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.

Tappuah

Joshua 12:17
The king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one;

Joshua 17:8
Now Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim;

river Kanah

Joshua 17:9
And the coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also was on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea:

Joshua 19:28
And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon;

the sea

Joshua 16:3-6
And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea…

Numbers 34:6
And as for the western border, ye shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west border.

Jump to Previous
Border Boundary Brook Children Continued Ended Ending Ends Ephraim Ephraimites Heritage Inheritance Kanah Limits Ravine River Sea Tappuah Tap'puah Thereof Torrent Tribe West Westward Westwards
Jump to Next
Border Boundary Brook Children Continued Ended Ending Ends Ephraim Ephraimites Heritage Inheritance Kanah Limits Ravine River Sea Tappuah Tap'puah Thereof Torrent Tribe West Westward Westwards
Joshua 16
1. The general borders of the sons of Joseph
5. The border of the inheritance of Ephraim
10. The Canaanites of Gezer not conquered












From Tappuah
Tappuah was a city located in the territory of Ephraim, though some references suggest it was on the border with Manasseh. The name "Tappuah" means "apple" in Hebrew, indicating a region possibly known for its fruitfulness. This city is mentioned in other biblical contexts, such as in Joshua 17:8, where it is associated with the land of Manasseh. The dual mention highlights the shared boundaries and the cooperative relationship between the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, both descendants of Joseph.

the border went westward
The direction westward indicates the movement of the boundary line from an inland location towards the Mediterranean Sea. This westward expansion signifies the allocation of fertile and strategically important land to the tribe of Ephraim. The westward movement also reflects the biblical theme of expansion and inheritance, as seen in God's promises to the patriarchs about the land of Canaan.

to the Brook of Kanah
The Brook of Kanah served as a natural boundary marker. It is identified with the modern Wadi Qana, a seasonal stream that flows through the central hill country of Israel. The brook's name, meaning "reed" or "stalk," suggests a lush, vegetative area. This geographical feature provided a clear demarcation line for the tribal territories, emphasizing the importance of natural landmarks in ancient boundary descriptions.

and ended at the Sea
The "Sea" refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which formed the western boundary of the land allotted to Ephraim. This access to the sea was significant for trade and military purposes, offering Ephraim economic opportunities and strategic advantages. The sea's mention underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel a land stretching from the desert to the sea, as seen in Exodus 23:31.

This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Ephraim
The term "inheritance" reflects the biblical concept of land as a divine gift, passed down through generations. Ephraim, one of the two sons of Joseph, received a prominent portion of the Promised Land, fulfilling Jacob's blessing in Genesis 48:19, where Ephraim was prophesied to become a "multitude of nations." The division among "clans" indicates the organized distribution of land within the tribe, ensuring each family received its rightful share. This allocation highlights the importance of family and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Tappuah
A town or region mentioned as a boundary marker for the territory of the tribe of Ephraim. It signifies a point of transition in the land allocation.

2. Brook of Kanah
A stream that served as a geographical boundary. The name "Kanah" means "reed" in Hebrew, indicating a place with abundant vegetation.

3. The Sea
Refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which marked the western boundary of the land allotted to the tribe of Ephraim.

4. Tribe of Ephraim
One of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Ephraim. This tribe received a significant portion of land in the central part of Canaan.

5. Inheritance
The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel as part of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It represents the fulfillment of God's covenant.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment
The allocation of land to Ephraim demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives.

Significance of Boundaries
The detailed description of boundaries highlights the importance of order and structure in God's plan. Christians are called to respect the boundaries God sets in their lives.

Inheritance and Identity
The land inheritance was central to the identity of the tribes. Similarly, believers find their identity in Christ and the spiritual inheritance they receive through Him.

Obedience and Blessing
The inheritance was contingent upon the Israelites' obedience to God. This principle remains true for Christians, as obedience leads to spiritual blessings.

Community and Responsibility
The division of land among clans emphasizes the importance of community and shared responsibility. Believers are called to live in community and support one another.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Joshua 16:8?

2. How does Joshua 16:8 define the territorial boundaries for the tribe of Ephraim?

3. What can we learn about God's promises from the land division in Joshua 16:8?

4. How does Joshua 16:8 connect to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15?

5. How can we apply the concept of divine boundaries in our personal lives?

6. What does the phrase "ends at the sea" signify about God's provision?

7. What is the significance of the boundary described in Joshua 16:8 for the tribe of Ephraim?

8. How does Joshua 16:8 reflect the historical accuracy of Israel's territorial claims?

9. What archaeological evidence supports the boundary described in Joshua 16:8?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 16?

11. What are key events in Joshua's life?

12. Joshua 17:7-10: Do these boundary descriptions align with any archaeological evidence, or do they contradict known data about ancient Canaan?

13. Why does Joshua 16:5-9 list towns that some excavations claim were never fully occupied by Israelites at that time?

14. What is the Tribe of Ephraim?
What Does Joshua 16:8 Mean
Tappuah

“From Tappuah” (Joshua 16:8)

• Tappuah is a town on the southern edge of Ephraim’s territory, shared with Manasseh (Joshua 17:8–9).

• By naming this precise starting point, Scripture affirms that God’s promises are anchored in real geography and history (Genesis 17:8).

• The city’s fruit-bearing name (“apple” or “fruit”) reminds us of the abundance God planned for His people (Deuteronomy 8:7–10).


Westward Border

“the border went westward”

• The line turns toward the Mediterranean, marking a clear, measurable boundary—just as the Lord had instructed Moses (Numbers 34:1–6).

• Direction matters; from east of Jordan to westward, Israel’s story moves steadily into the heart of promise (Joshua 1:3–4).

• The accuracy underscores God’s orderly distribution “by lot” (Joshua 14:2), showing His sovereignty over every tribe’s portion.


Brook of Kanah

“to the Brook of Kanah”

• This seasonal stream (Joshua 17:9) served as a natural marker between Ephraim and Manasseh.

• Waterways often form borders in Scripture (Genesis 15:18; Psalm 74:15), illustrating how God sets limits for our good (Acts 17:26).

• The brook’s name, “reed,” hints at life and growth—fitting for land intended to flourish under covenant obedience (Leviticus 26:4–5).


To the Sea

“and ended at the Sea”

• “The Sea” refers to the Great Sea, the Mediterranean (Numbers 34:6–7).

• Reaching the coast meant access to trade, resources, and influence—blessings that Ephraim later used, and sometimes misused (Hosea 12:8).

• The shoreline boundary also fulfilled God’s earlier word that Israel would possess land “from the wilderness to the Great Sea” (Exodus 23:31).


Inheritance of Ephraim

“This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Ephraim”

• “Inheritance” (nachalah) is gift language; the land is received, not earned (Deuteronomy 4:21; Ephesians 1:11).

• Dividing it “by clans” emphasizes both unity and individual responsibility (Joshua 18:10).

• Ephraim, Joseph’s younger son, had been promised prominence (Genesis 48:19). Here the promise materializes in soil under their feet.

• The verse assures every believer that God keeps His word in exact detail, from patriarchal prophecy to Joshua’s parcel map (Hebrews 6:13–18).


summary

Joshua 16:8 records more than a surveyor’s note; it testifies that the Lord faithfully assigns real, flourishing territory to His people. From the fruit-laden outskirts of Tappuah, westward past the life-giving Brook of Kanah, all the way to the Mediterranean, Ephraim’s borders were lovingly drawn by God. Every measured mile affirms His precision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to fulfill covenant promises, inviting us to trust Him for our own inheritance in Christ.

Verse 8. - The border went out from Tappuah westward. This would seem to be a more minute description of the border line drawn from the sea to Michmethah above. Tappuah seems to have been near Mich-methah, and on the border (Joshua 17:8) of Manasseh. According to Knobel, Tappuah signifies plain, which is a little inconsistent with his idea that Michmethah, close by, was the watershed. Tappuah elsewhere signifies apple. Unto the river Trench. The winter-bound torrent Kanah, so named from its reeds and canes, formed the border between Ephraim and Manasseh. And the goings out (literally, extremities) thereof were at the sea This is the only possible interpretation of the passage, in spite of the obscurity caused by the same word being used for "sea" and "west."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
From Tappuah
מִתַּפּ֜וּחַ (mit·tap·pū·aḥ)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8599: Tappuah -- A city in Judah, also a city on the border between Ephraim and Manasseh

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

went
יֵלֵ֨ךְ (yê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

westward
יָ֙מָּה֙ (yām·māh)
Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

to the Brook
נַ֣חַל (na·ḥal)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5158: A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft

of Kanah
קָנָ֔ה (qā·nāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7071: Kanah -- a wadi between Ephraim and Manasseh, also a city in Asher

and ended
וְהָי֥וּ (wə·hā·yū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

at the Sea.
הַיָּ֑מָּה (hay·yām·māh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

This
זֹ֗את (zōṯ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

was the inheritance
נַחֲלַ֛ת (na·ḥă·laṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion

of the clans
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃ (lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

of the tribe
מַטֵּ֥ה (maṭ·ṭêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4294: A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe

of Ephraim,
אֶפְרַ֖יִם (’ep̄·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory


Links
Joshua 16:8 NIV
Joshua 16:8 NLT
Joshua 16:8 ESV
Joshua 16:8 NASB
Joshua 16:8 KJV

Joshua 16:8 BibleApps.com
Joshua 16:8 Biblia Paralela
Joshua 16:8 Chinese Bible
Joshua 16:8 French Bible
Joshua 16:8 Catholic Bible

OT History: Joshua 16:8 From Tappuah the border went along westward (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 16:7
Top of Page
Top of Page