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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joshua 16:3 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/16-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/06_Jos_16_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 16:3 - Ephraim's Inheritance" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and it ended at the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then it went down westward to the territory of the Japhletites, as far as the territory of lower Beth-horon even to Gezer, and it ended at the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />It went down westward to the territory of the Japhletites, as far as the territory of lower Beth-horon even to Gezer, and it ended at the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And it went down westward to the territory of the Japhletites, as far as the territory of lower Beth-horon even to Gezer, and it ended at the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then it went down westward to the territory of the Japhletites, as far as the territory of lower Beth-horon even to Gezer, and it ended at the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />It went down westward to the territory of the Japhletites, as far as the outskirts of lower Beth-horon, then to Gezer, and it ended at the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It then descended westward to the border of the Japhletites as far as the border of Lower Beth-horon, then to Gezer, and ended at the Mediterranean Sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It then descended westward to the border of the Japhletites as far as the border of lower Beth-horon, then to Gezer, and ended at the Mediterranean Sea. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, unto the border of Beth-horon the nether, even unto Gezer; and the goings out thereof were at the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, unto the border of Beth-horon the nether, even unto Gezer: and the goings out thereof were at the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then it descends west to the border of Japhlet and Lower Beth Horon, on to Gezer, and ends at the Mediterranean Sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It then went west to the area of the Japhletites, as far as the area of Lower Beth Horon. It went on from there to Gezer and ended at the Mediterranean Sea. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />It proceeded westward to the territory of the Japhletites as far as the territory of lower Beth-horon, then toward Gezer, ending at the Mediterranean Sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />It then descended westward to Japhletite territory, as far as the territory of lower Beth Horon and Gezer, and ended at the sea. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, to the border of Lower Beth Horon, even to Gezer; and ended at the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And goeth down westward to the border of Japhleti, to the border of Beth-horon the nether, and to Gezer: and the limits of it are at the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, to the border of Beth Horon the lower, and on to Gezer; and ended at the sea. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and gone down westward to the border of Japhleti, to the border of the lower Beth-Horon, and to Gezer, and its outgoings have been at the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and gone down westward unto the border of Japhleti, unto the border of Beth-Horon the lower, and unto Gezer, and its outgoings have been at the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it went down to the sea to the bound of Japhleti even to the bound of the House of Horon the lower, and even to Gezer: and its goings out were the sea.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And goeth down westward, by the border of Jephleti, unto the borders of Beth-horon the nether, and to Gazer :and the countries of it are ended by the great sea: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And it descends to the west, beside the border of Japhleti, as far as the borders of lower Beth-horon, and to Gezer. And the last parts of its regions are by the great sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and descended westward to the border of the Japhletites, to that of the Lower Beth-horon, and to Gezer, and from there to the sea. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />then it goes down westward to the territory of the Japhletites, as far as the territory of Lower Beth-horon, then to Gezer, and it ends at the sea.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And goes down westward to the border of Palta, as far as the border of Beth-hauran, the lower, then to Gadar; and its limits extended to the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And it came down to the West to the border of Pelta unto the border of Bayth Khuran the lower and unto Gadar, and its limits were to the West<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, unto the border of Beth-horon the nether, even unto Gezer; and the goings out thereof were at the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they will go across to the sea to the borders of Aptalim, as far as the borders of Baethoron the lower, and the going forth of them shall be to the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/16-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=4222" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/joshua/16.htm">Ephraim's Inheritance</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz) and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: wə·yā·raḏ- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">Then it descended</a> <a href="/hebrew/3220.htm" title="3220: yām·māh (N-ms:: 3fs) -- A sea or large body of water; specifically, the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river.">westward</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1366.htm" title="1366: gə·ḇūl (N-msc) -- Border, boundary, territory. Or gbul; from gabal; properly, a cord, i.e. a boundary; by extens. The territory inclosed.">the border</a> <a href="/hebrew/3311.htm" title="3311: hay·yap̄·lê·ṭî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Desc. of Japhlet. Patronymically from Yaphlet; a Japhletite or descendant of Japhlet.">of the Japhletites</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/1366.htm" title="1366: gə·ḇūl (N-msc) -- Border, boundary, territory. Or gbul; from gabal; properly, a cord, i.e. a boundary; by extens. The territory inclosed.">far as the border</a> <a href="/hebrew/1032.htm" title="1032: bêṯ- (Prep) -- From bayith and chowr; house of hollowness; Beth-Choron, the name of two adjoining places in Palestine.">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/8481.htm" title="8481: taḥ·tō·wn (Adj-ms) -- Lower, lowest. Or tachton; from tachath; bottommost.">Lower</a> <a href="/hebrew/1032.htm" title="1032: ḥō·w·rōn (N-proper-fs) -- From bayith and chowr; house of hollowness; Beth-Choron, the name of two adjoining places in Palestine.">Beth-horon</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: wə·‘aḏ- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">and on to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1507.htm" title="1507: gā·zer (N-proper-fs) -- Portion, a Levitical city on the border of Ephraim. The same as gezer; Gezer, a place in Palestine.">Gezer,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and it ended</a> <a href="/hebrew/8444.htm" title="8444: ṯō·ṣə·ʾō·ṯō (N-fpc:: 3ms) -- An outgoing, extremity, perhaps source, escape. Or totsaah; from yatsa'; exit, i.e. boundary, or deliverance, source."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3220.htm" title="3220: yām·māh (N-ms:: 3fs) -- A sea or large body of water; specifically, the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river.">at the Sea.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>So Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, received their inheritance.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/34-2.htm">Numbers 34:2-12</a></span><br />“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, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/15-7.htm">Joshua 15:7-9</a></span><br />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. / 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. / 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).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/1-27.htm">Judges 1:27-29</a></span><br />At that time Manasseh failed to drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo, and their villages; for the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land. / When Israel became stronger, they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor, but they never drove them out completely. / Ephraim also failed to drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer; so the Canaanites continued to dwell among them in Gezer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-12.htm">1 Kings 4:12</a></span><br />Baana son of Ahilud in Taanach, in Megiddo, and in all of Beth-shean next to Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah and on past Jokmeam;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/7-29.htm">1 Chronicles 7:29</a></span><br />And along the borders of Manasseh were Beth-shean, Taanach, Megiddo, and Dor, together with their villages. The descendants of Joseph son of Israel lived in these towns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/48-21.htm">Genesis 48:21-22</a></span><br />Then Israel said to Joseph, “Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers. / And to you, as one who is above your brothers, I give the ridge of land that I took from the Amorites with my sword and bow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Deuteronomy 33:17</a></span><br />His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/47-13.htm">Ezekiel 47:13-23</a></span><br />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, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/6-66.htm">1 Chronicles 6:66-70</a></span><br />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, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/9-16.htm">1 Kings 9:16</a></span><br />Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire, killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon’s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/8-5.htm">2 Chronicles 8:5-6</a></span><br />He rebuilt Upper and Lower Beth-horon as fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars, / as well as Baalath, all the store cities that belonged to Solomon, and all the cities for his chariots and horses—whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout the land of his dominion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-5.htm">John 4:5</a></span><br />So He came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-13.htm">Matthew 4:13</a></span><br />Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-31.htm">Luke 4:31</a></span><br />Then He went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath He began to teach the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/2-1.htm">John 2:1-11</a></span><br />On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, / and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. / When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And goes down westward to the coast of Japhleti, to the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer; and the goings out thereof are at the sea.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/18-13.htm">Joshua 18:13</a></b></br> And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which <i>is</i> Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that <i>lieth</i> on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/9-15.htm">1 Kings 9:15-17</a></b></br> And this <i>is</i> the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/7-24.htm">1 Chronicles 7:24,28</a></b></br> (And his daughter <i>was</i> Sherah, who built Bethhoron the nether, and the upper, and Uzzensherah.) … </p><p class="hdg">the sea</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/34-6.htm">Numbers 34:6</a></b></br> And <i>as for</i> the western border, ye shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west border.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/15-61.htm">Beth</a> <a href="/joshua/10-11.htm">Bethhoron</a> <a href="/joshua/10-10.htm">Beth-Horon</a> <a href="/joshua/10-10.htm">Beth-Hor'on</a> <a href="/joshua/16-2.htm">Border</a> <a href="/joshua/15-21.htm">Coast</a> <a href="/joshua/2-23.htm">Descended</a> <a href="/joshua/15-11.htm">Ended</a> <a href="/joshua/15-11.htm">Ending</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Ends</a> <a href="/joshua/10-11.htm">Horon</a> <a href="/joshua/15-19.htm">Lower</a> <a href="/joshua/15-19.htm">Nether</a> <a href="/joshua/15-4.htm">Outgoings</a> <a href="/joshua/13-30.htm">Region</a> <a href="/joshua/15-47.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/joshua/16-2.htm">Territory</a> <a href="/joshua/15-47.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/joshua/15-46.htm">West</a> <a href="/joshua/15-46.htm">Westward</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/16-5.htm">Beth</a> <a href="/joshua/18-13.htm">Bethhoron</a> <a href="/joshua/18-14.htm">Beth-Horon</a> <a href="/joshua/21-22.htm">Beth-Hor'on</a> <a href="/joshua/16-5.htm">Border</a> <a href="/joshua/17-7.htm">Coast</a> <a href="/joshua/17-9.htm">Descended</a> <a href="/joshua/16-8.htm">Ended</a> <a href="/joshua/16-7.htm">Ending</a> <a href="/joshua/16-8.htm">Ends</a> <a href="/joshua/16-5.htm">Horon</a> <a href="/judges/1-15.htm">Lower</a> <a href="/joshua/18-13.htm">Nether</a> <a href="/joshua/17-9.htm">Outgoings</a> <a href="/joshua/19-29.htm">Region</a> <a href="/joshua/16-6.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/joshua/16-5.htm">Territory</a> <a href="/joshua/16-8.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/joshua/16-6.htm">West</a> <a href="/joshua/16-6.htm">Westward</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/16-1.htm">The general borders of the sons of Joseph</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/16-5.htm">The border of the inheritance of Ephraim</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/16-10.htm">The Canaanites of Gezer not conquered</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then it descended westward</b><br>This phrase indicates a geographical movement from a higher elevation to a lower one, moving in a westerly direction. The descent suggests the topography of the region, which is characterized by hills and valleys. This movement is part of the delineation of the land allotted to the tribes of Israel, specifically the tribe of Ephraim. The westward direction is significant as it moves towards the Mediterranean Sea, which was a crucial area for trade and interaction with other cultures.<p><b>to the border of the Japhletites</b><br>The Japhletites are mentioned here as a group or family whose territory marked a boundary. This reference is one of the few mentions of the Japhletites in the Bible, indicating a smaller or less prominent group within the land of Canaan. Understanding the borders and neighboring peoples is essential for comprehending the tribal divisions and the challenges Israel faced in settling the land.<p><b>as far as the border of Lower Beth-horon</b><br>Lower Beth-horon was a significant location in ancient Israel, known for its strategic military importance due to its position on a key route between the coastal plain and the interior highlands. The mention of "Lower" Beth-horon distinguishes it from "Upper" Beth-horon, both of which were fortified cities. These cities played a role in various biblical battles, including those involving Joshua and later King Saul.<p><b>and on to Gezer</b><br>Gezer was an ancient Canaanite city that later became part of Israel's territory. Archaeological excavations have uncovered significant remains, including fortifications and water systems. Gezer was strategically located on the Via Maris, an important trade route. The city's mention here highlights its importance in the territorial boundaries and its role in Israel's history, including its eventual capture by Pharaoh and gift to Solomon (<a href="/1_kings/9-16.htm">1 Kings 9:16</a>).<p><b>and it ended at the Sea</b><br>The "Sea" refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which served as the western boundary of the land allotted to the tribe of Ephraim. The sea was not only a natural boundary but also a source of trade and cultural exchange. The inclusion of the sea in the boundary description emphasizes the extent of the territory and the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel a land stretching to the sea. This boundary also foreshadows the future expansion and influence of Israel under kings like David and Solomon.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/japhletites.htm">Japhletites</a></b><br>A group or clan mentioned in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribe of Ephraim. Their exact identity is not well-documented, but they are part of the land distribution account.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/lower_beth-horon.htm">Lower Beth-horon</a></b><br>A significant location in the hill country of Ephraim, known for its strategic military importance. It is one of two towns (Upper and Lower Beth-horon) that guarded the ascent from the coastal plain to the hill country.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/gezer.htm">Gezer</a></b><br>An ancient Canaanite city that was later given to the Levites. It was strategically located on the route from Egypt to Jerusalem and was an important city in the history of Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sea.htm">The Sea</a></b><br>Refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which marked the western boundary of the land allotted to the tribe of Ephraim.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/territory_of_ephraim.htm">Territory of Ephraim</a></b><br>This passage is part of the description of the land inheritance given to the tribe of Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel descended from Joseph.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_fulfillment.htm">God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment</a></b><br>The detailed description of land boundaries in <a href="/joshua/16-3.htm">Joshua 16:3</a> underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham. Just as God was faithful to Israel, He remains faithful to His promises to us today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strategic_importance_of_obedience.htm">Strategic Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>The locations mentioned (Beth-horon and Gezer) were strategically important. This reminds us that God places us in specific situations for His purposes, and our obedience can have significant impacts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/inheritance_and_identity.htm">Inheritance and Identity</a></b><br>The passage highlights the importance of inheritance in defining the identity and mission of God's people. As Christians, our identity and mission are rooted in our spiritual inheritance through Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/boundaries_and_contentment.htm">Boundaries and Contentment</a></b><br>The delineation of boundaries for the tribes of Israel teaches us about contentment with what God has provided. We are called to steward our resources and opportunities faithfully.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_joshua_16_10_and_1_kings_9_15-16_differ.htm">Why does Joshua 16:10 say the Canaanites in Gezer became forced labor, yet 1 Kings 9:15–16 seems to contradict who controlled Gezer’s fate? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_ephraim's_claims.htm">1 Chronicles 7:20–29 – Are there historical or archaeological records supporting Ephraim’s vast numbers and territorial claims listed here? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_josh._16_1-4_boundaries_match_archaeology.htm">How do the boundary descriptions in Joshua 16:1-4 align with archaeological findings that suggest inconsistent Israelite settlement patterns in this region?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_couldn't_ephraimites_expel_canaanites.htm">If God promised the land to Israel, why were the Ephraimites unable to drive out the Canaanites (Joshua 16:10), raising questions about divine promises?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Japhleth</span>. Rather, the <span class="accented">Japhlethite</span>; but it is unknown what this family was. <span class="cmt_word">Beth-horon the nether</span> (see <a href="/joshua/10-10.htm">Joshua 10:10</a>). In ver. 5 we have Upper Beth-horon, but the places were close together. For <span class="accented">Gezer</span>; see <a href="/joshua/10-33.htm">Joshua 10:33</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/16-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then it descended</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיָֽרַד־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yā·raḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">westward</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֜מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(yām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3220.htm">Strong's 3220: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the border</span><br /><span class="heb">גְּב֣וּל</span> <span class="translit">(gə·ḇūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1366.htm">Strong's 1366: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Japhletites</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיַּפְלֵטִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yap̄·lê·ṭî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3311.htm">Strong's 3311: </a> </span><span class="str2">Japhletites -- descendant of Japhlet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">far as the border</span><br /><span class="heb">גְּב֧וּל</span> <span class="translit">(gə·ḇūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1366.htm">Strong's 1366: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of lower</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּחְתּ֖וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(taḥ·tō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8481.htm">Strong's 8481: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lower, lowest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Beth-horon,</span><br /><span class="heb">חוֹרֹ֛ן</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·w·rōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1032.htm">Strong's 1032: </a> </span><span class="str2">Beth-horon -- 'place of a hollow', two adjoining cities in Palestine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">then to</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעַד־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Gezer,</span><br /><span class="heb">גָּ֑זֶר</span> <span class="translit">(gā·zer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1507.htm">Strong's 1507: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gezer -- 'portion', a Levitical city on the border of Ephraim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and ended</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָי֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at the Sea.</span><br /><span class="heb">יָֽמָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(yām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3220.htm">Strong's 3220: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/16-3.htm">Joshua 16:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/16-3.htm">Joshua 16:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/16-3.htm">Joshua 16:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/16-3.htm">Joshua 16:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/16-3.htm">Joshua 16:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/16-3.htm">Joshua 16:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/16-3.htm">Joshua 16:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/16-3.htm">Joshua 16:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/16-3.htm">Joshua 16:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/16-3.htm">Joshua 16:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/16-3.htm">OT History: Joshua 16:3 And it went down westward to (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/16-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 16:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 16:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/16-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 16:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 16:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>