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⇱ Joshua 15:1 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:

Bible > Joshua > Chapter 15 > Verse 1
◄ Joshua 15:1 ►
New International Version
The allotment for the tribe of Judah, according to its clans, extended down to the territory of Edom, to the Desert of Zin in the extreme south.

New Living Translation
The allotment for the clans of the tribe of Judah reached southward to the border of Edom, as far south as the wilderness of Zin.

English Standard Version
The allotment for the tribe of the people of Judah according to their clans reached southward to the boundary of Edom, to the wilderness of Zin at the farthest south.

Berean Standard Bible
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:

King James Bible
This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward was the uttermost part of the south coast.

New King James Version
So this was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families: The border of Edom at the Wilderness of Zin southward was the extreme southern boundary.

New American Standard Bible
Now the lot for the tribe of the sons of Judah according to their families reached the border of Edom, southward to the wilderness of Zin at the extreme south.

NASB 1995
Now the lot for the tribe of the sons of Judah according to their families reached the border of Edom, southward to the wilderness of Zin at the extreme south.

NASB 1977
Now the lot for the tribe of the sons of Judah according to their families reached the border of Edom, southward to the wilderness of Zin at the extreme south.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the lot for the tribe of the sons of Judah according to their families reached the border of Edom, southward to the wilderness of Zin at the far end toward the south.

Amplified Bible
Now the lot (allotment) for the tribe of the sons of Judah according to their families reached [southward to] the border of Edom, southward to the wilderness of Zin at its most southern part.

Christian Standard Bible
Now the allotment for the tribe of the descendants of Judah by their clans was in the southernmost region, south to the Wilderness of Zin and over to the border of Edom.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now the allotment for the tribe of the descendants of Judah by their clans was in the southernmost region, south to the Wilderness of Zin and over to the border of Edom.

American Standard Version
And the lot for the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families was unto the border of Edom, even to the wilderness of Zin southward, at the uttermost part of the south.

Contemporary English Version
The clans of the Judah tribe were given land that went south along the border of Edom, and at its farthest point south it even reached the Zin Desert.

English Revised Version
And the lot for the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families was unto the border of Edom, even to the wilderness of Zin southward, at the uttermost part of the south.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The lot was drawn for the families of the tribe of Judah. Their territory extends as far south as the territory of Edom and the desert of Zin.

Good News Translation
The families of the tribe of Judah received a part of the land described as follows: The land reached south to the southernmost point of the wilderness of Zin, at the border of Edom.

International Standard Version
Joshua said, "Now the allotment for the tribe of the descendants of Judah, allocated according to their families, will extend to the border of Edom, southward to the wilderness of Zin until land's end,

NET Bible
The land allotted to the tribe of Judah by its clans reached to the border of Edom, to the Wilderness of Zin in the Negev far to the south.

New Heart English Bible
The lot for the tribe of the people of Judah according to their families was to the border of Edom, even to the wilderness of Zin southward, toward the Negev in the far south.

Webster's Bible Translation
This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom, the wilderness of Zin southward was the uttermost part of the south border.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
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:

World English Bible
The lot for the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families was to the border of Edom, even to the wilderness of Zin southward, at the uttermost part of the south.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the lot for the tribe of the sons of Judah, for their families, is to the border of Edom; the wilderness of Zin southward, at the extremity of the south;

Young's Literal Translation
And the lot for the tribe of the sons of Judah, for their families, is unto the border of Edom; the wilderness of Zin southward, at the extremity of the south;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the lot shall be to the tribe of the sons of Judah according to their families, to the bound of Edom, the desert of Zin south from the south extremity.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now the lot of the children of Juda by their kindreds was this: From the frontier of Edom, to the desert of Sin southward, and to the uttermost part of the south coast.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, the lot of the sons of Judah, by their families, was this: from the border of Edom, to the desert of Sin toward the south, and even to the furthest part of the southern region.

New American Bible
The lot for the tribe of Judah by their clans fell toward the boundary of Edom, the wilderness of Zin in the Negeb, in the extreme south.

New Revised Standard Version
The lot for the tribe of the people of Judah according to their families reached southward to the boundary of Edom, to the wilderness of Zin at the farthest south.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
THIS then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; it extended to the border of Edom, to the wilderness of Zin, to the uttermost of the southern border.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the lot of the tribe of the children of Yehuda was for their families on the border of Adum and unto the wilderness of Tsin, and unto the end of the south
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the lot for the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families was unto the border of Edom, even to the wilderness of Zin southward, at the uttermost part of the south.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the borders of the tribe of Juda according to their families were from the borders of Idumea from the wilderness of sin, as far as Cades southward.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Judah's Inheritance
1Now 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: 2Their southern border started at the bay on the southern tip of the Salt Sea,…

Cross References
Numbers 34:2-5
“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, ...

Deuteronomy 34:2
all of Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea,

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

Numbers 26:55-56
Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers. / Each inheritance is to be divided by lot among the larger and smaller tribes.”

Joshua 14:1-2
Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited in the land of Canaan, as distributed by Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the tribes of Israel. / Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses.

Joshua 18:5-6
and divide the land into seven portions. Judah shall remain in their territory in the south, and the house of Joseph shall remain in their territory in the north. / When you have mapped out the seven portions of land and brought it to me, I will cast lots for you here in the presence of the LORD our God.

Ezekiel 47:13-14
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.

Genesis 15:18-21
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— / the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, / Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, ...

Numbers 34:13
So Moses commanded the Israelites, “Apportion this land by lot as an inheritance. The LORD has commanded that it be given to the nine and a half tribes.

Joshua 13:1-7
Now Joshua was old and well along in years, and the LORD said to him, “You are old and well along in years, but very much of the land remains to be possessed. / This is the land that remains: All the territory of the Philistines and the Geshurites, / from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; ...

Judges 1:1-2
After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?” / “Judah shall go up,” answered the LORD. “Indeed, I have delivered the land into their hands.”

1 Chronicles 6:54-56
Now these were the territories assigned to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clan for their settlements, because the first lot fell to them: / They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands. / But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh.

Matthew 1:2-3
Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. / Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.

Acts 13:19
And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance.

Romans 4:13
For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.


Joshua 14:2
By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.

Numbers 26:55,56
Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit…

even to the

Numbers 33:36,37
And they removed from Eziongaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh…

Numbers 34:3-5
Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward: …

Ezekiel 47:19
And the south side southward, from Tamar even to the waters of strife in Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And this is the south side southward.

Jump to Previous
Allotment Border Boundary Children Clan Coast Desert Edge Edom Extended Extreme Extremity Judah Lot Marked Part Point Reached South Southward Territory Tribe Uttermost Waste Wilderness Zin
Jump to Next
Allotment Border Boundary Children Clan Coast Desert Edge Edom Extended Extreme Extremity Judah Lot Marked Part Point Reached South Southward Territory Tribe Uttermost Waste Wilderness 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














Now the allotment for the clans of the tribe of Judah
The tribe of Judah is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. Judah holds a significant place in biblical history, as it is the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ are descended. The allotment of land to Judah is a fulfillment of Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:8-12, where Judah is promised leadership and prominence among his brothers. This allocation of land is part of the broader division of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, as commanded by God to Moses and executed by Joshua.

extended to the border of Edom
Edom is a region southeast of Judah, inhabited by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. The relationship between Israel and Edom is complex, marked by both kinship and conflict. The border with Edom signifies the southernmost extent of Judah's territory. This boundary is significant as it represents the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites a land of their own, distinct from their neighbors, including Edom. The proximity to Edom also foreshadows future interactions and conflicts between the two nations, as seen in passages like Numbers 20:14-21.

to the Wilderness of Zin
The Wilderness of Zin is a desert region located in the southern part of Canaan. It is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings in Numbers 13:21 and Numbers 20:1. The wilderness serves as a geographical marker for the southern boundary of Judah's territory. This area is characterized by its arid climate and sparse vegetation, which posed challenges for the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land. The mention of the Wilderness of Zin highlights the vast and varied nature of the land allotted to Judah, encompassing both fertile areas and harsh desert regions.

at the extreme southern boundary
The phrase "extreme southern boundary" emphasizes the extent of Judah's territory, reaching the farthest southern limits of the land of Canaan. This boundary is significant as it delineates the portion of the land that God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The southern boundary also serves as a strategic defense line against potential threats from neighboring nations. The comprehensive description of Judah's borders in this passage underscores the importance of land inheritance in Israel's covenant relationship with God, as well as the fulfillment of divine promises regarding the land.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Tribe of Judah
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. Judah is significant as the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended.

2. Edom
A region southeast of Judah, inhabited by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. Historically, Edom had a contentious relationship with Israel.

3. Wilderness of Zin
A desert area located in the southern part of Canaan, marking the southern boundary of the land allotted to Judah. It is often associated with the Israelites' wanderings.

4. Allotment
The division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, as commanded by God. This process was led by Joshua and the high priest Eleazar.

5. Extreme South
Refers to the southernmost part of the land of Canaan, indicating the vastness and strategic importance of Judah's territory.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment
The allotment of land to Judah demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan.

Significance of Boundaries
Boundaries are important in God's plan, providing structure and identity. They remind us of the importance of respecting God's ordained limits in our lives.

Heritage and Legacy
Judah's inheritance is a reminder of the spiritual heritage we have in Christ. We are called to steward our spiritual inheritance faithfully.

Leadership and Responsibility
As the tribe from which leaders like David emerged, Judah's allotment underscores the responsibility that comes with leadership and influence.

Unity and Diversity in God's Plan
The division of land among the tribes shows the unity and diversity within God's people, each with a unique role and purpose.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Joshua 15:1?

2. How does Joshua 15:1 define Judah's territory as part of God's promise?

3. What significance does Judah's inheritance hold in the context of God's covenant with Israel?

4. How can understanding Judah's boundaries in Joshua 15:1 deepen our faith today?

5. How does Joshua 15:1 connect with God's promises in Genesis 15:18-21?

6. How can we apply the concept of divine inheritance in our spiritual lives?

7. How does Joshua 15:1 relate to the historical accuracy of the Bible's territorial claims?

8. What archaeological evidence supports the land boundaries described in Joshua 15:1?

9. Why is the tribe of Judah's inheritance significant in Joshua 15:1?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 15?

11. What is the Negev's biblical significance?

12. In Joshua 15:8, why does the boundary include the Valley of Ben Hinnom if archaeological evidence suggests a different urban layout for Jerusalem at that time?

13. Joshua 18:4 – How likely is it that ancient Israelites had the means and literacy to survey and record the land so precisely?

14. Did Joshua and the Israelites capture Jerusalem? Yes (Joshua 10:23, 40) No (Joshua 15:63)
What Does Joshua 15:1 Mean
Now the allotment

Joshua 15:1 opens with a matter-of-fact statement: “Now the allotment…”. Israel has crossed the Jordan, subdued hostile kings (Joshua 12), and is settling the land “by lot” just as Moses commanded (Numbers 26:55-56; Joshua 14:1-2). This allotment is not random chance; Proverbs 16:33 reminds us that “its every decision is from the LORD.” In other words, the boundaries about to be described flow directly from God’s covenant promise to Abraham (Genesis 13:14-17) and reaffirm His faithfulness.

for the clans of the tribe of Judah

The focus tightens from the whole nation to Judah’s individual clans. Judah was prophesied to lead his brothers (Genesis 49:8-12) and had already taken a frontline role in warfare (Judges 1:1-2). Giving this tribe its inheritance first highlights Judah’s preeminence and foreshadows the coming King who would arise from this line (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Matthew 1:1-6). Listing “clans” underscores that every family—large or small—has a defined place in God’s plan (Numbers 33:54).

extended to the border of Edom

Judah’s territory stretches southward “to the border of Edom.” Edom, the nation descended from Esau (Genesis 36:1), lay immediately beyond Israel’s southern frontier (Deuteronomy 2:4-5). This boundary kept the brothers—Jacob’s and Esau’s descendants—side by side yet distinct, honoring God’s earlier instruction not to seize Edomite land (Deuteronomy 23:7). It also placed Judah in a strategic position to guard Israel’s flank against potential southern threats (2 Chronicles 20:2).

to the Wilderness of Zin

The text then notes the “Wilderness of Zin.” This arid expanse includes Kadesh-barnea, where Israel camped during the spy episode (Numbers 13:21; 20:1). God turns even a bleak desert into a landmark of promise fulfilled; land once associated with unbelief now becomes part of Judah’s secure inheritance (Numbers 34:3-4). The mention of Zin links past wanderings to present possession, declaring that years of discipline have culminated in rest (Hebrews 3:7-4:1).

at the extreme southern boundary

Finally, Joshua 15:1 emphasizes that this allotment reaches “the extreme southern boundary.” Exodus 23:31 had spoken of borders “from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines,” and Numbers 34:3 pinpointed the “Southern border” in similar terms. By echoing these earlier descriptions, Joshua records the precise fulfillment of God’s word: no promise comes up short, no frontier is left vague. The phrase also introduces the detailed border description that follows in verses 2-4.

summary

Joshua 15:1 is more than a geographical footnote. Step by step it affirms that

• God’s promises drive Israel’s real-world borders.

• Judah’s honored place fits the prophetic storyline leading to the Messiah.

• Neighboring nations like Edom are acknowledged, yet Israel remains distinct.

• Wilderness experiences become testimony points of God’s faithfulness.

• Every boundary line testifies that the LORD finishes what He begins.

XV.

(1) This then was the lot.--Rather, And the lot came to the tribe of Judah. We might perhaps better begin this section with the last sentence of Joshua 14, and read thus: "And the land had rest from war; and the lot fell to the tribe of Judah (i.e., the tribe of Judah received its allotment), according to their families."

The question arises at this point how the position of the tribes of Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh was determined. As to the remaining seven, see Note on Joshua 18:5-10. It is noticeable that Hebron appears to have been promised to Caleb (Joshua 14:12), and Shechem assigned to Joseph by Jacob (Genesis 48:21-22; Joshua 24:32). Did not this necessarily bring the tribe of Judah into the south, the neighbourhood of Hebron, and Ephraim (with his brother Manasseh) into the centre of the country?

Verse 1. - The lot of the tribe of the children of Judah. The first twelve verses of this chapter define the boundaries of Judah. With it compare Numbers 34:3-5, which gives the southern border of the Israelitish territory, corresponding closely with this account of the southern border of Judah. The word tribe here is, as might be expected from the context מַטֶה and not שֶּׁבֶט. Even to the border of Edom. The literal translation, which makes the passage clearer, is, "the border of Edom, the wilderness of Zin towards the dry region (נֶגְבָּה) from the extreme limit of the south תֵימָן. The latter of these words, derived from יָמִין "right hand," being the position of the south when regarded from the point of view of a man looking eastward, denotes the southward direction (see above, Joshua 12:2). The former word has reference to the physical conditions of the country, its heat and dryness. The LXX. does not attempt to translate the former word and has evidently מִקָּדֵשׁ for מִקְצֶה. The wilderness of Zin. Not to be confounded with the wilderness of Sin (Exodus 16:1; cf. Numbers 34:11, 36). This wilderness was on the border of Edom (Numbers 20:1; Numbers 27:14). Thence the border of Judah (which here includes the small portion afterwards allotted to Simeon) extended to the utmost limits of the south (see Joshua 19:1, 9). A wall of mountains extends southwestward from the southern extremity of the Dead Sea, and formed the natural boundary of Judaea.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now the allotment
הַגּוֹרָ֗ל (hag·gō·w·rāl)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1486: Lot -- a lot (for casting)

for the clans
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם (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
לְמַטֵּ֛ה (lə·maṭ·ṭêh)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4294: A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe

of Judah
יְהוּדָ֖ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

extended
וַיְהִ֣י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

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

the border
גְּב֨וּל (gə·ḇūl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed

of Edom,
אֱד֧וֹם (’ĕ·ḏō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 123: The name of a condiment

to the Wilderness
מִדְבַּר־ (miḏ·bar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4057: A pasture, a desert, speech

of Zin
צִ֛ן (ṣin)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6790: Zin -- a desert area which included Kadesh-barnea

at the extreme
מִקְצֵ֥ה (miq·ṣêh)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7097: End, extremity

southern boundary:
תֵימָֽן׃ (ṯê·mān)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8486: South, south wind


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OT History: Joshua 15:1 The lot for the tribe (Josh. Jos)