New International Versiondescended westward to the territory of the Japhletites as far as the region of Lower Beth Horon and on to Gezer, ending at the Mediterranean Sea.
New Living TranslationThen it descended westward to the territory of the Japhletites as far as Lower Beth-horon, then to Gezer and over to the Mediterranean Sea.
English Standard VersionThen 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.
Berean Standard BibleThen 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.
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James Versionand went down westward to the boundary of the Japhletites, as far as the boundary of Lower Beth Horon to Gezer; and it ended at the sea.
New American Standard BibleThen 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.
NASB 1995It 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.
NASB 1977 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.
Legacy Standard Bible 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.
Amplified BibleIt 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.
Christian Standard BibleIt 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.
Holman Christian Standard BibleIt 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.
American Standard Versionand 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.
English Revised Versionand 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen it descends west to the border of Japhlet and Lower Beth Horon, on to Gezer, and ends at the Mediterranean Sea.
Good News TranslationIt 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.
International Standard VersionIt 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.
NET BibleIt then descended westward to Japhletite territory, as far as the territory of lower Beth Horon and Gezer, and ended at the sea.
New Heart English Bibleand 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.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen 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.
World English Bibleand 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand 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.
Young's Literal Translation 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.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd 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. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd 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:
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd 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.
New American Bibleand descended westward to the border of the Japhletites, to that of the Lower Beth-horon, and to Gezer, and from there to the sea.
New Revised Standard Versionthen 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. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd 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.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd 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 OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd 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.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Ephraim's Inheritance… 2It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz) and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth. 3Then 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. 4So Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, received their inheritance.…
Cross References 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 15:7-9Then 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).
Judges 1:27-29At 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.
1 Kings 4:12Baana 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;
1 Chronicles 7:29And 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.
Genesis 48:21-22Then 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.”
Deuteronomy 33:17His 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.”
Ezekiel 47:13-23This 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, ...
1 Chronicles 6:66-70And 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, ...
1 Kings 9:16Pharaoh 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.
2 Chronicles 8:5-6He 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.
John 4:5So He came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.
Matthew 4:13Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,
Luke 4:31Then He went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath He began to teach the people.
John 2:1-11On 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.” ...
Joshua 18:13
And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron. 1 Kings 9:15-17
And this is 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… 1 Chronicles 7:24,28
(And his daughter was Sherah, who built Bethhoron the nether, and the upper, and Uzzensherah.) … 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 Beth Bethhoron Beth-Horon Beth-Hor'on Border Coast Descended Ended Ending Ends Horon Lower Nether Outgoings Region Sea Territory Thereof West WestwardJump to Next Beth Bethhoron Beth-Horon Beth-Hor'on Border Coast Descended Ended Ending Ends Horon Lower Nether Outgoings Region Sea Territory Thereof West WestwardJoshua 16 1. The general borders of the sons of Joseph5. The border of the inheritance of Ephraim10. The Canaanites of Gezer not conqueredThen it descended westwardThis 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. to the border of the Japhletites
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. as far as the border of Lower Beth-horon
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. and on to Gezer
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 (1 Kings 9:16). and it ended at the Sea
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. Persons / Places / Events 1. JaphletitesA 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. 2. Lower Beth-horonA 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. 3. GezerAn 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. 4. The SeaRefers to the Mediterranean Sea, which marked the western boundary of the land allotted to the tribe of Ephraim. 5. Territory of EphraimThis 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. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in FulfillmentThe detailed description of land boundaries in Joshua 16:3 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. Strategic Importance of ObedienceThe 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. Inheritance and IdentityThe 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. Boundaries and ContentmentThe 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. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 16:3?
2. How does Joshua 16:3 illustrate God's promise to the tribes of Israel?
3. What significance does the "border of the Japhletites" hold in Israel's history?
4. How can we apply the concept of inheritance from Joshua 16:3 today?
5. How does Joshua 16:3 connect to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis?
6. What lessons on obedience can we learn from the territorial boundaries in Joshua 16:3?
7. What is the significance of Joshua 16:3 in the context of Israel's territorial boundaries?
8. How does Joshua 16:3 reflect God's promise to the tribes of Israel?
9. What archaeological evidence supports the locations mentioned in Joshua 16:3?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 16?
11. 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?
12. 1 Chronicles 7:20–29 – Are there historical or archaeological records supporting Ephraim’s vast numbers and territorial claims listed here?
13. How do the boundary descriptions in Joshua 16:1-4 align with archaeological findings that suggest inconsistent Israelite settlement patterns in this region?
14. 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?What Does Joshua 16:3 Mean The boundary line moves downward“Then it descended westward” (Joshua 16:3) shows the literal topography of Ephraim’s allotment: the border literally drops from the high hill country toward the plains. Scripture repeatedly records this type of elevation shift—compare Joshua 15:11, where Judah’s border “went down to the sea.” God’s word gives these geographic details so Israel could know the precise, God-given limits of each tribe (Numbers 34:1-12).
Meeting the JaphletitesThe line reaches “the border of the Japhletites.” The Japhletites were a recognized clan whose land lay inside Ephraim’s western margin. By naming them, God anchored tribal borders in everyday family identity, keeping peace between clans (see Joshua 17:14-18, where borders solve disputes). The accuracy of this genealogical link reminds us that God’s promises travel through real people in real places.
Lower Beth-horon’s strategic ridgeNext, the border runs “as far as the border of Lower Beth-horon.” Lower Beth-horon sat below Upper Beth-horon on a ridgeline controlling the Aijalon Valley. This pass becomes a pivotal battleground when Joshua pursues the Amorites and the LORD hurls down hailstones (Joshua 10:10-11). Later, Solomon fortifies both towns (1 Kings 9:17). Placing Ephraim’s border here entrusted the tribe with defending a key western gateway into the heartland.
The road to GezerThe line continues “on to Gezer.” Gezer guarded the coastal highway linking Egypt and Canaan. Though allotted to Ephraim, the Canaanites stubbornly remained there (Joshua 16:10), illustrating Israel’s ongoing call to complete obedience (Judges 1:29). Eventually Pharaoh captured Gezer and gave it to Solomon as a wedding gift (1 Kings 9:16), fulfilling God’s intention that the land rest securely in Israelite hands.
Ending at the SeaFinally, “it ended at the Sea”—the Mediterranean, the “Great Sea” (Joshua 1:4). By literally touching the coastline, Ephraim’s inheritance testifies that God’s promise to Abraham of land “from the river of Egypt to the Great Sea” (Genesis 15:18; Exodus 23:31) was concretely unfolding. The western boundary planted Israel beside maritime trade routes, previewing future blessings and challenges of engaging surrounding nations.
summaryJoshua 16:3 charts the western descent of Ephraim’s border—from highlands down to the Mediterranean—marking real clans (Japhletites), strategic towns (Lower Beth-horon, Gezer), and finally the seacoast. Every detail underscores God’s faithfulness: He assigns exact borders, equips His people to guard vital gateways, and roots His covenant in verifiable geography. Literal, accurate, and purposeful, this verse invites us to trust the same God who still keeps every boundary and every promise. Verse 3. - Japhleth. Rather, the Japhlethite; but it is unknown what this family was. Beth-horon the nether (see Joshua 10:10). In ver. 5 we have Upper Beth-horon, but the places were close together. For Gezer; see Joshua 10:33.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then it descendedוְיָֽרַד־ (wə·yā·raḏ-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descendwestwardיָ֜מָּה (yām·māh)Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basintoאֶל־ (’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, tothe borderגְּב֣וּל (gə·ḇūl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosedof the Japhletitesהַיַּפְלֵטִ֗י (hay·yap̄·lê·ṭî)Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3311: Japhletites -- descendant of Japhletasעַ֣ד (‘aḏ)Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, whilefar as the borderגְּב֧וּל (gə·ḇūl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosedof lowerתַּחְתּ֖וֹן (taḥ·tō·wn)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8481: Lower, lowestBeth-horon,חוֹרֹ֛ן (ḥō·w·rōn)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1032: Beth-horon -- 'place of a hollow', two adjoining cities in Palestinethen toוְעַד־ (wə·‘aḏ-)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, whileGezer,גָּ֑זֶר (gā·zer)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1507: Gezer -- 'portion', a Levitical city on the border of Ephraimand endedוְהָי֥וּ (wə·hā·yū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, beat the Sea.יָֽמָּה׃ (yām·māh)Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin
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OT History: Joshua 16:3 And it went down westward to (Josh. Jos) |
