Joshua 13:4 to the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Mearah of the Sidonians to Aphek, as far as the border of the Amorites;

◄ Joshua 13:4 ►

New International Version
on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, from Arah of the Sidonians as far as Aphek and the border of the Amorites;

New Living Translation
in the south also remains to be conquered. In the north, the following area has not yet been conquered: all the land of the Canaanites, including Mearah (which belongs to the Sidonians), stretching northward to Aphek on the border of the Amorites;

English Standard Version
in the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the boundary of the Amorites,

Berean Standard Bible
to the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Mearah of the Sidonians to Aphek, as far as the border of the Amorites;

King James Bible
From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites:

New King James Version
from the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians as far as Aphek, to the border of the Amorites;

New American Standard Bible
to the south, all the land of the Canaanite, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, as far as Aphek, to the border of the Amorite;

NASB 1995
to the south, all the land of the Canaanite, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, as far as Aphek, to the border of the Amorite;

NASB 1977
to the south, all the land of the Canaanite, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, as far as Aphek, to the border of the Amorite;

Legacy Standard Bible
to the south, all the land of the Canaanite, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, as far as Aphek, to the border of the Amorite;

Amplified Bible
in the south, all the land of the Canaanite, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, as far as Aphek, to the border of the Amorite;

Christian Standard Bible
in the south; all the land of the Canaanites, from Arah of the Sidonians to Aphek and as far as the border of the Amorites;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
in the south; all the land of the Canaanites: from Arah of the Sidonians to Aphek and as far as the border of the Amorites;

American Standard Version
on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongeth to the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the border of the Amorites;

English Revised Version
on the south: all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongeth to the Zidonians, unto Aphek, to the border of the Amorites:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
in the south. This territory includes all the land of the Canaanites as well as Mearah which belongs to Sidon as far as Aphek, the Amorite border.

Good News Translation
There is still all the Canaanite country, and Mearah (which belonged to the Sidonians), as far as Aphek, at the Amorite border;

International Standard Version
"To the south, there remains to be conquered all the territory held by the Canaanites, Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, as far as Aphek, to the border of the Amorites,

Majority Standard Bible
to the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Mearah of the Sidonians to Aphek, as far as the border of the Amorites;

NET Bible
to the south; all the Canaanite territory, from Arah in the region of Sidon to Aphek, as far as Amorite territory;

New Heart English Bible
on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and from Arah that belongs to the Sidonians to Aphek, to the border of the Amorites;

Webster's Bible Translation
From the south all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians, to Aphek to the borders of the Amorites:

World English Bible
on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the border of the Amorites;

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
from the south, all the land of the Canaanite, and Mearah, which [is] to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the border of the Amorite;

Young's Literal Translation
From the south, all the land of the Canaanite, and Mearah, which is to the Sidonians, unto Aphek, unto the border of the Amorite;

Smith's Literal Translation
From the south all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah which is to the Sidonians, even to Aphek, even to the bound of the Amorite:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And on the south side are the Hevites, all the land of Chanaan, and Maara of the Sidonians as far as Apheca, and the borders of the Amorrhite,

Catholic Public Domain Version
truly, to the south are the Hivites, all the land of Canaan, and Mearah of the Sidonians, as far as Aphek and the borders of the Amorite

New American Bible
also where the Avvim are in the south; all the land of the Canaanites from Mearah of the Sidonians to Aphek, and the boundaries of the Amorites;

New Revised Standard Version
in the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the boundary of the Amorites,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And all the land of the Canaanites, and Maarthah which belongs to the Sidonians, as far as Aphik, to the border of the Amorites;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And all the land of the Canaanites and the cave of the Tsidonians unto Aphaq and unto the border of the Amorites

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongeth to the Zidonians, unto Aphek, to the border of the Amorites;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
from Thaeman even to all the land of Chanaan before Gaza, and the Sidonians as far as Aphec, as far as the borders of the Amorites.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Lands Yet Unconquered
…3from 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; 4to the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Mearah of the Sidonians to Aphek, as far as the border of the Amorites; 5the land of the Gebalites; and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Deuteronomy 2:23
And the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, were destroyed by the Caphtorites, who came out of Caphtor and settled in their place.)

Genesis 10:14
the Pathrusites, the Casluhites (from whom the Philistines came), and the Caphtorites.

Amos 9:7
“Are you not like the Cushites to Me, O children of Israel?” declares the LORD. “Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Arameans from Kir?

Jeremiah 47:4
For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.

Isaiah 23:1-18
This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus. / Be silent, O dwellers of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whose traders have crossed the sea. / On the great waters came the grain of Shihor; the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre; she was the merchant of the nations. ...

Ezekiel 26:1-21
In the eleventh month of the twelfth year, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, / “Son of man, because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, ‘Aha! The gate to the nations is broken; it has swung open to me; now that she lies in ruins I will be filled,’ / therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, O Tyre, I am against you, and I will raise up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves. ...

Zephaniah 2:4-7
For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon left in ruins. Ashdod will be driven out at noon, and Ekron will be uprooted. / Woe to the dwellers of the seacoast, O nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines: “I will destroy you, and no one will be left.” / So the seacoast will become a land of pastures, with wells for shepherds and folds for sheep. ...

1 Kings 5:1
Now when Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s place, he sent envoys to Solomon; for Hiram had always been a friend of David.

2 Samuel 8:18
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders.

Judges 3:3
the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath.

1 Chronicles 22:4
and more cedar logs than could be counted; for the Sidonians and Tyrians had brought a large quantity of cedar logs to David.

1 Kings 9:11-14
King Solomon gave twenty towns in the land of Galilee to Hiram king of Tyre, who had supplied him with cedar and cypress logs and gold for his every desire. / So Hiram went out from Tyre to inspect the towns that Solomon had given him, but he was not pleased with them. / “What are these towns you have given me, my brother?” asked Hiram, and he called them the Land of Cabul, as they are called to this day. ...

2 Chronicles 2:8-10
Send me also cedar, cypress, and algum logs from Lebanon, for I know that your servants have skill to cut timber there. And indeed, my servants will work with yours / to prepare for me timber in abundance, because the temple I am building will be great and wonderful. / I will pay your servants, the woodcutters, 20,000 cors of ground wheat, 20,000 cors of barley, 20,000 baths of wine, and 20,000 baths of olive oil.”

Matthew 15:21-28
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. / And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.” / But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” ...

Mark 7:24-30
Jesus left that place and went to the region of Tyre. Not wanting anyone to know He was there, He entered a house, but was unable to escape their notice. / Instead, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit soon heard about Jesus, and she came and fell at His feet. / Now she was a Greek woman of Syrophoenician origin, and she kept asking Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. ...

Treasury of Scripture

From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians to Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites:

the land of

Joshua 10:40
So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded.

Joshua 11:3
And to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.

Joshua 12:7,8
And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions; …

Mearah.

1 Kings 20:26
And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Benhadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.

2 Kings 13:18
And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed.

1 Kings 20:26
And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Benhadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.

Joshua 19:30
Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages.

1 Samuel 4:1
And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek.

the Amorites

Judges 1:34-36
And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley: …

Jump to Previous

Amorite Amorites Aphek Arah Belongeth Belongs Border Borders Boundary Canaanite Canaanites Limit Property Sidonians Sido'nians South Zidonians

Jump to Next

Amorite Amorites Aphek Arah Belongeth Belongs Border Borders Boundary Canaanite Canaanites Limit Property Sidonians Sido'nians South Zidonians

Joshua 13

1. The bounds of the land not yet conquered
8. The inheritance of the two tribes and a half
14. The Lord and his sacrifices are the inheritance of Levi
15. The bounds of the inheritance of Reuben
22. Balaam slain
24. The bounds of the inheritance of God
29. and of the half tribe of Manasseh

Berean Study Bible

to the south
This phrase indicates a geographical direction, pointing to the southern regions of the Promised Land. In Hebrew, the word often used for "south" is "negev," which also refers to a specific desert region in Israel. The south was significant as it was part of the land promised to the Israelites, symbolizing God's faithfulness in giving them a land flowing with milk and honey. The south also represents a boundary, a limit to the land that God had set for His people, reminding them of His sovereignty and the order He establishes.

all the land of the Canaanites
The Canaanites were the original inhabitants of the land that God promised to the Israelites. The term "Canaanites" is often used broadly to describe various groups living in the region. Historically, the Canaanites were known for their advanced cities and pagan practices, which were contrary to the worship of Yahweh. This phrase underscores the completeness of God's promise to Israel, as He intended for them to possess all the land, not just portions. It also highlights the challenge before the Israelites to remain faithful and obedient to God amidst the influence of the Canaanite culture.

from Arah of the Sidonians
"Arah" is a location associated with the Sidonians, a people known for their seafaring and trade. The Sidonians were part of the larger Phoenician civilization, which had a significant impact on the ancient Near East. This reference to Arah of the Sidonians indicates the northern extent of the land described in this passage. It serves as a reminder of the diverse peoples and cultures that surrounded Israel, and the need for Israel to maintain its distinct identity as God's chosen people.

to Aphek
Aphek was a city of strategic importance, often mentioned in the context of military campaigns in the Bible. The name "Aphek" means "fortress" or "stronghold," reflecting its role as a fortified city. This reference to Aphek highlights the military and strategic challenges that Israel faced in taking possession of the land. It also serves as a metaphor for the spiritual battles that believers face, reminding them to rely on God's strength and guidance.

as far as the border of the Amorites
The Amorites were another significant group in the land, often depicted as formidable opponents of Israel. The "border of the Amorites" marks a boundary, indicating the extent of the land that God was giving to the Israelites. This phrase emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promises, as He had previously assured the patriarchs that their descendants would inherit the land of the Amorites. It also serves as a call to faith and perseverance, as the Israelites were to trust in God's provision and timing in overcoming their enemies.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. - From the south. The LXX. and the best modern commentators connect these words with what precedes. This gives a better sense than joining it to what follows. For the south was not "all the land of the Canaanites," but a large part of it belonged, as we have just seen, to a tribe not of Canaanitish origin, while the land of the Canaanites (see note on Joshua 3:10) extended far to the northward. Therefore we must understand the words "all the land of the Canaanites" to begin a fresh section, and to be descriptive of the territory extending from Philistia northward towards Sidon. So the Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic. Mearah. The margin has "the cave." But there is no article in the original The LXX. reads ἀπὸ Γάζης for Mearah, having clearly, as Masius observes, substituted Zain for Resh. But this mistaken reading compels a mistranslation of the passage. Vandevelde supposes it to be a remarkable cave still existing near Sidon, which is mentioned by William of Tyre as having been fortified by the Crusaders. He speaks of it as municipium quoddam, and states that it was commonly known as the "cave of Tyre." "spelunca inexpugnabilis." It was afterwards "the last retreat of the Emir Fakkr-ed-Din" (Vandevelde, s.v. Mearah). There is a village now, north of Sidon, called Mog-heiriyeh, or the village of the cave. So also Kuobel. Beside the Sidonians. Rather, near, or in the direction of, or which belong to the Sidonians. Aphek. Or Aphekah. This (Knobel) was the northern Aphek (Joshua 19:30; Judges 1:31), in the tribe of Asher, known later as Aphaca, and now as Afka. Not the Aphekah of Joshua 15:53, probably the Aphek of 1 Samuel 4:1. It is the same Aphek which in later times was captured by the Syrians, and was the scene of several decisive victories of Israel (1 Kings 20:26, 30; 2 Kings 13:17). It is doubtful which Aphek is meant in Joshua 12:18, though it is probably the southern Aphek. The situation is described as one of "rare beauty" (Delitzsch), "on the northwest slopes of Lebanon," amid exquisite groves (Conder). Here the Syrian Astarte was worshipped, and the ruins of her temple, dedicated to her as mourning for Tammuz, or Adonis, may still be seen. See Kenrick, 'Phoenicia,' 310,311, and Mover's 'Die Phonizier,' 1:192. Perhaps it was never actually occupied by the Asherites, but remained in the hands of Syria, and as a place of great resort was the natural point to which the attacks of Israel would be directed. Vandevelde, however, believes in four and Conder in seven cities of this name, and they suppose the Aphek which was the scene of the battle with the Syrians to have been on the east of Jordan, from the occurrence of the word "Mishor" in the narrative in 1 Kings 20. The term "Mishor" is, however, applied to other places beside the territory east of Jordan (see Gesenius, s.v. Mishor). The Aphek in 1 Samuel 29:1 cannot be identified with any that have been named. To the borders of the Amorites. This can hardly be anything but the northern border of the kingdom of Bashan, in the neighbourhood of Mount Hermon.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

to the south,
מִתֵּימָ֞ן (mit·tê·mān)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8486: South, south wind

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the land
אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of the Canaanites,
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֗י (hak·kə·na·‘ă·nî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3669: Canaanite -- inhabitant of Canaan

from Mearah
וּמְעָרָ֛ה (ū·mə·‘ā·rāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4632: Mearah -- a cave region in Lebanon

of
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the Sidonians
לַצִּידֹנִ֖ים (laṣ·ṣî·ḏō·nîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6722: Sidonians -- an inhabitant of Sidon

to
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

Aphek,
אֲפֵ֑קָה (’ă·p̄ê·qāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 663: Aphek -- perhaps 'fortress', the name of several places in Palestine

as far as
עַ֖ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

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

of the Amorites;
הָאֱמֹרִֽי׃ (hā·’ĕ·mō·rî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 567: Amorites -- perhaps 'mountain dwellers', a Canaanite tribe

Links

Joshua 13:4 NIV
Joshua 13:4 NLT
Joshua 13:4 ESV
Joshua 13:4 NASB
Joshua 13:4 KJV

Joshua 13:4 BibleApps.com
Joshua 13:4 Biblia Paralela
Joshua 13:4 Chinese Bible
Joshua 13:4 French Bible
Joshua 13:4 Catholic Bible

OT History: Joshua 13:4 On the south (Josh. Jos)