Joshua 15:8 From there the border went up the Valley of 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.

◄ Joshua 15:8 ►

New International Version
Then it ran up the Valley of Ben Hinnom along the southern slope of the Jebusite city (that is, Jerusalem). From there it climbed to the top of the hill west of the Hinnom Valley at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim.

New Living Translation
The boundary then passed through the valley of Ben-Hinnom, along the southern slopes of the Jebusites, where the city of Jerusalem is located. Then it went west to the top of the mountain above the valley of Hinnom, and on up to the northern end of the valley of Rephaim.

English Standard Version
Then the boundary goes up by the Valley of the Son of Hinnom at the southern shoulder of the Jebusite (that is, Jerusalem). And the boundary goes up to the top of the mountain that lies over against the Valley of Hinnom, on the west, at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:

New King James Version
And the border went up by the Valley of the Son of Hinnom to the southern slope of the Jebusite city (which is Jerusalem). The border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the Valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the Valley of Rephaim northward.

New American Standard Bible
Then the border went up the Valley of Ben-hinnom to the slope of the Jebusite on the south (that is, Jerusalem); and the border went up to the top of the mountain which is opposite the Valley of Hinnom to the west, which is at the end of the Valley of Rephaim toward the north.

NASB 1995
Then the border went up the valley of Ben-hinnom to the slope of the Jebusite on the south (that is, Jerusalem); and the border went up to the top of the mountain which is before the valley of Hinnom to the west, which is at the end of the valley of Rephaim toward the north.

NASB 1977
Then the border went up the valley of Ben-hinnom to the slope of the Jebusite on the south (that is, Jerusalem); and the border went up to the top of the mountain which is before the valley of Hinnom to the west, which is at the end of the valley of Rephaim toward the north.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the border went up the valley of Ben-hinnom to the slope of the Jebusite on the south (that is, Jerusalem); and the border went up to the top of the mountain which is before the valley of Hinnom to the west, which is at the end of the valley of Rephaim toward the north.

Amplified Bible
Then the border went up by the Valley of Ben-hinnom (son of Hinnom) at the southern slope of the Jebusite [city] (that is, Jerusalem); and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the Valley of Hinnom to the west, which is at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim.

Christian Standard Bible
From there the border ascended Ben Hinnom Valley to the southern Jebusite slope (that is, Jerusalem) and ascended to the top of the hill that faces Hinnom Valley on the west, at the northern end of Rephaim Valley.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
From there the border ascended the Valley of Hinnom to the southern Jebusite slope (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.

American Standard Version
and the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the side of the Jebusite southward (the same is Jerusalem); and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the uttermost part of the vale of Rephaim northward;

Contemporary English Version
and up through Hinnom Valley on the land sloping south from Jerusalem. The city of Jerusalem itself belonged to the Jebusites. Next, the border went up to the top of the mountain on the west side of Hinnom Valley and at the north end of Rephaim Valley.

English Revised Version
and the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the side of the Jebusite southward (the same is Jerusalem): and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the uttermost part of the vale of Rephaim northward:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It continues up the valley of Ben Hinnom to the south slope of the Jebusite city Jerusalem. It then goes to the top of the mountain that overlooks the valley of Hinnom to the west at the north end of the valley of Rephaim.

Good News Translation
and up through Hinnom Valley on the south side of the hill where the Jebusite city of Jerusalem was located. The border then proceeded up to the top of the hill on the west side of Hinnom Valley, at the northern end of Rephaim Valley.

International Standard Version
Then the border proceeded up the valley of Ben-hinnom to the southern ascent of the Jebusites (that is, to Jerusalem), and from there to the top of the mountain that faces the valley of Hinnom to the west at the end of the valley of Rephaim toward the north.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
It then went up the Valley of Ben Hinnom to the slope of the Jebusites on the south (that is, Jerusalem), going up to the top of the hill opposite the Valley of Ben Hinnom to the west, which is at the end of the Valley of the Rephaites to the north.

New Heart English Bible
The border went up by the Valley of Ben Hinnom to the slope of the Jebusites southward (that is, Jerusalem); and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the Valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the farthest part of the Valley of Rephaim northward.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom, to the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:

World English Bible
The border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom to the side of the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem) southward; and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the farthest part of the valley of Rephaim northward.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and the border has gone up the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite on the south (it [is] Jerusalem), and the border has gone up to the top of the hill-country which [is] on the front of the Valley of Hinnom westward, which [is] in the extremity of the Valley of the Rephaim northward;

Young's Literal Translation
and the border hath gone up the valley of the son of Hinnom, unto the side of the Jebusite on the south (it is Jerusalem), and the border hath gone up unto the top of the hill-country which is on the front of the valley of Hinnom westward, which is in the extremity of the valley of the Rephaim northward;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the bound went up to the valley of the son of Hinnom to the shoulder of the Jebusite from the south; this is Jerusalem: and the bound went up to the head of the mountain which is upon the face of the valley of Hinnom to the sea, which is in the end of the valley of Rephaim to the north:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And it goeth up by the valley of the son of Ennom on the side of the Jebusite towards the south, the same is Jerusalem: and thence ascending to the top of the mountain, which is over against Geennom to the west in the end of the valley of Raphaim, northward.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And it ascends by the steep valley of the son of Hinnom, from the side of the Jebusite, toward the south; this is Jerusalem. And from there, it raises itself to the top of the mountain, which is opposite Geennom to the west, at the top of the Valley of the Rephaim, to the north.

New American Bible
Climbing again to the Valley of Ben-hinnom on the southern flank of the Jebusites (that is, Jerusalem), the boundary rose to the top of the mountain at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim, which bounds the Valley of Hinnom on the west.

New Revised Standard Version
then the boundary goes up by the valley of the son of Hinnom at the southern slope of the Jebusites (that is, Jerusalem); and the boundary goes up to the top of the mountain that lies over against the valley of Hinnom, on the west, at the northern end of the valley of Rephaim;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the border went up to the valley of the son of Hinnom to the south side of the Jebusite city, which is Jerusalem; and the boundary went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the Giants:

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the border to the Valley of the Son of Hannum went up to the side of the Yebusites and from the south of what is Jerusalem and the boundary goes up to the top of the mountain that is next to the Valley of the Son of Hannum from the west of the edge of the Deep Valley of the Giants

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the border went up by the Valley of the son of Hinnom unto the side of the Jebusite southward--the same is Jerusalem--and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the Valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the uttermost part of the vale of Rephaim northward.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the borders go up to the valley of Ennom, behind Jebus southward; this is Jerusalem: and the borders terminate at the top of the mountain, which is before the valley of Ennom toward the sea, which is by the side of the land of Raphain northward.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Judah's Inheritance
…7Then 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. 8From there the border went up the Valley of 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. 9From 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).…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Samuel 5:7
Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).

2 Samuel 5:6
Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.”

1 Chronicles 11:4-5
Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land. / The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).

2 Samuel 5:8
On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.”

1 Chronicles 11:6
Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief.

2 Samuel 5:9
So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward.

1 Chronicles 11:7
So David took up residence in the fortress; that is why it was called the City of David.

2 Samuel 5:10
And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him.

1 Chronicles 11:8
He built up the city around it, from the supporting terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city.

2 Samuel 5:11
Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.

1 Chronicles 11:9
And David became greater and greater, for the LORD of Hosts was with him.

2 Samuel 5:12
And David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.

1 Chronicles 11:10
Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.

Matthew 21:1
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two disciples,

Mark 11:1
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two of His disciples

Treasury of Scripture

And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom to the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:

Joshua 18:16
And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,

2 Kings 23:10
And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.

2 Chronicles 28:3
Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

the Jebusite

Joshua 15:63
As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.

Joshua 18:28
And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

Judges 1:8,21
Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire…

2 Samuel 5:18,22
The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim…

Isaiah 17:5
And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.

the valley of Rephaim

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Ben-Hinnom Border End Hinnom Jebusite Jerusalem Lies Mountain North Northward Part Rephaim Side South Southern Southward Top Uttermost Vale Valley Westward

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Ben-Hinnom Border End Hinnom Jebusite Jerusalem Lies Mountain North Northward Part Rephaim Side South Southern Southward Top Uttermost Vale Valley Westward

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

Berean Study Bible

Then the border went up
The phrase "went up" indicates a movement or progression, often used in the context of ascending or moving towards a higher place. In Hebrew, the word used here is "עלה" (alah), which can mean to ascend or rise. This ascent is not just geographical but also spiritual, as the land of Israel is often seen as a place of divine promise and blessing. The movement of the border signifies the unfolding of God's covenant promises to the Israelites, as they take possession of the land allotted to them.

the Valley of Ben Hinnom
The Valley of Ben Hinnom, or "Gehenna" in later texts, holds significant historical and spiritual connotations. In Hebrew, "Ben Hinnom" means "son of Hinnom." This valley, located to the south of Jerusalem, later became associated with idolatrous practices and child sacrifices, as mentioned in 2 Kings 23:10 and Jeremiah 7:31. In the New Testament, it symbolizes a place of judgment and is often equated with hell. The mention of this valley in Joshua highlights the transformation of the land from a place of pagan practices to one of divine inheritance.

to the southern slope of the Jebusite city
The "Jebusite city" refers to Jerusalem before its conquest by King David. The Jebusites were a Canaanite tribe inhabiting the city. The "southern slope" indicates the specific geographical area of the city, emphasizing the precision of the territorial boundaries. Historically, the Jebusites were known for their fortified city, which David later captured, making it the political and spiritual center of Israel. This phrase underscores the transition from Jebusite control to Israelite possession, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham regarding the land.

(that is, Jerusalem)
The parenthetical clarification "that is, Jerusalem" serves to identify the Jebusite city with the more familiar name of Jerusalem. In Hebrew, "Jerusalem" is "ירושלים" (Yerushalayim), meaning "foundation of peace." This city holds profound significance as the future site of the Temple and the center of Jewish worship. The mention of Jerusalem here foreshadows its central role in biblical history and God's redemptive plan.

From there it climbed to the top of the hill
The phrase "climbed to the top of the hill" suggests a further ascent, both physically and spiritually. The Hebrew word for "hill" is "גבעה" (giv'ah), often used to describe elevated places of significance. This ascent represents the Israelites' journey towards fulfilling God's promises, as they establish themselves in the land. The hill symbolizes a place of vantage and strength, reflecting the security and stability that comes with God's provision.

west of the Valley of Hinnom
The direction "west" indicates the specific orientation of the border, providing clarity on the territorial limits. The Valley of Hinnom, as previously mentioned, is a place with a complex history. Its western boundary marks a transition from the valley's associations with judgment to the hope and promise of the land beyond. This directional detail emphasizes the meticulous nature of God's plan for His people.

at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim
The "Valley of Rephaim" is another significant geographical location, named after the Rephaim, a group of ancient giants mentioned in the Bible. The "northern end" specifies the boundary's extent, highlighting the precision of the land division. The Rephaim were considered formidable opponents, yet their mention here signifies God's power to deliver the land to the Israelites despite any obstacles. This phrase serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 8. - The south side of the Jebusite. Literally, the shoulder of the Jebusite from (or on) the south (see 1 Kings 6:8; 1 Kings 7:39, margin). Thus Jerusalem lay to the north of the border, in the tribe of Benjamin. The same is Jerusalem. Formerly called Jebus, from the Jebusites who dwelt there (Judges 19:11; 1 Chronicles 11:4). The city lay on the borders of Judah and Benjamin (see note on Joshua 10:1). The valley of the giants. Hebrew, Rephaim (see Joshua 12:4). The word here translated valley is עֵמֶק. In the former part it is גֵי (see note on last verse). The word here used signifies originally depth, and is applied to wide valleys embosomed among lofty hills. Such were the valley of Elah (1 Samuel 17:2, 19); the King's Dale (Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 18:18); the valley of Siddim (Genesis 14:3), of Jezreel (Judges 6:33). "The word Emek shows that this was neither a winter torrent nor a narrow, dry ravine, and it is best identified with its traditional site, the shallow basin west of the watershed south of Jerusalem, now called el Bukei'a" (Conder). We read of this valley in 2 Samuel 5:18, 22. From these passages we may gather a confirmation of the view above expressed, that the valley here meant is an open valley, since only in such a valley could the Philistine army take up a position. It gradually narrows towards the southwest. On the south it extends as far as Bethlehem. The range of mountains which lie to the west of the valley of Hinnom from the northern boundary of the plain or valley of Rephaim.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

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

went up
וְעָלָ֨ה (wə·‘ā·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

the Valley of Hinnom
גֵּ֣י (gê)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1516: A valley

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

the southern
מִנֶּ֔גֶב (min·ne·ḡeḇ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5045: South country, the Negeb, south

slope
כֶּ֤תֶף (ke·ṯep̄)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3802: The shoulder, side-piece, lateral projection of anything

of the Jebusites
הַיְבוּסִי֙ (hay·ḇū·sî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2983: Jebusite -- inhabitant of Jebus

(that is,
הִ֖יא (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

Jerusalem)
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

and ascended
וְעָלָ֨ה (wə·‘ā·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

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

the top
רֹ֣אשׁ (rōš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218: The head

of the hill
הָהָ֗ר (hā·hār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

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

faces
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the Valley of Hinnom
גֵֽי־ (ḡê-)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1516: A valley

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

at the northern
צָפֹֽנָה׃ (ṣā·p̄ō·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6828: Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter

end
בִּקְצֵ֥ה (biq·ṣêh)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7097: End, extremity

of the Valley
עֵֽמֶק־ (‘ê·meq-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6010: A vale

of the Rephaim.
רְפָאִ֖ים (rə·p̄ā·’îm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 7497: Rephaim -- inhabitants of an area East of the Jordan

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OT History: Joshua 15:8 The border went up by the valley (Josh. Jos)