Joshua 17:9
New International Version
Then the boundary continued south to the Kanah Ravine. There were towns belonging to Ephraim lying among the towns of Manasseh, but the boundary of Manasseh was the northern side of the ravine and ended at the Mediterranean Sea.

New Living Translation
From the spring of Tappuah, the boundary of Manasseh followed the Kanah Ravine to the Mediterranean Sea. Several towns south of the ravine were inside Manasseh’s territory, but they actually belonged to the tribe of Ephraim.

English Standard Version
Then the boundary went down to the brook Kanah. These cities, to the south of the brook, among the cities of Manasseh, belong to Ephraim. Then the boundary of Manasseh goes on the north side of the brook and ends at the sea,

Berean Standard Bible
From there the border continued southward to the Brook of Kanah. There were cities belonging to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh, but the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook and ended at the Sea.

King James Bible
And the coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also was on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea:

New King James Version
And the border descended to the Brook Kanah, southward to the brook. These cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh. The border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook; and it ended at the sea.

New American Standard Bible
And the border went down to the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook (these cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh), and the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook, and it ended at the sea.

NASB 1995
The border went down to the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook (these cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh), and the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook and it ended at the sea.

NASB 1977
And the border went down to the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook (these cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh), and the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook, and it ended at the sea.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the border went down to the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook (these cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh), and the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook, and it ended at the sea.

Amplified Bible
Then the border went down to the brook of Kanah, south of the brook (these cities belonged to Ephraim, among the cities of Manasseh), and Manasseh’s border was on the north side of the brook and it ended at the sea.

Christian Standard Bible
From there the border descended to the Brook of Kanah; south of the brook, cities belonged to Ephraim among Manasseh’s cities. Manasseh’s border was on the north side of the brook and ended at the Mediterranean Sea.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
From there the border descended to the Brook of Kanah; south of the brook, cities belonged to Ephraim among Manasseh’s cities. Manasseh’s border was on the north side of the brook and ended at the Mediterranean Sea.

American Standard Version
And the border went down unto the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook: these cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh: and the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook, and the goings out thereof were at the sea:

English Revised Version
And the border went down unto the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook: these cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh: and the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook, and the goings out thereof were at the sea:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The border then descends southward to the Kanah River. These cities belong to Ephraim, although they are among Manasseh's cities. Manasseh's [southern] border is the river, which ends at the Mediterranean Sea.

Good News Translation
The border then went down to the stream Kanah. The cities south of the stream belonged to Ephraim, even though they were in the territory of Manasseh. The border of Manasseh proceeded along the north side of the stream and ended at the Mediterranean Sea.

International Standard Version
The border proceeded to the Kanah brook and proceeded south. These cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh, with the border of Manasseh on the north of the brook, terminating at the Mediterranean Sea.

Majority Standard Bible
From there the border continued southward to the Brook of Kanah. There were cities belonging to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh, but the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook and ended at the Sea.

NET Bible
The border then descended southward to the Valley of Kanah. Ephraim was assigned cities there among the cities of Manasseh, but the border of Manasseh was north of the valley and ended at the sea.

New Heart English Bible
The border went down to Wadi Kanah, southward of the wadi. These cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh. The border of Manasseh was on the north side of the wadi, and ended at the sea.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the border descended to the river Kanah, southward of the river. These cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh: the border of Manasseh also was on the north side of the river, and the limits of it were at the sea:

World English Bible
The border went down to the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook. These cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh. The border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook, and ended at the sea.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the border has come down [to] the Brook of Kanah, southward of the brook; these cities of Ephraim [are] in the midst of the cities of Manasseh, and the border of Manasseh [is] on the north of the brook, and its outgoings are at the sea.

Young's Literal Translation
And the border hath come down to the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook; these cities of Ephraim are in the midst of the cities of Manasseh, and the border of Manasseh is on the north of the brook, and its outgoings are at the sea.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the bound went down to the torrent Kanah, south to the torrent. These cities to Ephraim in the midst of the cities of Manasseh: and the bound of Manasseh from the north to the torrent, and its outgoings shall be the sea.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the border goeth down to the valley of the reeds, to the south of the torrent of the cities of Ephraim, which are in the midst of the cities of Manasses: the border of Manasses is on the north side of the torrent, and the outgoings of it are at the sea:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the border descends to the Valley of Reeds, to the south of the torrent of the cities of Ephraim, which are in the midst of the cities of Manasseh. The border of Manasseh is to the north of the torrent, and its exit extends to the sea.

New American Bible
This same boundary continued down to the Wadi Kanah. The cities that belonged to Ephraim from among the cities in Manasseh were those to the south of that wadi; thus the territory of Manasseh ran north of the wadi and ended at the sea.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the boundary went down to the Wadi Kanah. The towns here, to the south of the wadi, among the towns of Manasseh, belong to Ephraim. Then the boundary of Manasseh goes along the north side of the wadi and ends at the sea.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the boundary went down to the river of the Sea, to the south of the river of the cities which belong to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh; and the border of Manasseh ran on the north side of the river, and the outgoings thereof reached to the sea;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And their border came down to the valley of the Sea from the south of the valley of these cities of Aphreim to the place of the cities of Menasheh and the border of Menasheh from the north of the valley, and its limits were to the west
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the border went down unto the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook, by cities which belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh; but the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook; and the goings out thereof were at the sea:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the borders shall go down to the valley of Carana southward by the valley of Jariel, (there is a turpentine tree belonging to Ephraim between that and the city of Manasse:) and the borders of Manasse are northward to the brook; and the sea shall be its termination.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Manasseh's Inheritance
8The region of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but Tappuah itself, on the border of Manasseh, belonged to Ephraim. 9From there the border continued southward to the Brook of Kanah. There were cities belonging to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh, but the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook and ended at the Sea. 10Ephraim’s territory was to the south, and Manasseh’s was to the north, having the Sea as its border and adjoining Asher on the north and Issachar on the east.…

Cross References
Joshua 16:1-4
The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended from the Jordan at Jericho to the waters of Jericho on the east, through the wilderness that goes up from Jericho into the hill country of Bethel. / It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz) and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth. / 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. ...

Joshua 18:11-13
The first lot came up for the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. Their allotted territory lay between the tribes of Judah and Joseph: / On the north side their border began at the Jordan, went up past the northern slope of Jericho, headed west through the hill country, and came out at the wilderness of Beth-aven. / From there the border crossed over to the southern slope of Luz (that is, Bethel) and went down to Ataroth-addar on the hill south of Lower Beth-horon.

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, ...

Deuteronomy 3:12-17
So at that time we took possession of this land. To the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the land beyond Aroer along the Arnon Valley, and half the hill country of Gilead, along with its cities. / To the half-tribe of Manasseh I gave the rest of Gilead and all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og. (The entire region of Argob, the whole territory of Bashan, used to be called the land of the Rephaim.) / Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, took the whole region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites. He renamed Bashan after himself, Havvoth-jair, by which it is called to this day. ...

Judges 1:27-28
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.

1 Chronicles 7:29
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.

Genesis 48:21-22
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.”

Ezekiel 47:13-21
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, ...

1 Kings 4:7-12
Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year, / and these were their names: Ben-hur in the hill country of Ephraim; / Ben-deker in Makaz, in Shaalbim, in Beth-shemesh, and in Elon-beth-hanan; ...

2 Samuel 19:17-18
along with a thousand men of Benjamin, as well as Ziba the steward of the house of Saul and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed down to the Jordan before the king / and crossed at the ford to carry over the king’s household and to do what was good in his sight. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell down before the king

John 4:4-5
Now He had to pass through Samaria. / So He came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.

Matthew 4:13-16
Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, / to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: / “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— ...

Luke 4:14-15
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region. / He taught in their synagogues and was glorified by everyone.

Acts 9:31
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:1-4
And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. / God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. / But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And the coast descended to the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also was on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea:

river kanah.

Joshua 16:8
The border went out from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.

these cities

Joshua 16:9
And the separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages.

the out-goings

Joshua 16:3,8
And 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…

Joshua 19:29
And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:

the sea.

Jump to Previous
Belonged Border Brook Cities Coast Continued Descended Ended Ends Ephraim E'phraim Kanah Manasseh Manas'seh North Outgoings Ravine River Sea Side South Southward Towns
Jump to Next
Belonged Border Brook Cities Coast Continued Descended Ended Ends Ephraim E'phraim Kanah Manasseh Manas'seh North Outgoings Ravine River Sea Side South Southward Towns
Joshua 17
1. The lot of Manasseh
7. His coast
12. The Canaanites not driven out
14. The children of Joseph obtain another lot














Then the border descended
The phrase "the border descended" indicates a geographical transition, moving from a higher elevation to a lower one. In the Hebrew context, the word for "descended" (יָרַד, yarad) often implies a movement from a place of prominence or significance to a more humble or ordinary location. This descent can symbolize the journey of faith, where believers are called to move from places of comfort to areas where they can serve God's purpose more fully. It reflects the humility and obedience required in following God's plan.

to the Brook of Kanah
The "Brook of Kanah" serves as a natural boundary marker. In Hebrew, "Kanah" (קָנָה) can mean "reed" or "stalk," suggesting a place where reeds grow, which is typical of a brook or stream. This brook was significant in delineating the tribal territories of Ephraim and Manasseh. The use of natural landmarks for boundaries underscores the importance of creation in God's covenant with His people, reminding us that the earth and its features are part of His divine order.

south of the brook
The phrase "south of the brook" specifies the location of the territory in relation to the brook. In biblical symbolism, the south often represents warmth, light, and blessing, as it is the direction of the sun's path. This positioning could imply that the land south of the brook, belonging to Ephraim, was favored or blessed. It highlights the careful and intentional distribution of land among the tribes, reflecting God's providence and care for His people.

These cities belonged to Ephraim
The allocation of cities to Ephraim signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to the descendants of Joseph. Ephraim, as one of Joseph's sons, was granted a significant inheritance, reflecting the double portion blessing given to Joseph. This distribution of land is a testament to God's faithfulness in keeping His promises to the patriarchs and their descendants. It also emphasizes the importance of community and belonging within the covenant relationship with God.

among the cities of Manasseh
The phrase "among the cities of Manasseh" indicates a shared or overlapping territory between the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. This arrangement highlights the interconnectedness and unity among the tribes of Israel, despite their distinct inheritances. It serves as a reminder of the need for cooperation and harmony within the body of believers, as each tribe or group has a unique role to play in the larger community of faith.

The border of Manasseh was to the north of the brook
The northern border of Manasseh, as described, delineates the extent of their territory. In biblical terms, the north can symbolize judgment or challenge, as it was often from the north that invaders came. This positioning may suggest that Manasseh's territory was strategically placed to serve as a buffer or defense for the nation. It underscores the idea that God places His people in specific locations for His purposes, equipping them to face challenges and fulfill their roles in His plan.

and ended at the sea
The phrase "ended at the sea" marks the western boundary of Manasseh's territory. The sea, often representing chaos and the unknown in biblical literature, serves as a natural limit to the land. This boundary signifies the completeness and sufficiency of God's provision for His people. It reminds believers that while there are limits to our earthly inheritance, God's spiritual blessings are boundless and eternal, offering peace and security beyond the physical realm.

Verse 9. - Southward of the brook. It would seem as if some words had fallen away here also. The LXX. adds Jariel, translates אלה (these) by terebinth, and omits the word "cities." The cities southward of the brook belonged of course to Ephraim. But what is meant here is that Ephraim had cities north of the brook. That the border of Manasseh lay to the northward of the brook is asserted twice over in the latter part of this and the next verse. These cities of Ephraim are among (literally, in the midst of) the cities of Manasseh (see Joshua 16:9). If exact and minute accuracy is found in this record, how is it that accusations of inaccuracy are so readily made against its author, when his narrative is clearly very much abbreviated, and where a fuller knowledge of the facts might possibly clear up what now appears obscure? Our present text has not the names of these cities.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

continued
וְיָרַ֣ד (wə·yā·raḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

southward
נֶ֣גְבָּה (neḡ·bāh)
Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5045: South country, the Negeb, south

to the Brook
נַ֨חַל (na·ḥal)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5158: A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft

of Kanah.
קָנָ֜ה (qā·nāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7071: Kanah -- a wadi between Ephraim and Manasseh, also a city in Asher

There were cities
עָרִ֤ים (‘ā·rîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

belonging to Ephraim
לְאֶפְרַ֔יִם (lə·’ep̄·ra·yim)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory

among
בְּת֖וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

the cities
עָרֵ֣י (‘ā·rê)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

of Manasseh,
מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה (mə·naš·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4519: Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites

but the border
וּגְב֤וּל (ū·ḡə·ḇūl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed

of Manasseh
מְנַשֶּׁה֙ (mə·naš·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4519: Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites

[was] on the north side
מִצְּפ֣וֹן (miṣ·ṣə·p̄ō·wn)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6828: Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter

of the brook
לַנַּ֔חַל (lan·na·ḥal)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5158: A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft

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

at the Sea.
הַיָּֽמָּה׃ (hay·yām·māh)
Article | 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 17:9 The border went down to the brook (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 17:8
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