Joshua 18:17
New International Version
It then curved north, went to En Shemesh, continued to Geliloth, which faces the Pass of Adummim, and ran down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben.

New Living Translation
From En-rogel the boundary proceeded in a northerly direction and came to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth (which is across from the slopes of Adummim). Then it went down to the Stone of Bohan. (Bohan was Reuben’s son.)

English Standard Version
Then it bends in a northerly direction going on to En-shemesh, and from there goes to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim. Then it goes down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

Berean Standard Bible
From there it curved northward and proceeded to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth facing the Ascent of Adummim, and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben.

King James Bible
And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

New King James Version
And it went around from the north, went out to En Shemesh, and extended toward Geliloth, which is before the Ascent of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.

New American Standard Bible
Then it turned northward and went to En-shemesh, and went to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.

NASB 1995
It extended northward and went to En-shemesh and went to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.

NASB 1977
And it extended northward and went to En-shemesh and went to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then it curved northward and went out to En-shemesh and went out to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.

Amplified Bible
Then it turned toward the north and went on to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.

Christian Standard Bible
It curved northward and went to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth, which is opposite the Ascent of Adummim, and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It curved northward and went to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth, which is opposite the Ascent of Adummim, and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben.

American Standard Version
and it extended northward, and went out at En-shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim; and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben;

Contemporary English Version
At Enrogel the border curved north and went to Enshemesh and on east to Geliloth, which is across the valley from Adummim Pass. Then it went down to the Monument of Bohan, who belonged to the Reuben tribe.

English Revised Version
and it was drawn on the north, and went out at En-shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim; and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then it turns north and goes to En Shemesh and from there to the region opposite the Adummim Pass. It descends to the Rock of Bohan, son of Reuben.

Good News Translation
It then turned north to Enshemesh and then on to Geliloth, opposite Adummim Pass. The border then went down to the Stone of Bohan (Bohan was a son of Reuben)

International Standard Version
Then it turned north toward En-shemesh and proceeded from there to Geliloth opposite the ascent of Adummim, where it turned toward the Stone of Bohan, Reuben's son,

Majority Standard Bible
From there it curved northward and proceeded to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth facing the Ascent of Adummim, and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben.

NET Bible
It went northward, extending to En Shemesh and Geliloth opposite the Pass of Adummim, and descended to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben.

New Heart English Bible
It extended northward, went out at En Shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim. It went down to the Stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.

Webster's Bible Translation
And was drawn from the north, and went forth to En-shemesh, and went forth towards Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

World English Bible
It extended northward, went out at En Shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim. It went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and has been marked out on the north, and gone out to En-Shemesh, and gone out to Geliloth, which [is] opposite the ascent of Adummim, and gone down [to] the stone of Bohan son of Reuben,

Young's Literal Translation
and hath been marked out on the north, and gone out to En-Shemesh, and gone out unto Geliloth, which is over-against the ascent of Adummim, and gone down to the stone of Bohan son of Reuben,

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was marked out from the north, and went down to the Fountain of the Sun, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim, and went down to the stone of Bohan, son of Reuben.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Passing thence to the north, and going out to Ensemes, that is to say, the fountain of the sue:

Catholic Public Domain Version
crossing from there to the north, and going out to En-Shemesh, that is, to the Fountain of the Sun.

New American Bible
Inclining to the north, it extended to En-shemesh, and thence to Geliloth, opposite the pass of Adummim. Then it dropped to Eben-Bohan-ben-Reuben,

New Revised Standard Version
then it bends in a northerly direction going on to En-shemesh, and from there goes to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim; then it goes down to the Stone of Bohan, Reuben’s son;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And was drawn from the north, and went to the En-shemesh, and thence towards Galilee, which is opposite the ascent of Ramin, then descended to Leban, and Bohan which belonged to the son of Reuben,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it faces from the north and it goes to Mabu Shemsha –”The Spring of the Sun” and it goes to Galilee which is next to the ascent of Ramin and went down to Leban and to Bahan, the Son of Rubil
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it was drawn on the north, and went out at En-shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim; and it went down to the Stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the borders shall go across to the fountain of Baethsamys:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Benjamin's Inheritance
16Then it went down to the foot of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim and ran down the Valley of Hinnom toward the southern slope of the Jebusites and downward to En-rogel. 17From there it curved northward and proceeded to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth facing the Ascent of Adummim, and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben. 18Then it went on to the northern slope of Beth-arabah and went down into the valley.…

Cross References
Joshua 15:6-7
went up to Beth-hoglah, proceeded north of Beth-arabah, and went up to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben. / Then 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.

Numbers 34:4-5
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, / where it will turn from Azmon, join the Brook of Egypt, and end at the Sea.

Ezekiel 47:15-17
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, / Berothah, and Sibraim (which is on the border between Damascus and Hamath), as far as Hazer-hatticon, which is on the border of Hauran. / So the border will run from the Sea to Hazar-enan, along the northern border of Damascus, with the territory of Hamath to the north. This will be the northern boundary.

Judges 1:21
The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the Benjamites.

1 Chronicles 6:66-70
And 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, ...

Genesis 28:19
and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz.

Genesis 35:6
So Jacob and everyone with him arrived in Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 48:7
Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).

1 Samuel 7:16
Every year he would go on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all these places.

1 Samuel 10:3
Then you will go on from there until you come to the Oak of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine.

2 Samuel 2:29
And all that night Abner and his men marched through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, marched all morning, and arrived at Mahanaim.

2 Kings 2:2
and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.

Jeremiah 31:15
This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

Matthew 2:18
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

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


Treasury of Scripture

And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

the stone

Joshua 15:6
And the border went up to Bethhogla, and passed along by the north of Betharabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben:

Jump to Previous
Adummim Ascent Bends Bohan Continued Curved Descended Direction Drawn En Enshemesh En-Shemesh Extended North Northward Opposite Ran Reuben Shemesh Stone Thence Towards
Jump to Next
Adummim Ascent Bends Bohan Continued Curved Descended Direction Drawn En Enshemesh En-Shemesh Extended North Northward Opposite Ran Reuben Shemesh Stone Thence Towards
Joshua 18
1. The tabernacle is set up at Shiloh
2. The remainder of the land is described, and divided into seven parts
10. Joshua distributes it by lot
11. The lot and border of Benjamin
21. Their cities














From there it curved northward
This phrase indicates a change in direction, suggesting a boundary line that is not straight but rather follows the natural contours of the land. The Hebrew root for "curved" (נָסַב, nasab) implies a turning or encircling, which can symbolize God's guidance in setting boundaries for His people. The northward direction often represents a movement towards a place of significance or promise, as the north in biblical times was associated with power and mystery.

En Shemesh
En Shemesh, meaning "spring of the sun," is a location that likely held both practical and symbolic significance. Springs were vital sources of water in the arid climate of ancient Israel, representing life and sustenance. The association with the sun could symbolize enlightenment or divine presence, as the sun is often a metaphor for God's glory and provision.

continued to Geliloth
The term "Geliloth" is derived from the Hebrew root "galal," meaning "to roll" or "circle." This could refer to a circular or rolling terrain, or it might symbolize cycles or completeness. In a spiritual sense, it can remind believers of the cyclical nature of God's promises and the assurance of His eternal covenant with His people.

which is opposite the Ascent of Adummim
The "Ascent of Adummim" refers to a specific geographical location, likely a steep pass or incline. "Adummim" is derived from the Hebrew word for "red," possibly indicating the color of the soil or rocks in the area. This ascent could symbolize the challenges and struggles faced by the Israelites, as ascents often represent trials or spiritual growth in biblical literature.

descended to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben
The "Stone of Bohan" serves as a landmark, named after a member of the tribe of Reuben. Stones were often used as memorials or markers in biblical times, signifying important events or boundaries. The mention of Bohan, a descendant of Reuben, highlights the importance of tribal heritage and identity in the division of the land. This stone could symbolize the enduring legacy and faithfulness of God's promises to the tribes of Israel.

Verse 17. - Geliloth (see Joshua 15:7).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
From there it curved
וְתָאַ֣ר (wə·ṯā·’ar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8388: Taanath-shiloh -- probably to incline

northward
מִצָּפ֗וֹן (miṣ·ṣā·p̄ō·wn)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6828: Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter

and proceeded
וְיָצָא֙ (wə·yā·ṣā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

to En-shemesh
שֶׁ֔מֶשׁ (še·meš)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5885: En-shemesh -- 'spring of (the) sun', a place on the border between Judah and Benjamin

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

Geliloth
גְּלִיל֔וֹת (gə·lî·lō·wṯ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1553: Geliloth -- 'circles', a Palestinian place name

facing
נֹ֖כַח (nō·ḵaḥ)
Preposition
Strong's 5227: The front part, opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of

the Ascent
מַעֲלֵ֣ה (ma·‘ă·lêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4608: An elevation, acclivity, platform, a rise, priority

of Adummim,
אֲדֻמִּ֑ים (’ă·ḏum·mîm)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 131: Adummim -- a place between Jerusalem and Jericho

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

to the Stone
אֶ֥בֶן (’e·ḇen)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 68: A stone

of Bohan
בֹּ֖הַן (bō·han)
Noun - proper
Strong's 932: Bohan -- 'closing', a descendant of Reuben

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Reuben.
רְאוּבֵֽן׃ (rə·’ū·ḇên)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7205: Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc


Links
Joshua 18:17 NIV
Joshua 18:17 NLT
Joshua 18:17 ESV
Joshua 18:17 NASB
Joshua 18:17 KJV

Joshua 18:17 BibleApps.com
Joshua 18:17 Biblia Paralela
Joshua 18:17 Chinese Bible
Joshua 18:17 French Bible
Joshua 18:17 Catholic Bible

OT History: Joshua 18:17 It extended northward went out at En (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 18:16
Top of Page
Top of Page