What number verse is Joshua 15:5 in the Bible?

Joshua 15:5 is the 6,208th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Joshua 15:5 sits at position 6,208.

Translation

King James Version

And the east border was the salt sea, even unto the end of Jordan. And their border in the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the uttermost part of Jordan:

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KJV (with Strong's)

And the east ^H6924 border ^H1366 was the salt ^H4417 sea ^H3220, even unto the end ^H7097 of Jordan ^H3383. And their border ^H1366 in the north ^H6828 quarter ^H6285 was from the bay ^H3956 of the sea ^H3220 at the uttermost part ^H7097 of Jordan ^H3383:

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Complete Jewish Bible

The eastern border was the Dead Sea to where the Yarden entered it. The northern border began at the bay of the sea at the end of the Yarden;

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Berean Standard Bible

The eastern border was the Salt Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan.

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American Standard Version

And the east border was the Salt Sea, even unto the end of the Jordan. And the border of the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the end of the Jordan;

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World English Bible Messianic

The east border was the Salt Sea, even to the end of the Jordan. The border of the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the end of the Jordan.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Also the Eastborder shalbe the salt Sea, vnto the end of Iorden: and the border on the North quarter from the point of the Sea, and from the end of Iorden.

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Young's Literal Translation

And the east border is the salt sea, unto the extremity of the Jordan, and the border at the north quarter is from the bay of the sea, at the extremity of the Jordan;

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Joshua 15:5 provides a precise geographical demarcation of Judah's tribal inheritance, meticulously detailing its eastern and northern boundaries. This verse anchors the territory to the prominent natural landmarks of the Salt Sea (Dead Sea) and the Jordan River, underscoring the divine order and specificity with which God fulfilled His covenant promises regarding the land. It establishes a tangible and secure inheritance for Judah, the leading tribe of Israel, highlighting the meticulous nature of God's provision.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Joshua 15:5 is embedded within the detailed geographical accounts of tribal allotments found in Joshua chapters 13-19. Following the successful military campaigns led by Joshua, the narrative shifts from conquest to the systematic division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Chapter 15 is specifically dedicated to outlining the extensive boundaries and cities belonging to the tribe of Judah. This particular verse, Joshua 15:5, precisely defines a crucial segment of Judah's eastern and northern borders, building upon the general description of the southern border in verses 1-4 and setting the stage for further details of the northern and western boundaries. The inclusion of such meticulous geographical data serves to emphasize the divine order, the tangible fulfillment of God's promises, and the legal establishment of each tribe's rightful possession.
Historical & Cultural Context: The period described in Joshua marks a pivotal transition for the Israelites from a nomadic, warring people to a settled nation in their divinely promised land. In the ancient Near East, clearly defined land boundaries were not merely administrative details but were foundational for establishing tribal identity, preventing inter-tribal conflicts, and ensuring economic stability and inheritance rights. The meticulous record in Joshua reflects the legal and administrative importance of these demarcations within Israelite society. The Salt Sea (Dead Sea) and the Jordan River were, and remain, unmistakable and enduring geographical features, serving as permanent natural landmarks. Judah, destined to be the largest and most prominent tribe—from which future kings like David and ultimately the Messiah would descend—received a vast and strategically significant territory in the southern part of Canaan. This land was not just a possession but the tangible manifestation of God's unwavering faithfulness to His ancient covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan, as recorded in passages like Genesis 12:7.
Key Themes: Though primarily geographical, Joshua 15:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to bringing His covenant promises to pass, particularly the promise of a land for His people, a theme echoed in Deuteronomy 1:8. Secondly, the detailed nature of these boundary descriptions highlights God's Order and Specificity. It underscores that God acts with precision and purpose, ensuring that every tribe received a specific, divinely appointed inheritance, reflecting His orderly character and meticulous planning. Thirdly, the central theme of Inheritance and Possession is paramount. For the Israelites, this land was a tangible sign of their covenant relationship with God and their secure place as His chosen people. This earthly inheritance foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ, an eternal and secure possession that is guaranteed by God's faithfulness, as described in Ephesians 1:11.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Border (Hebrew, gᵉbûwl', H1366): This term (H1366) signifies a boundary, limit, or the territory enclosed by such a limit. Its repeated use throughout the land allocation chapters, including twice in this verse, emphasizes the definitive and secure nature of the tribal inheritances. It underscores that these divisions were not arbitrary but divinely ordained and legally established, ensuring each tribe had a defined and protected possession, akin to a "landmark" or "limit."
Salt Sea (Hebrew, _melach _yâm'__, H4417): This compound term (H4417 for "salt," H3220 for "sea") is the biblical designation for what is commonly known today as the Dead Sea. Characterized by its extremely high salinity, it served as an unmistakable and permanent natural landmark, forming a significant portion of Judah's eastern border. Its unique geological properties made it an ideal, unchanging boundary marker, often referred to as a "sea" despite being an inland lake.
Bay (Hebrew, lâshôwn', H3956): This word (H3956), literally meaning "tongue," is used figuratively here to describe a cove or inlet of water, specifically a "bay" of the sea. In the context of the Salt Sea, it likely refers to a distinctive northern extension or "tongue" of the sea where the Jordan River empties into it. This precise geographical detail highlights the meticulousness of the boundary descriptions, pinpointing a specific natural feature as a starting point for the northern border.

Verse Breakdown

"And the east border [was] the salt sea, [even] unto the end of Jordan.": This clause defines the easternmost extent of Judah's territory. The Salt Sea (Dead Sea) formed the primary eastern boundary, stretching northward to the point where the Jordan River empties into it. This indicates a long, natural, and clearly identifiable eastern frontier, demonstrating the vastness and geographical clarity of Judah's inheritance. The phrase "end of Jordan" specifically refers to the southern terminus of the Jordan River where it converges with the Salt Sea.
"And [their] border in the north quarter [was] from the bay of the sea at the uttermost part of Jordan:": This clause transitions to the northern boundary, specifying that it began from the "bay of the sea" (likely referring to the northernmost bay or inlet of the Salt Sea) at the "uttermost part of Jordan" (which reiterates the point where the Jordan River enters the Salt Sea from the north). This pinpoints the precise starting point of the northern border, extending westward from this critical junction. The phrasing suggests a pivot point where the eastern and northern borders converge, establishing a clear corner for the tribal land, with "north quarter" indicating the direction of this segment of the boundary.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in Joshua 15:5, and indeed throughout the land allocation chapters, is Topography. The detailed description of specific geographical features like the Salt Sea and the Jordan River is not merely descriptive but serves a profound theological purpose, grounding God's promises in tangible, verifiable reality. This meticulous geographical detail also employs Precision, using specific landmarks and directional terms ("east border," "north quarter," "bay of the sea," "end of Jordan") to create an undeniable and unambiguous record of the inheritance. The repeated emphasis on "border" (Hebrew: gᵉbûwl) throughout these chapters, including its implicit presence in this verse, functions as a form of Repetition that underscores the importance of defined and secure boundaries, highlighting the certainty of God's provision and the legal establishment of the tribal territories.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Joshua 15:5, though a geographical description, deeply resonates with core biblical themes. It serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, specifically the land given to Abraham's descendants. The meticulous detail in defining Judah's borders reflects God's orderly character and His commitment to providing a secure and tangible inheritance for His people. This earthly inheritance foreshadows the greater spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ, a secure and eternal possession that transcends physical boundaries and is guaranteed by God's unchanging character and redemptive plan.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While we no longer live under the Old Testament covenant of a physical land inheritance, Joshua 15:5 offers profound spiritual lessons. It reminds us that God is a God of precision and promise-keeping. Just as He meticulously ensured Israel's inheritance, He is faithful to fulfill all His promises to us, providing for our needs and guiding our paths with divine accuracy. This verse encourages us to trust in His sovereignty over our lives, recognizing that our "boundaries" – our circumstances, gifts, and callings – are often divinely appointed. It invites us to find security not in earthly possessions, but in the certainty of God's provision and the eternal inheritance secured for us in Christ, knowing that His plans for us are as detailed and sure as the borders He set for Judah. This passage calls us to reflect on the faithfulness of God in our own lives, acknowledging that the same God who precisely defined the borders of Judah is actively involved in ordering the details of our existence for our good and His glory.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for Judah's land inheritance encourage your trust in His provision for your own life?
In what ways can recognizing God's "borders" or boundaries in your life (e.g., limitations, gifts, circumstances) lead to greater peace and contentment?
How does the fulfillment of God's land promise to Israel strengthen your faith in the certainty of His spiritual promises for believers today?

FAQ

Why are these geographical details so extensively recorded in Joshua?

Answer: These extensive geographical details are crucial for several reasons. Primarily, they serve as tangible proof of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan, as seen in Genesis 12:7. The precise boundaries established tribal identities, prevented disputes over territory among the twelve tribes, and confirmed their legal possession of the land as their divine inheritance. This meticulous record underscores the orderly nature of God's plan and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, ensuring that each family and tribe knew their designated place within the Promised Land, thereby solidifying their national, social, and religious identity.

What is the "Salt Sea" and "end of Jordan" referring to?

Answer: The "Salt Sea" is the biblical name for what is known today as the Dead Sea, a hyper-saline lake located in the Jordan Rift Valley. Its extreme salt content makes it inhospitable to most life. The "end of Jordan" refers to the southern terminus of the Jordan River, where it flows into the northern part of the Salt Sea. These two prominent geographical features formed a clear and unmistakable natural boundary for the eastern and northeastern parts of Judah's tribal inheritance, providing a precise and permanent landmark for their territory. This geographical precision highlights the literal and tangible nature of the land inheritance God bestowed upon His people, ensuring no ambiguity regarding their divinely appointed possession.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Joshua 15:5 describes a physical land inheritance, it points forward to the ultimate, spiritual inheritance found in Christ. Just as God meticulously secured a physical territory for Judah, He has, with even greater precision, secured an eternal inheritance for all who are in Christ Jesus. This spiritual inheritance is not bound by earthly borders but is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you," as described in 1 Peter 1:4. Jesus, the true and greater Joshua, leads His people not into a geographical land, but into the spiritual reality of God's kingdom and the full blessings of salvation. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of rest and inheritance, as highlighted in Hebrews 4:8-10, making us co-heirs with Him in glory, as affirmed in Romans 8:17. Through Christ, we are brought into a new creation where God Himself is our portion and dwelling, a reality beautifully depicted in Revelation 21:3-7. The physical boundaries of Judah's land ultimately point to the boundless and eternal security found in our union with Christ, who is our true and everlasting inheritance and the guarantee of our future glory.

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Commentary on Joshua 15 verses 1–12

1 ¶ This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward was the uttermost part of the south coast.

2 And their south border was from the shore of the salt sea, from the bay that looketh southward:

3 And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa:

4 From thence it passed toward Azmon, and went out unto the river of Egypt; and the goings out of that coast were at the sea: this shall be your south coast.

5 And the east border was the salt sea, even unto the end of Jordan. And their border in the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the uttermost part of Jordan:

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:

7 And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is before the going up to Adummim, which is on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:

8 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:

9 And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjathjearim:

10 And the border compassed from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim, which is Chesalon, on the north side, and went down to Bethshemesh, and passed on to Timnah:

11 And the border went out unto the side of Ekron northward: and the border was drawn to Shicron, and passed along to mount Baalah, and went out unto Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were at the sea.

12 And the west border was to the great sea, and the coast thereof. This is the coast of the children of Judah round about according to their families.

Judah and Joseph were the two sons of Jacob on whom Reuben's forfeited birth-right devolved. Judah had the dominion entailed on him, and Joseph the double portion, and therefore these two tribes were first seated, Judah in the southern part of the land of Canaan and Joseph in the northern part, and on them the other seven did attend, and had their respective lots as appurtenances to these two; the lots of Benjamin, Simeon, and Dan, were appendant to Judah, and those of Issachar and Zebulun, Naphtali and Asher, to Joseph. These two were first set up to be provided for, it should seem, before there was such an exact survey of the land as we find afterwards, Jos 18:9. It is probable that the most considerable parts of the northern and southern countries, and those that lay nearest to Gilgal, and which the people were best acquainted with, were first put into two portions, and the lot was cast upon them between these two principal tribes, of the one of which Joshua was, and of the other Caleb, who was the first commissioner in this writ of partition; and, by the decision of that lot, the southern country, of which we have an account in this chapter, fell to Judah, and the northern, of which we have an account in the two following chapters, to Joseph. And when this was done there was a more equal dividend (either in quantity or quality) of the remainder among the seven tribes. And this, probably, was intended in that general rule which was given concerning this partition (Num 33:54), to the more you shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer you shall give the less, and every man's inheritance shall be where his lot falleth; that is, "You shall appoint two greater portions which shall be determined by lot to those more numerous tribes of Judah and Joseph, and then the rest shall be less portions to be allotted to the less numerous tribes." The former was done in Gilgal, the latter in Shiloh.

In these verses, we have the borders of the lot of Judah, which, as the rest, is said to be by their families, that is, with an eye to the number of their families. And it intimates that Joshua and Eleazar, and the rest of the commissioners, when they had by lot given each tribe its portion, did afterwards (it is probable by lot likewise) subdivide those larger portions, and assign to each family its inheritance, and then to each household, which would be better done by this supreme authority, and be apt to give less disgust than if it had been left to the inferior magistrates of each tribe to make that distribution. The borders of this tribe are here largely fixed, yet not unalterably, for a good deal of that which lies within these bounds was afterwards assigned to the lots of Simeon and Dan. 1. The eastern border was all, and only, the Salt Sea, Jos 15:5. Every sea is salt, but this was of an extraordinary and more than natural saltness, the effects of that fire and brimstone with which Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed in Abraham's time, whose ruins lie buried in the bottom of this dead water, which never either was moved itself or had any living thing in it. 2. The southern border was that of the land of Canaan in general, as will appear by comparing Jos 15:1-4 with Num 34:3-5. So that this powerful and warlike tribe of Judah guarded the frontiers of the whole land, on that side which lay towards their old sworn enemies (though their two fathers were twin-brethren), the Edomites. Our Lord therefore, who sprang out of Judah, and whose the kingdom is, shall judge the mount of Esau, Oba 1:21. 3. The northern border divided it from the lot of Benjamin. In this, mention is made of the stone of Bohan a Reubenite (Jos 15:6), who probably was a great commander of those forces of Reuben that came over Jordan, and died in the camp at Gilgal, and was buried not far off under this stone. The valley of Achor likewise lies upon this border (Jos 15:7), to remind the men of Judah of the trouble which Achan, one of their tribe, gave to the congregation of Israel, that they might not be too much lifted up with their services. This northern line touched closely upon Jerusalem (Jos 15:8), so closely as to include in the lot of this tribe Mount Zion and Mount Moriah, though the greater part of the city lay in the lot of Benjamin. 4. The west border went near to the great sea at first (Jos 15:12), but afterwards the lot of the tribe of Dan took off a good part of Judah's lot on that side; for the lot was only to determine between Judah and Joseph, which should have the north and which the south, and not immovably to fix the border of either. Judah's inheritance had its boundaries determined. Though it was a powerful warlike tribe, and had a great interest in the other tribes, yet they must not therefore be left to their own choice, to enlarge their possessions at pleasure, but must live so as that their neighbours might live by them. Those that are placed high yet must not think to be placed alone in the midst of the earth.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–12. Public domain.

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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253

HOMILIES ON JOSHUA 19.4

Everyone, therefore, who wants to enter into the portion of the children of Judah must first pass through the Salt Sea. That is to say, he must surmount the waves and billows of this life and escape from all things in this world that, by virtue of their own uncertainty and hazardousness, are compared with the waves of the sea. Then he may be able to reach the land of Judah and to approach the fountain of the sun. But what is the fountain of the sun, or of which sun? Of that sun, of course, about which it is written, "But for the ones fearing my name, the sun of righteousness will arise." Therefore you will find the fountain of this sun in the land of Judah, if you move away from the Salt Sea. Which fountain? That one of which Jesus said, "The water that I give will become a fountain of water leaping up into eternal life within the person who drinks from it." Therefore, when you have found the kind of fountain of this sun that we have described, you will also find its city.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Cross-References

Numbers 34:12
And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.
Numbers 34:10
And ye shall point out your east border from Hazarenan to Shepham:
Joshua 18:15
And the south quarter was from the end of Kirjathjearim, and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah:
Joshua 18:19
And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this was the south coast.