Joshua 16:5

KJV

¶ And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was [thus]: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the border {H1366} of the children {H1121} of Ephraim {H669} according to their families {H4940} was thus: even the border {H1366} of their inheritance {H5159} on the east side {H4217} was Atarothaddar {H5853}, unto Bethhoron {H1032} the upper {H5945};

Complete Jewish Bible

The border of the descendants of Efrayim according to their families was as follows: the eastern border of their inheritance began at 'Atrot-Adar and went to Upper Beit-Horon;

Berean Standard Bible

This was the territory of the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: The border of their inheritance went from Ataroth-addar in the east to Upper Beth-horon

American Standard Version

And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: the border of their inheritance eastward was Ataroth-addar, unto Beth-horon the upper;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 16:5 meticulously details a specific segment of the eastern border of the land allocated to the tribe of Ephraim, identifying key geographical markers like Atarothaddar and Bethhoron the upper. This verse is part of the extensive record of Canaan's division among the Israelite tribes, underscoring God's precise fulfillment of His ancient covenant promises to Abraham's descendants, ensuring each family received its designated and permanent inheritance within the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 16:5 is situated within the larger narrative of the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes, specifically following the major conquests detailed in the earlier chapters of Joshua. Chapters 13-19 are dedicated to this meticulous allocation process. Chapter 16, along with chapter 17, focuses on the inheritance granted to the "children of Joseph," encompassing both the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Verses 1-4 of Joshua 16 provide a general overview of the boundaries for the Josephite tribes, while verse 5, along with the subsequent verses, drills down into the specific demarcation for Ephraim. This detailed geographical description serves to validate the fulfillment of God's promises and to establish clear, undisputed tribal territories.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of Canaan was a monumental undertaking, following decades of wandering and years of conquest. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, land ownership and tribal territories were foundational to identity, economic stability, and social structure. The meticulous demarcation of borders, often relying on natural features, prominent landmarks, and sometimes even man-made markers, was crucial to prevent future disputes and ensure the integrity of tribal claims. For Israel, this process was not merely a logistical exercise but a theological act, representing the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants a land of their own. The very act of possessing and dividing the land solidified their identity as God's chosen people living under His divine order.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, powerfully illustrates several key themes. Foremost is **Divine Faithfulness and Promise Fulfillment**, as God meticulously delivers on His ancient covenant to provide a land for His people, a promise reiterated to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham") and to Jacob in [Genesis 35:12](/genesis/35-12 "God's Promise of Land to Jacob"). The precise boundaries also highlight **Order and Organization**, reflecting God's character as a God of order who establishes clear structures for His people, preventing chaos and ensuring justice. Furthermore, the concept of **Inheritance** is central; the land was not merely property but a sacred, perpetual possession, a tangible sign of God's blessing and their identity as His covenant people. This inheritance was divided "according to their families," emphasizing the importance of familial lineage and the perpetuation of God's blessings through generations, as seen in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Division of Land by Lot").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Border (Hebrew, _gevul'_):** This term refers to a boundary, limit, or territory. In the context of Joshua, it signifies the divinely appointed and meticulously defined lines that separated the tribal inheritances. The repeated use of "border" throughout the land division chapters emphasizes the precision and permanence of these allocations, ensuring that each tribe received its distinct and undisputed portion as a fulfillment of God's promise.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachalah'_):** More than just "property," _nachalah_ carries deep theological significance. It refers to an ancestral possession, a heritage, or a portion received by lot. For Israel, the land was their sacred inheritance from God, a tangible expression of His covenant faithfulness and their identity as His chosen people. It was a gift to be stewarded, representing their permanent dwelling and the place where God's presence would reside among them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was [thus]:"** This opening clause establishes the subject of the verse: the specific boundary lines for the tribe of Ephraim. The phrase "according to their families" underscores the meticulous nature of the division, indicating that the land was allocated not just to the tribe as a whole, but was further subdivided among its constituent clans and families. This detail highlights God's comprehensive care and the orderly administration of His promises, ensuring that every household had a stake in the Promised Land.
* **"even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar,"** This segment specifies the direction of the border being described – the eastern side – and names the initial landmark. Atarothaddar (also spelled Ataroth-addar) was a significant geographical point, likely a town or prominent feature, serving as a clear marker for the start of Ephraim's eastern boundary. Its inclusion emphasizes the precise, identifiable nature of these ancient land divisions.
* **"unto Bethhoron the upper;"** This concludes the description of the eastern border segment, identifying Bethhoron the upper as the terminal point. Bethhoron (meaning "house of the hollow" or "house of the cavern") refers to a strategic pass and a pair of towns (upper and lower) that controlled a vital east-west route. "The upper" distinguishes it from "Bethhoron the nether" mentioned in [Joshua 16:3](/joshua/16-3 "Bethhoron the nether in Ephraim's border description"), indicating two distinct settlements along this important thoroughfare. Its inclusion as a border marker highlights its strategic importance and its role in defining clear tribal lines.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 16:5, and indeed throughout the land division chapters, is **Topography** and **Geographical Detail**. The meticulous listing of specific place names (Atarothaddar, Bethhoron the upper) serves to ground the narrative in a tangible, verifiable reality, emphasizing the historical accuracy and divine fulfillment of the promises. This detailed geographical enumeration functions as a **Fulfillment Narrative**, demonstrating that God's word is not vague but precise, bringing His covenant promises to fruition down to the very boundaries of the land. The repetition of terms like "border" and "inheritance" across these chapters also creates a sense of **Emphasis**, reinforcing the significance of the land as a divine gift and a permanent possession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 16:5, with its precise geographical details, serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His meticulous attention to detail in fulfilling His covenant promises. The division of the land was not a chaotic scramble but an orderly, divinely orchestrated process, reflecting God's character as a God of order and justice. This physical inheritance in Canaan foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ, an inheritance that is eternal and incorruptible. Just as Ephraim's borders were clearly defined, so too are the boundaries of our spiritual inheritance and calling, providing security and purpose within God's sovereign plan. The land was a tangible sign of God's presence and provision, reminding Israel that their identity and security were rooted in His covenant.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abraham")
* [Psalm 16:5-6](/psalm/16-5 "The Lord is My Chosen Portion and My Cup")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Our Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Joshua 16:5 details ancient land divisions, its underlying principles offer profound contemporary relevance. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail and unwavering faithfulness, fulfilling His promises not vaguely, but with precision. Just as Ephraim received a tangible, specific inheritance, believers today have an immeasurable spiritual inheritance in Christ, a reality that is far more enduring than any earthly possession. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect plan for our lives, knowing that He has designated a "place" and a "purpose" for each of us within His kingdom. Understanding our spiritual "borders" – our unique callings, gifts, and spheres of influence – helps us to live with intentionality and contentment, avoiding the temptation to trespass into areas not divinely appointed for us. It also underscores the importance of order and clear boundaries in our personal lives, relationships, and communities, reflecting God's own character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the land division in Joshua 16:5 speak to God's character and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises in your own life?**
* **In what ways can understanding our "spiritual inheritance" in Christ provide a sense of security and purpose, similar to how the land inheritance provided security for Ephraim?**
* **What "borders" or boundaries (spiritual, relational, personal) has God established for you, and how can respecting them lead to greater peace and fruitfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why is so much detail given to land boundaries in Joshua?**

Answer: The extensive detail given to land boundaries in the book of Joshua, as exemplified in [Joshua 16:5](/joshua/16-5 "Joshua 16:5 - Ephraim's Eastern Border"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides irrefutable evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, specifically the promise of a land ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). The meticulous demarcation demonstrates that God's word is precise and trustworthy, not vague. Secondly, it establishes legal and historical legitimacy for each tribe's possession, preventing future disputes over territory and ensuring an orderly society. This reflects God's character as a God of order, not chaos. Finally, the land was central to Israel's identity as God's chosen people; it was their "inheritance" (_nachalah_), a tangible sign of their unique relationship with Yahweh and the place where His presence would dwell among them.

**What is the significance of Atarothaddar and Bethhoron the upper as border markers?**

Answer: Atarothaddar and Bethhoron the upper are significant as border markers because they were recognizable, fixed geographical points in ancient Canaan, crucial for defining tribal boundaries with precision. Atarothaddar, likely a prominent town or landmark, served as a clear starting point for Ephraim's eastern border. Bethhoron the upper, part of a pair of towns (along with Bethhoron the nether, mentioned in [Joshua 16:3](/joshua/16-3 "Bethhoron the nether in Ephraim's border description")), was strategically important. These towns controlled a vital pass connecting the coastal plain to the central highlands, making them unmistakable landmarks. Their inclusion highlights the practical and strategic considerations involved in the land division, ensuring that the boundaries were not arbitrary but based on identifiable and often militarily significant features, thereby creating clear and defensible tribal territories.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous division of the land among the tribes, as seen in Joshua 16:5, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Christ. The earthly inheritance of Ephraim, a physical land with defined borders, serves as a type or shadow of the spiritual inheritance that believers receive through Jesus Christ. Just as the land was a gift from God to His people Israel, so too is our salvation and all its accompanying blessings a gracious gift from God in Christ, an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Imperishable Inheritance")). Jesus is not merely the one who leads us to an earthly promised land, but He *is* our true and eternal inheritance, the very "chosen portion" of our souls ([Psalm 16:5](/psalm/16-5 "Psalm 16:5 - The Lord is My Chosen Portion")). Through His atoning work, we are brought into God's family, receiving "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). The "borders" of our spiritual inheritance are now defined by our identity in Him, granting us access to God's presence, eternal life, and a secure future, far surpassing any earthly territory. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises, establishing a new and eternal kingdom where believers are co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 18:13

And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which [is] Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that [lieth] on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.

Joshua 16:2

And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,