What number verse is Joshua 18:13 in the Bible?

Joshua 18:13 is the 6,307th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Joshua 18:13 sits at position 6,307.

Translation

King James Version

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.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And the border ^H1366 went over ^H5674 from thence toward Luz ^H3870, to the side ^H3802 of Luz ^H3870, which is Bethel ^H1008, southward ^H5045; and the border ^H1366 descended ^H3381 to Atarothadar ^H5853, near the hill ^H2022 that lieth on the south side ^H5045 of the nether ^H8481 Bethhoron ^H1032.

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Complete Jewish Bible

From there the border passed on to Luz, to the south side of Luz (that is, Beit-El); then the border went down to 'Atrot-Adar, by the hill on the south side of Lower Beit-Horon.

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Berean Standard Bible

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.

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American Standard Version

And the border passed along from thence to Luz, to the side of Luz (the same is Beth-el), southward; and the border went down to Ataroth-addar, by the mountain that lieth on the south of Beth-horon the nether.

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World English Bible Messianic

The border passed along from there to Luz, to the side of Luz (the same is Bethel), southward. The border went down to Ataroth Addar, by the mountain that lies on the south of Beth Horon the lower.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And this border goeth along from thence to Luz, euen to the Southside of Luz (the same is Beth-el) and this border descendeth to Atroth-addar, neere the mount, that lyeth on the Southside of Beth-horon the nether.

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Young's Literal Translation

and the border hath gone over thence to Luz, unto the side of Luz (it is Beth-El) southward, and the border hath gone down to Atroth-Addar, by the hill that is on the south of the lower Beth-Horon;

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Joshua 18:13 meticulously delineates a specific segment of the northern boundary for the tribe of Benjamin's allotted territory within the Promised Land. This verse, embedded within an extensive geographical survey, precisely pinpoints significant ancient landmarks such as Luz (Bethel), Atarothadar, and Nether Bethhoron. It serves as a powerful testament to the divine precision and unwavering faithfulness of God in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Israel by granting them their exact and tangible inheritance.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Joshua 18 marks a pivotal transition in the book, initiating the second major phase of land distribution. Following the initial conquests and the settling of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh east of the Jordan, the narrative shifts to the remaining seven tribes who have yet to fully possess their inheritance. With the tabernacle now symbolically established at Shiloh (Joshua 18:1) as a central place of worship and divine presence, Joshua commissions a detailed survey of the remaining land (Joshua 18:4-6) to ensure a fair and divinely guided allocation. The land is then divided into seven portions, distributed by lot. Joshua 18:11-28 specifically details the boundaries and cities assigned to the tribe of Benjamin. Therefore, verse 13 is a precise geographical detail within this larger narrative of divine allocation, outlining a crucial segment of Benjamin's northern border as it extends from east to west, connecting to historically and strategically significant locations.
Historical & Cultural Context: Land ownership was not merely an economic or political matter for ancient Israel; it was foundational to their identity and inextricably linked to God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:7). The meticulous demarcation of tribal boundaries, as seen in Joshua 18:13, was a profoundly theological act, signifying the tangible fulfillment of centuries of divine promise. In the ancient Near East, precise boundary markers were critical for preventing inter-tribal disputes, ensuring legal inheritance, and establishing a stable societal structure. The mention of specific towns and geographical features like "hills" and "descents" reflects the practical realities of surveying and marking territory in an era without modern cartography, relying heavily on prominent, recognizable landmarks. The strategic importance of locations like Bethhoron, which controlled vital routes between the coastal plain and the central highlands, further highlights the practical and defensive considerations embedded within these divinely ordained allotments.
Key Themes: The meticulous geographical descriptions found throughout the book of Joshua, including the specific details of this verse, powerfully convey several core theological themes. Firstly, Divine Order and Precision are paramount; God's plan for Israel's inheritance is not vague but exact, demonstrating His sovereignty, meticulous care, and unwavering commitment to fulfilling His word. Secondly, the entire process embodies the Fulfillment of Promise, as the land of Canaan, explicitly promised to Abraham's descendants (Genesis 15:18-21), is now being systematically divided and possessed. Each boundary marker serves as a tangible testament to God's faithfulness across generations. Lastly, the Significance of Place is profoundly evident, particularly with the mention of "Luz, which is Bethel." This location held immense spiritual significance for Israel, connecting their present inheritance to pivotal moments in their patriarchal history, such as Jacob's dream and his renaming of the site, signifying God's presence and covenant renewal (Genesis 28:10-19).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Border (Hebrew, גְּבוּל, gᵉbûwl, H1366): This term (H1366) signifies a defined boundary or limit, often derived from a root meaning "to twist" or "to bind," suggesting a cord used for measurement or demarcation. In the context of Joshua, it refers to the precise lines that delineate tribal territories. Its repeated use throughout the land distribution chapters emphasizes the legal, unalterable, and divinely ordained nature of these divisions. It conveys the concept of God's meticulous ordering of the inheritance, ensuring each tribe received its specific, bounded portion.
Luz / Bethel (Hebrew, לוּז / בֵּית־אֵל, Lûwz / Bêyth-ʼÊl, H3870): The original name Luz (H3870) possibly means "almond tree" or "nut tree," likely referring to the local flora. This site was famously renamed Bethel (H1008), meaning "House of God," by Jacob after his profound encounter with God there, as recorded in Genesis 28:19. Its inclusion in the boundary description is highly significant, anchoring the precise geographical border to a location steeped in Israel's foundational spiritual history, serving as a powerful reminder of God's enduring presence and covenant faithfulness from the patriarchal era to the time of the conquest.
Nether Bethhoron (Hebrew, תַּחְתּוֹן בֵּית חֹרוֹן, tachtôwn Bêyth Chôwrôwn, H1032): This refers to the lower of two strategic towns, Upper and Lower (Nether) Bethhoron. The name "Bethhoron" (H1032) means "house of hollowness" or "house of the cave," likely referencing geological features or perhaps a local deity, though its exact etymology is debated. The descriptor "nether" (H8481) specifies the lower of the two towns. These towns controlled a crucial ascent/descent linking the coastal plain with the central highlands, making them vital for trade and military movements. Its inclusion as a boundary marker underscores the detailed and practical nature of the land division, incorporating well-known and strategically important geographical features.

Verse Breakdown

"And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which [is] Bethel, southward": This initial clause describes the eastward starting point of this segment of Benjamin's northern border. The phrase "from thence" implies a continuation from a previously described point (likely the Jordan River in the east). The border then extends westward "toward Luz," with the clarifying phrase "to the side of Luz" indicating its proximity or passage alongside the city. The crucial identification "which is Bethel" links this geographical marker to a site of profound historical and spiritual significance for Israel, emphasizing its location on the southern flank of this renowned city. The direction "southward" specifies the orientation of the border relative to Luz/Bethel.
"and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that [lieth] on the south side of the nether Bethhoron": Continuing its westward trajectory, the description notes that the border "descended," signifying a change in elevation, likely from the higher central ridge of the Benjaminite territory towards the western lowlands. Atarothadar (H5853), a place meaning "crowns of Addar," serves as another key landmark. The further specification "near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron" adds another layer of meticulous detail, pinpointing the exact location relative to the strategically important lower town of Bethhoron. This level of granular detail underscores the non-negotiable and divinely ordained nature of these territorial divisions, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device prominently featured in Joshua 18:13, and indeed throughout the extensive geographical sections of the book of Joshua, is Toponymy. The inclusion of specific, identifiable place names such as Luz/Bethel, Atarothadar, and Nether Bethhoron serves to firmly ground the narrative in a tangible, historical reality. This meticulous naming affirms the factual and verifiable nature of the land distribution, transforming abstract concepts into concrete geographical markers. This is powerfully complemented by Precision and Enumeration. The verse meticulously lists and describes the exact movement and orientation of the border, providing a detailed itinerary of its course. The implicit repetition of the "border" (H1366) as the subject of the verbs "went over" and "descended" emphasizes the legal, unalterable, and divinely sanctioned nature of these boundaries. This detailed geographical description elevates what might otherwise appear to be a mere list into a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the exact fulfillment of His promises.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Joshua 18:13, though seemingly a dry geographical detail, is profoundly theological in its implications. It underscores God's character as a God of order, precision, and absolute faithfulness. The meticulous division of the land, down to specific landmarks like Luz/Bethel, demonstrates that God fulfills His promises not vaguely, but with exactitude and care. This act of giving Israel their inheritance is the culmination of centuries of covenant promises, particularly the Abrahamic covenant, where God pledged the land to Abraham's descendants. It speaks to the reliability of God's word and His commitment to His people, ensuring each tribe received its rightful portion as a tangible expression of His blessing and provision, thereby establishing their identity and security in the promised land.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The detailed precision evident in Joshua 18:13 offers a profound spiritual lesson for believers today: God is a God of meticulous detail and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He precisely delineated the physical boundaries of Israel's inheritance, He works with perfect order and intentionality in every aspect of our lives. This verse reminds us that God cares about the specifics, not just the generalities, of His promises and His purposes for us. For believers, this truth can be a source of immense comfort and confidence: if God was so precise in fulfilling an earthly promise to ancient Israel, how much more precise and faithful will He be in fulfilling His eternal promises to us, His beloved children? It encourages us to trust in His perfect plan, even when our own path seems complex or the details of our circumstances remain obscure, knowing that He has prepared an inheritance for us, secured by His unchanging character. We are called to live within the "boundaries" of His revealed will, trusting His provision and finding our ultimate security and flourishing within His sovereign and loving design.

Questions for Reflection

How does the precision of God's land distribution in Joshua challenge or affirm your understanding of His character and His involvement in the details of your life?
In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust God's meticulous care and faithfulness, even in the "details" that seem insignificant or overwhelming?
What "boundaries" (spiritual principles, relational commitments, personal convictions) has God established for your good, and how does trusting them lead to greater peace and flourishing?

FAQ

Why is there so much detail about geographical boundaries in Joshua?

Answer: The extensive geographical details in Joshua, including Joshua 18:13, serve several crucial purposes. Firstly, they provide a legal and historical record of the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land of Canaan (Genesis 15:18-21). These detailed boundary markers were essential for establishing tribal identity, preventing disputes over territory, and ensuring that each family received its rightful inheritance as part of God's divine order. Spiritually, they underscore God's meticulous faithfulness and precision in bringing His word to pass, demonstrating that His promises are not vague but concrete and utterly reliable.

What is the significance of Luz being called Bethel in this verse?

Answer: The dual naming of "Luz, which is Bethel" in Joshua 18:13 is highly significant because it connects the geographical boundary to a place of profound spiritual and historical importance for Israel. Luz was the original name of the city, but it was famously renamed Bethel ("House of God") by Jacob after his dream of a ladder to heaven and his profound encounter with God there (Genesis 28:10-19). By including both names, the text not only provides clear geographical identification for the contemporary reader but also intentionally links the present reality of the land's division back to the foundational patriarchal narratives, reminding Israel of God's enduring presence, covenant faithfulness, and the sacred history tied to their inheritance across generations.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Joshua 18:13 describes an earthly inheritance meticulously defined by physical boundaries, it powerfully points forward to the ultimate, spiritual inheritance found in Christ. The precisely delineated borders of the Promised Land foreshadow the secure and abundant spiritual blessings that believers receive in Christ, which are infinitely more glorious and eternally enduring. Just as Israel's inheritance was a sovereign gift of God's grace and faithfulness, our spiritual inheritance—encompassing salvation, adoption into God's family, reconciliation, and eternal life—is a free gift, secured by the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross (Ephesians 1:3-14). Jesus Himself is the true "Promised Land," the ultimate reality in whom all of God's promises find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Our "boundaries" are now defined not by geographical lines, but by our profound union with Him, granting us access to "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3). The earthly land, given with such divine precision, serves as a type of the new creation and the heavenly dwelling that awaits those who are in Christ, where our inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us by God's power (1 Peter 1:3-5).

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Commentary on Joshua 18 verses 11–28

11 ¶ And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.

12 And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.

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.

14 And the border was drawn thence, and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter.

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:

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,

17 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,

18 And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah:

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.

20 And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families.

21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

22 And Betharabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel,

23 And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,

24 And Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:

25 Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,

26 And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,

27 And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,

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.

We have here the lot of the tribe of Benjamin, which Providence cast next to Joseph on the one hand, because Benjamin was own and only brother to Joseph, and was little Benjamin (Psa 68:27), that needed the protection of great Joseph, and yet had a better protector, for the Lord shall cover him all the day long, Deu 33:12. And it was next to Judah on the other hand, that this tribe might hereafter unite with Judah in an adherence to the throne of David and the temple at Jerusalem. Here we have, 1. The exact borders and limits of this tribe, which we need not be exact in the explication of. As it had Judah on the south and Joseph on the north, so it had Jordan on the east and Dan on the west. The western border is said to compass the corner of the sea southward (Jos 18:14), whereas no part of the lot of this tribe came near to the great sea. Bishop Patrick thinks the meaning is that it ran along in a parallel line to the great sea, though at a distance. Dr. Fuller suggests that since it is not called the great sea, but only the sea, which often signifies any lake or mere, it may be meant of the pool of Gibeon, which may be called a corner or canton of the sea; it is called the great waters of Gibeon (Jer 41:12), and it is compassed by the western border of this tribe. 2. The particular cities in this tribe, not all, but the most considerable. Twenty-six are here named. Jericho is put first, though dismantled, and forbidden to be rebuilt as a city with gates and walls, because it might be built and inhabited as a country village, and so was not useless to this tribe. Gilgal, where Israel first encamped when Saul was made king (Sa1 11:15), was in this tribe. It was afterwards a very profane place. Hos 9:15, All their wickedness is in Gilgal. Beth-el was in this tribe, a famous place. Though Benjamin adhered to the house of David, yet Beth-el, it seems, was in the possession of the house of Joseph (Jdg 1:23-25), and there Jeroboam set up one of his calves. In this tribe was Gibeon, where the altar was in the beginning of Solomon's time, Ch2 1:3. Gibeah likewise, that infamous place where the Levite's concubine was abused. Mizpeh, and near it Samuel's Ebenezer, and also Anathoth, Jeremiah's city, were in this tribe, as was the northern part of Jerusalem. Paul was the honour of this tribe (Rom 11:1; Phi 3:5); but where his land lay we know not: he sought the better country.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–28. Public domain.

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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

Genesis 28:19
And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.
Joshua 16:2
And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,
Joshua 16:3
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 21:22
And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs; four cities.
Joshua 10:11
And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.
Joshua 16:5
¶ 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;
Judges 1:22
And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD was with them.