What number verse is Joshua 18:14 in the Bible?

Joshua 18:14 is the 6,308th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Joshua 18:14 sits at position 6,308.

Translation

King James Version

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.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And the border ^H1366 was drawn ^H8388 thence, and compassed ^H5437 the corner ^H6285 of the sea ^H3220 southward ^H5045, from the hill ^H2022 that lieth before ^H6440 Bethhoron ^H1032 southward ^H5045; and the goings out ^H8444 thereof were at Kirjathbaal ^H7154, which is Kirjathjearim ^H7157, a city ^H5892 of the children ^H1121 of Judah ^H3063: this was the west ^H3220 quarter ^H6285.

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Complete Jewish Bible

The border was delineated as turning at the western corner and heading southward, from the hill located in front of Beit-Horon on the south; and it ended at Kiryat-Ba'al (that is, Kiryat-Ye'arim), a city belonging to the descendants of Y'hudah; this was the west side.

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Berean Standard Bible

On the west side the border curved southward from the hill facing Beth-horon on the south and came out at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), a city of the sons of Judah. This was the western side.

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American Standard Version

And the border extended thence, and turned about on the west quarter southward, from the mountain that lieth before Beth-horon southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kiriath-baal (the same is Kiriath-jearim), a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter.

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World English Bible Messianic

The border extended, and turned around on the west quarter southward, from the mountain that lies before Beth Horon southward; and ended at Kiriath Baal (the same is Kiriath Jearim), a city of the children of Judah. This was the west quarter.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

So the border turneth, and compasseth the corner of the Sea Southward, from the mount that lyeth before Beth-horon Southward: and the endes thereof are at Kiriath-baal (which is Kiriath-iearim) a citie of the children of Iudah: this is the Westquarter.

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Young's Literal Translation

and the border hath been marked out, and hath gone round to the corner of the sea southward, from the hill which is at the front of Beth-Horon southward, and its outgoings have been unto Kirjath-Baal (it is Kirjath-Jearim), a city of the sons of Judah: this is the west quarter.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Joshua 18:14 meticulously delineates a specific segment of the western boundary for the tribe of Benjamin's allotted territory within the Promised Land. This verse, part of a broader section detailing the precise borders and cities assigned to Benjamin after the casting of lots at Shiloh, underscores the divine order, precision, and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by providing each tribe with its designated inheritance.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Joshua 18:14 is situated within the detailed account of the land distribution to the remaining seven tribes of Israel (Joshua 18:1-19:51), following the initial conquests and the allocation of territory to Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh. Specifically, it belongs to the description of Benjamin's inheritance (Joshua 18:11-28), which was the first of the seven tribes to receive its portion after a comprehensive survey of the land. The preceding verses (Joshua 18:4-9) describe Joshua's command to send out men to survey the land and record its divisions, emphasizing the meticulous and orderly nature of this process. This verse, therefore, is not merely a geographical marker but a testament to the systematic fulfillment of God's promise, ensuring that every boundary was clearly defined and understood, preventing future disputes and establishing tribal identity within the nascent nation. It serves as a concrete example of the divine blueprint being laid out for the nascent nation, transitioning from a nomadic, conquering force to a settled, agricultural society.
Historical & Cultural Context: The division of land was a foundational act for the newly formed nation of Israel, transitioning from a nomadic, conquering force to a settled, agricultural society. In the ancient Near East, precise land demarcation was crucial for establishing ownership, taxation, and tribal identity, often involving natural landmarks and surveyed lines. The act of casting lots at Shiloh was not a random event but a divinely guided process, signifying God's sovereign hand in the distribution, ensuring that the inheritance was truly from Him. The mention of "the corner of the sea" almost certainly refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which formed a natural western boundary for many tribal territories. Cities like Bethhoron and Kirjathjearim were significant strategic and cultural landmarks, often situated on key trade routes or elevated positions, making them ideal points for defining borders. The fact that Kirjathjearim is noted as "a city of the children of Judah" highlights the precise intersection of tribal territories, demonstrating the careful interweaving of the twelve tribes' portions and the complex yet orderly nature of the land allocation.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it exemplifies Divine Order and Precision, revealing God as a meticulous architect who meticulously plans and executes His purposes, down to the exact boundaries of a tribe's inheritance. This precision underscores His sovereignty and foresight. Secondly, it highlights the Fulfillment of Promise, as the very act of dividing the land is the culmination of centuries of divine promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning their descendants inheriting the land of Canaan (e.g., Genesis 15:18-21). Every boundary marker was a tangible sign of God's unwavering faithfulness, demonstrating that not one word of His good promise failed. Thirdly, it solidifies Tribal Identity and Inheritance, providing each tribe with a distinct, God-given territory essential for their self-governance, economic stability, and the preservation of their unique heritage within the covenant community. This defined space was crucial for their identity as the people of God, living out their covenant responsibilities within their designated spheres, and establishing their future as a settled nation.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Drawn (Hebrew, tâʼar', H8388): This verb (H8388) signifies "to delineate," "to mark out," or "to extend." Its use here emphasizes the deliberate and precise nature of the boundary setting. It implies a careful surveying process, where lines were not arbitrarily assigned but meticulously determined, often by following natural contours or established landmarks. This speaks to the intentionality behind the land's division, reflecting God's orderly character and the tangible reality of His fulfilled promises.
Compassed (Hebrew, çâbab', H5437): Meaning "to revolve, surround, or border" (H5437), this word illustrates the winding and encircling path of the border. Rather than a straight, artificial line, the boundary followed the natural topography, curving around geographical features like hills and valleys. This further highlights the practical and detailed approach to land division, making use of the existing landscape to define the tribal territories, ensuring natural and defensible borders.

Verse Breakdown

"And the border was drawn [thence], and compassed the corner of the sea southward": This clause initiates the description of Benjamin's western border, indicating its starting point or direction. "Thence" implies a continuation from a previously described point, suggesting a logical flow in the boundary's delineation. "The corner of the sea" refers to the Mediterranean coast, establishing the extreme western limit of the territory. The direction "southward" specifies the trajectory of this segment of the border, moving along the coast.
"from the hill that [lieth] before Bethhoron southward": This provides a crucial landmark for the border's path. Bethhoron (H1032), likely referring to Upper Bethhoron, was a strategically important city on a major ascent from the coastal plain to the central highlands. The border is described as running from a specific hill situated "before" (pânîym, H6440, meaning "in front of" or "facing") Bethhoron, continuing its southward trajectory. This detail anchors the boundary to a recognizable geographical feature, ensuring clarity and precision.
"and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah": This clause marks the end point or junction of this particular segment of the western border. "Goings out" (tôwtsâʼâh, H8444) refers to the termination or extension of the boundary. Kirjathbaal (H7154), later known as Kirjathjearim (H7157), was a significant city. The parenthetical clarification, "a city of the children of Judah" (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063), is vital, indicating that this point was where Benjamin's western border met the northern boundary of Judah's territory, creating a shared frontier between the two tribes and emphasizing the interconnectedness of their inheritances.
"this [was] the west quarter.": This concluding phrase succinctly summarizes the preceding description, confirming that the detailed geographical markers delineate the entire western side of Benjamin's tribal inheritance. It provides a clear and unambiguous statement of the boundary's orientation, leaving no doubt as to the defined territory.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in Joshua 18:14, and indeed throughout the land allocation chapters, is Topographical Detail. The meticulous enumeration of specific geographical features—such as "the corner of the sea," "the hill that lieth before Bethhoron," and "Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim"—serves to establish the absolute precision and specificity of the land division. This level of detail is not merely descriptive; it functions as a form of Legal Language, akin to a deed or property survey, solidifying the divine grant of land to each tribe. The repetition of directional indicators like "southward" further reinforces the clarity and exactness of the boundaries. This detailed mapping underscores the divine order and the fulfillment of covenant promises, transforming abstract promises into tangible, defensible territories, and providing a foundational legal framework for the emerging nation of Israel.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Joshua 18:14, with its detailed description of Benjamin's western border, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous nature and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The precision in land allocation is not arbitrary; it signifies God's sovereign design for His people, providing them with a secure inheritance and a defined space in which to live out their covenant responsibilities. This divine ordering speaks to a God who cares about the details of His creation and His people's lives, ensuring stability and identity. It reminds us that God's promises are concrete and reliable, fulfilled with exactitude, even when the process seems lengthy or complex. The physical boundaries for Israel foreshadow the spiritual boundaries and inheritance God provides for His people today, offering security, identity, and purpose within His kingdom, demonstrating His faithfulness across generations.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The ancient details of Joshua 18:14 might seem distant, yet they offer profound insights for contemporary believers. This verse, embedded in a narrative of divine land distribution, reminds us that our God is a God of order, precision, and faithfulness. Just as He meticulously defined the physical boundaries for Israel, He has a precise plan for our lives, our spiritual inheritance, and the boundaries of our calling. This should inspire immense trust: if God cares about the exact location of an ancient tribal border, how much more does He care about the intricate details of our existence, our provision, and our eternal destiny? Understanding that our "lines have fallen in pleasant places" (as Psalm 16:6 beautifully puts it) in Christ provides profound security and peace. It calls us to live within the "boundaries" of His Word and His will, finding our true identity and purpose not in worldly possessions or achievements, but in the spiritual inheritance He has graciously bestowed upon us. This passage encourages us to embrace God's divine order in our own lives, trusting that His meticulous care extends to every aspect of our journey, guiding us to our ultimate, glorious inheritance and enabling us to flourish within His perfect design.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for Israel's inheritance encourage your trust in His provision for your own life?
In what ways can understanding our "spiritual boundaries" in Christ provide security and purpose in a world that often feels chaotic?
How does God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel challenge you to live faithfully within the "inheritance" He has given you, whether spiritual gifts, relationships, or resources?

FAQ

Why are these geographical details so important in the Bible?

Answer: The meticulous geographical details in passages like Joshua 18:14 are crucial for several reasons. First, they demonstrate the historical veracity of the biblical narrative, grounding the events in real places and times. This precision validates the claims of the text. Second, they underscore the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing how the land, specifically delineated, was indeed given to their descendants as an inheritance (e.g., Genesis 15:18). Third, these details establish tribal identity and boundaries, which were vital for the social, economic, and political organization of ancient Israel. They prevented disputes and ensured each tribe knew its God-given portion. Finally, they reveal God's meticulous and orderly character, showing that His divine plan extends to the most intricate specifics, ensuring that His will is carried out with precision and purpose for His people.

What is the significance of "Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim"?

Answer: Kirjathbaal, later known as Kirjathjearim, was a significant city that served as a key landmark on the border between the tribes of Benjamin and Judah. Its dual name reflects a transition in its identity or common usage over time, perhaps indicating a change in its primary association or a more widely adopted name. Its importance extends beyond simply being a border marker; it later gained historical prominence as the place where the Ark of the Covenant resided for many years after its return from the Philistines, before King David brought it to Jerusalem. This detail highlights how seemingly minor geographical points in the allocation narrative can later become central to Israel's sacred history, connecting the initial divine ordering of the land to the unfolding narrative of God's presence among His people and the establishment of their worship.

How was the land divided among the tribes?

Answer: The land was divided among the tribes through a combination of divine guidance and practical surveying. After the initial conquests, Joshua commanded representatives from the remaining seven tribes to survey the land and divide it into seven parts, describing each part by its cities (Joshua 18:4-6). This survey was then brought back to Joshua at Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was located. The final allocation was determined by casting lots before the Lord (Joshua 18:10). This method ensured that the division was seen as divinely ordained, preventing human favoritism or disputes and affirming God's ultimate sovereignty over the land. While the lots determined the general areas, the detailed descriptions, like that in Joshua 18:14, then meticulously defined the exact boundaries, often following natural geographical features, thereby solidifying each tribe's unique and God-given inheritance.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The precise delineation of tribal boundaries in Joshua 18:14, though seemingly a mundane geographical detail, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Just as God meticulously prepared and allocated a physical inheritance for His people Israel, He has, with even greater precision and love, prepared an eternal spiritual inheritance for all who are "in Christ" (e.g., Ephesians 1:11). Jesus Christ is the ultimate "inheritance" (e.g., Hebrews 1:2), the true "Promised Land" in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" (e.g., 2 Corinthians 1:20). The meticulous boundaries of Benjamin's territory foreshadow the secure and everlasting dwelling place that Christ prepares for His followers, ensuring their eternal security and belonging (e.g., John 14:2-3). The detailed mapping of the land points to the perfect, unchangeable plan of redemption, where believers are brought into a new covenant relationship, inheriting eternal life and a place in God's kingdom, not by lot or human survey, but by the finished work of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Ultimately, the physical inheritance in Joshua points to the spiritual reality that our true home and secure boundaries are found in Christ, who is our peace and our eternal portion (e.g., Colossians 1:12), granting us an imperishable inheritance reserved in heaven (e.g., 1 Peter 1:4).

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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

Joshua 15:9
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:
2 Samuel 6:2
And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.
1 Samuel 7:1
¶ And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.
1 Samuel 7:2
And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
1 Chronicles 13:5
So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.
1 Chronicles 13:6
And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it.
Joshua 15:60
Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages: