What number verse is Joshua 18:17 in the Bible?

Joshua 18:17 is the 6,311th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Joshua 18:17 sits at position 6,311.

Translation

King James Version

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,

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KJV (with Strong's)

And was drawn ^H8388 from the north ^H6828, and went forth ^H3318 to Enshemesh ^H5885, and went forth ^H3318 toward Geliloth ^H1553, which is over against ^H5227 the going up ^H4608 of Adummim ^H131, and descended ^H3381 to the stone ^H68 of Bohan ^H932 the son ^H1121 of Reuben ^H7205,

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Complete Jewish Bible

where it was drawn to the north; then it went on to 'Ein-Shemesh; continued to G'lilot, which is across from Ma'alei-Adumim; went down to the Stone of Bohan the son of Re'uven;

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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.

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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;

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World English Bible Messianic

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.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And compasseth from the North, and goeth foorth to En-shemesh, and stretcheth to Geliloth, which is toward the going vp vnto Adummim, and goeth downe to the stone of Bohan the sonne of Reuben.

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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,

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Joshua 18:17 meticulously delineates a crucial segment of the southern boundary for the tribe of Benjamin, tracing its path through a series of ancient and prominent geographical landmarks. This precise description is far more than a mere geographical listing; it profoundly underscores the divine order, unwavering faithfulness, and meticulous provision inherent in God's allocation of the Promised Land, ensuring each tribe received its designated and indisputable inheritance in fulfillment of His ancient covenant promises.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Joshua 18:17 is situated within the broader narrative of land distribution to the remaining seven tribes of Israel, specifically detailing the territory granted to Benjamin (Joshua 18:11-28). Following the initial, major allocations to Judah and the house of Joseph, the central sanctuary (the tabernacle) was moved to Shiloh, where Joshua, under divine guidance, cast lots for the remaining tribes (Joshua 18:10). This verse, in particular, outlines a critical portion of Benjamin's southern border, which simultaneously functioned as the northern border of Judah, thereby creating a shared and carefully defined demarcation. The highly detailed geographical descriptions found throughout this chapter, replete with specific directions and named landmarks, emphasize the meticulous, orderly, and legally binding nature of the division, leaving no ambiguity regarding tribal inheritances and preventing future disputes.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, land inheritance was absolutely foundational to tribal identity, economic stability, social structure, and covenant faithfulness. The precise delineation of boundaries, often marked by enduring natural features (like springs or distinctive rock formations) or by erected stones, was paramount to prevent future conflicts, as evidenced by explicit prohibitions against moving boundary markers (e.g., Deuteronomy 19:14). The mention of specific places such as "Enshemesh," "Geliloth," "Adummim," and the ancient "Stone of Bohan" highlights the reliance on established and universally recognizable landmarks in a pre-surveying era. These markers often carried deep historical or traditional significance, reinforcing their authority as undisputed points of demarcation. The "going up of Adummim" was a particularly well-known, notoriously difficult, and often dangerous ascent from the Jordan Valley towards Jerusalem, indicating a significant and unmistakable topographical feature.
Key Themes: The meticulous geographical descriptions in this verse and the surrounding passages contribute to several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, they powerfully demonstrate Divine Precision and Order, illustrating God's meticulous care in fulfilling His promises and establishing a structured, harmonious society for His people. Every landmark mentioned signifies God's deliberate, exact, and unchangeable provision. Secondly, the entire process of land distribution, of which this verse is an integral part, represents the tangible Fulfillment of God's Promises made centuries earlier to Abraham (e.g., Genesis 15:18) and his descendants. The physical possession of the land was the visible, undeniable sign of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. Lastly, the emphasis on specific, enduring landmarks highlights the Significance of Boundaries and Inheritance. These markers were not merely geographical points but served as enduring testimonies to the tribal inheritances, legally defining what belonged to each family and tribe, providing security, identity, and a sense of belonging, much like the detailed account of Judah's inheritance in Joshua 15:1-12.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Adummim (Hebrew, ʾĂḏummîm', H131): Meaning "red spots." This refers to the distinctive reddish rock formations found along a notorious ascent from the Jordan Valley towards Jerusalem. The "going up of Adummim" was a well-known, difficult, and dangerous pass, making its reddish hue a prominent and unmistakable geographical feature that served as a clear boundary marker.
Geliloth (Hebrew, Gᵉlîylôwth', H1553): Meaning "circles." This term likely refers to a specific area characterized by circular or rolling hills, or perhaps a series of distinct regions. Its inclusion as a boundary point suggests it was a recognizable topographical feature or a named locality that helped delineate the border's path.
Bohan (Hebrew, Bôhan', H932): An orthographical variation of a word meaning "thumb." While the root suggests "thumb," in this context, it refers to Bohan, an Israelite, specifically "Bohan the son of Reuben." The "stone of Bohan" is a particularly unique and ancient landmark, suggesting an established memorial or tribal marker that predated the conquest of Canaan. Its inclusion highlights the deep historical roots and the venerable, undisputed nature of these ancient land divisions.

Verse Breakdown

"And was drawn from the north": This phrase establishes the starting point and general direction of the boundary segment for Benjamin. It indicates that the border is being traced from a northern point, moving southwards, thereby defining the southern edge of Benjamin's allotted territory.
"and went forth to Enshemesh": From its northern origin, the boundary proceeds to the well-known landmark of Enshemesh, which means "Fountain of the Sun." This marks a specific, identifiable, and prominent natural spring that served as a crucial point of demarcation on the border.
"and went forth toward Geliloth": The boundary continues its course, heading in the direction of Geliloth. This indicates a general trajectory towards another significant topographical feature or named region, further specifying the path of the border.
"which [is] over against the going up of Adummim": This clause provides further geographical context for Geliloth, situating it "opposite" or in proximity to the ascent of Adummim. This clarifies the location by referencing another prominent and easily recognizable landmark, emphasizing the rugged and challenging terrain of the region through which the boundary passed.
"and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben": The boundary then takes a downward turn, indicating a descent, likely towards the Jordan Valley. The "stone of Bohan" is a highly significant and ancient landmark, marking a crucial, enduring point where Benjamin's territory connected with Judah's, serving as a venerable, perhaps pre-Israelite conquest, marker.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in Joshua 18:17, and indeed throughout the land distribution chapters, is Topographical Detail. The verse is saturated with specific geographical names and precise directional indicators ("from the north," "went forth," "toward," "over against," "descended"), demonstrating an almost cartographic precision. This detailed mapping serves to authenticate the divine allocation of land, leaving no room for ambiguity or dispute regarding tribal inheritances. The Repetition of phrases like "went forth" (H3318, yâtsâ') emphasizes the continuous and sequential tracing of the boundary, guiding the reader along the described path and reinforcing the thoroughness of the demarcation process. Furthermore, the mention of "the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben" functions as an Allusion to an ancient past, hinting at a history and established order that predates the Israelite conquest, lending an air of timeless authority and venerability to the boundary and the land claims.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Joshua 18:17, though seemingly a dry geographical description, is profoundly theological. It powerfully illustrates God's character as a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. The meticulous detail in defining the tribal boundaries is not merely for administrative purposes but serves as a tangible demonstration of God fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants with exactitude. Every landmark mentioned is a testament to His precise provision and the certainty of His word, ensuring that His people receive their promised inheritance. This divine meticulousness in land allocation foreshadows God's care in establishing spiritual boundaries and inheritances for His people, ensuring that every promise made is fulfilled with absolute precision and security.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The precise and detailed nature of the land division in Joshua 18:17 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. Just as God meticulously ensured every tribe received its precise and indisputable inheritance, so too does He care for the intricate details of our lives, fulfilling His promises with accuracy and unwavering faithfulness. This passage encourages us to trust in His sovereign provision for our "boundaries," whether they are our unique callings, our current circumstances, or the spiritual blessings He has prepared for us. Understanding these divine boundaries, both physical and spiritual, provides a deep sense of security, purpose, and identity, much like the tribes knew their specific land. Moreover, the respect given to ancient landmarks like the Stone of Bohan reminds us of the importance of honoring established truths and the wisdom passed down through generations, especially the unchanging Word of God, which serves as our ultimate boundary marker and infallible guide for life and faith.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail of God's provision in Joshua 18:17 encourage your trust in His care for the "boundaries" of your own life, whether in relationships, career, or personal growth?
In what ways can understanding your spiritual inheritance in Christ provide security and purpose, similar to how the tribes understood their physical land?
What "ancient landmarks" or established truths in God's Word are you called to respect and uphold in your life today, and how do they define your spiritual boundaries and guide your path?

FAQ

Why are these geographical details so important in the Bible?

Answer: These geographical details are critically important for several reasons. Firstly, they demonstrate God's faithfulness and the literal fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham that his descendants would inherit a specific land (e.g., Genesis 15:18). Secondly, they provided the legal and practical basis for tribal identity, inheritance, and governance in ancient Israel, preventing disputes over territory. The meticulous descriptions underscore the divine order and precision in God's dealings with His people, showing that His provision is exact and intentional. They also serve as historical markers, rooting the biblical narrative in real-world geography and making the account verifiable and tangible, demonstrating God's work in concrete history.

Who was Bohan, and why is his stone significant?

Answer: Bohan was a son of Reuben, one of the twelve patriarchs and the eldest son of Jacob. The "stone of Bohan" is significant because it represents an ancient and enduring landmark, possibly predating the Israelite conquest of Canaan. Its existence suggests that certain boundary markers were already established and recognized even before the land was formally divided by Joshua. This stone served as a crucial, undisputed point on the shared border between the tribes of Benjamin and Judah, highlighting the continuity of land claims and the respect for established markers. It likely functioned as a memorial or a tribal marker from the patriarchal period, underscoring the deep historical roots and the sacred, enduring nature of these land divisions.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Joshua 18:17 describes a physical inheritance of land, it powerfully foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Just as the tribes received their precise, divinely appointed portion of the Promised Land, so too do believers receive an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). Jesus, as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, is our true "Promised Land" and the substance of our inheritance. Through Him, we are made "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17), not of a physical territory, but of eternal life, righteousness, and all the spiritual blessings "in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3). The meticulous precision of the land division in Joshua points to the absolute certainty and security of our spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is guaranteed by God's faithfulness, secured by His sacrifice, and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:11-14). We are now part of a spiritual kingdom, looking forward to a "city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10), a heavenly inheritance far surpassing any earthly territory (Colossians 1:12).

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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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