from מַיִם and יֵרָקוֹן with the art. interposed; water of the yellowness; Me-haj-Jarkon, a place in Palestine; Me-jarkon.
Transliteration:Mêy hay-Yarqôwn
Pronunciation:may hah'-ee-yar-kone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4313}}` (Mêy hay-Yarqôwn) is a compound geographical designation derived from `{{H4325}}` (mayim), meaning "water," and `{{H3420}}` (yeraqon), which denotes "yellowness," "paleness," or "mildew/blight." The definite article "hay-" is interposed, rendering the full meaning as "the waters of the yellowness/greenness" or "the waters of the Yarkon." This etymology suggests a body of water, likely a river or stream, characterized by a specific color, perhaps due to mineral content, algae, or the particular hue of the surrounding vegetation. As a proper noun, it refers to a specific place, Me-jarkon, within the ancient land of Canaan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H4313}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 19:46]]: "and Me-jarkon, and Rakkon, with the territory over against Joppa."
This verse is found within the detailed account of the tribal allotments of the Promised Land, specifically describing the inheritance of the tribe of Dan. Me-jarkon is listed as a boundary marker, delineating the extent of Dan's territory to the west, in proximity to the coastal city of Joppa (modern-day Jaffa). Its inclusion in this precise geographical list underscores the meticulous nature of the land division, emphasizing the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel regarding their inheritance. The exact location of ancient Me-jarkon is debated among scholars, but it is generally associated with the region of the Yarkon River, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea near Tel Aviv.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of `{{H4313}}` are `{{H4325}}` (mayim) and `{{H3420}}` (yeraqon).
* `{{H4325}}` (mayim): "Water" is a foundational element in biblical narrative, symbolizing life, purification, and divine provision. In geographical contexts, bodies of water often served as natural boundaries or vital resources.
* `{{H3420}}` (yeraqon): While in `{{H4313}}` it forms part of a place name, `{{H3420}}` itself more commonly refers to a yellowish or greenish blight or mildew affecting crops (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:22]], [[1 Kings 8:37]], [[Amos 4:9]]). This dual usage highlights how a descriptive term for a natural phenomenon could also be applied to a geographical feature, likely describing the appearance of the water or the vegetation along its banks rather than suggesting a diseased state of the river itself.
Related concepts include:
* **Tribal Allotments**: The detailed division of the land (e.g., Joshua 13-19) is a central theme in the book of Joshua, demonstrating God's faithfulness in providing a homeland for His people.
* **Geography of the Holy Land**: The specific naming of towns, rivers, and boundaries provides crucial insight into the ancient topography and the strategic importance of various locations.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H4313}}` is primarily a geographical designation, its theological significance is embedded within the broader narrative of God's covenant with Israel.
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**: The meticulous listing of geographical markers like Me-jarkon in the tribal allotments attests to God's precise fulfillment of His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan ([[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18-21]]). Every boundary, every river, every town mentioned underscores the reality and tangibility of God's covenant faithfulness.
2. **Sovereignty Over Creation**: The very naming of a natural feature like a river ("waters of the yellowness") reflects God's sovereignty over all creation, including the specific characteristics of the land He prepared for His people. Even the descriptive elements of a place name implicitly acknowledge the Creator.
3. **Order and Inheritance**: The precise demarcation of tribal boundaries, including Me-jarkon for the tribe of Dan, speaks to the divine order established for Israel's inheritance. It ensured each tribe received its designated portion, preventing disputes and establishing a basis for their societal structure in the land.
### Summary
`{{H4313}}` (Mêy hay-Yarqôwn), meaning "waters of the yellowness/greenness," is a unique geographical place name mentioned only once in [[Joshua 19:46]]. It served as a specific boundary marker for the tribal inheritance of Dan, located near Joppa. Etymologically derived from "water" (`{{H4325}}`) and "yellowness/mildew" (`{{H3420}}`), it likely described a distinctive characteristic of the river or its surrounding vegetation. Theologically, its inclusion in the biblical text underscores the meticulous detail of God's provision and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by precisely allocating the Promised Land. It stands as a testament to the divine order and the tangible reality of Israel's inheritance under God's sovereign hand.
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