Joshua 18:15

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Joshua 18:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the south quarter was from the uttermost part of Kiriath-jearim; and the border went out westward, and went out to the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the south quarter was from the uttermost part of Kiriath-jearim; and the border went out westward, and went out to the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah;
Joshua 18:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Joshua 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15And the south quarter was from the uttermost part of Kiriath-jearim; and the border went out westward, and went out to the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the south quarter [was] from the end of Kirjathjearim, etc.] Where the western quarter ended: and the border went out on the west; not directly south, but somewhat westerly. It is, in the original, “the sea”, and should be rendered, “from the sea”, or “from the west” f414; and Jarchi confesses his ignorance, and says, I know not what sea it is; and well he might, for there was no sea here; but the Mediterranean sea, being to the west of the land of Israel, it is often used for the west in the Hebrew language, and so here: and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah; (see Gill on “<061509>Joshua 15:9”);”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the marginal references. There are many indications found in this and the next chapter that the text is in great disorder, and many of the places are still unknown. Joshua 18:14 And compassed the corner ... - Render “and turned on the west side southward.” The meaning is, that at lower Beth-horon the northern boundary-line of Benjamin curved round and ran southward - Beth-horon being its extreme westerly point. Joshua 18:21 The “Valley of Keziz,” or “Emek-Keziz,” is perhaps the “Wady el Kaziz,” at no great distance east of Jerusalem. Joshua 18:22 Zemaraim, i. e. “two wooded hills,” is supposed to be the ruins called “Es-Sumrah,” on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Joshua 18:23 Ophrah…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Nephtoah: Jos 15:9 Joshua 18:16”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification