יַרְדֵּן

From the study of Joshua 3:13

Range of meaning

Yarden is the name of the river. Yarad means to go down or descend. Many link the name to yarad, 'the descender', fitting a river that drops from the Galilee region to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. The origin of the name is debated and may not be Semitic at all.

Against the English

English cannot carry the sound play. 'The waters coming down from above' (KJV, WEB, YLT) keeps the picture. BSB's 'its flowing waters' smooths it away.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Jordan falls steeply and flows fast. In spring snowmelt from Mount Hermon floods it 'over all its banks' (3:15; also 1 Chronicles 12:15).

From the study of Joshua 4:22

Range of meaning

The Jordan River, probably from yārad, 'to go down' ('the descender'), since it drops steeply from the Galilee region to the Dead Sea. It is the boundary between the land east of the river and Canaan proper.

Against the English

English versions agree. The difference is whether they keep 'this' (KJV, WEB, YLT, ESV) or drop it (BSB).

Used elsewhere in the period

The Jordan is the line Moses was not allowed to cross (Deut 3:27; 31:2). Josh 3:15 notes that it 'overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest', the spring flood. Later, Elijah and Elisha also cross it on dry ground (2 Kgs 2:8, 14).

From the study of Psalm 114:3

Range of meaning

The Jordan River, the eastern boundary of Canaan. The name is often linked to the root yārad, 'to go down', which suits a river that drops from the Galilee region to the Dead Sea.

Against the English

No real difference from the English. The point is its pairing with 'the sea.'

Used elsewhere in the period

Josh 3–4; Ps 66:6 ('they passed through the river on foot'); Mic 6:5 ('from Shittim to Gilgal', the Jordan crossing).