בֹּ֫הַן (bo.han)
bo.han
Bohan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Bohan is a proper name appearing in only two verses, both located in Joshua 18:17 and 19:6. The sources identify him as a Reubenite associated with the boundary stones that separated the tribal territories of Judah and Benjamin. His name translates to "thumb," a concrete image likely chosen for its symbolic weight rather than mere identification.
The connection between the name and the geography is significant. A thumb serves as a natural mark or divider, much like the stone markers Bohan helped establish. This linguistic link suggests that his role in setting territorial boundaries was seen as a defining characteristic of his identity, turning a personal name into a geographical landmark for the tribes.
Because the word occurs so rarely, it does not carry broad theological weight across Scripture. Instead, it highlights the specific historical reality of land division during the conquest period. The brevity of its usage underscores how individual names were sometimes preserved in the text precisely because they marked important physical or political divisions within Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Bohan means "thumb," a simple body part that serves as a natural divider or grip. In Joshua, this word marks specific stones used to define the borders between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. These landmarks were not just arbitrary lines on a map; they represented God's careful provision and order for His people.
When you read about these boundary stones in Joshua 15:6 or 18:17, remember that God pays attention to details. He assigned specific lands to specific families, ensuring each tribe had its own place to dwell and thrive. This historical record shows us a God who is organized, fair, and deeply involved in the practical aspects of our lives.
Even though Bohan appears only twice, his name reminds us that God’s plans include both the big picture and the small details. Just as these stones marked physical boundaries, God sets boundaries in our lives to protect and guide us. We can trust that He knows exactly where we belong and has prepared a place for us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bohan2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בֹּ֖הַן2×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 15:6
The border went up to Beth Hoglah, and passed along by the north of Beth Arabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.
This verse places Bohan’s stone at the northern edge of Judah’s territory, marking the precise limit where one tribe’s inheritance ended and another’s began.
-
Joshua 18:17
It extended northward, went out at En Shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim. It went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.
Here the boundary goes down to the same stone, confirming its role as a fixed landmark separating the land of Benjamin from Judah during the final distribution of the Promised Land.