The interpretation timeline

Josh 15:3

How this passage has been read — the sources, oldest to newest.

From the early Church Fathers to now.

Josh 15:3 · Douay-Rheims

“And it goeth out towards the ascent of the Scorpion, and passeth on to Sina: and ascendeth into Cadesbarne, and reacheth into Esron, going up to Addar, and compassing Carcaa.”

Patristic before A.D. 750

254

A.D.

Origen Patristic

c. A.D. 184–253

“But also we must go up the ascent of the hills of Akrabbim, which means "scorpions." Thus it is necessary for us to pass over and even tread down scorpions, about which the Savior says, "Behold, I have given you the authority to tread over serpents and scorpions." Whoever therefore wishes and longs to enter into the inheritance of the tribe of Judah must go up these ascents and tread down and escape from scorpions that stand in the way. For this reason, I think that the Lord said to the prophet Ezekiel making this journey, "Son of man, you dwell in the midst of scorpions."”

Source

254

A.D.

Origen Patristic

c. A.D. 184–253

“"And the borders," it says, "are all the way to Kadesh." Kadesh means "holy" or "sanctification." Therefore, the borders of Judah reach all the way to sanctification.”

Source

Modern · 1953 →

The in-app commentary runs from the Fathers to the early-modern record, then stops — that's where the public-domain sources end, not where the reading does. For the modern reading, follow the sources directly.