Bohan בֹּ֫הַן
Reubenite after whom a boundary stone was named
Who is Bohan in the Bible?
Bohan was the son of Reuben, the eldest son of Jacob, and is mentioned in Joshua 15:6 and 18:17 as the namesake of an important boundary stone. This stone, called "the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben," marked the border between the territories of Judah and Benjamin during the Israelite settlement of Canaan. The stone served as a well-known landmark and boundary marker during the division of the Promised Land among the tribes, though its exact location remains unidentified. Bohan's significance lies primarily in his connection to this boundary marker, which symbolized the importance of establishing clear divisions and fair territorial distribution among the Israelite tribes.
Biography
Bohan was the son of Reuben, the eldest son of Israel (or 'Jacob') (Josh. 15:6; 18:17). He is mentioned in connection with a boundary stone that marked the border between the territories of Judah and Benjamin. The stone was named "the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben," suggesting that it was a well-known landmark during the time of the Israelite conquest and settlement of Canaan. The stone is referenced in the descriptions of the allotment of land to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, emphasizing the importance of clear boundaries and the fair distribution of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes. The fact that the stone bore Bohan's name indicates that he may have played a significant role in establishing or recognizing this boundary marker. However, no further details about Bohan's life or achievements are provided in the biblical text.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentJoshua 2 verses
- Joshua 15:6
"went up to Beth-hoglah, proceeded north of Beth-arabah, and went up to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben."
Study Joshua → - Joshua 18:17
"From there it curved northward and proceeded to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth facing the Ascent of Adummim, and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben."
Study Joshua →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | בֹּ֫הַן |
Bohan
stone of Bohan" ('ebhen bohan) was a boundary mark on the Northeast frontier of Judah, separating it from Benjamin. Site unidentified.
(noun) (shechin; helkos): A localized inflamed swelling. The Hebrew word is derived from a root probably meaning "to burn," and is used as a generic term for the sores in the sixth plague of Egypt (<ref osisRef="Bibl