AI illustration: Jordan - River of Canaan

What is Jordan in the Bible?

The river Israel crossed into Canaan under Joshua and where John baptized Jesus.

The Jordan is the river that forms the eastern boundary of the land of Canaan, running from Chinnereth down to the salt sea (Deuteronomy 3:17; Numbers 34:12). Lot chose the well-watered plain of Jordan when he parted from Abram (Genesis 13:10-11).

Jordan in the Bible

Before entering Canaan, Israel camped in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho (Numbers 22:1). The tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of Manasseh received their inheritance on the east side of the river (Numbers 32:29-32; Numbers 34:15). Moses says the LORD swore that he would not go over Jordan (Deuteronomy 4:21).

Under Joshua, the priests carried the ark of the covenant into the river, the LORD dried up its waters, and the people crossed (Joshua 3:14; Joshua 5:1). Twelve stones taken from the midst of the river were set up at Gilgal (Joshua 4:8; Joshua 4:20). Elisha stood by its bank with Elijah's mantle (2 Kings 2:13).

In the Gospels, John baptizes crowds in the river of Jordan (Mark 1:5), and Jesus comes from Nazareth and is baptized by John in the Jordan (Mark 1:9).

Name meaning
Descender
Name origin
Hebrew
Role
River of Canaan
First mention
Genesis 13:10
Appearances in the Bible
179 mentions

Questions about Jordan

What is Jordan in the Bible?

The Jordan is the river that forms the eastern boundary of the land of Canaan, running from Chinnereth down to the salt sea (Deuteronomy 3:17; Numbers 34:12). Lot chose the well-watered plain of Jordan when he parted from Abram (Genesis 13:10-11). Before entering Canaan, Israel camped in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho (Numbers 22:1). The tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of Manasseh received their inheritance on the east side of the river (Numbers 32:29-32; Numbers 34:15). Moses says the LORD swore that he would not go over Jordan (Deuteronomy 4:21). Under Joshua, the priests carried the ark of the covenant into the river, the LORD dried up its waters, and the people crossed (Joshua 3:14; Joshua 5:1). Twelve stones taken from the midst of the river were set up at Gilgal (Joshua 4:8; Joshua 4:20). Elisha stood by its bank with Elijah's mantle (2 Kings 2:13). In the Gospels, John baptizes crowds in the river of Jordan (Mark 1:5), and Jesus comes from Nazareth and is baptized by John in the Jordan (Mark 1:9).

What does the name Jordan mean?

The name Jordan means “Descender”. Origin: Hebrew.

Where is Jordan first mentioned in the Bible?

Jordan is first mentioned in Genesis 13:10.

How many times is Jordan mentioned in the Bible?

Number of mentions in the Bible: 179.