Joshua 10:2

Authorized King James Version

That they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּֽירְא֣וּ

H3372

That they feared

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מְאֹ֔ד

H3966

greatly

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עָרֵ֣י

H5892

cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

גְדוֹלָה֙

H1419

and because it was greater

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

גִּבְע֔וֹן

H1391

because Gibeon

gibon, a place in palestine

כְּאַחַ֖ת

H259

as one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

עָרֵ֣י

H5892

cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַמַּמְלָכָ֑ה

H4467

of the royal

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

#10

וְכִ֨י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

הִ֤יא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#12

גְדוֹלָה֙

H1419

and because it was greater

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#13

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#14

הָעַ֔י

H5857

than Ai

ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine

#15

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

אֲנָשֶׁ֖יהָ

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#17

גִּבֹּרִֽים׃

H1368

thereof were mighty

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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