Joshua 11:14

Authorized King James Version

And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְ֠כֹל

H3605

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

שְׁלַ֞ל

H7998

And all the spoil

booty

הֶֽעָרִ֤ים

H5892

of these cities

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

הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙

H428

these or those

וְהַבְּהֵמָ֔ה

H929

and the cattle

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

בָּֽזְז֥וּ

H962

took for a prey

to plunder

לָהֶ֖ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#10

רַ֣ק

H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

#11

אֶֽת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

כָּל

H3605

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

#13

הָאָדָ֞ם

H120

unto themselves but every man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#14

הִכּ֣וּ

H5221

they smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#15

לְפִי

H6310

with the edge

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#16

חֶ֗רֶב

H2719

of the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#17

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#18

הִשְׁמִדָם֙

H8045

until they had destroyed

to desolate

#19

אוֹתָ֔ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#20

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#21

הִשְׁאִ֖ירוּ

H7604

them neither left

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

#22

כָּל

H3605

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

#23

נְשָׁמָֽה׃

H5397

they any to breathe

a puff, i.e., wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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