Joshua 17:16

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Beth-shean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

And 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

יוֹסֵ֔ף

H3130

of Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

לֹֽא

H3808

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

יִמָּ֥צֵא

H4672

is not enough

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

לָ֖נוּ

הָהָ֑ר

H2022

The hill

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וְרֶ֣כֶב

H7393

have chariots

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

בַּרְזֶ֗ל

H1270

of iron

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

#10

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#11

הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙

H3669

for us and all the Canaanites

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

#12

הַיֹּשֵׁ֣ב

H3427

that dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#13

בְּאֶֽרֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#14

בְּעֵ֥מֶק

H6010

and they who are of the valley

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

#15

לַֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

בְּבֵית

#17

שְׁאָן֙

H1052

both they who are of Bethshean

beth-shean or beth-shan, a place in palestine

#18

וּבְנוֹתֶ֔יהָ

H1323

and her towns

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#19

וְלַֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#20

בְּעֵ֥מֶק

H6010

and they who are of the valley

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

#21

יִזְרְעֶֽאל׃

H3157

of Jezreel

jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

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 practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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