Joshua 18:9

Authorized King James Version

And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and came again to Joshua to the host at Shiloh.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּֽלְכ֤וּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙

H582

And the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

וַיַּֽעַבְר֣וּ

H5674

and passed through

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיִּכְתְּב֧וּהָ

H3789

and described

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

לֶֽעָרִ֛ים

H5892

it by cities

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

לְשִׁבְעָ֥ה

H7651

into seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

חֲלָקִ֖ים

H2506

parts

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#10

סֵ֑פֶר

H5612

in a book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

#11

וַיָּבֹ֧אוּ

H935

and came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ

H3091

again to Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

#14

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה

H4264

to the host

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

#16

שִׁלֹֽה׃

H7887

at Shiloh

shiloh, a place in palestine

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 does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources

Biblical Maps