Joshua 2:14

Authorized King James Version

And the men answered her, Our life for your's, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֧אמְרוּ

H559

answered

to say (used with great latitude)

לָ֣הּ

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֗ים

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)

נַפְשֵׁ֤נוּ

H5315

her Our life

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

תַחְתֵּיכֶם֙

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

לָמ֔וּת

H4191

for yours

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אִ֚ם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

תַגִּ֔ידוּ

H5046

if ye utter

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

דְּבָרֵ֖נוּ

H1697

not this our business

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#12

זֶ֑ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#13

וְהָיָ֗ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#14

בְּתֵת

H5414

hath given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#15

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

And it shall be when the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

לָ֙נוּ֙

#17

אֶת

H853

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

#18

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

us the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#19

וְעָשִׂ֥ינוּ

H6213

that we will deal

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#20

עִמָּ֖ךְ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#21

חֶ֥סֶד

H2617

kindly

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

#22

וֶֽאֱמֶֽת׃

H571

and truly

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing life contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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