Joshua 2:16

Authorized King James Version

And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֤אמֶר
And she said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לָהֶם֙
H0
#3
הָהָ֣רָה
you to the mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#4
לֵּ֔כוּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
פֶּֽן
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
#6
יִפְגְּע֥וּ
meet
to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity
#7
בָכֶ֖ם
H0
#8
הָרֹֽדְפִ֔ים
lest the pursuers
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#9
וְנַחְבֵּתֶ֨ם
you and hide
to secrete
#10
שָׁ֜מָּה
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#11
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
yourselves there three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#12
יָמִ֗ים
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#13
עַ֚ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#14
שׁ֣וֹב
be returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#15
הָרֹֽדְפִ֔ים
lest the pursuers
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#16
וְאַחַ֖ר
and afterward
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#17
תֵּֽלְכ֥וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#18
לְדַרְכְּכֶֽם׃
your way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

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 divine revelation 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

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

Related Resources

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

Study Resources