Joshua 2:18
Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
בָאִ֖ים
Behold when we come
H935
בָאִ֖ים
Behold when we come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 27
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תִּקְוַ֡ת
this line
H8615
תִּקְוַ֡ת
this line
Strong's:
H8615
Word #:
6 of 27
literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy
הַשָּׁנִ֨י
of scarlet
H8144
הַשָּׁנִ֨י
of scarlet
Strong's:
H8144
Word #:
8 of 27
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
הַזֶּ֜ה
H2088
תִּקְשְׁרִ֗י
thou shalt bind
H7194
תִּקְשְׁרִ֗י
thou shalt bind
Strong's:
H7194
Word #:
10 of 27
to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 27
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֽוֹרַדְתֵּ֣נוּ
which thou didst let us down by
H3381
הֽוֹרַדְתֵּ֣נוּ
which thou didst let us down by
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
13 of 27
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָבִ֔יךְ
and all thy father's
H1
אָבִ֔יךְ
and all thy father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
16 of 27
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אִמֵּ֜ךְ
and thy mother
H517
אִמֵּ֜ךְ
and thy mother
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
18 of 27
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַחַ֗יִךְ
and thy brethren
H251
אַחַ֗יִךְ
and thy brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
20 of 27
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
21 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
22 of 27
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַבָּֽיְתָה׃
home
H1004
הַבָּֽיְתָה׃
home
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
23 of 27
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אָבִ֔יךְ
and all thy father's
H1
אָבִ֔יךְ
and all thy father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
24 of 27
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
Cross References
Joshua 6:23And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.Joshua 2:21And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.Hebrews 9:19For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,Acts 10:33Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.Acts 10:27And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.Acts 11:14Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.Genesis 12:2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:Genesis 7:1And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.Luke 19:9And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.Leviticus 14:4Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:
Historical Context
The scarlet thread became covenant sign between Rahab and the spies. Its color—red like blood—anticipates Christ's blood covenant. Rahab's window location in the wall provided escape for the spies and later identification for Israel's army. Some traditions identify this Rahab with Salmon's wife (Matthew 1:5), making her David's ancestor and ultimately Christ's. The thread's continued display until conquest demonstrates faith's perseverance—Rahab maintained hope through Jericho's siege.
Questions for Reflection
- What visible markers identify you as belonging to God's covenant community?
- How does the scarlet thread typology deepen your understanding of Christ's protective blood?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The instruction—'Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window'—provided salvation's visible marker. The scarlet cord identifies Rahab's house, sparing all within during Jericho's destruction. This parallels Passover's blood on doorposts (Exodus 12:13), where visible sign protected occupants from judgment. Both foreshadow Christ's blood marking believers for salvation from wrath (Romans 5:9). External signs confirm internal faith while providing community-visible testimony.