Joshua 2:20

And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם

H518

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

תַּגִּ֖ידִי

H5046

And if thou utter

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

אֶת

H853

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

דְּבָרֵ֣נוּ

H1697

this our business

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

זֶ֑ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְהָיִ֣ינוּ

H1961

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

נְקִיִּ֔ם

H5355

then we will be quit

innocent

מִשְּׁבֻֽעָתֵ֖ךְ

H7621

of thine oath

properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#10

הִשְׁבַּעְתָּֽנוּ׃

H7650

which thou hast made us to swear

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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

How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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

Study Resources

Biblical Maps