Joshua 2:4

Authorized King James Version

And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּקַּ֧ח
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
הָֽאִשָּׁ֛ה
And the woman
a woman
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
שְׁנֵ֥י
the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#5
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים
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)
#6
וַֽתִּצְפְּנ֑וֹ
and hid
to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
#7
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר׀
them and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
כֵּ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#9
בָּ֤אוּ
thus There came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
אֵלַי֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים
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)
#12
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
יָדַ֖עְתִּי
unto me but I wist
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#14
מֵאַ֥יִן
not whence
where? (only in connection with prepositional prefix, whence)
#15
הֵֽמָּה׃
they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

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

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