Joshua 2:5

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֨י

H1961

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

הַשַּׁ֜עַר

H8179

of the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

לִסְגּ֗וֹר

H5462

And it came to pass about the time of shutting

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

בַּחֹ֙שֶׁךְ֙

H2822

when it was dark

the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

וְהָֽאֲנָשִׁ֣ים

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)

יָצָ֔אוּ

H3318

went out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

יָדַ֔עְתִּי

H3045

I wot

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אָ֥נָה

H575

where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither

#10

הָֽלְכ֖וּ

H1980

went

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#11

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֑ים

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)

#12

רִדְפ֥וּ

H7291

not pursue

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

#13

מַהֵ֛ר

H4118

them quickly

properly, hurrying; hence (adverbially) in a hurry

#14

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֖ם

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#15

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#16

תַשִּׂיגֽוּם׃

H5381

for ye shall overtake

to reach (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 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 understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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