Joshua 2:7

Authorized King James Version

And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָֽאֲנָשִׁ֗ים
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)
#2
הָרֹֽדְפִ֖ים
and as soon as they which pursued
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#3
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#4
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
them the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#5
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן
to Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#6
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
הַֽמַּעְבְּר֑וֹת
unto the fords
a crossing-place (of a river, a ford; of a mountain, a pass); abstractly, a transit, i.e., (figuratively) overwhelming
#8
וְהַשַּׁ֣עַר
the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#9
סָגָ֔רוּ
they shut
to shut up; figuratively, to surrender
#10
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#11
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
יָֽצְא֥וּ
them were gone out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#13
הָרֹֽדְפִ֖ים
and as soon as they which pursued
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#14
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

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

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