Joshua 2:8

Authorized King James Version

And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֵ֖מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#2
טֶ֣רֶם
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
#3
יִשְׁכָּב֑וּן
And before they were laid down
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#4
וְהִ֛יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#5
עָֽלְתָ֥ה
she came up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#6
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
הַגָּֽג׃
unto them upon the roof
a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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