Joshua 2:9

Authorized King James Version

And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

And she said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים

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)

יָדַ֕עְתִּי

H3045

I know

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

כִּֽי

H3588

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

נָתַ֧ן

H5414

hath given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

that the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לָכֶ֖ם

אֶת

H853

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

#10

הָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

וְכִֽי

H3588

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

#12

נָפְלָ֤ה

H5307

is fallen

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#13

אֵֽימַתְכֶם֙

H367

and that your terror

fright; concrete, an idol (as a bugbear)

#14

עָלֵ֔ינוּ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#15

וְכִ֥י

H3588

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

#16

נָמֹ֛גוּ

H4127

faint

to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)

#17

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

יֹֽשְׁבֵ֥י

H3427

upon us and that all the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#19

הָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#20

מִפְּנֵיכֶֽם׃

H6440

because

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty 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 sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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