Joshua 20:4

Authorized King James Version

And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנָ֞ס

H5127

And when he that doth flee

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַחַ֣ת׀

H259

unto one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הָעִ֙ירָה֙

H5892

him into the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הָאֵ֗לֶּה

H428

these or those

וְעָמַד֙

H5975

shall stand

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

פֶּ֚תַח

H6607

at the entering

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

שַׁ֣עַר

H8179

of the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הָעִ֙ירָה֙

H5892

him into the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#10

וְדִבֶּ֛ר

H1696

and shall declare

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#11

בְּאָזְנֵ֛י

H241

in the ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

#12

זִקְנֵ֥י

H2205

of the elders

old

#13

הָעִ֙ירָה֙

H5892

him into the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#14

הַהִ֖יא

H1931

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

#15

אֶת

H853

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

#16

דְּבָרָ֑יו

H1697

his cause

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#17

וְאָֽסְפ֨וּ

H622

they shall take

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

#18

אֹת֤וֹ

H853

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

#19

הָעִ֙ירָה֙

H5892

him into the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#20

אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#21

וְנָֽתְנוּ

H5414

unto them and give

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

#22

ל֥וֹ

#23

מָק֖וֹם

H4725

him a place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#24

וְיָשַׁ֥ב

H3427

that he may dwell

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

#25

עִמָּֽם׃

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

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 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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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