Joshua 20:5

Authorized King James Version

And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכִ֨י

H3588

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

יִרְדֹּ֜ף

H7291

pursue

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

גֹּאֵ֤ל

H1350

And if the avenger

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

הַדָּם֙

H1818

of blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

אַֽחֲרָ֔יו

H310

after

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

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

יַסְגִּ֥רוּ

H5462

him then they shall not deliver

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

אֶת

H853

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

הָֽרֹצֵ֖חַ

H7523

the slayer

properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder

#10

בְּיָד֑וֹ

H3027

up into his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#11

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

#12

בִבְלִי

H1097

unwittingly

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

#13

דַ֙עַת֙

H1847

knowledge

#14

הִכָּ֣ה

H5221

because he smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#15

אֶת

H853

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

#16

רֵעֵ֔הוּ

H7453

his neighbour

an associate (more or less close)

#17

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#18

שֹׂנֵ֥א

H8130

and hated

to hate (personally)

#19

ה֛וּא

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

#20

ל֖וֹ

#21

מִתְּמ֥וֹל

H8543

him not beforetime

properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday

#22

שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם׃

H8032

trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

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

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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