Joshua 20:6

Authorized King James Version

And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְיָשַׁ֣ב׀

H3427

And he shall dwell

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

הָעִ֖יר

H5892

in that city

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

הַהִ֗יא

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

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עָמְד֞וֹ

H5975

until he stand

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

לִפְנֵ֤י

H6440

before

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

הָֽעֵדָה֙

H5712

the congregation

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

לַמִּשְׁפָּ֔ט

H4941

for judgment

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#10

מוֹת֙

H4194

and until the death

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

#11

הַכֹּהֵ֣ן

H3548

priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#12

הַגָּד֔וֹל

H1419

of the high

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#13

אֲשֶׁר

H834

that

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#15

בַּיָּמִ֣ים

H3117

shall be in those days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#16

הָהֵ֑ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#17

אָ֣ז׀

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

#18

יָשׁ֣וּב

H7725

return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#19

הָֽרוֹצֵ֗חַ

H7523

then shall the slayer

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

#20

וּבָ֤א

H935

and come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#21

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#22

הָעִ֖יר

H5892

in that city

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

#23

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#24

בֵּית֔וֹ

H1004

and unto his own house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#25

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#26

הָעִ֖יר

H5892

in that city

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

#27

אֲשֶׁר

H834

that

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#28

נָ֥ס

H5127

from whence he fled

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

#29

מִשָּֽׁם׃

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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

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 revelation 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 revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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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