Joshua 21:42

Authorized King James Version

These cities were every one with their suburbs round about them: thus were all these cities.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תִּֽהְיֶ֙ינָה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הֶֽעָרִ֥ים
These cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#3
הָאֵ֔לֶּה
these or those
#4
הֶֽעָרִ֥ים
These cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#5
הֶֽעָרִ֥ים
These cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#6
וּמִגְרָשֶׁ֖יהָ
with their suburbs
a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
#7
סְבִֽיבֹתֶ֑יהָ
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#8
כֵּ֖ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#9
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
הֶֽעָרִ֥ים
These cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#11
הָאֵֽלֶּה׃
these or those

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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