Joshua 23:3

Authorized King James Version

And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God is he that hath fought for you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַתֶּ֣ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

רְאִיתֶ֗ם

H7200

And ye have seen

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֵת֩

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

עָשָׂ֜ה

H6213

hath done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

all that the LORD

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם

H430

your God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְכָל

H3605

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

#10

הַגּוֹיִ֥ם

H1471

unto all these nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#11

הָאֵ֖לֶּה

H428

these or those

#12

מִפְּנֵיכֶ֑ם

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

#13

כִּ֚י

H3588

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

#14

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

all that the LORD

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

#15

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם

H430

your God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#16

ה֖וּא

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

#17

הַנִּלְחָ֥ם

H3898

is he that hath fought

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

#18

לָכֶֽם׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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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