Joshua 23:4

Authorized King James Version

Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רְאוּ֩
Behold
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
הִפַּ֨לְתִּי
I have divided
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#3
לָכֶ֜ם
H0
#4
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַגּוֹיִם֙
unto you by lot these nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#6
הַנִּשְׁאָרִ֥ים
that remain
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
#7
הָאֵ֛לֶּה
these or those
#8
בְּנַֽחֲלָ֖ה
to be an inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#9
לְשִׁבְטֵיכֶ֑ם
for your tribes
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#10
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#11
הַיַּרְדֵּ֗ן
from Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#12
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
הַגּוֹיִם֙
unto you by lot these nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#14
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
הִכְרַ֔תִּי
that I have cut off
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#16
וְהַיָּ֥ם
sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#17
הַגָּד֖וֹל
even unto the great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#18
מְב֥וֹא
westward
an entrance (the place or the act); specifically sunset or the west; also (adverb with preposition) towards
#19
הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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