Joshua 5:13

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֗י

H1961

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

בִּֽהְי֣וֹת

H1961

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

יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ

H3091

And it came to pass when Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

בִּֽירִיחוֹ֒

H3405

was by Jericho

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine

וַיִּשָּׂ֤א

H5375

that he lifted up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

עֵינָיו֙

H5869

his eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וַיַּ֔רְא

H7200

and looked

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

וְהִנֵּה

H2009

lo!

אִישׁ֙

H376

a man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#10

עֹמֵ֣ד

H5975

and behold there stood

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

#11

לְנֶגְדּ֔וֹ

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

#12

וְחַרְבּ֥וֹ

H2719

over against him with his sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#13

שְׁלוּפָ֖ה

H8025

drawn

to pull out, up or off

#14

בְּיָד֑וֹ

H3027

in 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

#15

וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#16

יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ

H3091

And it came to pass when Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

#17

אֵלָיו֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#18

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

unto him and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#19

ל֔וֹ

#20

הֲלָ֥נוּ

#21

אַתָּ֖ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#22

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#23

לְצָרֵֽינוּ׃

H6862

unto him Art thou for us or for our adversaries

a pebble (as in h6864)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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