Joshua 5:3

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעַשׂ
made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
ל֥וֹ
H0
#3
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
And Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#4
חַֽרְב֣וֹת
knives
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#5
צֻרִ֑ים
him sharp
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
#6
וַיָּ֙מָל֙
and circumcised
to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#10
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
גִּבְעַ֖ת
at the hill
a hillock
#12
הָֽעֲרָלֽוֹת׃
of the foreskins
the prepuce

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

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