Joshua 5:4

Authorized King James Version

And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְזֶ֥ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#2
הַדָּבָ֖ר
H1697
And this is the cause
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
מָ֣ל
H4135
did circumcise
to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy
#5
יְהוֹשֻׁ֑עַ
H3091
why Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#6
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
הָעָ֣ם
H5971
All the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
בְּצֵאתָ֖ם
H3318
after they came out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#9
מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃
H4714
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#10
הַזְּכָרִ֜ים
H2145
that were males
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#11
כֹּ֣ל׀
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
H582
even all the men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#13
הַמִּלְחָמָ֗ה
H4421
of war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#14
מֵ֤תוּ
H4191
died
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#15
בַמִּדְבָּר֙
H4057
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#16
בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ
H1870
by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#17
בְּצֵאתָ֖ם
H3318
after they came out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#18
מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃
H4714
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources