Joshua 5:8

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when they had done circumcising all the people, that they abode in their places in the camp, till they were whole.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֛י

H1961

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר

H834

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

תַּ֥מּוּ

H8552

And it came to pass when they had done

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

כָל

H3605

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

הַגּ֖וֹי

H1471

all the people

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

לְהִמּ֑וֹל

H4135

circumcising

to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy

וַיֵּֽשְׁב֥וּ

H3427

that they abode

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

תַחְתָּ֛ם

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה

H4264

in their places in the camp

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

#10

עַ֥ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#11

חֲיוֹתָֽם׃

H2421

till they were whole

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

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 covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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