Joshua 5:9

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ
unto Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#5
הַיּ֥וֹם
This day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#6
גַּלּ֛וֹתִי
have I rolled away
to roll (literally or figuratively)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
חֶרְפַּ֥ת
the reproach
contumely, disgrace, the pudenda
#9
מִצְרַ֖יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#10
מֵֽעֲלֵיכֶ֑ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
וַיִּקְרָ֞א
is called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#12
שֵׁ֣ם
from off you Wherefore the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#13
הַמָּק֤וֹם
of the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#14
הַהוּא֙
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#15
גִּלְגָּ֔ל
Gilgal
gilgal, the name of three places in palestine
#16
עַ֖ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#17
הַיּ֥וֹם
This day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#18
הַזֶּֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 sovereignty 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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