Joshua 6:14

Authorized King James Version

And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּסֹ֨בּוּ
they compassed
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הָעִ֜יר
the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
יָמִֽים׃
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
#5
הַשֵּׁנִי֙
And the second
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#6
פַּ֣עַם
once
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#7
אַחַ֔ת
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#8
וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ
and returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#9
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה
into 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
כֹּ֥ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#11
עָשׂ֖וּ
so they did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
שֵׁ֥שֶׁת
six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#13
יָמִֽים׃
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

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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