Joshua 6:17

Authorized King James Version

And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָֽיְתָ֨ה

H1961

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

הָעִ֥יר

H5892

And the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

חֵ֛רֶם

H2764

shall be accursed

physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination

הִ֥יא

H1931

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

וְכָל

H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

בָּ֖הּ

לַֽיהוָ֑ה

H3068

even it and all that are therein to the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

רַק֩

H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

#10

רָחָ֨ב

H7343

only Rahab

rachab, a canaanitess

#11

הַזּוֹנָ֜ה

H2181

the harlot

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

#12

תִּֽחְיֶ֗ה

H2421

shall live

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

#13

הִ֚יא

H1931

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

#14

וְכָל

H3605

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

#15

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#16

אִתָּ֣הּ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#17

בַּבַּ֔יִת

H1004

she and all that are with her in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#18

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#19

הֶחְבְּאַ֔תָה

H2244

because she hid

to secrete

#20

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#21

הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים

H4397

the messengers

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

#22

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#23

שָׁלָֽחְנוּ׃

H7971

that we sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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