Joshua 6:23

Authorized King James Version

And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ

H935

went in

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַנְּעָרִ֣ים

H5288

And the young men

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

הַֽמְרַגְּלִ֗ים

H7270

that were spies

to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e., slander); to lead about

הוֹצִ֑יאוּ

H3318

and all that she had and they brought out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת

H853

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

רָ֠חָב

H7343

Rahab

rachab, a canaanitess

וְאֶת

H853

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

אָבִ֨יהָ

and her father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאֶת

H853

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

#10

אִמָּ֤הּ

H517

and her mother

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

#11

וְאֶת

H853

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

#12

אַחֶ֙יהָ֙

H251

and her brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#13

וְאֶת

H853

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

#14

כָּל

H3605

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

#15

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#16

לָ֔הּ

#17

וְאֵ֥ת

H853

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

#18

כָּל

H3605

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

#19

מִשְׁפְּחוֹתֶ֖יהָ

H4940

all her kindred

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

#20

הוֹצִ֑יאוּ

H3318

and all that she had and they brought out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#21

וַיַּ֨נִּיח֔וּם

H3240

and left

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

#22

מִח֖וּץ

H2351

them without

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

#23

לְמַֽחֲנֵ֥ה

H4264

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

#24

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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