Joshua 6:26

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּשְׁבַּ֣ע
adjured
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#2
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ
And Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#3
בָּעֵ֥ת
them at that time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#4
הַהִ֖יא
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
#5
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אָר֨וּר
Cursed
to execrate
#7
הָאִ֜ישׁ
be the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#8
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
יָקוּם֙
that riseth up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#12
וּבָנָ֞ה
and buildeth
to build (literally and figuratively)
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
הָעִ֤יר
this city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#15
הַזֹּאת֙
this (often used adverb)
#16
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
יְרִיח֔וֹ
Jericho
jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine
#18
בִּבְכֹר֣וֹ
thereof in his firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#19
יְיַסְּדֶ֔נָּה
he shall lay the foundation
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
#20
וּבִצְעִיר֖וֹ
and in his youngest
little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble
#21
יַצִּ֥יב
son shall he set up
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#22
דְּלָתֶֽיהָ׃
the gates
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

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

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