Joshua 6:3

Authorized King James Version

And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְסַבֹּתֶ֣ם
And ye shall compass
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
הָעִ֖יר
the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
כֹּ֚ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
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)
#6
הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה
of war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#7
הַקֵּ֥יף
and go round about
to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e., surround or circulate
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הָעִ֖יר
the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#10
פַּ֣עַם
once
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#11
אֶחָ֑ת
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#12
כֹּ֥ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#13
תַֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה
Thus shalt thou do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
שֵׁ֥שֶׁת
six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#15
יָמִֽים׃
days
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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