Joshua 6:5

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֞ה

H1961

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

בִּמְשֹׁ֣ךְ׀

H4900

And it shall come to pass that when they make a long

to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)

בְּקֶ֣רֶן

H7161

horn

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

הַיּוֹבֵ֗ל

H3104

blast with the ram's

the blast of a horn (from its continuous sound); specifically, the signal of the silver trumpets; hence, the instrument itself and the festival thus i

כְּשָׁמְעֲכֶם֙

H8085

and when ye hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת

H853

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

ק֣וֹל

H6963

the sound

a voice or sound

הַשּׁוֹפָ֔ר

H7782

of the trumpet

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

יָרִ֥יעוּ

H7321

shall shout

to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)

#10

כָל

H3605

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

#11

הָעָ֖ם

H5971

all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#12

תְּרוּעָ֣ה

H8643

shout

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

#13

גְדוֹלָ֑ה

H1419

with a great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#14

וְנָ֨פְלָ֜ה

H5307

shall fall down

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#15

חוֹמַ֤ת

H2346

and the wall

a wall of protection

#16

הָעִיר֙

H5892

of the city

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

#17

תַּחְתֶּ֔יהָ

H8478

flat

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#18

וְעָל֥וּ

H5927

shall ascend up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#19

הָעָ֖ם

H5971

all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#20

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

every 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)

#21

נֶגְדּֽוֹ׃

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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