Joshua 7:15

Authorized King James Version

And it shall be, that he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָה֙

H1961

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

הַנִּלְכָּ֣ד

H3920

And it shall be that he that is taken

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

בַּחֵ֔רֶם

H2764

with the accursed thing

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

יִשָּׂרֵ֣ף

H8313

shall be burnt

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָּאֵ֔שׁ

H784

with fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

אֹת֖וֹ

H853

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

וְאֶת

H853

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

כָּל

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

#10

ל֑וֹ

#11

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

#12

עָבַר֙

H5674

he and all that he hath because he hath transgressed

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

בְּרִ֣ית

H1285

the covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

#15

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#16

וְכִֽי

H3588

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

#17

עָשָׂ֥ה

H6213

and because he hath wrought

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#18

נְבָלָ֖ה

H5039

folly

foolishness, i.e., (morally) wickedness; concretely, a crime; by extension, punishment

#19

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

in Israel

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

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Joshua. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant 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 covenant 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 in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding covenant in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?

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