Joshua 7:21

Authorized King James Version

When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֵ֣רֶאה
When I saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
בַשָּׁלָ֡ל
among the spoils
booty
#3
אַדֶּ֣רֶת
garment
something ample (as a large vine, a wide dress)
#4
שִׁנְעָר֩
Babylonish
shinar, a plain in babylonia
#5
אֶחָד֙
a
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#6
טוֹבָ֜ה
goodly
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#7
וּמָאתַ֧יִם
and two hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#8
שְׁקָלִים֙
shekels
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#9
וְהַכֶּ֥סֶף
and the silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#10
וּלְשׁ֨וֹן
wedge
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#11
זָהָ֤ב
of gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#12
אֶחָד֙
a
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#13
חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים
of fifty
fifty
#14
שְׁקָלִים֙
shekels
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#15
מִשְׁקָל֔וֹ
weight
weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)
#16
וָֽאֶחְמְדֵ֖ם
then I coveted
to delight in
#17
וָֽאֶקָּחֵ֑ם
them and took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#18
וְהִנָּ֨ם
lo!
#19
טְמוּנִ֥ים
them and behold they are hid
to hide (by covering over)
#20
בָּאָ֛רֶץ
in the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#21
בְּת֥וֹךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#22
הָאָֽהֳלִ֖י
of my tent
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#23
וְהַכֶּ֥סֶף
and the silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#24
תַּחְתֶּֽיהָ׃
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources