Joshua 7:4

Authorized King James Version

So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲל֤וּ
So there went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#2
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#3
הָעָם֙
thither of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
שָׁ֔מָּה
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#5
כִּשְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת
about three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#6
אֲלָפִ֖ים
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#7
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
men
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
וַיָּנֻ֕סוּ
and they fled
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#9
לִפְנֵ֖י
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
#10
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
men
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)
#11
הָעָֽי׃
of Ai
ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine

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

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