Joshua 8:11

Authorized King James Version

And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
הָעָ֨ם
And all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
הַמִּלְחָמָ֜ה
even the people of war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
אִתּ֗וֹ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#6
עָלוּ֙
that were with him went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#7
וַֽיִּגְּשׁ֔וּ
and drew nigh
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#8
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
and came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
נֶ֣גֶד
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
#10
הָעִ֑יר
before the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#11
וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙
and pitched
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
#12
מִצְּפ֣וֹן
on the north side
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#13
הָעָֽי׃
between them and Ai
ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine
#14
וְהַגַּ֖י
now there was a valley
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
#15
בֵּינָ֥ו
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#16
וּבֵין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#17
הָעָֽי׃
between them and Ai
ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine

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 covenant community 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

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 covenant community. 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