Joshua 8:17

Authorized King James Version

And there was not a man left in Ai or Beth-el, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִשְׁאַ֣ר

H7604

left

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

אִ֗ישׁ

H376

And there was not a 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)

בָּעַי֙

H5857

in Ai

ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine

וּבֵ֣ית

אֵ֔ל

H1008

or Bethel

beth-el, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָצְא֖וּ

H3318

that went not out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#10

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

Israel

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

#12

וַיַּֽעַזְב֤וּ

H5800

and they left

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

הָעִיר֙

H5892

the city

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

#15

פְּתוּחָ֔ה

H6605

open

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

#16

וַֽיִּרְדְּפ֖וּ

H7291

and pursued

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

#17

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#18

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

Israel

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine revelation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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