Joshua 8:3

Authorized King James Version

So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them away by night.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֧קָם
arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
יְ֠הוֹשֻׁעַ
So Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#3
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
עַ֥ם
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
#5
הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה
of war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#6
לַֽעֲל֣וֹת
to go up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#7
הָעָ֑י
against Ai
ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine
#8
וַיִּבְחַ֣ר
chose out
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#9
יְ֠הוֹשֻׁעַ
So Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#10
שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים
thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#11
אֶ֤לֶף
thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#12
אִישׁ֙
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)
#13
גִּבּוֹרֵ֣י
mighty
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#14
הַחַ֔יִל
of valour
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#15
וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֖ם
and sent them away
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#16
לָֽיְלָה׃
by night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 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