Joshua 8:4

Authorized King James Version

And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, even behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְצַ֨ו

H6680

And he commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֹתָ֜ם

H853

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

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

them saying

to say (used with great latitude)

רְ֠אוּ

H7200

Behold

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אַתֶּ֞ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֹֽרְבִ֤ים

H693

ye shall lie in wait

to lurk

הָעִ֖יר

H5892

against the city

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

מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֣י

H310

even behind

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

הָעִ֖יר

H5892

against the city

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

#10

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#11

תַּרְחִ֥יקוּ

H7368

far

to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)

#12

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#13

הָעִ֖יר

H5892

against the city

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

#14

מְאֹ֑ד

H3966

not very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

#15

וִֽהְיִיתֶ֥ם

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#16

כֻּלְּכֶ֖ם

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#17

נְכֹנִֽים׃

H3559

but be ye all ready

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

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 divine revelation 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 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 verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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

Study Resources

Biblical Maps