Joshua 8:5

Authorized King James Version

And I, and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city: and it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽאֲנִ֗י

H589

וְכָל

H3605

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

הָעָם֙

H5971

And I 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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

אִתִּ֔י

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

נִקְרַ֖ב

H7126

that are with me will approach

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעִ֑יר

H5892

unto the city

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

וְהָיָ֗ה

H1961

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

#10

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

יֵצְא֤וּ

H3318

and it shall come to pass when they come out

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

#12

לִקְרָאתֵ֙נוּ֙

H7125

against

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

#13

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#14

בָּרִֽאשֹׁנָ֔ה

H7223

us as at the first

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

#15

וְנַ֖סְנוּ

H5127

that we will flee

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

#16

לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃

H6440

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

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 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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

Study Resources

Biblical Maps