Joshua 9:11

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֤ם
spake
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלֵ֡ינוּ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
זְֽקֵינֵינוּ֩
Wherefore our elders
old
#4
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
יֹֽשְׁבֵ֨י
and all the inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#6
אַרְצֵ֜נוּ
of our country
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֤ם
spake
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
קְח֨וּ
Take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#9
בְיֶדְכֶ֤ם
with you
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#10
צֵידָה֙
victuals
food
#11
לַדֶּ֔רֶךְ
for the journey
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#12
וּלְכ֖וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#13
לִקְרָאתָ֑ם
to meet
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
#14
וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֤ם
spake
to say (used with great latitude)
#15
אֲלֵיהֶם֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
עַבְדֵיכֶ֣ם
unto them We are your servants
a servant
#17
אֲנַ֔חְנוּ
we
#18
וְעַתָּ֖ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#19
כִּרְתוּ
therefore now make
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#20
לָ֥נוּ
H0
#21
בְרִֽית׃
ye a league
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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