Joshua 9:16

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֗י

H1961

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

מִקְצֵה֙

H7097

And it came to pass at the end

an extremity

שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת

H7969

of three

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

יָמִ֔ים

H3117

days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אַֽחֲרֵ֕י

H310

after

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

כָּֽרְת֥וּ

H3772

they had made

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

לָהֶ֖ם

בְּרִ֑ית

H1285

a league

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

#10

וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֗וּ

H8085

with them that they heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#11

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#12

קְרֹבִ֥ים

H7138

that they were their neighbours

near (in place, kindred or time)

#13

הֵם֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#14

אֵלָ֔יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

וּבְקִרְבּ֖וֹ

H7130

among

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

#16

הֵ֥ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#17

יֹֽשְׁבִֽים׃

H3427

and that they dwelt

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

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 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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