Joshua 9:20

Authorized King James Version

This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֹ֛את
this (often used adverb)
#2
נַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
This we will do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#4
וְהַֽחֲיֵ֣ה
to them we will even let them live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#5
אוֹתָ֑ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יִֽהְיֶ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
קֶ֔צֶף
lest wrath
a splinter (as chipped off)
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
הַשְּׁבוּעָ֖ה
be upon us because of the oath
properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath
#12
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
נִשְׁבַּ֥עְנוּ
which we sware
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#14
לָהֶֽם׃
H0

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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

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