Joshua 9:22

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you; when ye dwell among us?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
לָהֶם֙
H0
#3
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ
And Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#4
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
for them and he spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#5
אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
לֵאמֹ֗ר
unto them saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
לָמָּה֩
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#8
רִמִּיתֶ֨ם
Wherefore have ye beguiled
to hurl; specifically, to shoot; figuratively, to delude or betray (as if causing to fall)
#9
אֹתָ֜נוּ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
לֵאמֹ֗ר
unto them saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
רְחוֹקִ֨ים
far
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
#12
אֲנַ֤חְנוּ
we
#13
מִכֶּם֙
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#14
מְאֹ֔ד
We are very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#15
וְאַתֶּ֖ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#16
בְּקִרְבֵּ֥נוּ
among
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#17
יֹֽשְׁבִֽים׃
from you when ye dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

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

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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