Joshua 9:23

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore ye are cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֖ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
אֲרוּרִ֣ים
Now therefore ye are cursed
to execrate
#3
אַתֶּ֑ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#4
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יִכָּרֵ֨ת
and there shall none of you be freed
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
#6
מִכֶּ֜ם
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
עֶ֗בֶד
from being bondmen
a servant
#8
וְחֹֽטְבֵ֥י
and hewers
to chop or carve wood
#9
עֵצִ֛ים
of wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#10
וְשֹֽׁאֲבֵי
and drawers
to bale up water
#11
מַ֖יִם
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#12
לְבֵ֥ית
for the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#13
אֱלֹהָֽי׃
of my God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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