Joshua 9:24

Authorized King James Version

And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲנ֨וּ
And they answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ
Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#4
וַיֹּֽאמְר֗וּ
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
כִּי֩
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
הֻגַּ֤ד
Because it was certainly
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#7
הֻגַּ֤ד
Because it was certainly
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#8
עַבְדּ֔וֹ
his servant
a servant
#9
אֵת֩
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
צִוָּ֜ה
commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#12
יְהוָ֤ה
how that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙
thy 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
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#16
עַבְדּ֔וֹ
his servant
a servant
#17
לָתֵ֤ת
to give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#18
לָכֶם֙
H0
#19
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#21
הָאָ֖רֶץ
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#22
וּלְהַשְׁמִ֛יד
and to destroy
to desolate
#23
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#24
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#25
יֹֽשְׁבֵ֥י
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
#26
הָאָ֖רֶץ
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#27
מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם
because
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#28
וַנִּירָ֨א
afraid
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#29
מְאֹ֤ד
you therefore we were sore
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#30
לְנַפְשֹׁתֵ֙ינוּ֙
of our lives
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#31
מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם
because
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#32
וַֽנַּעֲשֵׂ֖ה
of you and have done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#33
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#34
הַדָּבָ֥ר
this thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#35
הַזֶּֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 sovereignty 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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