Joshua 9:27

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּתְּנֵ֨ם
made
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ
And Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#3
הַיּ֣וֹם
even unto this day
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
#4
הַה֗וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#5
חֹֽטְבֵ֥י
hewers
to chop or carve wood
#6
עֵצִ֛ים
of wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#7
וְשֹׁ֥אֲבֵי
and drawers
to bale up water
#8
מַ֖יִם
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#9
לָֽעֵדָ֑ה
for the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#10
וּלְמִזְבַּ֤ח
and for the altar
an altar
#11
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#13
הַיּ֣וֹם
even unto this day
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
#14
הַזֶּ֔ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#15
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
הַמָּק֖וֹם
in the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#17
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
יִבְחָֽר׃
which he should choose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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