Joshua
Joshua front
Introduction to Joshua
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of the Book of Joshua
- Conquest of the land of Canaan (1:1–12:24)
- Preparation for conquest; spies; crossing the Jordan River (1:1–5:1)
- Ceremonies at Gilgal; conquest of Jericho and Ai (5:2–8:29)
- The covenant affirmed at Shechem (8:30–35)
- Southern and central campaigns; northern campaigns (9:1–12:24)
- Settlement in the Promised Land; division of the land (13:1–22:34)
- Joshua’s final days (23:1–24:33)
What is the Book of Joshua about?
The Book of Joshua is about the Israelites entering and occupying the Promised Land. Joshua was the leader that replaced Moses. He led the Israelites as they fought the people living in the Promised Land. This book also tells how the Israelites divided the land among the twelve tribes. (See: Promised Land)
How should the title of this book be translated?
This book traditionally has the title “Joshua” because Joshua leads the people of Israel after Moses dies. Translators may create a title such as “The Book About When Joshua Led Israel.” Translators should avoid a title that suggests Joshua as the writer of the book.
Who wrote the Book of Joshua?
The book does not tell who wrote it. However, some verses in the book indicate that Joshua may have written at least part of it. Since ancient times, Jews have thought that Joshua wrote most of the book.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
How does the Book of Joshua present the cause of historical events?
In the ancient Near East, people assumed that gods caused world events to happen in a certain way. The Book of Joshua has some similarities with this view, but there are important differences. The events in the Book of Joshua occurred because Yahweh promised the Israelites that he would give them the Promised Land. What happened also depended on whether or not the Israelites obeyed Yahweh.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
What does the phrase “to this day” mean?
This phrase was used by the writer to refer to the time when he was writing. The translator should be aware that “to this day” refers to a time already passed. He must avoid giving the impression to readers that “to this day” means “to the present day.” The translator might decide to say “to this day, at the time when this was being written,” or “to this day, at the time of writing.” This Hebrew phrase occurs in Joshua 4:9; 6:25; 7:26; 8:28, 29; 10:27; 13:13; 14:14; 15:63; 16:10.
What does the phrase “all Israel” mean?
This phrase appears many times in the Book of Joshua, but it does not always mean every person in the nation of Israel. At times it means the Israelite army. At other times it means the representatives of the twelve tribes of Israel. In still other passages, it probably means a large number of the people in the nation of Israel.
When should Joshua be translated?
The Book of Joshua should probably not be translated before Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. This is because the historical events of Joshua will not be understood without the information in these previous books.
Joshua 1
Joshua 1 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter appears to be a natural continuation of the book of Deuteronomy.
Special concepts in this chapter
Be strong and Courageous
Joshua is often told, “Be strong and courageous.” This repeated encouragement is on purpose and may indicate Joshua will need help in the future.
Joshua 1:1
Yahweh
Quote: יְהוָ֑ה (1)This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
Nun
Quote: נ֔וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Joshua’s father
Joshua 1:2
cross over this Jordan
Quote: עֲבֹ֜ר אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֣ן הַזֶּ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To “cross over” means “go to the opposite bank of the river.” Alternate translation: “travel from this side to the opposite side of the Jordan”
you and all this people
Quote: אַתָּה֙ וְכָל־הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” here refers to Joshua.
Joshua 1:3
Every place on which the sole of your foot will tread, I give it to you
Quote: כָּל־מָק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּדְרֹ֧ךְ כַּֽף־רַגְלְכֶ֛ם בּ֖וֹ לָכֶ֣ם נְתַתִּ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture
God giving the land to the Israelites in the future is spoken of as if he gave it to them in the past. This emphasizes that he will certainly give it to them. Alternate translation: “I will give to you every place”
on … I give it to you
Quote: בּ֖וֹ לָכֶ֣ם נְתַתִּ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” refers to both Joshua and the nation of Israel.
Every place … which the sole of your foot will tread
Quote: כָּל־מָק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּדְרֹ֧ךְ כַּֽף־רַגְלְכֶ֛ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to all the places Joshua and the Israelites will travel when they cross the Jordan River. Alternate translation: “everywhere you go in this land”
Joshua 1:4
your boundary
Quote: גְּבוּלְכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “your” refers to the tribes of Israel and not only Joshua.
Joshua 1:5
will … station himself against your face
Quote: יִתְיַצֵּ֥ב & לְפָנֶ֔יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
In verse 5 the words “you” and “your” refer to Joshua.
I will not abandon you and I will not leave you
Quote: לֹ֥א אַרְפְּךָ֖ וְלֹ֥א אֶעֶזְבֶֽךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “abandon” and “leave” mean basically the same thing. Yahweh combines them to emphasize that he will not do these things. Alternate translation: “I will certainly stay with you always” (See also: Double Negatives)
Joshua 1:6
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeGeneral Information:
Yahweh gives Joshua a series of commands.
Be strong and be courageous
Quote: חֲזַ֖ק וֶאֱמָ֑ץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
Yahweh commands Joshua to overcome his fears with courage.
Joshua 1:7
Do not turn aside from it right or left
Quote: אַל־תָּס֥וּר מִמֶּ֖נּוּ יָמִ֣ין וּשְׂמֹ֑אול (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
This can be stated as a positive command. Alternate translation: “Follow it exactly” or “Follow them exactly”
you may be wise
Quote: תַּשְׂכִּ֔יל (1)Alternate translation: “achieve your goal” or “reach your goal”
Joshua 1:8
you will make your ways prosperous and then you will be wise
Quote: תַּצְלִ֥יחַ אֶת־דְּרָכֶ֖ךָ וְאָ֥ז תַּשְׂכִּֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize great prosperity.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you
Quote: הֲל֤וֹא צִוִּיתִ֨יךָ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This refers to Yahweh commanding Joshua. Alternate translation: “I have commanded you!”
Be strong and be courageous
Quote: חֲזַ֣ק וֶאֱמָ֔ץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
Yahweh is commanding Joshua.
Joshua 1:10
the people
Quote: הָעָ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”
Joshua 1:11
Pass over within the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves because in yet three days you will be about to cross over this Jordan to enter to possess the land that Yahweh your God is about to give to you to possess it
Quote: עִבְר֣וּ׀ בְּקֶ֣רֶב הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֗ה וְצַוּ֤וּ אֶת־הָעָם֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר הָכִ֥ינוּ לָכֶ֖ם צֵידָ֑ה כִּ֞י בְּע֣וֹד׀ שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים אַתֶּם֙ עֹֽבְרִים֙ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֣ן הַזֶּ֔ה לָבוֹא֙ לָרֶ֣שֶׁת אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם נֹתֵ֥ן לָכֶ֖ם לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
Embedded quotes can be expressed as indirect quotes. Alternate translation: “Go through the camp and command the people to prepare provisions for themselves. In three days they will cross over this Jordan and go in and possess the land that Yahweh their God is giving them to possess.”
in yet three days
Quote: בְּע֣וֹד׀ שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים (1)Here Joshua was counting his present day as day one. Alternate translation: “Two days from now” or “On the day after tomorrow”
will be about to cross over … Jordan
Quote: עֹֽבְרִים֙ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֣ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“cross over” refers to going to the opposite side of the river. Alternate translation: “travel to the other side of the Jordan River”
Joshua 1:12
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitGeneral Information:
The tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh chose to settle east of the Jordan River.
And to the Reubenite
Quote: וְלָרֽאוּבֵנִי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These were the descendants of Reuben.
and to the Gadite
Quote: וְלַגָּדִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These were the decendants of Gad.
Joshua 1:14
your little ones
Quote: טַפְּכֶם֮ (1)Alternate translation: “your little children”
on the other side of the Jordan
Quote: בְּעֵ֣בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to the east side of the Jordan River. Later most of the Israelites would live west of the Jordan, so they called the east side “beyond the Jordan.” But at this time they were all still on the east side. Alternate translation: “east of the Jordan River”
Joshua 1:15
when … gives rest to your brothers
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־יָנִ֨יחַ & לַֽאֲחֵיכֶם֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to Israel defeating all their enemies residing in Canaan that they were to conquer.
Then you shall return to the land of your possession and shall possess
Quote: וְשַׁבְתֶּ֞ם לְאֶ֤רֶץ יְרֻשַּׁתְכֶם֙ וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֣ם (1)This refers to living out their life on the land in peace.
on the other side of the Jordan, the rising place of the sun
Quote: בְּעֵ֥בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן מִזְרַ֥ח הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to the east side of the Jordan river.
Joshua 1:16
General Information:
These Isrelites were specifically the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh that replied to Joshua.
Joshua 1:18
rebels against your mouth and will not hear your words
Quote: יַמְרֶ֣ה אֶת־פִּ֗יךָ וְלֹֽא־יִשְׁמַ֧ע אֶת־דְּבָרֶ֛יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that any form of disobedience will be punished.
will be put to death
Quote: יוּמָ֑ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we will put to death”
be strong and be courageous
Quote: חֲזַ֥ק וֶאֱמָֽץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Israel and God considered both traits important for Joshua to pursue as their leader.
Joshua 2
Joshua 2 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter begins the story of the conquest of the Promised Land. (See: Promised Land)
Special concepts in this chapter
Rahab’s faith
Rahab expressed her faith in Yahweh. The statement “for Yahweh your God, he is God in heaven above and on the earth below” is a recognition of her faith. (See: faith and heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
The Israelites were to completely destroy the evil Canaanites. They are compared to melting snow: “ … melting away because of us.” (See: Metaphor and evil, wicked, unpleasant)
Joshua 2:1
Nun
Quote: נ֠וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is Joshua’s father.
the Shittim
Quote: הַשִּׁטִּ֞ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place on the east side of the Jordan River. It means “Acacia Trees.”
spies
Quote: מְרַגְּלִים֙ (1)These men were to visit the land to gain information on how Israel should conquer the land.
Joshua 2:4
General Information:
Rahab the prostitute protects the two Israelite spies from harm.
And the woman took the two men and hid them
Quote: וַתִּקַּ֧ח הָֽאִשָּׁ֛ה אֶת־שְׁנֵ֥י הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים וַֽתִּצְפְּנ֑וֹ (1)This happened before the king’s messenger spoke to her.
the woman
Quote: הָֽאִשָּׁ֛ה (1)This refers to Rahab, the prostitute.
Joshua 2:5
at the darkness
Quote: בַּחֹ֨שֶׁךְ֙ (1)This is the time that day begins to change to the darkness of night.
Joshua 2:6
Now she had brought them up to the roof and had hidden them in the flaxes of the stalk arranged by her on the roof
Quote: וְהִ֖יא הֶעֱלָ֣תַם הַגָּ֑גָה וַֽתִּטְמְנֵם֙ בְּפִשְׁתֵּ֣י הָעֵ֔ץ הָעֲרֻכ֥וֹת לָ֖הּ עַל־הַגָּֽג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is background information and explains how she had hidden the men in Joshua 2:4.
to the roof
Quote: הַגָּ֑גָה (1)The roof was flat and strong, so people could walk around on it.
in the flaxes of
Quote: בְּפִשְׁתֵּ֣י (1)a plant that is grown for its fibers, which is used in making cloth
Joshua 2:7
And the men pursued after them
Quote: וְהָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים רָדְפ֤וּ אַֽחֲרֵיהֶם֙ (1)The men pursued the spies because of what Rahab had told them in Joshua 2:5.
the fords
Quote: הַֽמַּעְבְּר֑וֹת (1)places where a river or other body of water is shallow enough for people to get to the other side by walking through it
Joshua 2:8
before … had laid down
Quote: טֶ֣רֶם יִשְׁכָּב֑וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to going to sleep for the night.
Joshua 2:9
I know that Yahweh has given to you the land
Quote: יָדַ֕עְתִּי כִּֽי־נָתַ֧ן יְהוָ֛ה לָכֶ֖ם אֶת־הָאָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” refers to the all the Israelite people.
dread of you has fallen on us
Quote: נָפְלָ֤ה אֵֽימַתְכֶם֙ עָלֵ֔ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Becoming afraid is spoken of as if feat came and attacked them. Alternate translation: “we have become afraid of you”
have melted from your face
Quote: נָמֹ֛גוּ & מִפְּנֵיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This compares the fearful people to ice melting and flowing away. This could mean: (1) they will be weak in the Israelites’ presence or (2) they will be scattered. Alternate translation: “will be so afraid that they will not resist you”
Joshua 2:10
the Sea of Reeds
Quote: יַם־סוּף֙ (1)This is another name for the Red Sea.
to Sihon and to Og
Quote: לְסִיחֹ֣ן וּלְע֔וֹג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of the Amorite kings.
Joshua 2:11
and our hearts have melted and the spirit in a man no longer stands
Quote: וַיִּמַּ֣ס לְבָבֵ֔נוּ וְלֹא־קָ֨מָה ע֥וֹד ר֛וּחַ בְּאִ֖ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases share similar meanings, combined for emphasis. The phrase “our hearts melted” compares the hearts of the fearful people of Jericho to ice melting and flowing away. (See also: Metaphor)
Joshua 2:12
please swear to me … and will give to me a sign of truth
Quote: הִשָּֽׁבְעוּ־נָ֥א לִי֙ & וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם לִ֖י א֥וֹת אֱמֶֽת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These are similar statements of Rahab seeking assurance from the spies.
I am doing kindness with you
Quote: עָשִׂ֥יתִי עִמָּכֶ֖ם חָ֑סֶד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” refers to the two spies.
Joshua 2:13
and you will keep alive my father … And you will rescue our lives from death
Quote: וְהַחֲיִתֶ֞ם אֶת־ & וְהִצַּלְתֶּ֥ם אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵ֖ינוּ מִמָּֽוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
a polite way of saying “do not to kill us”
Joshua 2:14
General Information:
The Israelite spies make the promise which Rahab asked for in Joshua 2:12
Our lives in place of yours to death
Quote: נַפְשֵׁ֤נוּ תַחְתֵּיכֶם֙ לָמ֔וּת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom is a way of swearing and asking God to curse them if they do not keep their promise. Alternate translation: “If we do not do what we promise, may Yahweh cause us to die”
Joshua 2:15
General Information:
The Israelite spies continue to talk to Rahab.
Joshua 2:17
We will be innocent from this oath of yours which you have caused us to swear
Quote: נְקִיִּ֣ם אֲנַ֔חְנוּ מִשְּׁבֻעָתֵ֥ךְ הַזֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר הִשְׁבַּעְתָּֽנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This expresses a condition for the promise the spies had made to Rahab. The word, “this,” refers to “tie this scarlet rope in the window” in Joshua 2:18.
Joshua 2:18
General Information:
The Israelite spies continue talking to Rahab.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
The Israelite spies clarify the condition they expressed in Joshua 2:15.
Joshua 2:19
anyone who goes out from the doors of
Quote: כֹּ֣ל אֲשֶׁר־יֵצֵא֩ מִדַּלְתֵ֨י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This phrase expresses a condition, creating a hypothetical situation.
his blood will be on his head
Quote: דָּמ֥וֹ בְרֹאשׁ֖וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “blood” represents a person’s death. To be responsible for their own death is spoken of as if their blood would be on their heads. Alternate translation: “their death will be their own fault” (See also: Metaphor)
and we will be innocent
Quote: וַאֲנַ֣חְנוּ נְקִיִּ֑ם (1)Alternate translation: “we will be innocent”
on … if a hand should be … him
Quote: אִם־יָ֖ד תִּֽהְיֶה־בּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Here “a hand is laid upon” is a polite way of referring to causing someone injury. Alternate translation: “if we cause injury to any”
Joshua 2:20
General Information:
The two Israelite spies continue to speak to Rahab about their promise to her. The spies required Rahab to remain silent about their visit or they would be free from their oath to protect her family.
And if you tell
Quote: וְאִם־תַּגִּ֖ידִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
“You” refers to Rahab.
Joshua 2:21
According to your words, so
Quote: כְּדִבְרֵיכֶ֣ם כֶּן (1)Rahab agreed to their terms of the oath to protect her family.
Joshua 2:22
General Information:
The two Israelites spies leave Jericho.
the pursuers had returned
Quote: שָׁ֖בוּ הָרֹדְפִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It may be helpful to say they returned to Jericho. Alternate translation: “their pursuers returned to the city of Jericho”
and did not find them
Quote: וְלֹ֥א מָצָֽאוּ (1)This refers to the men not finding the spies.
Joshua 2:23
And the two men returned
Quote: וַיָּשֻׁ֜בוּ שְׁנֵ֤י הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The two men returned back to the Israelite’s camp.
And … returned and went down … and crossed over and came
Quote: וַיָּשֻׁ֜בוּ & וַיֵּרְד֣וּ & וַיַּעַבְרוּ֙ וַיָּבֹ֔אוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These are similar expressions referring to returning to where the Israelite’s are camped.
and crossed over
Quote: וַיַּעַבְרוּ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“cross over” means to go to the opposite bank of the river. Alternate translation: “traveled from this side to the opposite side of the Jordan”
Nun
Quote: נ֑וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a male name; the father of Joshua.
all that was finding them
Quote: אֵ֥ת כָּל־הַמֹּצְא֖וֹת אוֹתָֽם (1)Alternate translation: “all that the men had experienced and seen.”
Joshua 2:24
into our hand
Quote: בְּיָדֵ֖נוּ (1)This word, “us,” refers to Israel.
those who dwell in the land
Quote: יֹשְׁבֵ֥י הָאָ֖רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The people of the land toward Israel are like a substance that melts in the presence of heat.
Joshua 3
Joshua 3 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
God dries the Jordan River
Joshua told the people “Dedicate yourselves to Yahweh tomorrow, for Yahweh will do wonders among you.” The conquest of the Promised Land is accomplished through the supernatural power of God. (See: miracle, wonder, sign and Promised Land)
Joshua 3:1
And … got up early
Quote: וַיַּשְׁכֵּם֩ (1)The phrase, “got up,” means to “awaken.”
from the Shittim
Quote: מֵֽהַשִּׁטִּ֗ים (1)A place in the land of Moab, west of the Jordan River where the Israelites were camped before their entry into the promised land, Canaan.
Joshua 3:2
the officers
Quote: הַשֹּׁטְרִ֖ים (1)These are people holding a position of command or authority.
Joshua 3:3
the people
Quote: אֶת־הָעָ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is the nation of Israel.
Joshua 3:4
of about 2,000 cubits
Quote: כְּאַלְפַּ֥יִם אַמָּ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance
“2,000 cubits.” The word “cubit” is a measurement equaling the distance from the elbow to the finger tips. (See also: Numbers)
Joshua 3:5
Consecrate yourselves
Quote: הִתְקַדָּ֑שׁוּ (1)This refers to a special preparation of being religiously clean before Yahweh.
Yahweh will do wonders in your midst
Quote: יַעֲשֶׂ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֖ם נִפְלָאֽוֹת (1)Yahweh will be doing miracles for all to see and experience.
Joshua 3:6
Lift up the Box of
Quote: שְׂאוּ֙ אֶת־אֲר֣וֹן (1)This is referring to the levites picking up the ark for the purpose of carrying it from one location to another.
Joshua 3:7
General Information:
Yahweh tells Joshua what the priest are to do.
I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all Israel
Quote: אָחֵל֙ גַּדֶּלְךָ֔ בְּעֵינֵ֖י כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “the people will see what I do and realize that I have made you a great man”
Joshua 3:8
the edge of the waters of the Jordan
Quote: קְצֵה֙ מֵ֣י הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן (1)Joshua is to approach the bank or edge of the Jordan River.
Joshua 3:9
General Information:
Joshua tells Israel what Yahweh is about to do
Joshua 3:10
and will surely dispossess from your face
Quote: וְהוֹרֵ֣שׁ יוֹרִ֣ישׁ מִ֠פְּנֵיכֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh will force the other people living on the land to leave or be killed.
Joshua 3:11
is about to cross over
Quote: עֹבֵ֥ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“cross over” means to go to the opposite bank of the river. Alternate translation: “will travel from this side to the opposite side”
Joshua 3:12
General Information:
Just as Israel’s fathers experience crossing the Red Sea, these people will experience crossing the Jordan river on dry land.
Joshua 3:13
the soles of the feet of
Quote: כַּפּ֣וֹת רַגְלֵ֣י (1)This refers to the bottom of their feet.
from above
Quote: מִלְמָ֑עְלָה (1)This word refers to the direction the Jordan River water is flowing toward Israel.
And they will stand as one heap
Quote: וְיַעַמְד֖וּ נֵ֥ד אֶחָֽד (1)The water will stay in one spot or place. It will not flow around the priests.
Joshua 3:15
in the edge of the water
Quote: בִּקְצֵ֣ה הַמָּ֑יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This can refer to the surface of the water as well as the bank where the water flows to dry land.
Now the Jordan was full over all its banks all the days of the harvest
Quote: וְהַיַּרְדֵּ֗ן מָלֵא֙ עַל־כָּל־גְּדוֹתָ֔יו כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֥י קָצִֽיר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is background information and it emphasizes the scale of what Yahweh is doing.
Joshua 3:17
the Jordan
Quote: הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the Jordan River bed.
was crossing over
Quote: עֹֽבְרִים֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This phrase means to go to the opposite bank of the river. Alternate translation: “traveled from this side to the opposite side”
Joshua 4
Joshua 4 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
God’s war
The conquering of the Promised Land was a special war. It was God’s war against the people of Canaan and Joshua recognized that they would only be victorious through Yahweh’s power. This is why their first act after crossing the Jordan River was to build an altar. This war was a witness to Yahweh’s power. (See: Promised Land)
Joshua 4:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronounsGeneral Information:
Though Yahweh was speaking directly to Joshua, all occurrences of you include Israel.
crossing over
Quote: לַעֲב֖וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The words “crossed over” refer to going to the opposite bank of the river. Alternate translation: “went across”
the Jordan
Quote: אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
the Jordan River
Joshua 4:3
And command them saying: ‘Lift up for yourselves 12 stones from here, from the midst of the Jordan, from the firm standing place of the feet of the priests. And you shall bring them over with you and you shall rest them in the lodging place in which you will lodge tonight
Quote: וְצַוּ֣וּ אוֹתָם֮ לֵאמֹר֒ שְׂאֽוּ־לָכֶ֨ם מִזֶּ֜ה מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּ֗ן מִמַּצַּב֙ רַגְלֵ֣י הַכֹּהֲנִ֔ים הָכִ֖ין שְׁתֵּים־עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה אֲבָנִ֑ים וְהַעֲבַרְתֶּ֤ם אוֹתָם֙ עִמָּכֶ֔ם וְהִנַּחְתֶּ֣ם אוֹתָ֔ם בַּמָּל֕וֹן אֲשֶׁר־תָּלִ֥ינוּ ב֖וֹ הַלָּֽיְלָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
The nested quote can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Give them this command to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan where the priests are standing on the dry ground, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you will spend the night tonight” (See also: Direct and Indirect Quotations)
Joshua 4:4
General Information:
Joshua tells the twelve men what to do.
Joshua 4:5
into the midst of the Jordan. And lift up for yourselves, one stone a man upon his shoulder
Quote: אֶל־תּ֣וֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן וְהָרִ֨ימוּ לָכֶ֜ם אִ֣ישׁ אֶ֤בֶן אַחַת֙ עַל־שִׁכְמ֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Each of the twelve men were to pick up a large stone from the Jordan River bed and carry them to the other side to build a monument.
Joshua 4:6
General Information:
Joshua tells Israel what the pile of twelve stones mean.
Joshua 4:7
the waters of the Jordan were cut off from the face of the Box of the Covenant of Yahweh
Quote: נִכְרְת֜וּ מֵימֵ֤י הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ מִפְּנֵי֙ אֲר֣וֹן בְּרִית־יְהוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh cut off the waters of the Jordan in front of the ark of his covenant”
the waters of the Jordan were cut off
Quote: נִכְרְת֜וּ מֵימֵ֤י הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ (1)Alternate translation: “The Jordan River was”
were cut off from the face of the Box of
Quote: נִכְרְת֜וּ & מִפְּנֵי֙ אֲר֣וֹן (1)The Jordan River was prevented by God from flowing up to the ark that was being carried by the priests.
the waters of the Jordan were cut off
Quote: נִכְרְת֜וּ מֵימֵ֤י הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ (1)The water flowing down the Jordan River stopped before the ark so everyone including the ark traveled on the dry river bed.
Joshua 4:8
General Information:
Joshua and Israel continue to do as Yahweh commanded.
And they lifted up 12 stones from the midst of the Jordan
Quote: וַיִּשְׂא֡וּ שְׁתֵּֽי־עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה אֲבָנִ֜ים מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּ֗ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the twelve men picking up stones from the middle of the Jordan River bed.
Joshua 4:9
And Joshua set up 12 stones in the midst of the Jordan
Quote: וּשְׁתֵּ֧ים עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה אֲבָנִ֗ים הֵקִ֣ים יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֮ בְּת֣וֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּן֒ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
These were twelve additional stones, not the stones that the twelve men carried from the river bed.
And they are there until this day
Quote: וַיִּ֣הְיוּ שָׁ֔ם עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה (1)This means the memorial was there to the day that the author was writing this book.
Joshua 4:10
the Jordan
Quote: הַיַּרְדֵּן֒ (1)This refers to the Jordan River.
the people
Quote: הָעָ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the nation of Israel.
and crossed over
Quote: וַֽיַּעֲבֹֽרוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means to go to the opposite bank of the river. Alternate translation: “traveled from one side to the opposite side”
Joshua 4:11
before the face of the people
Quote: לִפְנֵ֥י הָעָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to being in front of the people or in the sight of all the people. Everyone saw the ark being carried by the priests.
Joshua 4:12
And the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, and the half of the tribe of Manasseh, armed men, crossed over before the face of the sons of Israel
Quote: וַ֠יַּעַבְרוּ בְּנֵי־רְאוּבֵ֨ן וּבְנֵי־גָ֜ד וַחֲצִ֨י שֵׁ֤בֶט הַֽמְנַשֶּׁה֙ חֲמֻשִׁ֔ים לִפְנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
These were the soldiers of the 3 tribes that were fulfilling their obligation to lead the Israelites into battle for settling on the East side of the Jordan River.
Joshua 4:14
just as they had feared
Quote: כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר יָרְא֥וּ (1)The word “they” refers to the people of Israel.
Joshua 4:15
General Information:
Yahweh tells Joshua to have the priests exit the Jordan River.
Joshua 4:17
General Information:
The Author was making it clear that parting the Jordan River was no different than parting the Red Sea for the previous generation.
Joshua 4:18
then the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and went over all its banks, as yesterday and three days ago
Quote: וַיָּשֻׁ֤בוּ מֵֽי־הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ לִמְקוֹמָ֔ם וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ כִתְמוֹל־שִׁלְשׁ֖וֹם עַל־כָּל־גְּדוֹתָֽיו (1)The Jordan River was overflowing its banks and flooding the area before and after Israel passed through on dry land.
Joshua 4:19
came up from the Jordan
Quote: עָלוּ֙ מִן־הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן (1)This refers to when Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground.
on ten of the first month
Quote: בֶּעָשׂ֖וֹר לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the end of March on Western calendars. (See also: Ordinal Numbers)
Joshua 4:20
And … these 12 stones that they had taken from the Jordan
Quote: וְאֵת֩ שְׁתֵּ֨ים עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה הָֽאֲבָנִים֙ הָאֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לָקְח֖וּ מִן־הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Each tribe was to take one stone from the Jordan River so Joshua could build a memorial of the crossing event.
Joshua 4:22
then you shall cause your sons to know
Quote: וְהוֹדַעְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־בְּנֵיכֶ֣ם (1)It was for Israel to teach their children of God’s miracles so that they would honor Yahweh forever.
Joshua 4:24
the hand of Yahweh, that it is mighty
Quote: אֶת־יַ֣ד יְהוָ֔ה כִּ֥י חֲזָקָ֖ה הִ֑יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the power of Yahweh being strong. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is mighty”
Joshua 5
Joshua 5 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Circumcision
It would have been very unusual to be circumcised in a time of war. When men are circumcised they are unable to move without pain or to defend themselves in battle for several days. (See: circumcise, circumcised, circumcision, uncircumcised, uncircumcision)
Manna
Yahweh stops providing manna in this chapter and will no longer provide them with their daily allotment of food. This does not mean Yahweh’s care and provision will stop.
Joshua 5:1
then their heart melted, and there was no longer a spirit in them
Quote: וַיִּמַּ֣ס לְבָבָ֗ם וְלֹא־הָ֨יָה בָ֥ם עוֹד֙ ר֔וּחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of their fear.
then their heart melted
Quote: וַיִּמַּ֣ס לְבָבָ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hearts” refers to their courage. They were so afraid that it was as if their courage melted away like wax in a fire. Alternate translation: “they lost all their courage” (See also: Metaphor)
and there was no longer a spirit in them
Quote: וְלֹא־הָ֨יָה בָ֥ם עוֹד֙ ר֔וּחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “spirit” refers to their will to fight. Alternate translation: “they no longer had any will to fight”
Joshua 5:3
And Joshua made for himself knives of flint. And he circumcised the sons of
Quote: וַיַּעַשׂ־ל֥וֹ יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ חַֽרְב֣וֹת צֻרִ֑ים וַיָּ֨מָל֙ אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
There were over 600,000 males, so it is understood that while Joshua was in charge of this task, many other people helped him. If this would confuse your readers, you may want to make this explicit. Alternate translation: “Joshua and the Israelites made themselves flint knives … they circumcised all the males”
the hill of the foreskins
Quote: גִּבְעַ֖ת הָעֲרָלֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a place name which commemorates Israel rededicating themselves to Yahweh. It means “the hill of the foreskins.”
Joshua 5:4
General Information:
The reason all the males of Israel had to be circumcised is explained.
the men of war
Quote: אַנְשֵׁ֣י הַמִּלְחָמָ֗ה (1)the men who were old enough to be soldiers
Joshua 5:6
had … listened to the voice of Yahweh
Quote: שָׁמְע֖וּ בְּק֣וֹל יְהוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “voice” refers to the things that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: “obey the things that Yahweh commanded them”
a land flowing with milk and honey
Quote: אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. Alternate translation: “a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” (See also: Metonymy)
Joshua 5:9
Today I have rolled away the disgrace of Egypt from on you
Quote: הַיּ֗וֹם גַּלּ֛וֹתִי אֶת־חֶרְפַּ֥ת מִצְרַ֖יִם מֵעֲלֵיכֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Their disgrace is spoken of as if it were a large stone that blocked their path. Here “rolled away” means “removed.” Alternate translation: “This day I have removed the disgrace of Egypt from you” or “You were disgraced when you were slaves in Egypt. But, today I have caused you to no longer be disgraced”
Joshua 5:10
on day 14 of the month
Quote: בְּאַרְבָּעָה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֥וֹם לַחֹ֛דֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths
This is near the end of March on Western calendars. Alternate translation: “the fourteenth day of the first month” (See also: Ordinal Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Joshua 5:13
that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing
Quote: וַיִּשָּׂ֤א עֵינָיו֙ וַיַּ֔רְא וְהִנֵּה־אִישׁ֙ עֹמֵ֣ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here looking up is spoken of as if Joshua literally lifted his eyes in his hands. Alternate translation: “he looked up and saw that a man was standing”
and behold
Quote: וְהִנֵּה (1)The word “behold” alerts us to pay special attention to new information. Your language may have a way of doing this.
and his drawn sword was in his hand
Quote: וְחַרְבּ֥וֹ שְׁלוּפָ֖ה בְּיָד֑וֹ (1)Here the words “he” and “his” refer to the man who was standing in front of Joshua.
Joshua 5:14
And he said
Quote: וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (1)The word “he” refers to the man Joshua saw.
No
Quote: לֹ֗א (1)This is the beginning of the man’s answer to Joshua’s question, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” This short answer could be clarified. Alternate translation: “I am neither for you nor for your enemies”
And Joshua fell on his face to the ground and bowed down
Quote: וַיִּפֹּל֩ יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ אֶל־פָּנָ֥יו אַ֨רְצָה֙ וַיִּשְׁתָּ֔חוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This was an act of worship.
Joshua 5:15
Slip off your sandal from on your foot
Quote: שַׁל־נַֽעַלְךָ֙ מֵעַ֣ל רַגְלֶ֔ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This was an act of reverence.
Joshua 6
Joshua 6 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh conquers
It was God, not the army, who gave them victory. It is said, “Shout! For Yahweh has given you the city.” The circumstances of Israel’s victory in the battle for Jericho were very unusual. It was never common to march around a city or to shout in order to win a military battle. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Joshua 6:1
And Jericho was
Quote: וִֽירִיחוֹ֙ (1)This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the narrator tells us why the gates of Jericho are closed and locked up.
Joshua 6:2
I have given Jericho into your hand, and its king, the mighty ones of the army
Quote: נָתַ֣תִּי בְיָֽדְךָ֔ אֶת־יְרִיח֖וֹ וְאֶת־מַלְכָּ֑הּ גִּבּוֹרֵ֖י הֶחָֽיִל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture
Yahweh is telling Joshua that he will certainly do this by saying that he has already done it.
into your hand
Quote: בְיָֽדְךָ֔ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “hand” is a metonym for the control that the hand exercises. Alternate translation: “so that you can control it”
Joshua 6:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
God continues telling Joshua what the people must do.
Thus you shall do six days
Quote: כֹּ֥ה תַעֲשֶׂ֖ה שֵׁ֥שֶׁת יָמִֽים (1)Alternate translation: “You must do this once each day for six days”
Joshua 6:4
And seven priests shall lift seven horns of rams before the face of the Box
Quote: וְשִׁבְעָ֣ה כֹהֲנִ֡ים יִשְׂאוּ֩ שִׁבְעָ֨ה שׁוֹפְר֤וֹת הַיּֽוֹבְלִים֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הָאָר֔וֹן (1)The seven priests are to march in front of other priests who are carrying the ark and marching around the city.
Joshua 6:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
God continues telling Joshua what the people must do.
when sounding a blast with the horn of the ram
Quote: בִּמְשֹׁ֣ךְ׀ בְּקֶ֣רֶן הַיּוֹבֵ֗ל (1)The word “they” refers to the seven priests. The “ram’s horn” and “trumpet” refer to the trumpets of rams’ horns that the priests were blowing in Joshua 6:4.
the wall of the city
Quote: חוֹמַ֤ת הָעִיר֙ (1)Alternate translation: “the outer wall of the city” or “the wall surrounding the city”
Joshua 6:6
Nun
Quote: נוּן֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is Joshua’s father.
Lift the Box of the Covenant
Quote: שְׂא֖וּ אֶת־אֲר֣וֹן הַבְּרִ֑ית (1)Alternate translation: “Pick up the ark of the covenant”
Joshua 6:8
before the face of Yahweh
Quote: לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) “in obedience to Yahweh” or (2) “in front of Yahweh’s ark”
and blew with the horns
Quote: וְתָקְע֖וּ בַּשּֽׁוֹפָר֑וֹת (1)Alternate translation: “they sounded the trumpets loudly” or “the priests blew into the ram’s horn trumpets”
And the Box of the Covenant of Yahweh was going behind them
Quote: וַֽאֲרוֹן֙ בְּרִ֣ית יְהוָ֔ה הֹלֵ֖ךְ אַחֲרֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It can be stated clearly that there were people carrying the ark. Alternate translation: “The priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant of Yahweh followed after them”
Joshua 6:10
and you shall not make your voice heard, and a word shall not go out from your mouth
Quote: וְלֹֽא־תַשְׁמִ֣יעוּ אֶת־קוֹלְכֶ֔ם וְלֹא־יֵצֵ֥א מִפִּיכֶ֖ם דָּבָ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Sound leaving someone’s mouth refers to that person’s speaking or shouting. Alternate translation: “Do not yell or speak”
And Joshua commanded the people
Quote: וְאֶת־הָעָם֩ צִוָּ֨ה יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events
Joshua had commanded the people before they started walking around the city. Alternate translation: “Joshua had commanded the people”
Joshua 6:13
And the seven priests … the seven horns of
Quote: וְשִׁבְעָ֣ה הַכֹּהֲנִ֡ים & שִׁבְעָ֨ה שׁוֹפְר֜וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“7 priests … 7 trumpets”
and blowing with the horns
Quote: וְתָקְע֖וּ בַּשּׁוֹפָר֑וֹת (1)This means that they blew into their trumpets, causing them to make loud noises, multiple times. Alternate translation: “continually sounded the trumpets loudly” or “blew into the ram’s horn trumpets continually”
Joshua 6:14
on the second day
Quote: בַּיּ֤וֹם הַשֵּׁנִי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
the next day
Thus they did
Quote: כֹּ֥ה עָשׂ֖וּ (1)Israel marched around Jericho once every day.
six days
Quote: שֵׁ֥שֶׁת יָמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“6 days”
Joshua 6:16
the people
Quote: הָעָם֙ (1)This refers to the people of Israel.
blew with the horns
Quote: תָּקְע֥וּ & בַּשּׁוֹפָר֑וֹת (1)Alternate translation: “sounded the trumpets loudly” or “blew into the ram’s horn trumpets”
Yahweh has given to you
Quote: נָתַ֧ן יְהוָ֛ה לָכֶ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture
Joshua is saying that Yahweh will definitely give them the city by saying that he has already given it to them.
has given to you
Quote: נָתַ֧ן & לָכֶ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” refers to the entire nation of Israel.
Joshua 6:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Joshua continues speaking to the people of Israel.
And the city, it and all that is in it, is a banned thing for Yahweh
Quote: וְהָיְתָ֨ה הָעִ֥יר חֵ֛רֶם הִ֥יא וְכָל־אֲשֶׁר־בָּ֖הּ לַֽיהוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: “You must set apart to Yahweh the city and all that is in it for destruction” or “You must set apart to Yahweh the city and all that is in it by destroying it”
Joshua 6:18
keep from the banned thing
Quote: שִׁמְר֣וּ מִן־הַחֵ֔רֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being careful is spoken of as if they are to guard themselves. “Be careful that you do not take the things”
and trouble it
Quote: וַעֲכַרְתֶּ֖ם אוֹתֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Doing something that makes bad things to happen to the city is spoken of as bringing trouble on it. Alternate translation: “you will cause bad things to happen to it”
Joshua 6:19
the storehouse of Yahweh
Quote: אוֹצַ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה (1)a collection of things set apart for the worship of Yahweh
Joshua 6:20
that the people shouted with a great shout
Quote: וַיָּרִ֤יעוּ הָעָם֙ תְּרוּעָ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֔ה (1)Alternate translation: “the people of Israel shouted”
and they blew with the horns
Quote: וַֽיִּתְקְע֖וּ בַּשֹּֽׁפָר֑וֹת (1)Alternate translation: “sounded the trumpets loudly” or “blew into the ram’s horn trumpets”
Joshua 6:24
And they burned … the city
Quote: וְהָעִ֛יר שָׂרְפ֥וּ (1)The word “they” refers to the Israelite soldiers. It does not refer only to the two young men who brought Rahab and her family out of the city.
Joshua 6:25
And she has dwelt in the midst of Israel
Quote: וַתֵּ֨שֶׁב֙ בְּקֶ֣רֶב יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “She” refers to Rahab and represents her descendants. Alternate translation: “Her descendants live in Israel”
to this day
Quote: עַ֖ד הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה (1)“now” or “even today.” Rahab’s descendants are still living in Israel as the original writer writes this story.
Joshua 6:26
Cursed is the man before the face of Yahweh who rises up and builds
Quote: אָר֨וּר הָאִ֜ישׁ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר יָקוּם֙ וּבָנָ֞ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being cursed in Yahweh’s sight represents being cursed by Yahweh. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh curse the man who rebuilds”
With his firstborn he will found it
Quote: בִּבְכֹר֣וֹ יְיַסְּדֶ֔נָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The consequence of a man laying a new foundation for Jericho is that his firstborn son would die. This is spoken of as if it were a cost that the man would pay. Alternate translation: “If he lays the foundation, he will lose his firstborn son” or “If he lays the foundation, his firstborn son will die”
and with his youngest he will set up its doors
Quote: וּבִצְעִיר֖וֹ יַצִּ֥יב דְּלָתֶֽיהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The consequence of a man setting up new gates for Jericho is that his youngest son would die. This is spoken of as if it were a cost that the man would pay. Alternate translation: “If he sets up its gates, he will lose his youngest son” or “If he sets up it gates, his youngest son will die”
Joshua 6:27
And the report of him was in all the land
Quote: וַיְהִ֥י שָׁמְע֖וֹ בְּכָל־הָאָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This refers to Joshua’s fame, not Yahweh’s. Becoming known among the people throughout the land is spoken of as if his fame spread. Alternate translation: “Joshua became famous throughout the land” or “people throughout the land learned about Joshua”
Joshua 7
Joshua 7 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Sin brought defeat
It was great sin to take what was to be destroyed. Because of their sin, Yahweh withheld victory from the Israelites. Sin resulted in defeat in battle. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Joshua 7:1
with the banned thing
Quote: בַּחֵ֑רֶם (1)Alternate translation: “the things that God had said they must set apart to him by destroying them”
Achan … Karmi … Zabdi … Zerah
Quote: עָכָ֣ן & כַּרְמִי֩ & זַבְדִּ֨י & זֶ֜רַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
And the nose of Yahweh burned
Quote: וַיִּֽחַר־אַ֥ף יְהוָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“anger” and “burned” indicates intensity, not that fire is present. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s anger burned like a fire” or “Yahweh was very angry”
Joshua 7:3
all the people
Quote: כָּל־הָעָם֒ (1)This refers to the army of Israel.
they are few
Quote: מְעַ֖ט הֵֽמָּה (1)The word “they” refers to the people of Ai.
Joshua 7:4
And some from the people went up to there, about 3,000 men
Quote: וַיַּעֲל֤וּ מִן־הָעָם֙ שָׁ֔מָּה כִּשְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת אֲלָפִ֖ים אִ֑ישׁ (1)These men were part of the army. Alternate translation: “three thousand men belonging to the army went up”
about 3,000 men
Quote: כִּשְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת אֲלָפִ֖ים אִ֑ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“3,000 men”
Joshua 7:5
about 36 men
Quote: כִּשְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים וְשִׁשָּׁה֙ אִ֔ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“36 men”
And the heart of the people melted and became water
Quote: וַיִּמַּ֥ס לְבַב־הָעָ֖ם וַיְהִ֥י לְמָֽיִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases “melted” and “became like water” share similar meanings and are combined to emphasize that the people were extremely afraid.
And the heart of the people melted
Quote: וַיִּמַּ֥ס לְבַב־הָעָ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the people are represented by their “hearts” to emphasize their emotions. Alternate translation: “The people were very afraid”
the heart of the people
Quote: לְבַב־הָעָ֖ם (1)The phrase “the people” refers to the Israelite soldiers.
Joshua 7:6
And Joshua tore his garments and fell on his face to the earth before the face of the Box of Yahweh
Quote: וַיִּקְרַ֨ע יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ שִׂמְלֹתָ֗יו וַיִּפֹּל֩ עַל־פָּנָ֨יו אַ֜רְצָה לִפְנֵ֨י אֲר֤וֹן יְהוָה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
They did these things to show God how sad and distressed they were.
Joshua 7:7
Why at all did you bring this people across the Jordan to give us into the hand of the Amorite, to cause us to perish
Quote: לָ֠מָה הֵעֲבַ֨רְתָּ הַעֲבִ֜יר אֶת־הָעָ֤ם הַזֶּה֙ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן לָתֵ֥ת אֹתָ֛נוּ בְּיַ֥ד הָאֱמֹרִ֖י לְהַאֲבִידֵ֑נוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Joshua was asking if this is the reason God had brought them across the Jordan. Alternate translation: “Did you do it in order to give us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us?”
into the hand of the Amorite
Quote: בְּיַ֥ד הָאֱמֹרִ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The hands of the Amorites represents their control and power. Giving the Israelites into their hands to destroy them represents allowing the Amorites to have control of the Israelites and destroy them. Alternate translation: “To allow the Amorites to destroy us?
And if only we had been content
Quote: וְלוּ֙ הוֹאַ֣לְנוּ (1)The words “If only” show that this is a wish for something that had not happened. Alternate translation: “I wish we had made a different decision”
Joshua 7:8
General Information:
Joshua expresses frustration to God.
Please, my Lord! What can I say, after Israel has turned the back of the neck before the face of its enemies
Quote: בִּ֖י אֲדֹנָ֑י מָ֣ה אֹמַ֔ר אַ֠חֲרֵי אֲשֶׁ֨ר הָפַ֧ךְ יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל עֹ֖רֶף לִפְנֵ֥י אֹיְבָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joshua said this to show how upset he was that he did not even know what to say. Alternate translation: “I do not know what to say. Israel has turned their backs before their enemies!”
Israel has turned the back of the neck before the face of its enemies
Quote: הָפַ֧ךְ יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל עֹ֖רֶף לִפְנֵ֥י אֹיְבָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Doing this represents running away from their enemies. Alternate translation: “Israel has run away from their enemies”
Joshua 7:9
and will surround us and cut off our name from the earth
Quote: וְנָסַ֣בּוּ עָלֵ֔ינוּ וְהִכְרִ֥יתוּ אֶת־שְׁמֵ֖נוּ מִן־הָאָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Making people forget the name of the Israelites represents making them forget the Israelites. In this case they would do it by killing the Israelites. Alternate translation: “They will surround us and kill us, and the people of the earth will forget about us” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
for your great name
Quote: לְשִׁמְךָ֥ הַגָּדֽוֹל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “your great name” here represents God’s reputation and power. Alternate translation: “And so what will you do so that people will know that you are great”
And what will you do for your great name
Quote: וּמַֽה־תַּעֲשֵׂ֖ה לְשִׁמְךָ֥ הַגָּדֽוֹל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joshua uses this question to warn God that if the Israelites are destroyed, then the other people will think that God is not great. Alternate translation: “Then there will be nothing you can do for your great name.” or “Then people will not know that you are great.” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Joshua 7:10
General Information:
Yahweh tells Joshua why Israel is cursed.
yourself … Why is this—you are falling on your face
Quote: לָ֑ךְ לָ֣מָּה זֶּ֔ה אַתָּ֖ה נֹפֵ֥ל עַל־פָּנֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
God used this question to rebuke Joshua for lying there on his face. Alternate translation: “Stop lying there with your face in the dirt!”
Joshua 7:11
the banned thing
Quote: הַחֵ֔רֶם (1)These are the things “marked for destruction” from Joshua 6:18–19. Alternate translation: “the cursed things” or “those things which God has cursed”
stolen and also deceived
Quote: גָּֽנְבוּ֙ וְגַ֣ם כִּֽחֲשׁ֔וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Hiding their sin represents trying to keep others from knowing that they have sinned. Alternate translation: “They have stolen those things, and then they tried to keep people from knowing that they sinned”
Joshua 7:12
And the sons of Israel were not able to stand before the face of their enemies
Quote: וְלֹ֨א יֻכְל֜וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל לָקוּם֙ לִפְנֵ֣י אֹיְבֵיהֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Standing before their enemies represents fighting successfully against their enemies. Alternate translation: “cannot fight successfully against their enemies” or “cannot defeat their enemies”
They turned the back of the neck before the face of their enemies
Quote: עֹ֗רֶף יִפְנוּ֙ לִפְנֵ֣י אֹֽיְבֵיהֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Doing this represents running away from their enemies. Alternate translation: “They ran away from their enemies”
I will not be with you again
Quote: לֹ֤א אוֹסִיף֙ לִֽהְי֣וֹת עִמָּכֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Being with Israel represents helping Israel. Alternate translation: “I will not help you any more”
Joshua 7:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues speaking to Joshua and tells him what to tell the people.
the people
Quote: אֶת־הָעָ֔ם (1)This refers to the people of Israel.
You will not be able to stand before the face of your enemies
Quote: לֹ֣א תוּכַ֗ל לָקוּם֙ לִפְנֵ֣י אֹיְבֶ֔יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Standing before their enemies represents fighting successfully against them. Alternate translation: “You cannot fight successfully against your enemies” or “You cannot defeat your enemies”
Joshua 7:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues telling Joshua what he must tell the people.
And you shall be brought near in the morning by your tribes
Quote: וְנִקְרַבְתֶּ֥ם בַּבֹּ֖קֶר לְשִׁבְטֵיכֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
There were twelve tribes that made up the people of Israel. The phrase “by your tribes” means “each tribe.” Alternate translation: “each of your tribes must present themselves to Yahweh”
the tribe that Yahweh catches shall come near by the clans
Quote: הַשֵּׁבֶט֩ אֲשֶׁר־יִלְכְּדֶ֨נּוּ יְהוָ֜ה יִקְרַ֣ב לַמִּשְׁפָּח֗וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The tribe was made up of multiple clans. Alternate translation: “From the tribe that Yahweh selects, each clan will come near”
the tribe that Yahweh catches
Quote: הַשֵּׁבֶט֩ אֲשֶׁר־יִלְכְּדֶ֨נּוּ יְהוָ֜ה (1)The leaders of Israel would toss lots, and by doing this, they would learn which tribe Yahweh had selected. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “The tribe that Yahweh selects by lot” or “The tribe that Yahweh selects when we toss lots”
And the clan that Yahweh catches shall come near by the houses
Quote: וְהַמִּשְׁפָּחָ֞ה אֲשֶֽׁר־יִלְכְּדֶ֤נָּה יְהוָה֙ תִּקְרַ֣ב לַבָּתִּ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The clan was made up of multiple households. Alternate translation: “From the clan that Yahweh selects, each household must come near”
And the house that Yahweh catches shall come near by the men
Quote: וְהַבַּ֨יִת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִלְכְּדֶ֣נּוּ יְהוָ֔ה יִקְרַ֖ב לַגְּבָרִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The household was made up of multiple people. Alternate translation: “From the household that Yahweh selects, each person must come near”
Joshua 7:15
the one who is caught
Quote: הַנִּלְכָּ֣ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: “the one whom Yahweh selects”
he has crossed over the covenant of Yahweh
Quote: עָבַר֙ אֶת־בְּרִ֣ית יְהוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Breaking the covenant represents disobeying it. Alternate translation: “he has disobeyed the covenant of Yahweh”
Joshua 7:16
General Information:
Joshua follows Yahweh’s command to bring Israel before Yahweh.
and brought Israel near by its tribes
Quote: וַיַּקְרֵ֥ב אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לִשְׁבָטָ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “tribe by tribe” means each tribe. Alternate translation: “brought each tribe of Israel near”
And the tribe of Judah was caught
Quote: וַיִּלָּכֵ֖ד שֵׁ֥בֶט יְהוּדָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh selected the tribe of Judah”
Joshua 7:17
And he brought near the clan of the Zerahite by the men
Quote: וַיַּקְרֵ֞ב אֶת־מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת הַזַּרְחִי֙ לַגְּבָרִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “person by person” is an idiom meaning each person. The persons in this sentence were the leaders of their households. Alternate translation: “He brought near each person of the clan of the Zerahites” or “From the clan of the Zerahites, he brought near each man who was the leader of his household” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
the clan of the Zerahite
Quote: אֶת־מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת הַזַּרְחִי֙ (1)The clan was named after the man named Zerah.
Zabdi
Quote: זַבְדִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a man’s name. Translate as you did in Joshua 7:1.
Joshua 7:18
Achan … Karmi, … Zabdi, … Zerah
Quote: עָכָ֞ן & כַּרְמִ֧י & זַבְדִּ֛י & זֶ֖רַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are men’s names. Translate them as you did in Joshua 7:1.
Joshua 7:19
and give thanks to him
Quote: וְתֶן־ל֣וֹ תוֹדָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **confession, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “confess.” Alternate translation: “confess to him”
Do not hide … from me
Quote: אַל־תְּכַחֵ֖ד מִמֶּֽנִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Hiding information represents trying to keep someone from knowing it. Alternate translation: “Do not try to prevent me from knowing what you have done”
Joshua 7:21
and 200 shekels
Quote: וּמָאתַ֧יִם שְׁקָלִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight
This is over two kilograms.
50 shekels
Quote: חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים שְׁקָלִים֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight
This is over 500 grams.
are hidden in the earth
Quote: טְמוּנִ֥ים בָּאָ֛רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I hid them in the ground”
Joshua 7:23
And they poured them out
Quote: וַיַּצִּקֻ֖ם (1)Use the word in your language for pouring many small solid things out of a large bag onto the ground.
Joshua 7:24
to the Valley of Trouble
Quote: עֵ֥מֶק עָכֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The name means “Valley of Trouble,” but it is best to translate Achor the way it sounds.
Joshua 7:25
Why have you troubled us
Quote: מֶ֣ה עֲכַרְתָּ֔נוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joshua uses this question to rebuke Achan. Alternate translation: “You have troubled us”
And they burned them with the fire and they stoned them with the stones
Quote: וַיִּשְׂרְפ֤וּ אֹתָם֙ בָּאֵ֔שׁ וַיִּסְקְל֥וּ אֹתָ֖ם בָּאֲבָנִֽים (1)This could mean: (1) the Israelites burned Achan’s family to death and then covered them with stones or (2) the Israelites stoned Achan’s family to death and then burned the dead bodies or (3) that Achan and his possessions were stoned and then burned.
Joshua 7:26
And Yahweh turned from the burning of his nose
Quote: וַיָּ֥שָׁב יְהוָ֖ה מֵחֲר֣וֹן אַפּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Turning away his anger represents stopping being angry. Burning anger represents strong anger. Alternate translation: “Yahweh stopped being angry”
until this day
Quote: עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה (1)It was still called the valley of Achor at the time the author wrote this. Alternate translation: “even today” or “even now”
Joshua 8
Joshua 8 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Special concepts in this chapter
Sin brought defeat
It was great sin to take what was to be destroyed. Because of their sin, Yahweh withheld victory from the Israelites. Sin resulted in defeat in battle. Because they repented, Yahweh brought victory to Israel in Ai. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and repent, repentance)
Built an altar
Altars were commonly built in the Ancient Near East to commemorate important events. Several altars were built in the Book of Joshua.
Joshua 8:1
Do not fear and do not be dismayed
Quote: אַל־תִּירָ֣א וְאַל־תֵּחָ֔ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Yahweh combines them to emphasize that there is no reason to be afraid.
I have given into your hand the king of the Ai and his people and his city and his land
Quote: נָתַ֣תִּי בְיָדְךָ֗ אֶת־מֶ֤לֶךְ הָעַי֙ וְאֶת־עַמּ֔וֹ וְאֶת־עִיר֖וֹ וְאֶת־אַרְצֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Giving them into Israel’s hand represents giving Israel victory and control over them. Alternate translation: “I have given you victory over the king of Ai and his people, and I have given you control over his city and his land”
I have given
Quote: נָתַ֣תִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture
God speaks of what he promises to do as though he had already done it, because he will certainly do it. Alternate translation: “I will certainly give” or “I am giving”
Joshua 8:2
and its king
Quote: וּלְמַלְכָּ֗הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The word “her” refers to the city of Ai. Cities were often spoken of as if they were women. Alternate translation: “its king” or “their king”
Joshua 8:3
the people of war
Quote: עַ֥ם הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה (1)Alternate translation: “the army of Israel”
Joshua 8:7
And … will give it into your hand
Quote: וּנְתָנָ֛הּ & בְּיֶדְכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” symbolizes the control and power the people have over their enemies.
Joshua 8:8
General Information:
Joshua finishes explaining the battle plan to his soldiers.
Joshua 8:9
And Joshua sent them
Quote: וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֣ם יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ (1)This phrase refers to Joshua sending the thirty thousand men who had been selected to ambush Ai to where they would set the ambush.
the ambush place
Quote: הַמַּאְרָ֔ב (1)Alternate translation: “where they would hide until it was time to attack”
Joshua 8:12
about 5,000 men
Quote: כַּחֲמֵ֥שֶׁת אֲלָפִ֖ים אִ֑ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“5,000 men.” This group seems to be a portion of the “thirty thousand men” (Joshua 8:9). This smaller group remained in the ambush while the other 25,000 men attacked the city.
Joshua 8:13
General Information:
The Israelites prepare to fight the people of Ai.
all the camp
Quote: אֶת־כָּל־הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֗ה (1)This refers to the largest group of fighting men, those not in the ambush group.
its rear guard
Quote: עֲקֵב֖וֹ (1)those who were “set in ambush on the west side of the city” (Joshua 8:12)
Joshua 8:15
And … let themselves be struck before the face of them
Quote: וַיִּנָּֽגְע֛וּ & לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“let themselves be defeated before the people of Ai.” The phrase “before them” represents what the people of Ai would see and think. The phrase “be defeated” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “let the people of Ai think that the Israelites were defeated” or “let the people of Ai think that they had defeated the Israelites” (See also: Active or Passive)
before the face of them
Quote: לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם (1)the army of Ai
And they fled
Quote: וַיָּנֻ֖סוּ (1)The army of Israel fled.
Joshua 8:16
And they pursued
Quote: וַֽיִּרְדְּפוּ֙ (1)These occurrences of “they” refer to the army of Ai.
to pursue after them
Quote: לִרְדֹּ֖ף אַחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם (1)to go after the army of Isreal
And all the people who were in the city were summoned
Quote: וַיִּזָּעֲק֗וּ כָּל־הָעָם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בעיר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The city leaders called all the people in the city together”
all the people who were in the city
Quote: כָּל־הָעָם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בעיר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The writer speaks in a general way about all the people, but “all the people” refers only to those who could fight. Alternate translation: “all the people in the city who could help chase the army of Israel”
Joshua 8:17
And they left the city open
Quote: וַיַּעַזְב֤וּ אֶת־הָעִיר֙ פְּתוּחָ֔ה (1)Alternate translation: “left the city gates open”
Joshua 8:18
I will give it into your hand
Quote: בְיָדְךָ֖ אֶתְּנֶ֑נָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Giving Ai into Israel’s hand represents giving Israel victory and control over Ai. Alternate translation: “I will give you victory over Ai” or “I will cause you to capture Ai”
Joshua 8:24
when Israel had finished slaying all those who dwelled in … and all of them had fallen by the mouth of the sword
Quote: כְּכַלּ֣וֹת יִשְׂרָאֵ֡ל לַהֲרֹג֩ אֶת־כָּל־יֹשְׁבֵ֨י & וַֽיִּפְּל֥וּ כֻלָּ֛ם לְפִי־חֶ֖רֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The writer uses both of these sentences, which mean almost the same thing, to strongly say that the Israelites had obeyed God’s command to kill everyone in Ai.
and all of them had fallen by the mouth of the sword
Quote: וַֽיִּפְּל֥וּ כֻלָּ֛ם לְפִי־חֶ֖רֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Here “fallen” is a euphemism for dying. Also, “the edge of the sword” represents whole swords, and swords represent either battle or the army of Israel. Alternate translation: “had died in battle” or “had died when the army of Israel attacked them” (See also: Metaphor)
Joshua 8:25
were 12,000
Quote: שְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָׂ֖ר אָ֑לֶף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“12,000”
Joshua 8:28
a desolation
Quote: שְׁמָמָ֔ה (1)It is a place where people once lived, but now, no one lives there.
Joshua 8:29
until this day
Quote: עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה (1)Alternate translation: “today” or “even now”
Joshua 8:30
on Mount Ebal
Quote: בְּהַ֖ר עֵיבָֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
a mountain in Canaan
Joshua 8:35
There was not a word from all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read
Quote: לֹֽא־הָיָ֣ה דָבָ֔ר מִכֹּ֖ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֣ה מֹשֶׁ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר לֹֽא־קָרָ֜א יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “Joshua read every word of all that Moses commanded” or “Joshua read the entire law of Moses”
Israel
Quote: יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the nation of Israel.
Joshua 9
Joshua 9 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Israel’s mistake
Israel was deceived because “they did not consult with Yahweh for guidance.” Instead of consulting Yahweh, they attempted to achieve victory under their own power. This was sinful. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Joshua 9:1
the Jordan
Quote: הַיַּרְדֵּ֜ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
a shortened name for the Jordan River
Joshua 9:2
as one mouth
Quote: פֶּ֖ה אֶחָֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “command” represents the one who commanded them. Being under him represents obeying his commands. Alternate translation: “obeying the commands of one leader”
Joshua 9:4
with cunning
Quote: בְּעָרְמָ֔ה (1)a crafty scheme intended to trick Joshua and the Israelites
Joshua 9:5
was dry and had become crumbs
Quote: יָבֵ֖שׁ הָיָ֥ה נִקֻּדִֽים (1)Alternate translation: “dry and filled with fungus” or “stale and ruined”
Joshua 9:6
a man of Israel
Quote: אִ֣ישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to the entire nation of Israel.
Joshua 9:7
the Hivite
Quote: הַחִוִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is another name for the Gibeonites.
Perhaps you are dwelling among us. And how can I cut a covenant for you
Quote: אוּלַ֗י בְּקִרְבִּי֙ אַתָּ֣ה יוֹשֵׁ֔ב וְאֵ֖יךְ אֶֽכְרָת־לְךָ֥ בְרִֽית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joshua is emphasizing that the people of Israel have to follow the command of Yahweh above all else. Alternate translation: “If you do live near us, we cannot make a covenant with you.”
Joshua 9:10
to Sihon
Quote: לְסִיחוֹן֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of the defeated Amorite king.
Heshbon
Quote: חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of the royal city of the nation of Moab.
and to Og
Quote: וּלְע֥וֹג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of the defeated king of Bashan.
was in Ashtaroth
Quote: בְּעַשְׁתָּרֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city known for worshiping the goddess of the same name.
Joshua 9:11
in your hand
Quote: בְיֶדְכֶ֤ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This phrase means “take with you.” Here the word “hand” represents the possession by the Gibeonites of the provisions.
to meet them. And you shall say to them
Quote: לִקְרָאתָ֑ם וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֤ם אֲלֵיהֶם֙ (1)The word “them” refers to the people of Israel.
Joshua 9:15
And Joshua made peace for them, and cut a covenant for them to let them live. And the leaders of the congregation swore to them
Quote: וַיַּ֨עַשׂ לָהֶ֤ם יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ שָׁל֔וֹם וַיִּכְרֹ֥ת לָהֶ֛ם בְּרִ֖ית לְחַיּוֹתָ֑ם וַיִּשָּׁבְע֣וּ לָהֶ֔ם נְשִׂיאֵ֖י הָעֵדָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two sentences are saying that the same thing occurred. Joshua, the leader of the nation of Israel, promised not to kill the Gibeonites. The leaders of the nation of Israel, likewise, made the same covenant.
the congregation
Quote: הָעֵדָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here this refers to the people of Israel.
Joshua 9:17
on the third day
Quote: בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
This refers to number three in order.
and Kephirah
Quote: וְהַכְּפִירָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is one of the cities of the Gibeonites.
and Beeroth
Quote: וּבְאֵר֖וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
and Kiriath Jearim
Quote: וְקִרְיַ֥ת יְעָרִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
Joshua 9:19
the congregation
Quote: הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה (1)Here this phrase refers to the nation of Israel.
Joshua 9:21
And they became cutters of trees and drawers of water
Quote: וַ֠יִּֽהְיוּ חֹטְבֵ֨י עֵצִ֤ים וְשֹֽׁאֲבֵי־מַ֨יִם֙ (1)Alternate translation: “the Gibeonites became woodcutters and water carriers”
Joshua 9:23
for the house of my God
Quote: לְבֵ֥ית אֱלֹהָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here this phrase refers to the dwelling place of Yahweh, the Tabernacle.
Joshua 9:25
as is good and as is right
Quote: כַּטּ֨וֹב וְכַיָּשָׁ֧ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “good” and “right” mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “Whatever seems fair and just”
Joshua 9:26
to them
Quote: לָהֶ֖ם (1)The word “them” here refers to the Gibeonites.
Joshua 9:27
until this day
Quote: עַד־הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה (1)“even up to now.” This means that the people had continued to do these things even up to the day that the writer was living.
Joshua 10
Joshua 10 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines in 10:12–13 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are a poem.
Special concepts in this chapter
“For Yahweh was waging war on behalf of Israel”
Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land was Yahweh’s war on the ungodly Canaanites more than Israel’s war. This type of war was different from other wars and God gave Israel special instructions. (See: Promised Land and godly, godliness, ungodly, godless, ungodliness, godlessness)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Idiom
The people of Gibeon used an idiom when they called for help from Israel: “Do not withdraw your hands,” meaning “do not stop protecting.” (See: Idiom)
Joshua 10:1
And it happened that
Quote: וַיְהִי֩ (1)This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the writer tells about a new person in the story, Adoni-Zedek.
Adoni-Zedek
Quote: אֲדֹֽנִי־צֶ֜דֶק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man who is an important king.
Joshua 10:3
Jarmuth … Lachish … Eglon
Quote: יַרְמ֜וּת & לָכִ֛ישׁ & עֶגְל֖וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Hoham … Piram … Japhia … Debir
Quote: הוֹהָ֣ם & פִּרְאָ֨ם & יָפִ֧יעַ & דְּבִ֥יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of kings.
Joshua 10:4
Come up to me
Quote: עֲלֽוּ־אֵלַ֣י (1)“Travel to where I am.” Jerusalem was higher in elevation than other cities in Canaan.
Joshua 10:5
the five kings of
Quote: חֲמֵ֣שֶׁת׀ מַלְכֵ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“5 kings”
Jarmuth, … Lachish, … Eglon
Quote: יַרְמוּת֙ & לָכִ֣ישׁ & עֶגְל֔וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
And they camped against
Quote: וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙ עַל (1)This means they set up their camp around their city. This was a way of weakening those in the city. It prevented people from escaping the city, and it prevented others from bringing food and water to them in the city.
Joshua 10:6
saying
Quote: לֵאמֹ֔ר (1)The word “They” here refers to Gibeonites.
Do not let your hand drop from your servants
Quote: אַל־תֶּ֥רֶף יָדֶ֖יךָ מֵֽעֲבָדֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This humble request is stated with two negatives to emphasize the need for a positive action. Alternate translation: “Please come and use your strength to protect us”
your hand
Quote: יָדֶ֖יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “hands” here refers to the people of Israel’s strength. Alternate translation: “your strength”
Joshua 10:8
they are given into your hand
Quote: בְיָדְךָ֖ נְתַתִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents the people of Israel’s strength and their ability to defeat their enemy. The word “them” refers to the attacking army.
they are given
Quote: נְתַתִּ֑ים (1)Here the word “them” refers to the attacking armies.
Joshua 10:9
And Joshua came to them
Quote: וַיָּבֹ֧א אֲלֵיהֶ֛ם יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The entire army of Israel is referred to here by the name of their commander, Joshua.
Joshua 10:10
And Yahweh confused them before the face of Israel
Quote: וַיְהֻמֵּ֤ם יְהוָה֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (1)Here “Israel” refers to the entire army of Israel.
to Beth Horon … Azekah … Makkedah
Quote: בֵית־חוֹרֹ֔ן & עֲזֵקָ֖ה & מַקֵּדָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 10:11
Beth Horon, … Azekah
Quote: בֵּית־חוֹרֹן֙ & עֲזֵקָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
threw large stones on them from the heavens
Quote: הִשְׁלִ֣יךְ עֲלֵיהֶם֩ אֲבָנִ֨ים גְּדֹל֧וֹת מִן־הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם (1)Alternate translation: “threw large hailstones from the sky”
Joshua 10:12
Sun, be still in Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon
Quote: שֶׁ֚מֶשׁ בְּגִבְע֣וֹן דּ֔וֹם וְיָרֵ֖חַ בְּעֵ֥מֶק אַיָּלֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Joshua is praying that Yahweh would make the progression of time stop on this day.
Sun, … and moon
Quote: שֶׁ֚מֶשׁ & וְיָרֵ֖חַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Joshua commands the sun and moon as if these were people.
in the Valley of Aijalon
Quote: בְּעֵ֥מֶק אַיָּלֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
Joshua 10:13
the nation
Quote: גּוֹי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to the people of Israel.
Is it not written in the Book of the Upright
Quote: הֲלֹא־הִ֥יא כְתוּבָ֖ה עַל־סֵ֣פֶר הַיָּשָׁ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The writer uses this question as background information to remind the reader that the incident is well-documented. Alternate translation: “This is written in The Book of Jashar.” (See also: Background Information)
Joshua 10:16
in Makkedah
Quote: בְּמַקֵּדָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 10:17
And it was told to Joshua
Quote: וַיֻּגַּ֖ד לִיהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Messengers came and told Joshua. Alternate translation: “Someone told Joshua”
Joshua 10:19
into your hand
Quote: בְּיֶדְכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “your hand” here means “your control.”
Joshua 10:21
at Makkedah
Quote: מַקֵּדָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Translate the same way as you did in Joshua 10:10.
No man sharpened his tongue against the sons of Israel
Quote: לֹֽא־חָרַ֞ץ לִבְנֵ֧י יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל לְאִ֖ישׁ אֶת־לְשֹׁנֽוֹ (1)Alternate translation: “No one dared to say anything against” or “No one dared to complain or protest against”
Joshua 10:22
Open the mouth of the cave
Quote: פִּתְח֖וּ אֶת־פִּ֣י הַמְּעָרָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “mouth” is an idiom that means “entrance.” Alternate translation: “Open the entrance of the cave”
Joshua 10:23
Jarmuth, … Lachish, … Eglon
Quote: יַרְמ֔וּת & לָכִ֖ישׁ & עֶגְלֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 10:24
every man of Israel
Quote: כָּל־אִ֣ישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the men of Israel represent only those who were soldiers.
Joshua 10:27
until this same day
Quote: עַד־עֶ֖צֶם הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה (1)Alternate translation: “until the author wrote this story”
Joshua 10:28
Makkedah
Quote: מַקֵּדָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in Joshua 10:10.
He completely destroyed them and all the life that was in it; he did not leave a survivor
Quote: הֶחֱרִ֣ם אוֹתָ֗ם וְאֶת־כָּל־הַנֶּ֨פֶשׁ֙ אֲשֶׁר־בָּ֔הּ לֹ֥א הִשְׁאִ֖יר שָׂרִ֑יד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The second sentence summarizes the first sentence to emphasize that Joshua left no person or animal alive.
Joshua 10:29
to Libnah
Quote: לִבְנָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 10:31
from Libnah to Lachish
Quote: מִלִּבְנָ֖ה לָכִ֑ישָׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 10:32
into the hand of Israel
Quote: בְּיַ֣ד יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here their “hand” represents their control. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave Lachish into the control of the nation of Israel”
Joshua 10:33
Horam
Quote: הֹרָם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man who is an important king.
Gezer … Lachish
Quote: גֶּ֔זֶר & אֶת־לָכִ֑ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 10:34
from Lachish to Eglon
Quote: מִלָּכִ֖ישׁ עֶגְלֹ֑נָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 10:35
and struck it down by the mouth of the sword. And he completely destroyed all the life that … that
Quote: וַיַּכּ֣וּהָ לְפִי־חֶ֔רֶב וְאֵת֙ כָּל־הַנֶּ֣פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר־ & הַה֖וּא הֶחֱרִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases have similar meanings. Together they show the completeness of the destruction of Eglon.
Joshua 10:36
from Eglon
Quote: מֵעֶגְל֖וֹנָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Joshua 10:3.
Joshua 10:37
And they captured it and struck it down by the mouth of the sword
Quote: וַיִּלְכְּד֣וּהָ וַיַּכּֽוּהָ־לְפִי־חֶ֠רֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The sword represents the army of Israel and striking expresses the idea of slaughter and destruction. Alternate translation: “They captured and killed and destroyed”
Joshua 10:38
to Debir
Quote: דְּבִ֑רָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 10:39
to Debir … to Libnah
Quote: לִדְבִ֨רָה֙ & לְלִבְנָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
and struck them down by the mouth of the sword
Quote: וַיַּכּ֣וּם לְפִי־חֶ֔רֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The sword represents the army of Israel and striking expresses the idea of slaughter and destruction. Alternate translation: “They killed and destroyed them”
Joshua 10:40
and all their kings. He did not leave a survivor. And he completely destroyed every breathing thing
Quote: וְאֵת֙ כָּל־מַלְכֵיהֶ֔ם לֹ֥א הִשְׁאִ֖יר שָׂרִ֑יד וְאֵ֤ת כָּל־הַנְּשָׁמָה֙ הֶחֱרִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize the complete destruction that the people of Israel accomplished at Yahweh’s command.
Joshua 10:42
Joshua captured all these kings and their land
Quote: כָּל־הַמְּלָכִ֤ים הָאֵ֨לֶּה֙ וְאֶת־אַרְצָ֔ם לָכַ֥ד יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ (1)This refers to the kings and lands that were listed beginning in Joshua 10:28.
Joshua captured
Quote: לָכַ֥ד יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Joshua represents his whole army. Alternate translation: “Joshua and his soldiers captured”
at one time
Quote: פַּ֣עַם אֶחָ֑ת (1)This does not mean in one day. It means during one military campaign, which may have lasted many days or weeks.
Joshua 11
Joshua 11 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh overcomes the united forces of the northern kingdoms
Yahweh said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid in their presence, because tomorrow at this time I am giving them all to Israel as dead men.” Even when the kingdoms of Canaan joined forces, they were not able to overcome the power of Yahweh.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
“Yahweh gave the enemy into the hand of Israel”
This phrase may present difficulties in translation. The translator should ensure that Yahweh receives credit for Israel’s victory. (See: Idiom)
Joshua 11:1
Jabin … Jobab
Quote: יָבִ֣ין & יוֹבָב֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of kings.
Hazor … Madon … Shimron … Akshaph
Quote: חָצ֑וֹר & מָד֔וֹן & שִׁמְר֖וֹן & אַכְשָֽׁף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 11:2
Kinnereth … and in the heights of Dor
Quote: כִּֽנֲר֖וֹת & וּבְנָפ֥וֹת דּ֖וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 11:3
Hermon
Quote: חֶרְמ֔וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a mountain.
Joshua 11:4
General Information:
All the Canaanite kings attack Joshua and the nation of Israel.
and all their camps with them, many people like the sand that is on the shore of the sea with respect to abundance
Quote: וְכָל־מַֽחֲנֵיהֶם֙ עִמָּ֔ם עַם־רָ֕ב כַּח֛וֹל אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַל־שְׂפַת־הַיָּ֖ם לָרֹ֑ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
No one can count the grains of sand on the seashore. This exaggeration emphasizes the very large number of soldiers that these kings assembled. Alternate translation: “such a great number of soldiers that there appeared to be as many of them as there are grains of sand on the seashore”
Joshua 11:5
Merom
Quote: מֵר֔וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
Joshua 11:6
I am going to make all of them pierced ones before the face of Israel
Quote: אָנֹכִ֞י נֹתֵ֧ן אֶת־כֻּלָּ֛ם חֲלָלִ֖ים לִפְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh enabling Israel to conquer the enemy army and kill all of the soldiers is spoken of as if Yahweh killed the soldiers and then gave them to Israel. Alternate translation: “I will enable Israel to kill all of them in battle”
You will hamstring their horses
Quote: אֶת־סוּסֵיהֶ֣ם תְּעַקֵּ֔ר (1)“cripple their horses by cutting their legs.” This is a practice where the tendons in the backs of the legs are cut so that the horses cannot walk.
Joshua 11:7
Merom
Quote: מֵר֖וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
Joshua 11:8
And Yahweh gave them into the hand of Israel
Quote: וַיִּתְּנֵ֨ם יְהוָ֥ה בְּיַֽד־יִשְׂרָאֵל֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the word “hand” represents power. Yahweh enabling the army of Israel to conquer their enemy is spoken of as if Yahweh had put the enemy army into Israel’s hand. Alternate translation: “Yahweh enabled Israel to conquer the enemy” (See also: Metonymy)
and they struck them down … And they struck them down
Quote: וַיַּכּוּם֒ & וַיַּכֻּ֕ם (1)Alternate translation: “attacked them … attacked them”
Misrephoth Maim
Quote: מִשְׂרְפ֣וֹת מַ֔יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
Joshua 11:9
He hamstrung
Quote: עִקֵּ֔ר (1)This is a practice where the tendons in the backs of the legs are cut so that the horses cannot run. See how you translated this word in Joshua 11:6.
Joshua 11:10
struck down its king with the sword
Quote: מַלְכָּ֖הּ הִכָּ֣ה בֶחָ֑רֶב (1)Alternate translation: “Joshua killed the king of Hazor with his sword”
Hazor, it was formerly the head of all these kingdoms
Quote: חָצ֣וֹר לְפָנִ֔ים הִ֕יא רֹ֖אשׁ כָּל־הַמַּמְלָכ֥וֹת הָאֵֽלֶּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Hazor being the most important city is spoken of as Hazor being the head of the other kingdoms. Alternate translation: Hazor had been the most important of all these kingdoms” (See also: How to Translate Names)
Joshua 11:11
And they struck down all the life that was in it by the mouth of the sword, destroying completely, there was not left any breathing thing
Quote: וַ֠יַּכּוּ אֶת־כָּל־הַנֶּ֨פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר־בָּ֤הּ לְפִי־חֶ֨רֶב֙ הַֽחֲרֵ֔ם לֹ֥א נוֹתַ֖ר כָּל־נְשָׁמָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize complete destruction.
destroying completely
Quote: הַֽחֲרֵ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “he” refers to Joshua and represents himself and his army. Completely destroying every living thing in the city is spoken of as if those living things were dedicated for destruction. Alternate translation: “the army completely destroyed them” (See also: Metaphor)
Joshua 11:12
and struck them down by the mouth of the sword
Quote: וַיַּכֵּ֥ם לְפִי־חֶ֖רֶב (1)Alternate translation: “killed them”
Joshua 11:13
the cities standing on their mounds
Quote: הֶעָרִ֗ים הָעֹֽמְדוֹת֙ עַל־תִּלָּ֔ם (1)Alternate translation: “cities built on small hills”
Joshua 11:14
for themselves
Quote: לָהֶ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns
This phrase refers to the army of Israel.
every man they struck down by the edge of the sword until they had annihilated them. They did not leave any breathing thing
Quote: אֶֽת־כָּל־הָאָדָ֞ם הִכּ֣וּ לְפִי־חֶ֗רֶב עַד־הִשְׁמִדָם֙ אוֹתָ֔ם לֹ֥א הִשְׁאִ֖ירוּ כָּל־נְשָׁמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize complete destruction.
Joshua 11:15
He did not remove a thing from all that Yahweh had commanded Moses
Quote: לֹֽא־הֵסִ֣יר דָּבָ֔ר מִכֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This negative phrase emphasizes that Joshua did everything that Yahweh commanded. Alternate translation: “Joshua did everything that Yahweh commanded”
Joshua 11:17
Mount Halak … Baal Gad
Quote: הָהָ֤ר הֶֽחָלָק֙ & בַּ֤עַל גָּד֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 11:20
it was from Yahweh to harden their heart
Quote: מֵאֵ֣ת יְהוָ֣ה׀ הָיְתָ֡ה לְחַזֵּ֣ק אֶת־לִבָּם֩ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh causing the people of the cities to be stubborn is spoken of as if Yahweh had hardened their hearts. Alternate translation: “it was Yahweh who caused them to act stubbornly”
Joshua 11:21
the Anakites
Quote: אֶת־הָֽעֲנָקִים֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the descendants of Anak.
Debir, … Anab
Quote: דְּבִ֣ר & עֲנָ֔ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 11:23
and Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel
Quote: וַיִּתְּנָהּ֩ יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ לְנַחֲלָ֧ה לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joshua giving the land to the Israelites is spoken of as if he had given the Israelites an inheritance as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “Joshua gave the land to the Israelites as a permanent possession”
And the land was at rest from war
Quote: וְהָאָ֥רֶץ שָׁקְטָ֖ה מִמִּלְחָמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The people no longer fighting wars is spoken of as if the land were a person who rested from war. Alternate translation: “the people no longer fought wars in the land” or “there was peace in the land” (See also: Metaphor)
Joshua 12
Joshua 12 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines in 12:2–5 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are part of a long list.
Joshua 12:1
And these are
Quote: וְאֵ֣לֶּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the writer begins to provide background information.
And these are the kings of
Quote: וְאֵ֣לֶּה׀ מַלְכֵ֣י (1)This refers to the list of kings that continues through verse 24.
the Arabah
Quote: הָעֲרָבָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of a region of land.
Joshua 12:2
from Aroer
Quote: מֵעֲרוֹעֵ֡ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Sihon … in Heshbon
Quote: סִיחוֹן֙ & בְּחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן (1)See how you translated these words in Joshua 9:10.
Joshua 12:3
the Sea of Kinnereth
Quote: יָ֨ם כִּנְר֜וֹת (1)This is a place. See how you translated this in Joshua 11:2.
to Beth Jeshimoth, … the Pisgah
Quote: בֵּ֣ית הַיְשִׁמ֑וֹת & הַפִּסְגָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 12:4
Og the king of the Bashan
Quote: ע֚וֹג מֶ֣לֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֔ן (1)See how you translated this man’s name in Joshua 9:10.
the Rephaites
Quote: הָרְפָאִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of people groups.
in Ashtaroth and in Edrei
Quote: בְּעַשְׁתָּר֖וֹת וּבְאֶדְרֶֽעִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 12:5
and in Salekah
Quote: וּבְסַלְכָה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
and the Maacathite
Quote: וְהַמַּעֲכָתִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group.
Joshua 12:6
to the Reubenite
Quote: לָרֻֽאוּבֵנִי֙ (1)These are the descendants of Reuben.
and to the Gadite
Quote: וְלַגָּדִ֔י (1)These are the descendants of Gad.
and to the half of the tribe of Manasseh
Quote: וְלַחֲצִ֖י שֵׁ֥בֶט הַֽמְנַשֶּֽׁה (1)They are called a half tribe because the other half of the tribe received an inheritance in the land of Canaan.
Joshua 12:7
from Baal Gad … Mount Halak
Quote: מִבַּ֤עַל גָּד֙ & הָהָ֥ר הֶחָלָ֖ק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 12:8
and in the Arabah
Quote: וּבָֽעֲרָבָה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a region of land. Translate as in Joshua 12:1.
Joshua 12:10
Hebron
Quote: חֶבְר֖וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 12:11
Jarmuth, … Lachish
Quote: יַרְמוּת֙ & לָכִ֖ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities. Translate in the same way you did in Joshua 10:3.
Joshua 12:12
Eglon, … Gezer
Quote: עֶגְלוֹן֙ & גֶּ֖זֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities. Translate “Eglon” in the same way you did in Joshua 10:3.
Joshua 12:13
Debir, … Geder
Quote: דְּבִר֙ & גֶּ֖דֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 12:14
Hormah, … Arad
Quote: חָרְמָה֙ & עֲרָ֖ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 12:15
Libnah, … Adullam
Quote: לִבְנָה֙ & עֲדֻלָּ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 12:16
Makkedah
Quote: מַקֵּדָה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 12:17
Tappuah, … Hepher
Quote: תַּפּ֨וּחַ֙ & חֵ֖פֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 12:18
Aphek, … Lasharon
Quote: אֲפֵק֙ & לַשָּׁר֖וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 12:19
Madon, … Hazor
Quote: מָדוֹן֙ & חָצ֖וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 12:20
Shimron Meron, … Akshaph
Quote: שִׁמְר֤וֹן מְראוֹן֙ & אַכְשָׁ֖ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 12:21
Taanach, … Megiddo
Quote: תַּעְנַךְ֙ & מְגִדּ֖וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 12:22
Kedesh, … Jokneam
Quote: קֶ֨דֶשׁ֙ & יָקְנֳעָ֥ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 12:23
Dor of Naphoth Dor, … the Nations
Quote: דּ֛וֹר לְנָפַ֥ת דּ֖וֹר & גּוֹיִ֥ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 12:24
Tirzah
Quote: תִּרְצָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
All the kings were 31
Quote: כָּל־מְלָכִ֖ים שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים וְאֶחָֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“31 in all”
Joshua 13
Joshua 13 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter begins a section about dividing the land between the tribes of Israel.
Special concepts in this chapter
Division of the land
There was still much land to be captured west of the Jordan River, but the tribe of Reuben, Gad and half of the tribe of Mannasah received their land east of the Jordan. This land had been promised to them in Numbers 32.
Driving out the people
While Yahweh achieved many great victories through Joshua, Israel was still supposed to drive out the rest of the Canaanites. Israel’s success in this would depend on their faith in Yahweh. (See: faith)
Joshua 13:2
This is the remaining land
Quote: זֹ֥את הָאָ֖רֶץ הַנִּשְׁאָ֑רֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You may clarify that this is the land that Israel still needs to capture. Alternate translation: “This is the land that still remains for Israel to capture”
Joshua 13:3
Shihor
Quote: הַשִּׁיח֞וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
it is counted as Canaanite
Quote: לַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖י תֵּחָשֵׁ֑ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which the Canaanites now consider their property”
and the Avvites
Quote: וְהָעַוִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group.
Joshua 13:4
and a cave … Aphek
Quote: וּמְעָרָ֛ה & אֲפֵ֑קָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 13:5
from Baal Gad … Mount Hermon
Quote: מִבַּ֣עַל גָּ֔ד & הַר־חֶרְמ֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
the Gebalite
Quote: הַגִּבְלִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group who lived in Geba.
Joshua 13:6
Misrephoth Maim
Quote: מִשְׂרְפֹ֥ת מַ֨יִם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
this is the name of a place
to Israel as an inheritance
Quote: לְיִשְׂרָאֵל֙ בְּֽנַחֲלָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that Israel will claim is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they will receive as a permanent possession.
Joshua 13:9
from Aroer, … Medeba … Dibon
Quote: מֵעֲרוֹעֵ֡ר & מֵידְבָ֖א & דִּיבֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
the wadi
Quote: הַנַּ֛חַל (1)a place where the river is far below the land on the sides
the plateau of
Quote: הַמִּישֹׁ֥ר (1)flat land high above rivers
Joshua 13:10
in Heshbon
Quote: בְּחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 13:11
Salekah
Quote: סַלְכָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
and the territory of the Geshurite and the Maacathite
Quote: וּגְב֧וּל הַגְּשׁוּרִ֣י וְהַמַּעֲכָתִ֗י (1)Alternate translation: “the land where the Geshurites and Maacathites lived”
and the Maacathite
Quote: וְהַמַּעֲכָתִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of people groups.
Joshua 13:12
in Ashtaroth and in Edrei
Quote: בְּעַשְׁתָּר֖וֹת וּבְאֶדְרֶ֑עִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
the Rephaites
Quote: הָרְפָאִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group.
and Moses struck them down
Quote: וַיַּכֵּ֥ם מֹשֶׁ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “Moses” represents himself and the Israelite army that Moses led. Alternate translation: “Moses and the Israelites attacked them”
Joshua 13:13
the Geshurite and the Maacathite
Quote: אֶת־הַגְּשׁוּרִ֖י וְאֶת־הַמַּעֲכָתִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of people groups.
Geshur and Maacath … in the midst of Israel
Quote: גְּשׁ֤וּר וּמַֽעֲכָת֙ בְּקֶ֣רֶב יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“Geshur” and “Maacath” are either the names of the ancestors of “the Geshurites” and “the Maacathites” or are the names of the cities in which they lived. Alternate translation: “those people live among Israel”
to this day
Quote: עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה (1)This refers to the period of time in which the author wrote this book.
Joshua 13:14
he did not give an inheritance
Quote: לֹ֥א נָתַ֖ן נַחֲלָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that Moses assigned to the tribes of Israel is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession.
The offerings made by fire to Yahweh … they are his inheritance
Quote: אִשֵּׁ֨י יְהוָ֜ה & ה֣וּא נַחֲלָת֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the great honor that the Levites had by serving Yahweh as priests as if the offerings were something that they would inherit. Alternate translation: “The offerings of Yahweh … are what they will have for their provision”
The offerings made by fire to Yahweh
Quote: אִשֵּׁ֨י יְהוָ֜ה (1)Alternate translation: “offerings that the people were to bring to Yahweh”
The offerings made by fire
Quote: אִשֵּׁ֨י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the priests burned with fire”
Joshua 13:16
from Aroer, … Medeba
Quote: מֵעֲרוֹעֵ֡ר & מֵידְבָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
the wadi of … the plateau
Quote: נַ֨חַל & הַמִּישֹׁ֖ר (1)See how you translated these words in Joshua 13:9.
Joshua 13:17
Heshbon … Dibon, and Bamoth Baal, and Beth Baal Meon
Quote: חֶשְׁבּ֥וֹן & דִּיבוֹן֙ וּבָמ֣וֹת בַּ֔עַל וּבֵ֖ית בַּ֥עַל מְעֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 13:18
and Jahaz, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath
Quote: וְיַ֥הְצָה וּקְדֵמֹ֖ת וּמֵפָֽעַת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 13:19
and Kiriathaim, and Sibmah, and Zereth Shahar
Quote: וְקִרְיָתַ֣יִם וְשִׂבְמָ֔ה וְצֶ֥רֶת הַשַּׁ֖חַר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 13:20
and Beth Peor, … the Pisgah, and Beth Jeshimoth
Quote: וּבֵ֥ית פְּע֛וֹר & הַפִּסְגָּ֖ה וּבֵ֥ית הַיְשִׁמֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 13:21
in Heshbon
Quote: בְּחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Sihon … Evi and Rekem and Zur and Hur and Reba
Quote: סִיחוֹן֙ & אֶת־אֱוִ֤י וְאֶת־רֶ֨קֶם֙ וְאֶת־צ֤וּר וְאֶת־חוּר֙ וְאֶת־רֶ֔בַע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of people.
he and the leaders of Midian
Quote: אֹת֣וֹ׀ וְאֶת־נְשִׂיאֵ֣י מִדְיָ֗ן (1)Alternate translation: “as he had defeated the leaders of Midian”
Joshua 13:23
and the border. This is
Quote: וּגְב֑וּל זֹ֣את (1)The Jordan River was the western border of the land that the tribe of Reuben received.
and the border. This is the inheritance of the sons of Reuben
Quote: וּגְב֑וּל זֹ֣את נַחֲלַ֤ת בְּנֵֽי־רְאוּבֵן֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that Moses assigned to the tribe of Reuben is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that the tribe of Reuben received as a permanent possession.
according to their clans
Quote: לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that Moses gave to each of their clans”
Joshua 13:25
Jazer … Aroer, … Rabbah
Quote: יַעְזֵר֙ & עֲרוֹעֵ֕ר & רַבָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 13:26
and from Heshbon … Ramath Mizpah and Betonim, and from Mahanaim … Debir
Quote: וּמֵחֶשְׁבּ֛וֹן & רָמַ֥ת הַמִּצְפֶּ֖ה וּבְטֹנִ֑ים וּמִֽמַּחֲנַ֖יִם & לִדְבִֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 13:27
Beth Haram, and Beth Nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, … Heshbon
Quote: בֵּ֣ית הָרָם֩ וּבֵ֨ית נִמְרָ֜ה וְסֻכּ֣וֹת וְצָפ֗וֹן & חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 13:28
This is the inheritance of the sons of Gad
Quote: זֹ֛את נַחֲלַ֥ת בְּנֵי־גָ֖ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that Moses assigned to the tribe of Gad is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that the tribe of Gad received as a permanent possession.
Joshua 13:29
And Moses gave to the half of the tribe of Manasseh
Quote: וַיִּתֵּ֣ן מֹשֶׁ֔ה לַחֲצִ֖י שֵׁ֣בֶט מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that Moses assigned to the half tribe of Manasseh is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that he gave to them as a permanent possession.
to the half of the tribe of Manasseh
Quote: לַחֲצִ֖י שֵׁ֣בֶט מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה (1)Only half of the tribe received this land because the other half received land on the other side of the Jordan River.
and it was to the half of
Quote: וַיְהִ֗י לַחֲצִ֛י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Moses assigned it”
Joshua 13:30
from Mahanaim, … Jair
Quote: מִמַּחֲנַ֨יִם & יָאִ֛יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 13:31
and Ashtaroth, and Edrei
Quote: וְעַשְׁתָּר֣וֹת וְאֶדְרֶ֔עִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
were for the sons of
Quote: לִבְנֵ֤י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Moses assigned these”
Machir
Quote: מָכִ֖יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a man’s name.
Joshua 13:32
These are what Moses gave as an inheritance
Quote: אֵ֕לֶּה אֲשֶׁר־נִחַ֥ל מֹשֶׁ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that Moses assigned to the tribes of Israel on the east side of the Jordan is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Moses gave to them as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “This is the land that Moses assigned to them as an inheritance”
Joshua 13:33
Yahweh the God of Israel, he is their inheritance
Quote: יְהוָ֞ה אֱלֹהֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ ה֣וּא נַחֲלָתָ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The writer speaks of the great honor that the Levites had by serving Yahweh as priests as if Yahweh were something that they would inherit. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, the God of Israel, is what they have”
Joshua 14
Joshua 14 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Drive them out
The Israelites were to completely drive out the Canaanites. If they did not drive them out completely, the Canaanites would cause the Israelites to worship other gods. It was sinful to allow the Canaanites to remain in the land. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Joshua 14:1
And these are what the sons of Israel inherited
Quote: וְאֵ֛לֶּה אֲשֶׁר־נָחֲל֥וּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that the people of Israel acquired is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession.
the fathers of the tribes of
Quote: אֲב֥וֹת הַמַּטּ֖וֹת (1)Alternate translation: “leaders of the tribes”
Joshua 14:2
Their inheritance was by lot
Quote: בְּגוֹרַ֖ל נַחֲלָתָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Eleazar, Joshua, and the tribal leaders cast lots to determine the inheritance”
by the hand of Moses
Quote: בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “hand” refers to Moses himself and means that Yahweh used Moses as the agent to deliver his command. Alternate translation: “through Moses”
Joshua 14:3
For Moses had given the inheritance of the two tribes and the half of the tribe from the other side of the Jordan. But to the Levites he had not given an inheritance in the midst of them
Quote: כִּֽי־נָתַ֨ן מֹשֶׁ֜ה נַחֲלַ֨ת שְׁנֵ֤י הַמַּטּוֹת֙ וַחֲצִ֣י הַמַּטֶּ֔ה מֵעֵ֖בֶר לַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן וְלַ֨לְוִיִּ֔ם לֹֽא־נָתַ֥ן נַחֲלָ֖ה בְּתוֹכָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that Moses gave to the tribes is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession.
Joshua 14:4
And they did not give a portion to the Levites in the land
Quote: וְלֹֽא־נָתְנוּ֩ חֵ֨לֶק לַלְוִיִּ֜ם בָּאָ֗רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And Moses did not give a portion of the inheritance to the Levites in the land”
a portion
Quote: חֵ֨לֶק (1)Alternate translation: “part”
but rather cities to dwell in
Quote: כִּ֤י אִם־עָרִים֙ לָשֶׁ֔בֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “but he gave to them only certain cities to live in”
and their pasturelands
Quote: וּמִ֨גְרְשֵׁיהֶ֔ם (1)fields of grass for the livestock to eat
and for their property
Quote: וּלְקִנְיָנָֽם (1)physical things they needed so they could provide for their families
Joshua 14:6
Jephunneh
Quote: יְפֻנֶּ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a man’s name.
the Kenizzite
Quote: הַקְּנִזִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group.
Joshua 14:7
And I brought back word to him just as was in my heart
Quote: וָאָשֵׁ֤ב אֹתוֹ֙ דָּבָ֔ר כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר עִם־לְבָבִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the word “heart” represents the thoughts. The phrase is an idiom that refers to a report that is given honestly. Alternate translation: “I brought back to him an honest report”
Joshua 14:8
made the heart of the people melt
Quote: הִמְסִ֖יו אֶת־לֵ֣ב הָעָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Making the people very afraid is spoken of as if it were making the hearts of the people melt. Alternate translation: “made the people very afraid”
But I was fully after Yahweh
Quote: וְאָנֹכִ֣י מִלֵּ֔אתִי אַחֲרֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being loyal to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were completely following Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I remained loyal to Yahweh”
Joshua 14:9
the land on … will be for an inheritance for you and for your sons until eternity
Quote: הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ & בָּ֔הּ לְךָ֨ תִֽהְיֶ֧ה לְנַחֲלָ֛ה וּלְבָנֶ֖יךָ עַד־עוֹלָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that Caleb and his descendants would have is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they would receive as a permanent possession.
the land … which your foot has trodden
Quote: הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר דָּרְכָ֤ה רַגְלְךָ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “your foot” represents Caleb. Alternate translation: “the land on which you have walked”
Joshua 14:10
behold
Quote: הִנֵּה֩ (1)Alternate translation: “pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important”
when Israel walked in the wilderness
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־הָלַ֥ךְ יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר (1)Alternate translation: “while the people of Israel traveled in the wilderness”
Joshua 14:11
As my strength was then, so my strength is now
Quote: כְּכֹ֥חִי אָ֖ז וּכְכֹ֣חִי עָ֑תָּה (1)Alternate translation: “I am still as strong now as I was then”
and for going out, and for coming in
Quote: וְלָצֵ֥את וְלָבֽוֹא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that refers to daily activities. Alternate translation: “for the things I do every day”
Joshua 14:12
hill country
Quote: אֶת־הָהָ֣ר (1)This could mean: (1) many large hills or small mountains or (2) one mountain.
the Anakites
Quote: עֲנָקִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group.
Joshua 14:13
and gave Hebron to Caleb
Quote: וַיִּתֵּ֧ן אֶת־חֶבְר֛וֹן לְכָלֵ֥ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Hebron is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Caleb received as a permanent possession.
Joshua 14:14
until this day
Quote: עַ֖ד הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה (1)This refers to the period of time in which the author wrote this book.
he was fully after Yahweh
Quote: מִלֵּ֔א אַחֲרֵ֕י יְהוָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being loyal to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were completely following Yahweh. Alternate translation: “he remained loyal to Yahweh”
Joshua 14:15
was Kiriath Arba
Quote: קִרְיַ֣ת אַרְבַּ֔ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
And the land was at rest from war
Quote: וְהָאָ֥רֶץ שָׁקְטָ֖ה מִמִּלְחָמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The people no longer fighting wars is spoken of as if the land were a person who rested from war. See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 11:23. Alternate translation: “Then the people no longer fought wars in the land” (See also: Metaphor)
Joshua 15
Joshua 15 General Notes
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
This chapter is about the land given to the tribe of Judah. It will be difficult to fully understand their location without a map. Further research may be needed to understand the location of their land. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Joshua 15:1
Zin
Quote: צִ֛ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of the wilderness area.
Joshua 15:2
from the end of the Sea of Salt, from the tongue turning to the south
Quote: מִקְצֵ֖ה יָ֣ם הַמֶּ֑לַח מִן־הַלָּשֹׁ֖ן הַפֹּנֶ֥ה נֶֽגְבָּה (1)“from the bay that faces south at the end of the Salt Sea.” These two phrases refer to the same location. The second phrase clarifies the point at which the southern border begins.
from the tongue turning to the south
Quote: מִן־הַלָּשֹׁ֖ן הַפֹּנֶ֥ה נֶֽגְבָּה (1)Alternate translation: “from the bay that extends to the south” or “from the southern bay”
the tongue
Quote: הַלָּשֹׁ֖ן (1)smaller part of the sea that extends into the land
Joshua 15:3
Scorpions … to Zin, … to Hezron, … to Addar, … to the Karka
Quote: עַקְרַבִּים֙ & צִ֔נָה & חֶצְרוֹן֙ & אַדָּ֔רָה & הַקַּרְקָֽעָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 15:4
to Azmon
Quote: עַצְמ֗וֹנָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
the wadi of Egypt
Quote: נַ֣חַל מִצְרַ֔יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
a small river of water at the southwestern edge of the land, near Egypt
Joshua 15:5
from the end of the Jordan
Quote: מִקְצֵ֖ה הַיַּרְדֵּֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The point at which the river empties into the sea is spoken of as if it were the mouth of the river.
And the border … was
Quote: וּגְב֞וּל (1)Alternate translation: “border … was”
Joshua 15:6
to Beth Hoglah … to Beth Arabah
Quote: בֵּ֣ית חָגְלָ֔ה & לְבֵ֣ית הָעֲרָבָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
to the stone of Bohan
Quote: אֶ֥בֶן בֹּ֖הַן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This was likely a large stone that someone set up as a landmark and named after the man, Bohan.
Joshua 15:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: דְּבִרָה֮ מֵעֵ֣מֶק עָכוֹר֒ & הַגִּלְגָּ֗ל & לְמַעֲלֵ֣ה אֲדֻמִּ֔ים & מֵי־עֵ֣ין שֶׁ֔מֶ & עֵ֥ין רֹגֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 15:8
the valley of Ben Hinnom … the valley of the Rephaites
Quote: גֵּ֣י בֶן־הִנֹּ֗ם & עֵֽמֶק־רְפָאִ֖ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 15:9
Nephtoah, … Mount Ephron. … is Kiriath Jearim
Quote: נֶפְתּ֔וֹחַ & הַר־עֶפְר֑וֹן & קִרְיַ֥ת יְעָרִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 15:10
from Baalah … Mount Seir, … Mount Jearim … is Kesalon), … to Beth Shemesh, … to Timnah
Quote: מִבַּעֲלָ֥ה & הַ֣ר שֵׂעִ֔יר & הַר־יְעָרִ֛ים & כְסָל֑וֹן & בֵּֽית־שֶׁ֖מֶשׁ & תִּמְנָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 15:11
Shikkeron … Mount Baalah, … to Jabneel
Quote: שִׁכְּר֔וֹנָה & הַר־הַֽבַּעֲלָ֖ה & יַבְנְאֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 15:13
Kiriath Arba
Quote: אֶת־קִרְיַ֥ת אַרְבַּ֛ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Kiriath Arba (… the Anak
Quote: אַרְבַּ֛ע & הָעֲנָ֖ק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
Joshua 15:14
the three sons of the Anak: Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai, the children of the Anak
Quote: אֶת־שְׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י הָעֲנָ֑ק אֶת־שֵׁשַׁ֤י וְאֶת־אֲחִימַן֙ וְאֶת־תַּלְמַ֔י יְלִידֵ֖י הָעֲנָֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
These names represent clans of people who were descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai. The words “sons” and “descendants” in this context mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “the three clans, Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, who were descendants of Anak”
the Anak: Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai
Quote: הָעֲנָ֑ק אֶת־שֵׁשַׁ֤י וְאֶת־אֲחִימַן֙ וְאֶת־תַּלְמַ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
Joshua 15:15
And he went up from there against
Quote: וַיַּ֣עַל מִשָּׁ֔ם אֶל (1)Alternate translation: “He went up from there to fight against”
Debir … Kiriath Sepher
Quote: דְּבִ֥ר & קִרְיַת־סֵֽפֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 15:16
Kiriath Sepher
Quote: אֶת־קִרְיַת־סֵ֖פֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
Aksah
Quote: אֶת־עַכְסָ֥ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a woman’s name.
Joshua 15:17
Othniel … Kenaz
Quote: עָתְנִיאֵ֥ל & קְנַ֖ז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are men’s names.
Joshua 15:18
when she came to him
Quote: בְּבוֹאָ֗הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that refers to Aksah becoming Othniel’s wife. Alternate translation: “when Aksah became Othniel’s wife”
she incited him to ask for a field from with her father
Quote: וַתְּסִיתֵ֨הוּ֙ לִשְׁא֤וֹל מֵֽאֵת־אָבִ֨יהָ֙ שָׂדֶ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
This can be translated as direct speech. Alternate translation: “she urged him, ‘Ask my father to give me a field.’”
Joshua 15:19
the upper springs and lower springs
Quote: אֵ֚ת גֻּלֹּ֣ת עִלִּיּ֔וֹת וְאֵ֖ת גֻּלֹּ֥ת תַּחְתִּיּֽוֹת (1)The words “upper” and “lower” likely refer to the geographical altitude of the water springs.
Joshua 15:20
This is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Judah
Quote: זֹ֗את נַחֲלַ֛ת מַטֵּ֥ה בְנֵי־יְהוּדָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that the tribe of Judah received is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “This was the land that the tribe of Judah received as an inheritance”
Joshua 15:46
and their villages
Quote: וְחַצְרֵיהֶֽן (1)villages
Joshua 15:47
the wadi of Egypt
Quote: נַ֣חַל מִצְרָ֑יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
a small river of water at the southwestern edge of the land near Egypt
Joshua 15:63
until this day
Quote: עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה (1)This refers to the period of time in which the author wrote this book.
Joshua 16
Joshua 16 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Drive them out
The Israelites were to completely drive out the Canaanites. If they did not drive them out completely, the Canaanites would cause the Israelites to worship other gods. It was sinful to allow the Canaanites to remain in the land. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
This chapter is about the land given to the tribe of Ephraim, one of Joseph’s sons. It will be difficult to fully understand their location without a map. Further research may be needed to understand the location of their land. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Joshua 16:1
for the sons of Joseph
Quote: לִבְנֵ֤י יוֹסֵף֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The “tribe of Joseph” consisted of the tribes of Joseph’s two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Since half of the tribe of Manasseh had settled east of the Jordan, this phrase refers to the tribe of Ephraim and the other half of the tribe of Manasseh. Alternate translation: “the tribe of Ephraim and the other half of the tribe of Manasseh”
Joshua 16:2
to Luz … at Ataroth
Quote: ל֑וּזָה & עֲטָרֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
the Arkites
Quote: הָאַרְכִּ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group.
Joshua 16:3
the Japhletite
Quote: הַיַּפְלֵטִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group.
Lower Beth Horon, … Gezer
Quote: בֵּית־חוֹרֹ֛ן תַּחְתּ֖וֹן & גָּ֑זֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 16:4
the sons of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim
Quote: בְנֵי־יוֹסֵ֖ף מְנַשֶּׁ֥ה וְאֶפְרָֽיִם (1)Alternate translation: “the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, the sons of Joseph”
And … received an inheritance
Quote: וַיִּנְחֲל֥וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim possessed is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “received this land as their inheritance”
Joshua 16:5
the border of the sons of Ephraim … according to their clans
Quote: גְּב֥וּל בְּנֵֽי־אֶפְרַ֖יִם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The territory … that Joshua assigned to their clans”
Ataroth Addar … Upper Beth Horon
Quote: עַטְר֣וֹת אַדָּ֔ר & בֵּ֥ית חוֹרֹ֖ן עֶלְיֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 16:6
the Mikmethath … at Taanath Shiloh … to Janoah
Quote: הַֽמִּכְמְתָת֙ & תַּאֲנַ֣ת שִׁלֹ֑ה & יָנֽוֹחָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 16:7
from Janoah to Ataroth and Naarah
Quote: מִיָּנ֖וֹחָה עֲטָר֣וֹת וְנַעֲרָ֑תָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 16:8
From Tappuah … Kanah
Quote: מִתַּפּ֜וּחַ & קָנָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Ephraim, according to their clans
Quote: זֹ֗את נַחֲלַ֛ת מַטֵּ֥ה בְנֵי־אֶפְרַ֖יִם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that Ephraim possessed is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “This was the land that the tribe of Ephraim received as an inheritance”
according to their clans
Quote: לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which Joshua assigned to their clans”
Joshua 16:9
and the cities that were set apart
Quote: וְהֶעָרִ֗ים הַמִּבְדָּלוֹת֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the cities that Joshua had chosen”
in the midst of the inheritance of the sons of Manasseh
Quote: בְּת֖וֹךְ נַחֲלַ֣ת בְּנֵֽי־מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that the tribe of Manasseh possessed is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “within the land that the tribe of Manasseh had received as an inheritance”
Joshua 16:10
until this day
Quote: עַד־הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה (1)This refers to the period of time in which the author wrote this book.
and he has become a forced laborer who serves
Quote: וַיְהִ֖י לְמַס־עֹבֵֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Israelites forced these people to work as slaves”
Joshua 17
Joshua 17 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Manasseh’s lack of faith
Even though they were one of the largest and most powerful tribes of Israel, the tribe of Manasseh lacked faith in the power of Yahweh. This caused them many problems. It would also cause their descendants many problems. (See: faith)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
This chapter is about the land given to the tribe of Manasseh, one of Joseph’s sons. It will be difficult to fully understand their locations without a map. Further research may be needed to understand the locations of their land. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Joshua 17:1
for Makir
Quote: לְמָכִיר֩ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are men’s names.
And the Gilead and the Bashan were given to him
Quote: וַֽיְהִי־ל֖וֹ הַגִּלְעָ֥ד וְהַבָּשָֽׁן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Joshua assigned the land of Gilead and Bashan to Makir’s descendants”
Joshua 17:2
Abiezer … Helek … Asriel … Shechem … Hepher … Shemida
Quote: אֲבִיעֶ֜זֶר & חֵ֗לֶק & אַשְׂרִיאֵל֙ & שֶׁ֔כֶם & חֵ֖פֶר & שְׁמִידָ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are men’s names.
And it was
Quote: וַ֠יְהִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Joshua assigned land … and gave them to their clans”
Joshua 17:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: וְלִצְלָפְחָד֩ & חֵ֨פֶ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are men’s names.
Mahlah and Noah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah
Quote: מַחְלָ֣ה וְנֹעָ֔ה חָגְלָ֥ה מִלְכָּ֖ה וְתִרְצָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are women’s names.
Joshua 17:4
Eleazar
Quote: אֶלְעָזָ֨ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
to give to us an inheritance
Quote: לָֽתֶת־לָ֥נוּ נַחֲלָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that the people received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “to give to us some land as an inheritance”
And he gave to them an inheritance
Quote: וַיִּתֵּ֨ן לָהֶ֜ם & נַֽחֲלָ֔ה (1)This could mean: (1) “Joshua gave those women an inheritance” or (2) “Eleazar gave those women an inheritance.”
Joshua 17:5
And ten measured portions of Manasseh fell
Quote: וַיִּפְּל֥וּ חַבְלֵֽי־מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה עֲשָׂרָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Joshua assigned ten parcels of land”
ten measured portions of
Quote: חַבְלֵֽי & עֲשָׂרָ֑ה (1)Alternate translation: “Ten portions”
Joshua 17:6
inherited an inheritance
Quote: נָחֲל֥וּ נַחֲלָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “received land as an inheritance”
the Gilead was for the … sons of
Quote: הַגִּלְעָ֔ד הָיְתָ֥ה לִבְנֵֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Joshua assigned the land of Gilead”
Joshua 17:7
to the right
Quote: אֶל־הַיָּמִ֔ין (1)toward the south
to the Mikmethath, … Tappuah
Quote: הַֽמִּכְמְתָ֔ת & תַּפּֽוּחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 17:9
the border
Quote: הַגְּבוּל֩ (1)Alternate translation: “The border of Manasseh’s land”
to the wadi of
Quote: נַ֨חַל (1)a very small river
Kanah
Quote: קָנָ֜ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
name of a brook
Joshua 17:10
And it meets with Asher from the north
Quote: וּבְאָשֵׁר֙ יִפְגְּע֣וּן מִצָּפ֔וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This could mean: (1) that the border of Manasseh’s land on the north side touched the land that belonged to the tribe of Asher or (2) that one can travel north to reach Asher. Alternate translation: “Asher was on the north side” or “One can travel north to reach Asher”
and with Issachar from the sunrise
Quote: וּבְיִשָּׂשכָ֖ר מִמִּזְרָֽח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “to the east, one can reach Issachar”
Joshua 17:11
Beth Shan … and Ibleam … Dor … En Dor … Taanach … Megiddo … Napheth
Quote: בֵּית־שְׁאָ֣ן & וְיִבְלְעָ֨ם & דֹ֣אר & עֵֽין־דֹּר֙ & תַעְנַךְ֙ & מְגִדּ֖וֹ & הַנָּֽפֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 17:14
the sons of Joseph
Quote: בְּנֵ֣י יוֹסֵ֔ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.
Why have you given to me one lot and one measured portion as an inheritance, and I am a numerous people, Yahweh has blessed me until up to now
Quote: מַדּוּעַ֩ נָתַ֨תָּה לִּ֜י נַחֲלָ֗ה גּוֹרָ֤ל אֶחָד֙ וְחֶ֣בֶל אֶחָ֔ד וַֽאֲנִ֣י עַם־רָ֔ב עַ֥ד אֲשֶׁר־עַד־כֹּ֖ה בֵּֽרְכַ֥נִי יְהוָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The people of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh ask this question to emphasize that Joshua should have assigned to them more land. Alternate translation: “You should have given us more than one … Yahweh has blessed us.”
one lot and one measured portion
Quote: גּוֹרָ֤ל אֶחָד֙ וְחֶ֣בֶל אֶחָ֔ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. In the second, the land is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that the people received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “one assignment of land as our inheritance” (See also: Metaphor)
and … measured portion
Quote: וְחֶ֣בֶל (1)part
am a numerous people, … until
Quote: עַם־רָ֔ב עַ֥ד (1)Alternate translation: “many people”
Joshua 17:15
If you are a numerous people
Quote: אִם־עַם־רַ֤ב אַתָּה֙ (1)Alternate translation: “Since you are a people great in number”
and the Rephaites
Quote: וְהָֽרְפָאִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people group.
Joshua 17:16
are in Beth Shan … Jezreel
Quote: בְּבֵית־שְׁאָן֙ & יִזְרְעֶֽאל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 17:17
the house of Joseph
Quote: בֵּ֣ית יוֹסֵ֔ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “house” refers to the descendants. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Joseph”
Joshua 17:18
and you will clear it
Quote: וּבֵ֣רֵאת֔וֹ (1)Alternate translation: “you will clear the forest of trees” or “you will cut down its trees”
Joshua 18
Joshua 18 General Notes
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
This chapter is about the land given to the tribes of Israel. It will be difficult to fully understand their locations without a map. Further research may be needed to understand the locations of their land. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Joshua 18:1
And the land was subdued before their face
Quote: וְהָאָ֥רֶץ נִכְבְּשָׁ֖ה לִפְנֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events
They had conquered the people who lived in the land before they set up the tent of meeting. Alternate translation: “after they had conquered the land”
Joshua 18:2
that had not apportioned their inheritance
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹֽא־חָלְק֖וּ אֶת־נַֽחֲלָתָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that the tribes would receive is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they would receive as a permanent possession. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to whom Joshua had not assigned land as an inheritance” (See also: Active or Passive)
Joshua 18:3
Until when will you be showing yourselves slack to enter to possess the land that Yahweh the God of your fathers has given to you
Quote: עַד־אָ֨נָה֙ אַתֶּ֣ם מִתְרַפִּ֔ים לָבוֹא֙ לָרֶ֣שֶׁת אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר֙ נָתַ֣ן לָכֶ֔ם יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֥י אֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Joshua asks this question in order to encourage the Israelites to take possession of the land. Alternate translation: “For long enough, you have put off … has given you.”
Joshua 18:4
and walk about in the land
Quote: וְיִֽתְהַלְּכ֥וּ בָאָ֛רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The words “up and down” mean in every direction. Alternate translation: “the land in every direction” or “throughout the land”
and write it down according to the mouth of their inheritance
Quote: וְיִכְתְּב֥וּ אוֹתָ֛הּ לְפִ֥י נַֽחֲלָתָ֖ם (1)This means that they will describe the portions of land that each tribe would like to receive for an inheritance.
their inheritance
Quote: נַֽחֲלָתָ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that they are to survey is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that each of the tribes would receive as a permanent possession.
Joshua 18:5
General Information:
Joshua is continuing his speech to the children of Israel.
And they will apportion it among themselves
Quote: וְהִֽתְחַלְּק֥וּ אֹתָ֖הּ (1)Alternate translation: “They will divide the land”
Judah will stand
Quote: יְהוּדָ֞ה יַעֲמֹ֤ד (1)Alternate translation: “The tribe of Judah will remain”
and the house of Joseph
Quote: וּבֵ֥ית יוֹסֵ֛ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “house” represents the descendants of Joseph. The phrase refers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Alternate translation: “the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Joshua 18:7
General Information:
Joshua is continuing his speech to the children of Israel.
there is no portion
Quote: אֵֽין־חֵ֤לֶק (1)Alternate translation: “no portion of land”
because the priesthood of Yahweh is their inheritance
Quote: כִּֽי־כְהֻנַּ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה נַחֲלָת֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joshua speaks of the great honor that the Levites have by serving Yahweh as priests as if it were something that they inherited. Alternate translation: “for the priesthood of Yahweh is what they have”
and the half of the tribe of Manasseh
Quote: וַחֲצִי֩ שֵׁ֨בֶט הַֽמְנַשֶּׁ֜ה (1)Alternate translation: “half of the tribe of Manasseh”
have received their inheritance
Quote: לָקְח֣וּ נַחֲלָתָ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that the tribes received is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “have received land as their inheritance”
Joshua 18:8
General Information:
Joshua speaks to the twenty-one men who were to go look at the land.
and walk about in the land
Quote: וְהִתְהַלְּכ֨וּ בָאָ֜רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The words “up and down” mean in every direction. See how you translated this in Joshua 18:4. Alternate translation: “in every direction in the land” or “throughout the land”
Joshua 18:10
according to their portions
Quote: כְּמַחְלְקֹתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to each tribe Joshua gave their portion in the land”
Joshua 18:11
between the sons of Judah and the sons of Joseph
Quote: בֵּ֚ין בְּנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה וּבֵ֖ין בְּנֵ֥י יוֹסֵֽף (1)Alternate translation: “between the land that belonged to the descendants of Judah and the land that belonged to the descendants of Joseph”
the sons of Joseph
Quote: בְּנֵ֥י יוֹסֵֽף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.
Joshua 18:12
Beth Aven
Quote: בֵּ֥ית אָֽוֶן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
Joshua 18:13
Luz … is Bethel). … to Ataroth Addar, … of … Beth Horon
Quote: ל֨וּזָה֙ & בֵּֽית־אֵ֑ל & עַטְר֣וֹת אַדָּ֔ר & לְבֵית־חֹר֖וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 18:14
the border
Quote: הַגְּבוּל֩ (1)This refers to the same thing as “the border” in verse 13.
Kiriath Baal (… is Kiriath Jearim
Quote: קִרְיַת־בַּ֨עַל֙ & קִרְיַ֣ת יְעָרִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 18:15
Kiriath Jearim. … Nephtoah
Quote: קִרְיַ֣ת יְעָרִ֑ים & נֶפְתּֽוֹחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 18:16
Ben Hinnom, … the Rephaites … Hinnom … En Rogel
Quote: בֶן־הִנֹּ֔ם & רְפָאִ֖ים & הִנֹּ֜ם & עֵ֥ין רֹגֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 18:17
to En Shemesh … Geliloth, … Adummim
Quote: עֵ֣ין שֶׁ֔מֶשׁ & גְּלִיל֔וֹת & אֲדֻמִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
to the stone of Bohan
Quote: אֶ֥בֶן בֹּ֖הַן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This was likely a large stone that someone set up as a landmark and named after the man, Bohan. See how you translated this in Joshua 15:6.
Joshua 18:18
the shoulder of the front of the Arabah
Quote: כֶּ֥תֶף מוּל־הָֽעֲרָבָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Land that is in the form of a slope or ridge is spoken of as if it were a shoulder. Alternate translation: “the slope of Beth Arabah”
the front of the Arabah
Quote: מוּל־הָֽעֲרָבָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 18:19
the shoulder of Beth Hoglah to the north
Quote: כֶּ֣תֶף בֵּית־חָגְלָה֮ צָפוֹנָה֒ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Land that is in the form of a slope or ridge is spoken of as if it were a shoulder. Alternate translation: “the north slope of Beth Hoglah”
Beth Hoglah
Quote: בֵּית־חָגְלָה֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
Joshua 18:20
This was the inheritance of the sons of Benjamin
Quote: זֹ֡את נַחֲלַת֩ בְּנֵ֨י בִנְיָמִ֧ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that the tribe of Benjamin received is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “This was the land that the tribe of Benjamin received as an inheritance”
according to their clans
Quote: לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Joshua gave it to each of their clans”
Joshua 18:21
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesGeneral Information:
The writer lists the cities that were in the land that the tribe of Benjamin received as an inheritance.
Joshua 18:24
and their villages
Quote: וְחַצְרֵיהֶֽן (1)Alternate translation: “the villages around them”
Joshua 18:28
This was the inheritance of the sons of Benjamin
Quote: זֹ֛את נַֽחֲלַ֥ת בְּנֵֽי־בִנְיָמִ֖ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land and cities that the tribe of Benjamin received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Benjamin received as an inheritance”
Joshua 19
Joshua 19 General Notes
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
This chapter is about the land given to the tribes of Israel. It will be difficult to fully understand their locations without a map. Further research may be needed to understand the locations of their land. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Joshua 19:1
And the second lot went out for Simeon
Quote: וַיֵּצֵ֞א הַגּוֹרָ֤ל הַשֵּׁנִי֙ לְשִׁמְע֔וֹן (1)Alternate translation: “The second time Joshua cast lots, the lot indicated the tribe of Simeon”
second
Quote: הַשֵּׁנִי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
number two in a list
according to their clans
Quote: לְמִשְׁפְּחוֹתָ֑ם (1)Alternate translation: “and Joshua assigned the land to each of their clans”
And their inheritance was in the midst of the inheritance of the sons of Judah
Quote: וַֽיְהִי֙ נַֽחֲלָתָ֔ם בְּת֖וֹךְ נַחֲלַ֥ת בְּנֵֽי־יְהוּדָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that the tribes received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “The land that they received as an inheritance was in the middle of the land that the tribe of Judah received as an inheritance”
Joshua 19:2
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesGeneral Information:
The writer lists cities that were in the land that the tribe of Simeon received as an inheritance.
And with their inheritance for them was
Quote: וַיְהִ֥י לָהֶ֖ם בְּנַֽחֲלָתָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land and cities that the tribe of Simeon received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “They had the following cities for their inheritance”
Joshua 19:5
and Ziklag
Quote: וְצִֽקְלַ֥ג (1)See how you translated the name of this city in Joshua 15:31.
Joshua 19:8
This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Simeon
Quote: זֹ֗את נַחֲלַ֛ת מַטֵּ֥ה בְנֵֽי־שִׁמְע֖וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land and cities that the tribe of Simeon received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Simeon received as an inheritance”
according to their clans
Quote: לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which Joshua gave to their clans”
Joshua 19:9
Some of the measured portion of the sons of Judah
Quote: מֵחֶ֨בֶל֙ בְּנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the portion of land which Joshua assigned to the tribe of Judah”
in the midst of their inheritance
Quote: בְּת֥וֹךְ נַחֲלָתָֽם (1)Alternate translation: “the middle of Judah’s portion of land”
Joshua 19:10
And the third lot went up
Quote: וַיַּ֨עַל֙ הַגּוֹרָ֣ל הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י (1)See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.
third
Quote: הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
number three in a list
Sarid
Quote: שָׂרִֽיד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 19:11
and Maralah … with Dabbesheth … Jokneam
Quote: וּמַרְעֲלָ֖ה & בְּדַבָּ֑שֶׁת & יָקְנְעָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
is on the face of Jokneam
Quote: עַל־פְּנֵ֥י יָקְנְעָֽם (1)Alternate translation: “across from Jokneam”
Joshua 19:12
from Sarid … Kisloth Tabor. … the Daberath … Japhia
Quote: מִשָּׂרִ֗יד & כִּסְלֹ֖ת תָּבֹ֑ר & הַדָּֽבְרַ֖ת & יָפִֽיעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 19:13
to Gath Hepher, to Eth Kazin. … to Rimmon, … toward Neah
Quote: גִּתָּ֥ה חֵ֖פֶר עִתָּ֣ה קָצִ֑ין & רִמּ֥וֹן & הַנֵּעָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 19:14
Hannathon (… Iphtah El
Quote: חַנָּתֹ֑ן & יִפְתַּח־אֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of places.
Joshua 19:15
and Kattath and Nahalal and Shimron and Idalah and Bethlehem
Quote: וְקַטָּ֤ת וְנַֽהֲלָל֙ וְשִׁמְר֔וֹן וְיִדְאֲלָ֖ה וּבֵ֣ית לָ֑חֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of places.
and Bethlehem
Quote: וּבֵ֣ית לָ֑חֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is not the same “Bethlehem” that is south of Jerusalem in Judah.
Joshua 19:16
This was the inheritance of the sons of Zebulun
Quote: זֹ֛את נַחֲלַ֥ת בְּנֵֽי־זְבוּלֻ֖ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land and cities that the tribe of Zebulun received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Zebulun received as an inheritance”
Joshua 19:17
The fourth lot went out
Quote: יָצָ֖א הַגּוֹרָ֣ל הָֽרְבִיעִ֑י (1)See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.
fourth
Quote: הָֽרְבִיעִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
number four in a list
Joshua 19:18
and the Chesulloth and Shunem
Quote: וְהַכְּסוּלֹ֖ת וְשׁוּנֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
Joshua 19:19
and Hapharaim and Shion and Anaharath
Quote: וַחֲפָרַ֥יִם וְשִׁיאֹ֖ן וַאֲנָחֲרַֽת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
Joshua 19:20
and the Rabbith and Kishion and Ebez
Quote: וְהָֽרַבִּ֥ית וְקִשְׁי֖וֹן וָאָֽבֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
Joshua 19:21
and Remeth and En Gannim and En Haddah and Beth Pazzez
Quote: וְרֶ֧מֶת וְעֵין־גַּנִּ֛ים וְעֵ֥ין חַדָּ֖ה וּבֵ֥ית פַּצֵּֽץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
Joshua 19:22
with Tabor
Quote: בְּתָב֤וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a mountain.
and Shahazumah
Quote: ושחצומה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 19:23
This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Issachar
Quote: זֹ֗את נַחֲלַ֛ת מַטֵּ֥ה בְנֵֽי־יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land and cities that the tribe of Issachar received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Issachar received as an inheritance”
Joshua 19:24
And the fifth lot went out
Quote: וַיֵּצֵא֙ הַגּוֹרָ֣ל הַֽחֲמִישִׁ֔י (1)See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.
fifth
Quote: הַֽחֲמִישִׁ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
number five in a list
Joshua 19:25
Helkath and Hali and Beten and Akshaph
Quote: חֶלְקַ֥ת וַחֲלִ֖י וָבֶ֥טֶן וְאַכְשָֽׁף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 19:26
and Allammelek and Amad and Mishall. … and with Shihor Libnath
Quote: וְאַֽלַמֶּ֥לֶךְ וְעַמְעָ֖ד וּמִשְׁאָ֑ל & וּבְשִׁיח֖וֹר לִבְנָֽת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 19:27
to Beth Dagon … and with the valley of Iphtah El … Beth Emek, and Neiel. … Kabul
Quote: בֵּ֣ית דָּגֹן֒ & וּבְגֵ֨י יִפְתַּח־אֵ֥ל & בֵּ֥ית הָעֵ֖מֶק וּנְעִיאֵ֑ל & כָּב֖וּל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 19:28
and Abdon and Rehob and Hammon and Kanah
Quote: וְעֶבְרֹ֥ן וּרְחֹ֖ב וְחַמּ֣וֹן וְקָנָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 19:29
to Hosah, … Akzib
Quote: חֹסָ֔ה & אַכְזִֽיבָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 19:30
and Ummah and Aphek and Rehob
Quote: וְעֻמָ֥ה וַאֲפֵ֖ק וּרְחֹ֑ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 19:31
This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Asher
Quote: זֹ֗את נַחֲלַ֛ת מַטֵּ֥ה בְנֵֽי־אָשֵׁ֖ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land and cities that the tribe of Asher received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Asher received as an inheritance”
Joshua 19:32
The sixth lot went out
Quote: יָצָ֖א הַגּוֹרָ֣ל הַשִּׁשִּׁ֑י (1)See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.
sixth
Quote: הַשִּׁשִּׁ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
number six in a list
Joshua 19:33
from Heleph, … in Zaanannim and Adami Nekeb and Jabneel, … Lakkum
Quote: מֵחֵ֨לֶף & בְּצַעֲנַנִּ֗ים וַאֲדָמִ֥י הַנֶּ֛קֶב וְיַבְנְאֵ֖ל & לַקּ֑וּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 19:34
to Aznoth Tabor … to Hukkok
Quote: אַזְנ֣וֹת תָּב֔וֹר & חוּקֹ֑קָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 19:35
the Ziddim, Zer and Hammath, Rakkath and Kinnereth
Quote: הַצִּדִּ֣ים צֵ֔ר וְחַמַּ֖ת רַקַּ֥ת וְכִנָּֽרֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
and Hammath
Quote: וְחַמַּ֖ת (1)This is not the same location as “Hamath,” but is located on the west shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Joshua 19:36
and Adamah and the Ramah and Hazor
Quote: וַאֲדָמָ֥ה וְהָרָמָ֖ה וְחָצֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 19:37
and Kedesh and Edrei and En Hazor
Quote: וְקֶ֥דֶשׁ וְאֶדְרֶ֖עִי וְעֵ֥ין חָצֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 19:38
and Yiron and Migdal El, Horem and Beth Anath and Beth Shemesh
Quote: וְיִרְאוֹן֙ וּמִגְדַּל־אֵ֔ל חֳרֵ֥ם וּבֵית־עֲנָ֖ת וּבֵ֣ית שָׁ֑מֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
Joshua 19:39
This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Naphtali
Quote: זֹ֗את נַחֲלַ֛ת מַטֵּ֥ה בְנֵֽי־נַפְתָּלִ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land and cities that the tribe of Naphtali received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Naphtali received as an inheritance”
Joshua 19:40
The seventh lot went out
Quote: יָצָ֖א הַגּוֹרָ֥ל הַשְּׁבִיעִֽי (1)See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.
seventh
Quote: הַשְּׁבִיעִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal
number seven in a list
Joshua 19:41
the border of their inheritance
Quote: גְּב֣וּל נַחֲלָתָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land that the tribe of Dan received is spoken of as if it was an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “The territory of land that the tribe of Dan received as an inheritance”
Zorah and Eshtaol and Ir Shemesh
Quote: צָרְעָ֥ה וְאֶשְׁתָּא֖וֹל וְעִ֥יר שָֽׁמֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 19:42
and Shaalabbin and Aijalon and Ithlah
Quote: וְשַֽׁעֲלַבִּ֥ין וְאַיָּל֖וֹן וְיִתְלָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of places.
Joshua 19:43
and Elon and Timnah and Ekron
Quote: וְאֵיל֥וֹן וְתִמְנָ֖תָה וְעֶקְרֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 19:44
and Eltekeh and Gibbethon and Baalath
Quote: וְאֶלְתְּקֵ֥ה וְגִבְּת֖וֹן וּבַעֲלָֽת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 19:45
and Jehud and Bene Berak and Gath Rimmon
Quote: וִיהֻ֥ד וּבְנֵֽי־בְרַ֖ק וְגַת־רִמּֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 19:46
and the waters of the Jarkon and the Rakkon
Quote: וּמֵ֥י הַיַּרְק֖וֹן וְהָֽרַקּ֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
in front of Joppa
Quote: מ֥וּל יָפֽוֹ (1)Alternate translation: “opposite Joppa” or “beside Joppa”
Joshua 19:47
Leshem
Quote: לֶ֜שֶׁם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 19:48
This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Dan
Quote: זֹ֗את נַחֲלַ֛ת מַטֵּ֥ה בְנֵי־דָ֖ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land and cities that the tribe of Dan received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Dan received as an inheritance”
Joshua 19:49
And the sons of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun in the midst of them
Quote: וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל נַחֲלָ֛ה לִיהוֹשֻׁ֥עַ בִּן־נ֖וּן בְּתוֹכָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The city that Joshua received is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that he received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “gave a city within their own land as an inheritance to Joshua son of Nun”
Joshua 19:50
Timnath Serah
Quote: אֶת־תִּמְנַת־סֶ֖רַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 19:51
These are the inheritances that … apportioned as an inheritance
Quote: אֵ֣לֶּה הַנְּחָלֹ֡ת אֲשֶׁ֣ר נִחֲל֣וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The land and cities that the various tribes received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: “These are the portions of land and the cities … assigned as inheritances”
Joshua 20
Joshua 20 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Cities of Refuge
If a person was killed, it was the duty of his relatives to kill the killer. If the death was an accident, this would be unfair. Therefore, God told the Israelites to make cities of refuge for a person who killed someone accidentally. In the city where he sought refuge, his case would be solved legally: “Do this so that one who unintentionally kills a person can go there. These cities will be a place of refuge from anyone who seeks to avenge the blood of a person who was killed.” (See: refuge, refugee, shelter, sheltered and avenge, avenger, revenge, vengeance and INVALID bible/kt/blood)
Joshua 20:2
by the hand of Moses
Quote: בְּיַד־מֹשֶֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand of Moses” refers to the scriptures that Moses wrote down. Alternate translation: “through the things that Moses wrote”
Joshua 20:3
who strikes down a person by mistake
Quote: מַכֵּה־נֶ֥פֶשׁ בִּשְׁגָגָ֖ה (1)This happens when a person accidentally kills another person, without intending to do so.
from the avenger of blood
Quote: מִגֹּאֵ֖ל הַדָּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the shed blood of a person represents their death. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “avenge a person’s death” (See also: Active or Passive)
Joshua 20:4
And he shall flee
Quote: וְנָ֞ס (1)Here the word “he” refers to the person who unintentionally killed someone.
and speak his words in the ears of the elders of that city
Quote: וְדִבֶּ֛ר בְּאָזְנֵ֛י זִקְנֵ֥י־הָעִֽיר הַהִ֖יא אֶת־דְּבָרָ֑יו (1)“convince the elders of that city that he had not intentionally killed the person.
And they shall gather him
Quote: וְאָסְפ֨וּ אֹת֤וֹ (1)The word “they” refers to the elders and “him” refers to the person who unintentionally killed someone.
and he shall dwell with them
Quote: וְיָשַׁ֥ב עִמָּֽם (1)This refers to the city as a whole, not to the elders only.
Joshua 20:5
the avenger of blood
Quote: גֹּאֵ֤ל הַדָּם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the shed blood of a person represents their death. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated this in Joshua 20:3. Alternate translation: “avenge a person’s death” (See also: Active or Passive)
without knowledge he struck down his neighbor
Quote: בִבְלִי־דַ֨עַת֙ הִכָּ֣ה אֶת־רֵעֵ֔הוּ (1)accidentally killed his neighbor
Joshua 20:6
he stands before the face of the congregation
Quote: עָמְד֞וֹ לִפְנֵ֤י הָֽעֵדָה֙ (1)This is a phrase that describes standing to seek justice from a court of the assembly of his fellow citizens.
Joshua 20:7
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesGeneral Information:
There are a lot of names in this section.
Joshua 20:8
of the Jordan
Quote: לְיַרְדֵּ֤ן (1)This is a short name for the Jordan River.
Joshua 20:9
and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood
Quote: וְלֹ֣א יָמ֗וּת בְּיַד֙ גֹּאֵ֣ל הַדָּ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “by the hand” is an idiom that means to be the specific cause of something. Alternate translation: “would not be killed by the one”
the avenger of blood
Quote: גֹּאֵ֣ל הַדָּ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated a similar phrase in Joshua 20:3. Alternate translation: “avenge a person’s death” (See also: Active or Passive)
Joshua 21
Joshua 21 General Notes
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
This chapter is about the land given to the tribe of Levi. Even though they did not receive a large piece of land like the other tribes, they did receive small pieces of land to live on and for their animals. It will be difficult to fully understand their locations without a map. Further research may be needed to understand the locations of their land. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Joshua 21:1
Eleazar … Nun
Quote: אֶלְעָזָר֙ & נ֑וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
Joshua 21:2
And they spoke to them
Quote: וַיְדַבְּר֨וּ אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם (1)Alternate translation: “The Levites said to them”
Yahweh commanded by the hand of Moses
Quote: יְהוָה֙ צִוָּ֣ה בְיַד־מֹשֶׁ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “by the hand of” is an idiom that means that Yahweh used Moses to deliver his command. Alternate translation: “Yahweh told Moses to command you”
Joshua 21:3
cities
Quote: אֶת־הֶעָרִ֥ים (1)This refers to the cities to be listed in the next verses.
Joshua 21:4
And the lot went out
Quote: וַיֵּצֵ֥א הַגּוֹרָ֖ל (1)A random method of choosing to remove the choice from the leader’s will, often done with the idea that God will decide the outcome. See how you translated this in Joshua 19:1.
the Kohathites
Quote: הַקְּהָתִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This priests in this group were descendants of Levi’s son Kohath. A portion of them were also descendants of Aaron, Kohath’s grandson.
Joshua 21:5
and from the half of
Quote: וּמֵחֲצִ֨י (1)Half the tribe because the other half received their inheritance before crossing the Jordan River.
Joshua 21:6
Gershon
Quote: גֵרְשׁ֗וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Gershon was one of the sons of Levi.
by the lot
Quote: בַּגּוֹרָ֔ל (1)A random method of choosing to remove the choice from the leader’s will, often done with the idea that God will decide the outcome. See how you translated this in Joshua 19:1.
Joshua 21:7
Merari
Quote: מְרָרִ֜י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
Merari was one of the sons of Levi.
Joshua 21:8
Yahweh had commanded by the hand of Moses
Quote: צִוָּ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “by the hand of” here means that Yahweh used Moses as the agent to deliver his command. Alternate translation: “Yahweh had told Moses to command”
Joshua 21:10
from the clans of the Kohathites
Quote: מִמִּשְׁפְּח֥וֹת הַקְּהָתִ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The priests in this group were descendants of Levi’s son Kohath. A portion of them were also descendants of Aaron, Kohath’s grandson. See how you translated this in Joshua 21:2.
the … lot
Quote: הַגּוֹרָ֖ל (1)A random method of choosing to remove the choice from the leader’s will, often done with the idea that God will decide the outcome. See how you translated this in Joshua 19:1.
Joshua 21:11
Kiriath Arba, the father of the Anak
Quote: אַרְבַּ֨ע אֲבִ֧י הָֽעֲנ֛וֹק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This is background information about the name of the man who founded the city of Kiriath Arba.
the Anak
Quote: הָֽעֲנ֛וֹק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a man.
in the hill country of
Quote: בְּהַ֣ר (1)An area of land with natural elevations, smaller than mountains.
its pasturelands
Quote: מִגְרָשֶׁ֖הָ (1)An area covered with grass or plants suitable for the grazing of livestock or cattle.
Joshua 21:12
the field of the city
Quote: שְׂדֵ֥ה הָעִ֖יר (1)Areas of open land, usually, planted with crops, belonging to and surrounding the city.
its villages
Quote: חֲצֵרֶ֑יהָ (1)Small communities, usually smaller than a town.
Joshua 21:13
Libnah
Quote: לִבְנָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 21:14
Jattir … Eshtemoa
Quote: יַתִּר֙ & אֶשְׁתְּמֹ֖עַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are all names of cities.
Joshua 21:15
Holon … Debir
Quote: חֹלֹן֙ & דְּבִ֖ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are all names of cities.
Joshua 21:16
Ain … Juttah
Quote: עַ֣יִן & יֻטָּה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are all names of cities.
Joshua 21:17
And from the tribe of Benjamin were
Quote: וּמִמַּטֵּ֣ה בִנְיָמִ֔ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The tribe of Benjamin gave Gibeon”
Geba
Quote: אֶת־גֶּ֖בַע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 21:18
Anathoth … Almon
Quote: אֶת־עֲנָתוֹת֙ & עַלְמ֖וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
Joshua 21:19
13 cities
Quote: שְׁלֹשׁ־עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה עָרִ֖ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“13 cities”
Joshua 21:20
And for the clans of the sons of Kohath
Quote: וּלְמִשְׁפְּח֤וֹת בְּנֵֽי־קְהָת֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The priests in this group were descendants of Levi’s son Kohath. A portion of them were also descendants of Aaron, Kohath’s grandson.
were the cities of their lot
Quote: וַֽיְהִי֙ עָרֵ֣י גֽוֹרָלָ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they received cities”
their lot
Quote: גֽוֹרָלָ֔ם (1)A random method of choosing to remove the choice from the leader’s will, often done with the idea that God will decide the outcome. See how you translated this in Joshua 19:1.
Joshua 21:21
Gezer
Quote: גֶּ֖זֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 21:22
Kibzaim … Beth Horon
Quote: קִבְצַ֨יִם֙ & בֵּ֥ית חוֹרֹ֖ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
names of cities
four cities
Quote: עָרִ֖ים אַרְבַּֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
This refers to the list by the total number.
Joshua 21:23
And from the tribe of Dan were
Quote: וּמִמַּ֨טֵּה־דָ֔ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The tribe of Dan gave to the clan of Kohath Eltekeh”
Eltekeh … Gibbethon
Quote: אֶֽת־אֶלְתְּקֵ֖א & גִּבְּת֖וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
Joshua 21:24
Aijalon … Gath Rimmon
Quote: אֶת־אַיָּלוֹן֙ & אֶת־גַּת־רִמּ֖וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
four cities
Quote: עָרִ֖ים אַרְבַּֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
This refers to the number of cities.
Joshua 21:25
And from the half of the tribe of Manasseh were Taanach
Quote: וּמִֽמַּחֲצִית֙ מַטֵּ֣ה מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה אֶת־תַּעְנַךְ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The half tribe of Manasseh gave to the clan of Kohath Taanach”
Taanach … Gath Rimmon
Quote: אֶת־תַּעְנַךְ֙ & גַּת־רִמּ֖וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
Joshua 21:26
were for … clans of the sons of Kohath
Quote: לְמִשְׁפְּח֥וֹת בְּנֵֽי־קְהָ֖ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The priests in this group were descendants of Levi’s son Kohath. A portion of them were also descendants of Aaron, Kohath’s grandson.
Joshua 21:27
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Quote: אֶת־גּוֹלָ֤ן & אֶֽת־בְּעֶשְׁתְּרָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
names of cities
the one who kills
Quote: הָרֹצֵ֔חַ (1)This refers to a death resulting from an action not intended to harm a person.
two cities
Quote: עָרִ֖ים שְׁתָּֽיִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
number of cities
Joshua 21:28
Kishion … Daberath
Quote: אֶת־קִשְׁי֖וֹן & אֶת־דָּֽבְרַ֖ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
names of cities
Joshua 21:29
Jarmuth … En Gannim
Quote: אֶת־יַרְמוּת֙ & עֵ֥ין גַּנִּ֖ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
names of cities
Joshua 21:30
And from the tribe of Asher were Mishal
Quote: וּמִמַּטֵּ֣ה אָשֵׁ֔ר אֶת־מִשְׁאָ֖ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They received from the tribe of Asher Mishal”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: אֶת־מִשְׁאָ֖ל & אֶת־עַבְדּ֖וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
names of cities
Joshua 21:31
Helkath … Rehob
Quote: אֶת־חֶלְקָת֙ & רְחֹ֖ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
names of cities
Joshua 21:32
Hammoth Dor … Kartan
Quote: חַמֹּ֥ת דֹּאר֙ & קַרְתָּ֖ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
Joshua 21:33
13 cities
Quote: שְׁלֹשׁ־עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה עִ֖יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“13 cities in total”
Joshua 21:34
And for the clans of the sons of Merari, the remaining Levites, from with the tribe of Zebulun were Jokneam
Quote: וּלְמִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת בְּנֵֽי־מְרָרִי֮ הַלְוִיִּ֣ם הַנּוֹתָרִים֒ מֵאֵת֙ מַטֵּ֣ה זְבוּלֻ֔ן אֶֽת־יָקְנְעָ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: The rest of the Levites—the clans of Merari—received from the tribe of Zebulun Jokneam”
Merari
Quote: מְרָרִי֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a man’s name.
Jokneam … Kartah
Quote: אֶֽת־יָקְנְעָ֖ם & אֶת־קַרְתָּ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 21:35
Dimnah … Nahalal
Quote: אֶת־דִּמְנָה֙ & אֶֽת־נַהֲלָ֖ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
names of cities
Joshua 21:36
Bezer … and Jahaz
Quote: אֶת־בֶּ֖צֶר & וְאֶת־יַ֖הְצָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
names of cities
Joshua 21:37
four cities
Quote: עָרִ֖ים אַרְבַּֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
This refers to the total number of cities.
Kedemoth … Mephaath
Quote: אֶת־קְדֵמוֹת֙ & מֵיפָ֖עַת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
names of cities
Joshua 21:38
Ramoth … Mahanaim
Quote: אֶת־רָמֹ֥ת & מַחֲנַ֖יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of cities.
Joshua 21:39
Heshbon … Jazer
Quote: אֶת־חֶשְׁבּוֹן֙ & אֶת־יַעְזֵ֖ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of cities.
Joshua 21:40
12 cities
Quote: עָרִ֖ים שְׁתֵּ֥ים עֶשְׂרֵֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“12 cities in total”
were 12 cities by their lot
Quote: וַיְהִי֙ גּוֹרָלָ֔ם עָרִ֖ים שְׁתֵּ֥ים עֶשְׂרֵֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they received these twelve cities by the casting of lots”
by their lot
Quote: גּוֹרָלָ֔ם (1)A random method of choosing to remove the choice from the leader’s will, often done with the idea that God will decide the outcome. See how you translated this in Joshua 19:1.
Joshua 21:41
All the cities of the Levites in the midst of the possession of the sons of Israel were
Quote: כֹּ֚ל עָרֵ֣י הַלְוִיִּ֔ם בְּת֖וֹךְ אֲחֻזַּ֣ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Levites received their cities from the middle of the land”
48 cities
Quote: עָרִ֛ים אַרְבָּעִ֥ים וּשְׁמֹנֶ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“48 cities”
Joshua 21:43
he had sworn
Quote: נִשְׁבַּ֖ע (1)Alternate translation: “he gave an oath”
Joshua 21:44
And a man did not stand against their face from … their enemies. … all
Quote: וְלֹא־עָ֨מַד אִ֤ישׁ בִּפְנֵיהֶם֙ מִכָּל־אֹ֣יְבֵיהֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This is stated in a negative way to strengthen the statement. Alternate translation: “They defeated every one of their enemies”
all … Yahweh gave … their enemies into their hand
Quote: אֵ֚ת כָּל־אֹ֣יְבֵיהֶ֔ם נָתַ֥ן יְהוָ֖ה בְּיָדָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “into their hand” means “into their power.” Alternate translation: “gave them power to defeat all their enemies”
Joshua 21:45
A word did not fall from every good word that Yahweh had spoken to the house of Israel
Quote: לֹֽא־נָפַ֣ל דָּבָ֔ר מִכֹּל֙ הַדָּבָ֣ר הַטּ֔וֹב אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל־בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This is stated in a negative way to strengthen the statement. Alternate translation: “Every one of the good promises that Yahweh had spoken to the house of Israel came true”
Joshua 22
Joshua 22 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The division of the land is completed in this chapter. Additionally, the soldiers who received land on the east side of the Jordan River were released to go home.
Special concepts in this chapter
The tribes east of the Jordan River build a monument
The tribes east of the Jordan River said, “Let us now build an altar, not for burnt offerings nor for any sacrifices, but to be a witness between us and you, and between our generations after us, that we will perform the service of Yahweh before him, with our burnt offerings and with our sacrifices and with our peace offerings, so that your children will never say to our children in time to come, ‘You have no share in Yahweh.’” They went home even though the Israelites had not fully conquered the land.
Joshua 22:1
to the Reubenite
Quote: לָרֽאוּבֵנִ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
people of the tribe of Reuben
and to the Gadite
Quote: וְלַגָּדִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
people of the tribe of Gad
Joshua 22:2
And you have listened to my voice
Quote: וַתִּשְׁמְע֣וּ בְקוֹלִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my voice” refers to the things that Joshua had said. Alternate translation: “obeyed everything I said”
Joshua 22:3
You have not forsaken your brothers
Quote: לֹֽא־עֲזַבְתֶּ֣ם אֶת־אֲחֵיכֶ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in a positive way. Alternate translation: “You have remained with your brothers”
Joshua 22:5
and to walk in all his ways
Quote: וְלָלֶ֧כֶת בְּכָל־דְּרָכָ֛יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if he were walking on Yahweh’s ways or roads. Alternate translation: “to obey everything he says”
with all your heart and with all your self
Quote: בְּכָל־לְבַבְכֶ֖ם וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The terms “heart” and “soul” are here used together to refer to the entire person. Alternate translation: “with all you think and feel” or “with your entire being”
Joshua 22:7
the Jordan
Quote: הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן (1)This was a short name for the Jordan River.
Joshua 22:8
and with iron
Quote: וּבְבַרְזֶ֛ל (1)a strong, hard, magnetic metal
the spoil of
Quote: שְׁלַל (1)The winning army would take everything of value from the people they conquered.
Joshua 22:9
the mouth of Yahweh by the hand of Moses
Quote: פִּ֥י יְהוָ֖ה בְּיַד־מֹשֶֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “by the hand of” is an idiom that means that Yahweh used Moses to deliver his command. Alternate translation: “the commandment that Yahweh told Moses to give to you”
Joshua 22:10
the Jordan
Quote: הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן (1)This was a short name for the Jordan River.
Joshua 22:11
the front of the land of Canaan, at
Quote: אֶל־מוּל֙ אֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The Israelite tribes who lived across the Jordan River would enter Canaan at the place where they built the altar. This place is spoken of as if it was the “front” or “entrance” to Canaan where the other tribes lived. Alternate translation: “at the entrance to the land of Canaan”
the territories of
Quote: גְּלִילוֹת֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
Joshua 22:12
for war
Quote: לַצָּבָֽא (1)a state of armed conflict between two nations or people groups
Joshua 22:13
Eleazar
Quote: אֶלְעָזָ֥ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
name of man
Joshua 22:16
Thus says all the congregation of Yahweh
Quote: כֹּ֣ה אָמְר֞וּ כֹּ֣ל׀ עֲדַ֣ת יְהוָ֗ה (1)All the people of Israel are spoken of together in the singular as if they were one person. Alternate translation: “All the other Israelites are asking”
Joshua 22:17
Was the iniquity of Peor little for us, it from which we have not purified ourselves until this day
Quote: הַמְעַט־לָ֨נוּ֙ אֶת־עֲוֺ֣ן פְּע֔וֹר אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־הִטַּהַ֨רְנוּ֙ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ עַ֖ד הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question emphasizes how serious their previous sin was. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We had already sinned terribly at Peor!”
Peor
Quote: פְּע֔וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is name of a place. Translate the same way as in Joshua 13:20.
it from which we have not purified ourselves
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־הִטַּהַ֨רְנוּ֙ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “we are still dealing with the guilt of that sin”
Joshua 22:20
Achan … Zerah
Quote: עָכָ֣ן & זֶ֗רַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
names of men
Did not Achan the son of Zerah act unfaithfully in unfaithfulness with the banned thing
Quote: הֲל֣וֹא׀ עָכָ֣ן בֶּן־זֶ֗רַח מָ֤עַל מַ֨עַל֙ בַּחֵ֔רֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These questions are used to remind the people of the punishment for past sins. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: “Achan son of Zerah sinned by taking things that had been reserved for God. And because of that God punished all the people of Israel!”
Joshua 22:22
If it was in rebellion or if in unfaithfulness against Yahweh, do not save us this day
Quote: אִם־בְּמֶ֤רֶד וְאִם־בְּמַ֨עַל֙ בַּֽיהוָ֔ה אַל־תּוֹשִׁיעֵ֖נוּ הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
The three tribes are making a hypothetical statement that they insist is not true. They did not build the altar in rebellion or breach of faith.
Joshua 22:23
If it was to build an altar for ourselves to turn from after Yahweh, or if to offer on it burnt up offerings or grain offerings or if to make on it the sacrifices of peace offerings, Yahweh himself will seek out
Quote: לִבְנ֥וֹת לָ֨נוּ֙ מִזְבֵּ֔חַ לָשׁ֖וּב מֵאַחֲרֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וְאִם־לְהַעֲל֨וֹת עָלָ֜יו עוֹלָ֣ה וּמִנְחָ֗ה וְאִם־לַעֲשׂ֤וֹת עָלָיו֙ זִבְחֵ֣י שְׁלָמִ֔ים יְהוָ֖ה ה֥וּא יְבַקֵּֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
The three tribes are making a hypothetical statement that they insist is not true. They did not build the altar to worship another god.
Joshua 22:24
General Information:
The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh now give their answer.
your sons might say to our sons, saying, “What is for you and for Yahweh, the God of Israel
Quote: יֹאמְר֨וּ בְנֵיכֶ֤ם לְבָנֵ֨ינוּ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר מַה־לָּכֶ֕ם וְלַֽיהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This is a hypothetical accusation that the three tribes think the children of the other tribes may make sometime in the future.
What is for you and for Yahweh, the God of Israel
Quote: מַה־לָּכֶ֕ם וְלַֽיהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The three tribes use this rhetorical question to emphasize the situation they are trying to avoid. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have nothing to do with Yahweh, the God of Israel!”
Joshua 22:25
General Information:
The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh continue their answer.
And Yahweh has given a border between us and between you sons of Reuben and sons of Gad, the Jordan. There is no portion for you in Yahweh
Quote: וּגְב֣וּל נָֽתַן־יְ֠הוָה בֵּינֵ֨נוּ וּבֵינֵיכֶ֜ם בְּנֵי־רְאוּבֵ֤ן וּבְנֵי־גָד֙ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן אֵין־לָכֶ֥ם חֵ֖לֶק בַּֽיהוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This is the continuation of the hypothetical accusation that the three tribes think the children of the other tribes may make sometime in the future.
the Jordan
Quote: אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן (1)This is a short name for the Jordan River.
And your sons might make our sons cease so that they are not fearing Yahweh
Quote: וְהִשְׁבִּ֤יתוּ בְנֵיכֶם֙ אֶת־בָּנֵ֔ינוּ לְבִלְתִּ֖י יְרֹ֥א אֶת־יְהוָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
The three tribes built the altar to avoid this hypothetical situation from happening in the future.
Joshua 22:26
General Information:
The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh now give their answer.
Joshua 22:27
it will be a witness between us and between you
Quote: עֵ֨ד ה֜וּא בֵּינֵ֣ינוּ וּבֵינֵיכֶ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The altar is spoken of as if it were a witness that could testify to the rights of the three tribes.
And your sons will not say to our sons tomorrow, “There is no portion for you in Yahweh
Quote: וְלֹא־יֹאמְר֨וּ בְנֵיכֶ֤ם מָחָר֙ לְבָנֵ֔ינוּ אֵין־לָכֶ֥ם חֵ֖לֶק בַּיהוָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This is the hypothetical situation that the three tribes did not want to happen.
There is no portion for you
Quote: אֵין־לָכֶ֥ם חֵ֖לֶק (1)Alternate translation: “no portion” or “no inheritance”
Joshua 22:28
General Information:
The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh now finish their answer.
And it will happen if they speak to us or to our generations of tomorrow, that we will say, “See the copy of the altar of Yahweh, which our fathers made, not for a burnt up offering and not for a sacrifice, but it is a witness between us and between you
Quote: וְהָיָ֗ה כִּֽי־יֹאמְר֥וּ אֵלֵ֛ינוּ וְאֶל־דֹּרֹתֵ֖ינוּ מָחָ֑ר וְאָמַ֡רְנוּ רְא֣וּ אֶת־תַּבְנִית֩ מִזְבַּ֨ח יְהוָ֜ה אֲשֶׁר־עָשׂ֣וּ אֲבוֹתֵ֗ינוּ לֹ֤א לְעוֹלָה֙ וְלֹ֣א לְזֶ֔בַח כִּי־עֵ֣ד ה֔וּא בֵּינֵ֖ינוּ וּבֵינֵיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
The three tribes are describing their potential answer to an accusation that might or might not be made at a future time.
Joshua 22:29
May it be far from us for us to rebel
Quote: חָלִילָה֩ לָּ֨נוּ מִמֶּ֜נּוּ לִמְרֹ֣ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The unlikely chance that they would rebel is spoken of as if it is something that is a great distance away from them. Alternate translation: “We would certainly not rebel”
and turn today from after Yahweh
Quote: וְלָשׁ֤וּב הַיּוֹם֙ מֵאַחֲרֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
To stop following Yahweh is spoken of as if they were turning away from him. Alternate translation: “stop following him”
Joshua 22:30
And … heard the words
Quote: וַיִּשְׁמַ֞ע & אֶת־הַ֨דְּבָרִ֔ים (1)Alternate translation: “heard the message”
And it was good in their eyes
Quote: וַיִּיטַ֖ב בְּעֵינֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “in their eyes” means “in their opinion.”
Joshua 22:31
you have not acted unfaithfully in this unfaithfulness against Yahweh
Quote: לֹֽא־מְעַלְתֶּ֥ם בַּֽיהוָ֖ה הַמַּ֣עַל הַזֶּ֑ה (1)Alternate translation: “broken your promise to him”
you have rescued the sons of Israel from the hand of Yahweh
Quote: הִצַּלְתֶּ֛ם אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִיַּ֥ד יְהוָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the hand of Yahweh” refers to his punishment. Protecting the people is spoken of as rescuing them from his hand. Alternate translation: “you have kept Yahweh from punishing us”
Joshua 22:33
And the word was good in the eyes of the sons of Israel
Quote: וַיִּיטַ֣ב הַדָּבָ֗ר בְּעֵינֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “good in the eyes” means “accepted.” Alternate translation: “The people accepted the report of the leaders”
to destroy the land
Quote: לְשַׁחֵת֙ אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ (1)Alternate translation: “destroy everything in the land”
Joshua 22:34
it is a witness between us
Quote: עֵ֥ד הוּא֙ בֵּֽינֹתֵ֔ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The altar is spoken of as if it were a witness that could testify for the three tribes.
Joshua 23
Joshua 23 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Joshua’s final words to Israel (Joshua 23–24)
“Do not marry with the heathen people but drive them out.” ##### Drive them out
The Israelites were to completely drive out the Canaanites. If they did not drive them out completely, the Canaanites would cause the Israelites to worship other gods. It was sinful to allow the Canaanites to remain in the land because if the Israelites married the Canaanites, the Canaanites would cause them to worship other gods. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
Joshua 23:2
old, I have come into the days
Quote: זָקַ֔נְתִּי בָּ֖אתִי בַּיָּמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
This doublet can be translated as “very old.”
Joshua 23:4
the Jordan
Quote: הַיַּרְדֵּ֗ן (1)This is a short name for the Jordan River.
from the going of the sun
Quote: מְב֥וֹא הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ (1)This indicates the direction of the setting sun.
Joshua 23:6
to not turn aside from it right or left
Quote: לְבִלְתִּ֥י סוּר־מִמֶּ֖נּוּ יָמִ֥ין וּשְׂמֹֽאול (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Disobeying the commands of the law of Moses is spoken of as turning to the right or to the left away from a path.
Joshua 23:7
to not go among these nations
Quote: לְבִלְתִּי־בוֹא֙ בַּגּוֹיִ֣ם הָאֵ֔לֶּה (1)This could mean: (1) having close friendship with them or (2) intermarrying with them.
you shall … mention
Quote: תַזְכִּ֨ירוּ֙ (1)to speak of
their gods
Quote: אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֤ם (1)This refers to the gods of the remaining nations.
Joshua 23:8
to Yahweh your God you shall cling
Quote: בַּיהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם תִּדְבָּ֑קוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“hold tightly to Yahweh.” Believing in Yahweh is spoken of as if they were holding tightly onto him. Alternate translation: “continue to believe in Yahweh”
until this day
Quote: עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה (1)Alternate translation: “until the present time”
Joshua 23:9
a man has not stood against your face
Quote: לֹא־עָ֤מַד אִישׁ֙ בִּפְנֵיכֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “stand” represents holding ground in a battle. The word “you” refers to the entire nation of Israel. (See also: Forms of You)
Joshua 23:10
One
Quote: אֶחָ֥ד (1)only one
a thousand
Quote: אָ֑לֶף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“1,000”
Joshua 23:12
and cling to the remainder of these nations
Quote: וּדְבַקְתֶּם֙ בְּיֶ֨תֶר֙ הַגּוֹיִ֣ם הָאֵ֔לֶּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Accepting the beliefs of these nations is spoken of as holding tightly to them. Alternate translation: “accept the beliefs of the survivors of these nations”
Joshua 23:13
as a trap and as a snare
Quote: לְפַ֣ח וּלְמוֹקֵ֗שׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “snare” and “trap” mean basically the same thing. Together they speak of the other nations as if they were a deadly trap that will cause trouble for Israel. (See also: Metaphor)
and as a whip on your sides and as thorns in your eyes
Quote: וּלְשֹׁטֵ֤ט בְּצִדֵּיכֶם֙ וְלִצְנִנִ֣ים בְּעֵינֵיכֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These phrases speak of the troubles these nations will cause Israel as if they were as painful as whips and thorns.
Joshua 23:14
today I am about to go the way of all the earth
Quote: אָנֹכִ֤י הוֹלֵךְ֙ הַיּ֔וֹם בְּדֶ֖רֶךְ כָּל־הָאָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Joshua uses a polite term to refer to his death. Alternate translation: “I am going to die”
And you know with all your heart and with all your soul
Quote: וִידַעְתֶּ֞ם בְּכָל־לְבַבְכֶ֣ם וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁכֶ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Here the words “hearts” and “souls” have similar meanings. Together they emphasize deep personal knowledge.
not one word has fallen
Quote: לֹֽא־נָפַל֩ דָּבָ֨ר אֶחָ֜ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
These words emphasize that Yahweh’s promises have all occurred. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “every word has come true” (See also: Parallelism)
Joshua 23:16
and serve other gods and bow down to them
Quote: וַעֲבַדְתֶּם֙ אֱלֹהִ֣ים אֲחֵרִ֔ים וְהִשְׁתַּחֲוִיתֶ֖ם לָהֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second describes how the people “worship other gods.”
then the nose of Yahweh will burn against you
Quote: וְחָרָ֤ה אַף־יְהוָה֙ בָּכֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Kindled” here is a metaphor for the beginning of Yahweh’s anger, like a fire is “kindled” or started with “kindling” or very easy to start burning like dried grass or small twigs. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will begin to be angry with you”
Joshua 24
Joshua 24 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Joshua’s instructions
In this chapter, Joshua gives the leaders and people instructions in preparation for his death. It was common in the Ancient Near East for important leaders to do this. Unfortunately, the people of Israel did not listen to Joshua’s instructions.
Joshua 24:1
And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel
Quote: וַיֶּאֶסֹ֧ף יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ אֶת־כָּל־שִׁבְטֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Joshua’s summons to the tribes is spoken of as if he gathered them together in a basket. Alternate translation: “Joshua asked all the tribes of Israel to meet with him”
And they presented themselves before the face of
Quote: וַיִּֽתְיַצְּב֖וּ לִפְנֵ֥י (1)Alternate translation: “came and stood in front of” or “came before”
Joshua 24:2
from long ago
Quote: מֵֽעוֹלָ֔ם (1)Alternate translation: “many years ago”
Thus says
Quote: כֹּֽה־אָמַ֣ר (1)Joshua begins to quote what Yahweh had said previously. The quotation continues until the end of verse 13.
Terah … Nahor
Quote: תֶּ֛רַח & נָח֑וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are the names of men.
Joshua 24:4
Seir
Quote: שֵׂעִיר֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.
went down
Quote: יָרְד֥וּ (1)Egypt was lower in elevation that the land of Canaan. Alternate translation: “traveled”
Joshua 24:5
I brought you out
Quote: הוֹצֵ֥אתִי אֶתְכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” is plural and refers to the entire nation of Israel.
Joshua 24:6
And I brought your fathers out
Quote: וָֽאוֹצִ֤יא אֶת־אֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “your” is plural throughout this speech and refers to the entire nation of Israel.
Joshua 24:7
And they cried out … between you
Quote: וַיִּצְעֲק֣וּ & בֵּינֵיכֶ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Yahweh continually alternates between these two phrases, which both refer to all the Israelites, past and present. The word “you” is plural throughout this speech and refers to the entire nation of Israel.
the sea
Quote: אֶת־הַיָּם֙ (1)This refers to the Sea of Reeds.
in the wilderness
Quote: בַמִּדְבָּ֖ר (1)an uninhabited area, a desert
Joshua 24:8
you
Quote: אֶתְכֶ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” is plural throughout this speech and refers to the entire nation of Israel.
the Jordan
Quote: הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן (1)This is a short name for the Jordan River.
And I gave them into your hand
Quote: וָאֶתֵּ֨ן אוֹתָ֤ם בְּיֶדְכֶם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “enabled you to conquer them”
Joshua 24:9
Balak … Zippor
Quote: בָּלָ֤ק & צִפּוֹר֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
men’s names
you
Quote: אֶתְכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” is plural throughout this speech and refers to the entire nation of Israel.
Joshua 24:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: וָאַצִּ֥ל אֶתְכֶ֖ם מִיָּדֽ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “enabled you to overcome him”
Joshua 24:11
And you crossed over
Quote: וַתַּעַבְר֣וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” is plural throughout this speech and refers to the entire nation of Israel.
the Jordan
Quote: אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן֮ (1)This is a short name for the Jordan River.
Joshua 24:12
the hornet
Quote: אֶת־הַצִּרְעָ֔ה (1)A small fast flying stinging insect that lives in colonies. Here, many “hornets” are spoken of as only one.
Joshua 24:13
General Information:
Joshua finishes quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.
Joshua 24:15
But if it is evil in your eyes
Quote: וְאִם֩ רַ֨ע בְּֽעֵינֵיכֶ֜ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or desire. Alternate translation: “If you do not want”
and my house
Quote: וּבֵיתִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents his family that lives in his house. Alternate translation: “my family”
Joshua 24:17
us and our fathers
Quote: אֹתָ֧נוּ וְאֶת־אֲבוֹתֵ֛ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
The people speak as if they were present with their ancestors, and interchange the words “us” and “we” with “our ancestors.”
from the house of slavery
Quote: מִבֵּ֣ית עֲבָדִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “house” is an idiom that refers to the location of their slavery. Alternate translation: “place where we were slaves”
the peoples … whom we passed
Quote: הָֽעַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָבַ֖רְנוּ (1)Alternate translation: “nations that we passed through”
Joshua 24:19
the people
Quote: הָעָ֗ם (1)This refers to the Israelites.
He is a jealous God
Quote: אֵֽל־קַנּ֣וֹא ה֔וּא (1)God wants his people to worship only him.
Joshua 24:20
then he will turn … and finish you
Quote: וְשָׁ֨ב & וְכִלָּ֣ה אֶתְכֶ֔ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh’s anger is spoken of as if he was a fire that would destroy them. Alternate translation: “He will destroy you as with fire”
Joshua 24:21
the people
Quote: הָעָ֖ם (1)This refers to the Israelites.
Joshua 24:23
And bend your heart to Yahweh
Quote: וְהַטּוּ֙ אֶת־לְבַבְכֶ֔ם אֶל־יְהוָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Deciding to obey Yahweh only is spoken of as turning their heart towards him. Here “heart” represents the whole person. In this case, “heart” is plural because it refers to all the Israelites as a single group. However, it may be best to translate it in the plural since “your” is plural. Alternate translation: “turn yourselves to Yahweh” or “decide to obey Yahweh” (See also: Synecdoche and Forms of You)
Joshua 24:24
the people
Quote: הָעָ֖ם (1)This refers to the Israelites.
and we will listen to his voice
Quote: וּבְקוֹל֖וֹ נִשְׁמָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “listen” means to obey. Alternate translation: “We will obey everything he tells us to do”
Joshua 24:25
And he set for them a statute and a judgment
Quote: וַיָּ֥שֶׂם ל֛וֹ חֹ֥ק וּמִשְׁפָּ֖ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Establishing laws is spoken of as if Joshua physically set them in place like monuments. Alternate translation: “He established decrees and laws” or “He gave them laws and decrees to obey”
Joshua 24:26
in the book of the law of God
Quote: בְּסֵ֖פֶר תּוֹרַ֣ת אֱלֹהִ֑ים (1)This appears to be a continuation of the writings of Moses.
and set it up there
Quote: וַיְקִימֶ֣הָ שָּׁ֔ם (1)Alternate translation: “placed it there”
Joshua 24:27
the people
Quote: הָעָ֗ם (1)This refers to the Israelites.
this stone will be for a witness against us, because it has heard all the words of
Quote: הָאֶ֤בֶן הַזֹּאת֙ תִּֽהְיֶה־בָּ֣נוּ לְעֵדָ֔ה כִּֽי־הִ֣יא שָׁמְעָ֗ה אֵ֚ת כָּל־אִמְרֵ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The stone that Joshua set up is spoken of as if it were a person who heard what was spoken and would be able to testify about what was said.
lest you act deceptively
Quote: פֶּֽן־תְּכַחֲשׁ֖וּן (1)Alternate translation: “if you ever”
Joshua 24:29
a son of 110 years
Quote: בֶּן־מֵאָ֥ה וָעֶ֖שֶׂר שָׁנִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“one hundred and ten years old”
Joshua 24:30
in Timnath Serah, … of Mount Gaash
Quote: בְּתִמְנַת־סֶ֖רַח & לְהַר־גָּֽעַשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
names of places
Joshua 24:31
all the days of Joshua
Quote: כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֣י יְהוֹשֻׁ֑עַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that refers to Joshua’s entire life.
lengthened days after Joshua
Quote: הֶאֱרִ֤יכוּ יָמִים֙ אַחֲרֵ֣י יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ (1)Alternate translation: “lived longer than Joshua”
Joshua 24:32
the bones of Joseph, … they buried in Shechem
Quote: עַצְמ֣וֹת י֠וֹסֵף & קָבְר֣וּ בִשְׁכֶם֒ (1)It may be helpful to change the order of the beginning of this sentence. Alternate translation: “The people of Israel brought the bones of Joseph up out of Egypt and buried them at Shechem”
with a hundred pieces of money
Quote: בְּמֵאָ֣ה קְשִׂיטָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“100 pieces”
Joshua 24:33
And Eleazar
Quote: וְאֶלְעָזָ֥ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is a man’s name.
in Gibeah of
Quote: בְּגִבְעַת֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a place.