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Joshua

Joshua in the Bible — 1 of the 12 spies (called Hoshea)- from Ephraim (NUM 13:8), servant of Moses (EXO 17:9). Joshua belonged to the tribe of Ephraim. Referenced in 3 scripture passages.

Name meaning: “a savior; a deliverer”

Profile

Gender
male
Tribe
Ephraim
Scripture References
3 references
Known Names
2 names
Relationships
1 connection

Biography

Joshua was a male from the tribe of Ephraim, known primarily as one of the twelve spies sent to explore the land of Canaan, originally named Hoshea. He served as an assistant to Moses and played a significant role in Israel's history as a faithful leader from Ephraim. His unique distinction includes being one of the spies who trusted God’s promise of victory.

Names & Titles

Joshua means 'YHWH saves,' reflecting God's saving power, while his original name Hoshea means 'salvation.' Both names highlight the theme of deliverance and trust in God, underscoring his role as a divinely appointed leader.

Family

Scripture explicitly records that Joshua was the son of Nun. Beyond this, no additional family relationships are noted in the biblical text provided.

Significance

Joshua is significant in the biblical narrative as Moses' servant and successor who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. His faithfulness as one of the twelve spies who trusted God’s promise set him apart, enabling him to lead the conquest of Canaan. His leadership prefigures Christ as the one who guides God's people into their spiritual inheritance and rest.

Key Events

Led Israel in battle against Amalek(Exodus 17:9-13)
Spied out Canaan with Caleb(Numbers 14:6-9)
Appointed as Moses' successor(Deuteronomy 31:23)
Crossed the Jordan River(Joshua 3:14-17)
Conquest of Jericho(Joshua 6:1-27)
Death(Joshua 24:29)

Names & Labels (2)

Joshuaproper name
Hebrew
יְהוֹשֻׁעַ
Transliteration
yəhoshua
Meaning
y-h-v-h saves
Greek
Ἰησοῦ
Reference
EXO 17:9
Strong's
H3091
Hosheaproper name
Hebrew
הוֹשֵׁ֥עַ
Transliteration
hoshea
Meaning
salvation
Greek
Αυση
Reference
NUM 13:8
Strong's
H1954

Family & Relationships (1)

son

Nun(EXO 33:11)

Notes

1 of 12 spies- from Ephraim

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Joshua in the Bible?

Joshua was a male from the tribe of Ephraim, known primarily as one of the twelve spies sent to explore the land of Canaan, originally named Hoshea. He served as an assistant to Moses and played a significant role in Israel's history as a faithful leader from Ephraim. His unique distinction includes being one of the spies who trusted God’s promise of victory.

What does the name Joshua mean?

The name Joshua means “a savior; a deliverer” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.

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