King James Version

What Does Joshua 11:12 Mean?

Joshua 11:12 in the King James Version says “And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded.

Joshua 11:12 · KJV


Context

10

And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms.

11

And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire. any: Heb. any breath

12

And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded.

13

But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn. in their: Heb. on their heap

14

And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take—The comprehensive victory over multiple city-states fulfilled God's promise to give Israel the land. The verb take (לָכַד, lakhad, capture/seize) emphasizes military conquest, while utterly destroyed (הֶחֱרִים, hecherim) again invokes herem devotion to God.

As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded—This phrase anchors Joshua's actions in covenantal obedience, not personal vendetta. The title servant of the LORD (עֶבֶד יְהוָה, eved YHWH) appears 40 times for Moses, emphasizing that conquest fulfilled divine mandate transmitted through His chosen mediator. Joshua's obedience to Moses's instruction (from Deuteronomy 7:2, 20:16-17) demonstrates covenant continuity across leadership transitions. God's commands don't change with new administration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse summarizes the northern campaign's totality—dozens of city-states subjugated. The reference to Moses's command points to Deuteronomy 7:1-5 and 20:16-18, given 40 years earlier on the plains of Moab. Joshua's faithful execution decades later shows how God's word remains authoritative across generations. The northern conquest completed the military phase of land acquisition begun at Jericho.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain faithfulness to God's word across different seasons and leadership changes in your life?
  2. What does it mean to act in obedience to divine commands given through previous generations of faithful believers?
  3. How does Joshua's submission to Moses's authority model proper respect for God's delegated leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְֽאֶת1 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל2 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרֵ֣י3 of 20

And all the cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מַלְכֵיהֶ֞ם4 of 20

and all the kings

H4428

a king

הָ֠אֵלֶּה5 of 20
H428

these or those

וְֽאֶת6 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל7 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַלְכֵיהֶ֞ם8 of 20

and all the kings

H4428

a king

לָכַ֧ד9 of 20

take

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ10 of 20

of them did Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

וַיַּכֵּ֥ם11 of 20

and smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

לְפִי12 of 20

them with the edge

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

חֶ֖רֶב13 of 20

of the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

הֶֽחֱרִ֣ים14 of 20

and he utterly destroyed

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

אוֹתָ֑ם15 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר16 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֔ה17 of 20

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֹשֶׁ֖ה18 of 20

them as Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עֶ֥בֶד19 of 20

the servant

H5650

a servant

יְהוָֽה׃20 of 20

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 11:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 11:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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