King James Version

What Does Joshua 2:10 Mean?

Joshua 2:10 in the King James Version says “For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unt... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

Joshua 2:10 · KJV


Context

8

And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;

9

And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. faint: Heb. melt

10

For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

11

And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. did there: Heb. rose up

12

Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Rahab's testimony 'For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea...and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites' shows reports of God's works generating faith. Divine acts create testimony reaching beyond Israel, producing conviction in Gentile hearts. The gospel spreads through proclaiming God's mighty works.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

News traveled through ancient Near East via traders and travelers. Reports of Egypt's plagues, Red Sea crossing, and Transjordan victories preceded Israel, creating terror (verse 11). Rahab's hearing became faith (Romans 10:17), demonstrating word about Christ precedes salvation. Her faith contrasts with Israel's unbelief despite witnessing these events.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do your testimonies of God's works generate faith in others?
  2. What reports about Christ have generated or strengthened your faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
כִּ֣י1 of 26
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁמַ֗עְנוּ2 of 26

For we have heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֵ֠ת3 of 26
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר4 of 26
H834

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

הוֹבִ֨ישׁ5 of 26

dried up

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

יְהוָ֜ה6 of 26

how the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת7 of 26
H853

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

מֵ֤י8 of 26

the water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

יַם9 of 26

sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

סוּף֙10 of 26

of the Red

H5488

a reed, especially the papyrus

מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם11 of 26

for you

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְּצֵֽאתְכֶ֖ם12 of 26

when ye came out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם13 of 26

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר14 of 26
H834

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

עֲשִׂיתֶ֡ם15 of 26

and what ye did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִשְׁנֵי֩16 of 26

unto the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

מַלְכֵ֨י17 of 26

kings

H4428

a king

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֜י18 of 26

of the Amorites

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

אֲשֶׁ֨ר19 of 26
H834

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

בְּעֵ֤בֶר20 of 26

that were on the other side

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הַיַּרְדֵּן֙21 of 26

Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

לְסִיחֹ֣ן22 of 26

Sihon

H5511

sichon, an amoritish king

וּלְע֔וֹג23 of 26

and Og

H5747

og, a king of bashan

אֲשֶׁ֥ר24 of 26
H834

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

הֶֽחֱרַמְתֶּ֖ם25 of 26

whom ye 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

אוֹתָֽם׃26 of 26
H853

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


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 2:10 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 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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