King James Version

What Does Joshua 2:14 Mean?

Joshua 2:14 in the King James Version says “And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath giv... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee. for: Heb. instead of you to die

Joshua 2:14 · KJV


Context

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:

13

And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.

14

And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee. for: Heb. instead of you to die

15

Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.

16

And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The spies' oath 'Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business' creates binding covenant protecting Rahab's family. Their lives guarantee the promise.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse appears in the Jordan crossing narrative, one of Joshua's most significant events demonstrating God's power and faithfulness in bringing Israel into the Promised Land.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?
  2. What application does this truth have for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיֹּ֧אמְרוּ1 of 22

answered

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָ֣הּ2 of 22
H0
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֗ים3 of 22
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

נַפְשֵׁ֤נוּ4 of 22

her Our life

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

תַחְתֵּיכֶם֙5 of 22
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

לָמ֔וּת6 of 22

for yours

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אִ֚ם7 of 22
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א8 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַגִּ֔ידוּ9 of 22

if ye utter

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

אֶת10 of 22
H853

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

דְּבָרֵ֖נוּ11 of 22

not this our business

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

זֶ֑ה12 of 22
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְהָיָ֗ה13 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּתֵת14 of 22

hath given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָ֥ה15 of 22

And it shall be when the LORD

H3068

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

לָ֙נוּ֙16 of 22
H0
אֶת17 of 22
H853

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ18 of 22

us the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְעָשִׂ֥ינוּ19 of 22

that we will deal

H6213

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

עִמָּ֖ךְ20 of 22
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

חֶ֥סֶד21 of 22

kindly

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וֶֽאֱמֶֽת׃22 of 22

and truly

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness


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 2:14 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 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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