King James Version

What Does Joshua 2:16 Mean?

Joshua 2:16 in the King James Version says “And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Joshua 2:16 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.

18

Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee. bring: Heb. gather

Read Joshua 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Rahab's instruction to hide three days in mountains shows local knowledge aiding God's servants. Her guidance proves valuable for their safety.

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 · 18 words
וַתֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 18

“And she said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶם֙2 of 18
H0
הָהָ֣רָה3 of 18

“you to the mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

לֵּ֔כוּ4 of 18
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

פֶּֽן5 of 18
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

יִפְגְּע֥וּ6 of 18

“meet”

H6293

to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity

בָכֶ֖ם7 of 18
H0
הָרֹֽדְפִ֔ים8 of 18

“lest the pursuers”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

וְנַחְבֵּתֶ֨ם9 of 18

“you and hide”

H2247

to secrete

שָׁ֜מָּה10 of 18
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת11 of 18

“yourselves there three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

יָמִ֗ים12 of 18

“days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עַ֚ד13 of 18
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שׁ֣וֹב14 of 18

“be returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הָרֹֽדְפִ֔ים15 of 18

“lest the pursuers”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

וְאַחַ֖ר16 of 18

“and afterward”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

תֵּֽלְכ֥וּ17 of 18
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְדַרְכְּכֶֽם׃18 of 18

“your way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

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 2:16 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 2:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 2:251 Samuel 23:14Joshua 2:22Psalms 11:11 Samuel 23:29

Test Your Knowledge

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