King James Version

What Does Joshua 2:18 Mean?

Joshua 2:18 in the King James Version says “Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us do... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Joshua 2:18 · KJV


Context

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

19

And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.

20

And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The instruction—'Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window'—provided salvation's visible marker. The scarlet cord identifies Rahab's house, sparing all within during Jericho's destruction. This parallels Passover's blood on doorposts (Exodus 12:13), where visible sign protected occupants from judgment. Both foreshadow Christ's blood marking believers for salvation from wrath (Romans 5:9). External signs confirm internal faith while providing community-visible testimony.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The scarlet thread became covenant sign between Rahab and the spies. Its color—red like blood—anticipates Christ's blood covenant. Rahab's window location in the wall provided escape for the spies and later identification for Israel's army. Some traditions identify this Rahab with Salmon's wife (Matthew 1:5), making her David's ancestor and ultimately Christ's. The thread's continued display until conquest demonstrates faith's perseverance—Rahab maintained hope through Jericho's siege.

Reflection Questions

  1. What visible markers identify you as belonging to God's covenant community?
  2. How does the scarlet thread typology deepen your understanding of Christ's protective blood?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
הִנֵּ֛ה1 of 27
H2009

lo!

אֲנַ֥חְנוּ2 of 27
H587

we

בָאִ֖ים3 of 27

Behold when we come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בָּאָ֑רֶץ4 of 27

into the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶת5 of 27
H853

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

תִּקְוַ֡ת6 of 27

this line

H8615

literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy

חוּט֩7 of 27

thread

H2339

a string; by implication, a measuring tape

הַשָּׁנִ֨י8 of 27

of scarlet

H8144

crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it

הַזֶּ֜ה9 of 27
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

תִּקְשְׁרִ֗י10 of 27

thou shalt bind

H7194

to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)

בַּֽחַלּוֹן֙11 of 27

in the window

H2474

a window (as perforated)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר12 of 27
H834

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

הֽוֹרַדְתֵּ֣נוּ13 of 27

which thou didst let us down by

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

ב֔וֹ14 of 27
H0
וְאֶת15 of 27
H853

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

אָבִ֔יךְ16 of 27

and all thy father's

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאֶת17 of 27
H853

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

אִמֵּ֜ךְ18 of 27

and thy mother

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וְאֶת19 of 27
H853

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

אַחַ֗יִךְ20 of 27

and thy brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וְאֵת֙21 of 27
H853

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

כָּל22 of 27
H3605

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

הַבָּֽיְתָה׃23 of 27

home

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִ֔יךְ24 of 27

and all thy father's

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

תַּֽאַסְפִ֥י25 of 27

and thou shalt bring

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

אֵלַ֖יִךְ26 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַבָּֽיְתָה׃27 of 27

home

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)


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 2:18 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 2:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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