King James Version
What Does Joshua 2:20 Mean?
“And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.”
Joshua 2:20 · KJV
Context
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.
21
And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
22
And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe condition 'if thou utter this our business' protects operational security. Rahab must maintain discretion for the agreement to remain valid.
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
- How does this passage demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?
- What application does this truth have for your walk with Christ today?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsוְאִם1 of 10
H518used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תַּגִּ֖ידִי2 of 10
“And if thou utter”
H5046properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אֶת3 of 10
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דְּבָרֵ֣נוּ4 of 10
“this our business”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וְהָיִ֣ינוּ6 of 10
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 10
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִשְׁבַּעְתָּֽנוּ׃10 of 10
“which thou hast made us to swear”
H7650to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
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 2:20 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 2:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge