King James Version
What Does Joshua 2:21 Mean?
“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.”
Joshua 2:21 · KJV
Context
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.
23
So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryRahab's immediate compliance 'she bound the scarlet line in the window' demonstrates obedient faith. She acted immediately on instruction, maintaining visible covenant sign.
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 · 11 wordsכְּדִבְרֵיכֶ֣ם2 of 11
“According unto your words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
כֶּן3 of 11
H3651properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
ה֔וּא4 of 11
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַֽתְּשַׁלְּחֵ֖ם5 of 11
“so be it And she sent them away”
H7971to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וַתִּקְשֹׁ֛ר7 of 11
“and she bound”
H7194to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)
אֶת8 of 11
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשָּׁנִ֖י10 of 11
“the scarlet”
H8144crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
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 2:21 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 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge