King James Version

What Does Joshua 6:19 Mean?

Joshua 6:19 in the King James Version says “But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the tre...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD. consecrated: Heb. holiness”

Joshua 6:19 · KJV

Context

17

And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. accursed: or, devoted

18

And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. accursed: or, devoted a curse: or, devoted

19

But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD. consecrated: Heb. holiness

20

So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. flat: Heb. under it

21

And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.

Read Joshua 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The condition placed on Rahab—'whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head'—emphasizes personal responsibility in salvation. Those who left the protected space forfeited protection. This illustrates that salvation requires remaining in the covenant refuge provided by God. The phrase 'his blood shall be upon his head' uses covenantal language indicating that the guilt of his death rests on the individual, not on those who provided refuge. The Hebrew רֹאשׁ (rosh—head) signifies both physical location and responsibility. Conversely, 'whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head' transfers responsibility to the Israelites—they covenant to protect all within. This bilateral covenant mirrors God's covenant with believers: we must remain in Christ (John 15:4), and He pledges to keep those who remain in Him. The house becomes a type of the church—safety is found within the covenant community, in the place designated by God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern warfare typically involved no quarter given during city conquest—complete destruction was standard for cities under herem (חֵרֶם—devoted to destruction). The unusual nature of sparing any household required strict conditions to prevent Israel from violating their covenant to destroy Jericho (6:17). The covenant oath sworn by the spies (2:14) created legal obligation binding on all Israel—they gave their word 'when the LORD hath given us the land.' The requirement to stay inside the house during conquest mirrors the Passover command (Exodus 12:22)—none could go out until morning lest they perish. This pattern teaches that salvation isn't merely intellectual assent but requires active, ongoing trust that remains where God provides safety. The spies' willingness to stake their lives ('his blood shall be on our head') on Rahab's protection demonstrates the seriousness of covenant promises in ancient culture.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the requirement to 'remain in the house' teach about perseverance and abiding in Christ?
  2. How does personal responsibility ('his blood upon his head') relate to the gospel's call to faith and repentance?
  3. In what ways does the church serve as God's 'house of refuge' in a world under judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְכֹ֣ל׀1 of 12
H3605

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

כֶּ֣סֶף2 of 12

“But all the silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְזָהָ֗ב3 of 12

“and gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וּכְלֵ֤י4 of 12

“and vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

נְחֹ֙שֶׁת֙5 of 12

“of brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וּבַרְזֶ֔ל6 of 12

“and iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

קֹ֥דֶשׁ7 of 12

“are consecrated”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

ה֖וּא8 of 12
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יְהוָ֖ה9 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אוֹצַ֥ר10 of 12

“into the treasury”

H214

a depository

יְהוָ֖ה11 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

יָבֽוֹא׃12 of 12

“they shall come”

H935

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

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 6:19 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 6:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:61 Chronicles 26:20Mark 12:412 Samuel 8:112 Kings 24:13Nehemiah 10:38

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