King James Version

What Does Joshua 6:23 Mean?

Joshua 6:23 in the King James Version says “And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and ...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel. kindred: Heb. families”

Joshua 6:23 · KJV

Context

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.

22

But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her.

23

And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel. kindred: Heb. families

24

And they burnt the city with fire, and all that was therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD.

25

And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The spies' return and report to Joshua provides closure to chapter 2's narrative. They told him 'all things that befell them'—complete, honest reporting including both dangers faced and deliverance experienced. Transparency in reporting to leadership shows accountability and trust. The conclusion 'truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land' demonstrates faith interpreting circumstances theologically. They don't merely report facts ('Canaanites are afraid'); they draw the correct spiritual conclusion (God has given victory). The Hebrew אָמְנָם (omnnam—truly, surely, indeed) expresses certainty and conviction. This isn't hopeful speculation but confident assertion based on God's revealed promise and confirmed by circumstances. The phrase 'into our hands' acknowledges God's gift requires human reception—God gives, we receive and steward. Their focus on Canaanite fear rather than Canaanite fortifications shows mature faith that sees spiritual reality behind physical appearances. Fear indicates broken morale; broken morale precedes military collapse. The spies recognized that psychological defeat is more decisive than architectural strength.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern intelligence gathering, spies would observe defensive installations, troop strength, supply lines, and morale. These two spies focused on morale—the intangible but crucial factor. Rahab's testimony provided invaluable intelligence: Canaanites had heard of the Red Sea crossing (40 years prior) and Amorite defeats (recent), and their hearts melted. This intelligence proved accurate—subsequent conquests came rapidly as demoralized Canaanites couldn't mount unified resistance. The spies' report fulfilled Moses's original intent for reconnaissance: 'see the land, what it is, and the people that dwell therein' (Numbers 13:18). But where earlier spies saw obstacles, these saw opportunities. Their report energized Israel for immediate conquest. Joshua, having been one of the two faithful spies forty years earlier (Numbers 14:6-9), would have been deeply gratified by this report—the new generation showed the faith the previous generation lacked.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you report on ministry or life challenges—emphasizing obstacles or God's faithfulness?
  2. What does it mean to interpret circumstances theologically rather than merely describing them factually?
  3. How can you cultivate the spies' ability to see God's sovereignty working behind visible circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ1 of 24

“went in”

H935

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

הַנְּעָרִ֣ים2 of 24

“And the young men”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

הַֽמְרַגְּלִ֗ים3 of 24

“that were spies”

H7270

to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e., slander); to lead about

הוֹצִ֑יאוּ4 of 24

“and all that she had and they brought out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת5 of 24
H853

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

רָ֠חָב6 of 24

“Rahab”

H7343

rachab, a canaanitess

וְאֶת7 of 24
H853

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

אָבִ֨יהָ8 of 24

“and her father”

H1

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

וְאֶת9 of 24
H853

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

אִמָּ֤הּ10 of 24

“and her mother”

H517

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

וְאֶת11 of 24
H853

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

אַחֶ֙יהָ֙12 of 24

“and her brethren”

H251

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

וְאֶת13 of 24
H853

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

כָּל14 of 24
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר15 of 24
H834

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

לָ֔הּ16 of 24
H0
וְאֵ֥ת17 of 24
H853

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

כָּל18 of 24
H3605

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

מִשְׁפְּחוֹתֶ֖יהָ19 of 24

“all her kindred”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הוֹצִ֑יאוּ20 of 24

“and all that she had and they brought out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וַיַּ֨נִּיח֔וּם21 of 24

“and left”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

מִח֖וּץ22 of 24

“them without”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לְמַֽחֲנֵ֥ה23 of 24

“the camp”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃24 of 24

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 6:23 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 6:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:7Numbers 31:191 Corinthians 5:12Genesis 18:24Acts 10:28Acts 27:24

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