King James Version

What Does Joshua 6:25 Mean?

Joshua 6:25 in the King James Version says “And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel ev... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Joshua 6:25 · KJV


Context

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.

26

And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.

27

So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive—The verb chayah (חָיָה, 'to preserve alive') echoes God's preservation of Noah (Genesis 7:3) and Joseph's family (Genesis 45:7). Rahab's salvation was comprehensive: herself, her household, and possessions. She dwelleth in Israel even unto this day—This editorial note confirms the account's early composition and Rahab's permanent integration into Israel.

Matthew's genealogy places Rahab as ancestress of David and Christ (Matthew 1:5), demonstrating how God's redemptive plan embraces repentant sinners regardless of ethnic or moral background. She married Salmon, a Judahite prince, picturing the church as Gentile bride grafted into Israel's olive tree (Romans 11:17-24). Her scarlet cord (Joshua 2:18) becomes a beautiful type of Christ's blood securing salvation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Rahab's integration into Israel was extraordinary in the ancient Near East, where conquered peoples were typically enslaved or expelled. Her marriage to Salmon (Ruth 4:20-21; 1 Chronicles 2:11) suggests her high standing. Jewish tradition holds she married Joshua himself, though Scripture indicates Salmon. Her story occurred circa 1406 BC during the conquest's opening phase.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Rahab's inclusion in Christ's genealogy encourage those burdened by past sins or shameful backgrounds?
  2. What does her permanent dwelling 'in Israel' teach about the church's call to embrace and integrate converted outsiders?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 28 words
וְֽאֶת1 of 28
H853

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

רָחָ֣ב2 of 28

Rahab

H7343

rachab, a canaanitess

הַ֠זּוֹנָה3 of 28

the harlot

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

וְאֶת4 of 28
H853

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

בֵּ֨ית5 of 28

household

H1004

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

אָבִ֤יהָ6 of 28

and her father's

H1

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

וְאֶת7 of 28
H853

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

כָּל8 of 28
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר9 of 28
H834

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

לָהּ֙10 of 28
H0
הֶֽחֱיָ֣ה11 of 28

alive

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ12 of 28

And Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

וַתֵּ֙שֶׁב֙13 of 28

and all that she had and she dwelleth

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּקֶ֣רֶב14 of 28

in

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל15 of 28

Israel

H3478

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

עַ֖ד16 of 28
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּ֣וֹם17 of 28

even unto this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּ֑ה18 of 28
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

כִּ֤י19 of 28
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הֶחְבִּ֙יאָה֙20 of 28

because she hid

H2244

to secrete

אֶת21 of 28
H853

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

הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים22 of 28

the messengers

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

אֲשֶׁר23 of 28
H834

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

שָׁלַ֥ח24 of 28

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ25 of 28

And Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

לְרַגֵּ֥ל26 of 28

to spy out

H7270

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

אֶת27 of 28
H853

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

יְרִיחֽוֹ׃28 of 28

Jericho

H3405

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine


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 6:25 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 6:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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