What Does Joshua 8:21 Mean?

“And when Joshua”

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

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

“and all Israel”

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

“saw”

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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

“had taken”

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

“that the ambush”

to lurk

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

“of the city”

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

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

“ascended”

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

“and that the smoke”

smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)

“of the city”

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

“then they turned again”

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

“and slew”

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

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

“the men”

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

“of Ai”

ai, aja or ajath, a place in palestine