King James Version
Joshua 8:26 in the King James Version says “For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabita...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.”
Joshua 8:26 · KJV
And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword.
And so it was, that all that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai.
For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.
Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.
And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, even a desolation unto this day.
KJV Study — Public Domain
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“back”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
“not his hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“wherewith he stretched out”
H5186to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“until he had utterly destroyed”
H2763to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“all the inhabitants”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
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.
Joshua 8:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Joshua 8:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge