King James Version

What Does Joshua 9:12 Mean?

Joshua 9:12 in the King James Version says “This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold,...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy:”

Joshua 9:12 · KJV

Context

10

And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth.

11

Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us. with you: Heb. in your hand

12

This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy:

13

And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.

14

And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD. the men: or, they received the men by reason of their victuals

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
More evidence: 'And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.' The wineskins (oboth, אֹבוֹת—leather containers) were 'new' when filled but now 'rent' (torn, split). Old wineskins became brittle and split (Jesus later uses this imagery, Matthew 9:17). The garments and shoes show wear from 'very long journey.' The Hebrew accumulation of evidence—bread, wineskins, garments, shoes—creates overwhelming impression. Every verifiable detail supports the distance claim. The phrase 'very long' (מְאֹד מְאֹד, meod meod—very, very) emphasizes journey's extreme length. The comprehensive staging of evidence across multiple domains (food, drink, clothing, footwear) shows remarkable thoroughness. Yet verse 14 reveals the fatal flaw: 'the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.' Empirical investigation without divine guidance leads to deception.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wineskins in the ancient world were made from animal hides—goatskins typically. New skins were supple; old ones dried, cracked, and split. The deterioration from new to rent convincingly suggested time passage. Garments and shoes similarly wore with travel—rough terrain, sun exposure, constant use all took toll. Ancient travelers' appearance upon arrival communicated journey length. The Gibeonites understood this social literacy and manipulated every signal. The detail about wineskins being 'new' when filled explains why they'd take new ones—normally, you'd use serviceable old ones for journey, saving new ones. But if journey was long enough, even new ones would deteriorate—thus the mention establishes extreme distance. The deception's sophistication suggests intelligence operation, not improvised scheme. This required planning, resourcing (acquiring old items), and coordination (ensuring all envoys told consistent story). The success despite Israel's initial suspicion (verse 7) shows deception's power when staged comprehensively. Only divine discernment could have penetrated it.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the comprehensiveness of Gibeon's deception teach about thoroughness in spiritual warfare?
  2. How does verse 14's revelation that Israel 'asked not counsel of the LORD' explain the deception's success?
  3. What practices help you remember to seek divine guidance before making important decisions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
זֶ֣ה׀1 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לַחְמֵ֗נוּ2 of 15

“This our bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

חָ֞ם3 of 15

“we took hot”

H2525

hot

הִצְטַיַּ֤דְנוּ4 of 15

“for our provision”

H6679

to victual (for a journey)

אֹתוֹ֙5 of 15
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

מִבָּ֣תֵּ֔ינוּ6 of 15

“out of our houses”

H1004

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

בְּי֥וֹם7 of 15

“on the 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

צֵאתֵ֖נוּ8 of 15

“we came forth”

H3318

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

לָלֶ֣כֶת9 of 15
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֲלֵיכֶ֑ם10 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְעַתָּה֙11 of 15
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הִנֵּ֣ה12 of 15
H2009

lo!

יָבֵ֔שׁ13 of 15

“unto you but now behold it is dry”

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

וְהָיָ֖ה14 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נִקֻּדִֽים׃15 of 15

“and it is mouldy”

H5350

a crumb (as broken to spots); also a biscuit (as pricked)

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 9:12 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 9:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 9:4-5

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