King James Version

What Does Joshua 9:13 Mean?

Joshua 9:13 in the King James Version says “And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes ar...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Joshua 9:13 · KJV

Context

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

15

And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.

Read Joshua 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent—The Gibeonites' deception included wine bottles (נֹאדוֹת, no'dot)—goatskin containers that crack and tear with age and use. The word rent (בָּקַע, baqa', torn/split) added visual proof to their false claim of a distant origin. Their garments and shoes appearing old by reason of the very long journey completed the fabrication.

This verse highlights the convincing nature of their deception—physical 'evidence' seemed to validate their story. Yet Israel's failure was not inadequate investigation of props but failure to ask counsel at the mouth of the LORD (v. 14). Satan's deceptions often include plausible evidence; discernment requires divine wisdom, not mere empirical observation. As Paul warns: 'Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light' (2 Corinthians 11:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wineskins (made from whole goat hides) did crack and split with use and age, especially in dry climates. The Gibeonites' theatrical props exploited Israel's unfamiliarity with local geography—fresh from wilderness wandering, they couldn't recognize nearby Canaanite cities. The deception worked because Israel relied on visible evidence rather than seeking God's guidance.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you been deceived by convincing 'evidence' because you failed to seek God's wisdom?
  2. How do you distinguish between thorough investigation and self-sufficient decision-making without prayer?
  3. What modern deceptions use plausible 'props' to mislead believers away from dependence on God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאֵ֨לֶּה1 of 15
H428

these or those

נֹאד֤וֹת2 of 15

“And these bottles”

H4997

a (skin or leather) bag (for fluids)

הַיַּ֙יִן֙3 of 15

“of wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 15
H834

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

מִלֵּ֣אנוּ5 of 15

“which we filled”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

חֲדָשִׁ֔ים6 of 15

“were new”

H2319

new

וְהִנֵּ֖ה7 of 15
H2009

lo!

הִתְבַּקָּ֑עוּ8 of 15

“and behold they be rent”

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

וְאֵ֤לֶּה9 of 15
H428

these or those

שַׂלְמוֹתֵ֙ינוּ֙10 of 15

“and these our garments”

H8008

a dress

וּנְעָלֵ֔ינוּ11 of 15

“and our shoes”

H5275

properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)

בָּל֕וּ12 of 15

“are become old”

H1086

to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)

מֵרֹ֥ב13 of 15

“long”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ14 of 15

“journey”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

מְאֹֽד׃15 of 15

“by reason of the very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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 9:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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