King James Version

What Does Joshua 9:19 Mean?

Joshua 9:19 in the King James Version says “But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we ...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.”

Joshua 9:19 · KJV

Context

17

And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.

18

And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes.

19

But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.

20

This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them.

21

And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.

Read Joshua 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel—The verb sworn (נִשְׁבַּעְנוּ, nishba'nu) invokes God's name in oath-making, creating a binding covenant. The phrase by the LORD God of Israel (בַּיהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, ba-YHWH Elohei Yisra'el) emphasizes that the oath's authority rests on God's character, not the princes' wisdom.

Now therefore we may not touch them (לֹא נוּכַל לִנְגֹּעַ בָּהֶם, lo nukhal lingo'a bahem)—Despite being deceived, the leaders recognized that breaking an oath made in God's name would profane His holiness. This decision honors Leviticus 19:12: 'Ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God.' The Gibeonites' deception didn't nullify Israel's obligation—God's reputation was at stake. Centuries later, Saul's violation of this oath brought divine judgment (2 Samuel 21:1-14).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The princes' public declaration protected the Gibeonites from popular vengeance when the congregation discovered the deception (v. 18). Ancient Near Eastern treaties invoked deity names as guarantors—breaking such oaths invited divine curse. Israel's reputation for keeping oaths (even obtained through deception) would have spread throughout Canaan, demonstrating covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you honor commitments made unwisely or through deception without compromising integrity?
  2. What does Israel's oath-keeping teach about God's character and expectations for His people?
  3. When has protecting God's reputation required you to keep a costly promise?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֹּֽאמְר֤וּ1 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כָל2 of 17
H3605

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