King James Version
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“But all the princes”
H5387properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“unto all the congregation”
H5712a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
“We have sworn”
H7650to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
“unto them by the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
“God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“now therefore we may”
H3201to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
“not touch”
H5060properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
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 9:19 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 9:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge