1
וַיְהִי֩ כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ אֲדֹֽנִי צֶ֜דֶק מֶ֣לֶךְ יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם כִּֽי לָכַ֨ד יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ אֶת הָעַי֮ וַיַּחֲרִימָהּ֒ כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֤ה לִֽירִיחוֹ֙ וּלְמַלְכָּ֔הּ כֵּן עָשָׂ֥ה לָעַ֖י וּלְמַלְכָּ֑הּ וְכִ֨י הִשְׁלִ֜ימוּ יֹשְׁבֵ֤י גִבְעוֹן֙ אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיִּֽהְי֖וּ בְּקִרְבָּֽם
Now when Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had captured Ai and had devoted it to destruction — as he had done to Jericho and its king, so he did to Ai and its king — and that the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were among them,
The chapter opens with a stacked temporal/causal complex — 'it happened, when he heard... that... and that...' — subordinating two alarming reports (Ai's fall, Gibeon's defection) under Adoni-zedek's hearing before the main narrative wayyiqtol chain resumes in v.3 with his response.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
וַיְהִי֩and it came to passwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (chapter-opening formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the standard formulaic verse-openerהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, happen'; the ubiquitous וַיְהִי that opens narrative units, here launching the Joshua 10 pericope.
כִשְׁמֹ֨עַwhen he heardprep כְּ + Qal inf constr · שָׁמַע (H8085)Temporal infinitive clause (subordinate to וַיְהִי)→ Infinitive construct: temporal, 'as/when he heard' — background circumstanceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, hear report of'; with כְּ + infinitive construct forms a standard temporal clause.
אֲדֹֽנִיAdoni-N proper · אֲדֹנִי (H139)Subject of כִשְׁמֹעַ (first element of royal name)אֲדֹנִי (H139) 'my lord', first element of the compound royal name אֲדֹנִי־צֶדֶק 'lord of righteousness/Zedek', echoing Melchizedek of Gen 14.
צֶ֜דֶק-zedekN proper · צֶדֶק (H139)Second element of the compound royal name (in apposition)צֶדֶק here forms the second element of the personal name אֲדֹנִי־צֶדֶק; its ordinary sense is 'righteousness, justice' (H6664), though OSHB tags it under the same lemma slot as אֲדֹנִי since the scaffold segments the compound name as two words.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (genitival, 'king of Jerusalem')מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; construct before the city name, the royal title formula repeated throughout the chapter's coalition and itinerary lists.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗םJerusalemN proper · יְרוּשָׁלִַם (H3389)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְיְרוּשָׁלִַם (H3389) Jerusalem; the city's first appearance by name in Joshua, introducing Adoni-zedek as its Amorite/Jebusite king long before David's later conquest of the stronghold.
כִּֽיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction (object clause of כִשְׁמֹעַ)כִּי (H3588) here introduces the content of the report — 'that Joshua had captured Ai.'
לָכַ֨דhe had capturedQal perf 3ms · לָכַד (H3920)Predicate verb of the כִּי-clause (pluperfect nuance)→ Perfective: an antecedent completed act — the capture precedes the hearingלָכַד (H3920) 'to capture, seize'; used of Ai's fall in ch. 8, recalled here as the report that alarms the Amorite coalition.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of לָכַדיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'YHWH is salvation'; Israel's commander throughout the conquest narrative.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of לָכַד)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָעַי as the definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הָעַי֮Aiart + N proper · הָעַי (H5857)Direct object of לָכַדעַי (H5857) 'the ruin-heap', the city east of Bethel destroyed in ch. 8; the article is retained even on the proper name, a fossilized 'the-Ai' usage.
וַיַּחֲרִימָהּ֒and had devoted it to destructionwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + 3fs suff · חָרַם (H2763)Wayyiqtol continuing the כִּי-clause, 3fs suffix referring to Ai→ Wayyiqtol: sequential completed act — the ban carried out immediately after captureחָרַם (H2763) Hiphil 'to devote to destruction, put under the ban (חֵרֶם)'; the technical term for Israel's holy-war annihilation of a city, as also done to Jericho.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating conjunction (introducing the Jericho comparison)אֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ forms the comparative 'just as... so' construction, here comparing Ai's fate to Jericho's.
עָשָׂ֤הhe had doneQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: completed precedent actionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; 'had done' to Jericho, the precedent for Ai's treatment.
לִֽירִיחוֹ֙to Jerichoprep לְ + N proper · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Indirect object / dative complement of עָשָׂהיְרִיחוֹ (H3405) Jericho, the first city conquered (ch. 6), the paradigm case for the ban applied here to Ai.
וּלְמַלְכָּ֔הּand to its kingconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fs suff · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Coordinate indirect object (Jericho's king)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king', with 3fs suffix referring back to Jericho (a feminine city-name); Jericho's king was likewise placed under the ban in ch. 6.
כֵּןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Correlative adverb resuming the comparison ('so he did')כֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; pairs with כַּאֲשֶׁר to form the 'as X, so Y' comparison formula that recurs through the chapter's southern-campaign itinerary.
עָשָׂ֥הhe didQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the main comparison (apodosis)→ Perfective: completed act, resuming the main reportעָשָׂה (H6213), repeated from the protasis; Ai receives the same treatment as Jericho.
לָעַ֖יto Aiprep לְ + art + N proper · הָעַי (H5857)Indirect object of עָשָׂהעַי (H5857), see v.1 above; recipient of the same ban as Jericho.
וּלְמַלְכָּ֑הּand to its kingconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fs suff · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Coordinate indirect object (Ai's king)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) with 3fs suffix referring to Ai; the king of Ai was hanged in 8:29, closing the Jericho–Ai parallel.
וְכִ֨יand thatconj וְ + conj · כִּי (H3588)Coordinating conjunction introducing the second object clause of כִשְׁמֹעַכִּי resumes the report construction begun in v.1, adding the second alarming fact — Gibeon's defection.
הִשְׁלִ֜ימוּhad made peaceHiphil perf 3cp · שָׁלַם (H7999)Predicate verb of the second object clause→ Perfective: a completed diplomatic act — the Gibeonite treaty of ch. 9שָׁלַם (H7999) Hiphil 'to make peace, submit to terms'; refers to the covenant of ch. 9 by which Gibeon secured Israel's protection.
יֹשְׁבֵ֤יthe inhabitants ofQal ptc m pl constr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Substantival participle, subject of הִשְׁלִימוּ→ Participle: substantival, denoting the settled inhabitants as an ongoing classיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; the participle 'those dwelling in' is the standard idiom for a city's population, here Gibeon's.
גִבְעוֹן֙GibeonN proper · גִּבְעוֹן (H1391)Genitive complement of construct יֹשְׁבֵיגִּבְעוֹן (H1391) Gibeon, the Hivite city that secured a treaty with Israel by deception in ch. 9; its defection from the Canaanite coalition triggers the crisis of ch. 10.
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Prepositional complement of הִשְׁלִימוּ ('made peace with')אֵת (H854) 'with' (distinct from the homographic object marker H853); here marks the covenant partner Israel.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Object of preposition אֵתיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people; Gibeon's treaty partner.
וַיִּֽהְי֖וּand they werewaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol continuing the report, subject Gibeonites→ Wayyiqtol: sequential result — their new status among Israelהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; here 'and they were/came to be' — describing Gibeon's incorporation into Israel's sphere.
בְּקִרְבָּֽםamong themprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3mp suff · קֶרֶב (H7130)Locative prepositional phrase (predicate complement of וַיִּהְיוּ)קֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, inner part'; with בְּ + suffix, 'in their midst' — Gibeon now situated within Israel's encampment as protected vassals.
2
וַיִּֽירְא֣וּ מְאֹ֔ד כִּ֣י עִ֤יר גְּדוֹלָה֙ גִּבְע֔וֹן כְּאַחַ֖ת עָרֵ֣י הַמַּמְלָכָ֑ה וְכִ֨י הִ֤יא גְדוֹלָה֙ מִן הָעַ֔י וְכָל אֲנָשֶׁ֖יהָ גִּבֹּרִֽים
for they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty.
Explains the coalition's fear introduced in v.1: two כִּי-clauses stack the reasons — Gibeon's civic stature (rivaling a royal city) and its formidable manpower — justifying why five kings mobilize against a single defecting town rather than dismissing it.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיִּֽירְא֣וּand they fearedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָרֵא (H3372)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, subject the five kings)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the coalition's alarmed responseיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear'; the kings' dread at Gibeon's defection, motivating their siege — fear driving political calculation.
מְאֹ֔דgreatlyadv · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifier modifying וַיִּירְאוּמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; intensifies the fear, underscoring Gibeon's perceived strategic weight.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground of the fearכִּי (H3588) causal, explaining why the kings feared — Gibeon's size and might.
עִ֤ירa cityN f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Subject of the nominal clause (predicate גְּדוֹלָה)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; the subject noun of the descriptive clause explaining Gibeon's standing.
גְּדוֹלָה֙greatadj f sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Predicate adjective of the nominal clauseגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; describes Gibeon's size and importance, comparable to a royal city.
גִּבְע֔וֹןGibeonN proper · גִּבְעוֹן (H1391)Subject restated in apposition (city name)גִּבְעוֹן (H1391), see v.1; the city whose defection precipitates the crisis.
כְּאַחַ֖תlike one ofprep כְּ + num f sg constr · אַחַת (H259)Comparative prepositional phrase (predicate complement)אַחַת (H259) 'one'; with כְּ, 'like one of the royal cities' — elevating Gibeon's status despite lacking its own king.
עָרֵ֣יthe cities ofN f pl constr · עִיר (H5892)Construct chain (genitival) governed by אַחַתעִיר (H5892) plural construct 'cities of'; forms the construct chain 'the royal cities.'
הַמַּמְלָכָ֑הthe kingdomart + N f sg abs · מַמְלָכָה (H4467)Genitive complement of construct עָרֵימַמְלָכָה (H4467) 'kingdom, royal power'; 'cities of the kingdom' = royal/capital cities — ironic, since Gibeon notably had no king of its own (v.1's elders, not a king, ruled it).
וְכִ֨יand thatconj וְ + conj · כִּי (H3588)Coordinating conjunction continuing the causal ground clauseכִּי continues explaining the kings' fear with a second reason — Gibeon's superiority to Ai.
הִ֤יאitindependent pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject of the nominal clauseהִיא (H1931) 3fs pronoun resuming Gibeon as subject.
גְדוֹלָה֙greateradj f sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Predicate adjective (comparative sense with מִן)גָּדוֹל (H1419), repeated; with the following מִן forms a comparative, 'greater than Ai.'
מִןthanprep · מִן (H4480)Comparative preposition governing הָעַימִן (H4480) here marks comparison, 'more/greater than.'
הָעַ֔יAiart + N proper · הָעַי (H5857)Object of comparative preposition מִןעַי (H5857); the comparison underscores how formidable Gibeon was, since Ai itself had proven a serious obstacle (chs. 7–8).
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), subject of nominal clauseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct before 'its men.'
אֲנָשֶׁ֖יהָits menN m pl constr + 3fs suff · אִישׁ (H376)Genitive complement of construct כָּל; subject of nominal clauseאִישׁ (H376) pl 'men'; with 3fs suffix referring to Gibeon — its male population/fighting men.
גִּבֹּרִֽיםmightyadj m pl abs · גִּבּוֹר (H1368)Predicate adjective of the nominal clauseגִּבּוֹר (H1368) 'mighty, valiant, warrior'; describes Gibeon's men as formidable fighters, explaining the coalition's alarm and its decision to attack rather than negotiate.
3
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח אֲדֹנִי צֶ֜דֶק מֶ֣לֶךְ יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם אֶל הוֹהָ֣ם מֶֽלֶךְ חֶ֠בְרוֹן וְאֶל פִּרְאָ֨ם מֶֽלֶךְ יַרְמ֜וּת וְאֶל יָפִ֧יעַ מֶֽלֶךְ לָכִ֛ישׁ וְאֶל דְּבִ֥יר מֶֽלֶךְ עֶגְל֖וֹן לֵאמֹֽר
Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, to Piram king of Jarmuth, to Japhia king of Lachish, and to Debir king of Eglon, saying,
The main verb of the chapter's opening sentence finally lands here — a wayyiqtol of decisive response — after two verses of background. The fourfold repetition of 'to X king of Y' catalogs the coalition roster before their joint message is quoted in v.4, building the itinerary style that will dominate the chapter's back half.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨חand he sentwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, resuming after the vv.1-2 background)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Adoni-zedek's decisive responseשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; here dispatching messengers to rally the coalition, launching the alliance narrative.
אֲדֹנִיAdoni-N proper · אֲדֹנִי (H139)Subject of וַיִּשְׁלַחאֲדֹנִי (H139), see v.1.
צֶ֜דֶק-zedekN proper · צֶדֶק (H139)Second element of the royal nameצֶדֶק, second element of אֲדֹנִי־צֶדֶק; see v.1.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (genitival)מֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.1.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗םJerusalemN proper · יְרוּשָׁלִַם (H3389)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְיְרוּשָׁלִַם (H3389), see v.1.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וַיִּשְׁלַח (recipient #1)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; introduces the first addressee, Hoham of Hebron.
הוֹהָ֣םHohamN proper · הוֹהָם (H1944)Object of preposition אֶלהוֹהָם (H1944), king of Hebron, otherwise unknown; second member of the five-king coalition.
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (genitival), in apposition to הוֹהָםמֶלֶךְ (H4428), royal title.
חֶ֠בְרוֹןHebronN proper · חֶבְרוֹן (H2275)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְחֶבְרוֹן (H2275) Hebron, the hill-country city later given to Caleb (14:13); one of the five confederate cities.
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinate prepositional phrase (recipient #2)אֶל with וְ, introducing the second addressee, Piram of Jarmuth.
פִּרְאָ֨םPiramN proper · פִּרְאָם (H6502)Object of preposition אֶלפִּרְאָם (H6502), king of Jarmuth; third member of the coalition.
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (genitival)מֶלֶךְ (H4428), royal title.
יַרְמ֜וּתJarmuthN proper · יַרְמוּת (H3412)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְיַרְמוּת (H3412) Jarmuth, a Shephelah city in the coalition.
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinate prepositional phrase (recipient #3)אֶל with וְ, introducing the third addressee, Japhia of Lachish.
יָפִ֧יעַJaphiaN proper · יָפִיעַ (H3309)Object of preposition אֶליָפִיעַ (H3309), king of Lachish; fourth member of the coalition.
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (genitival)מֶלֶךְ (H4428), royal title.
לָכִ֛ישׁLachishN proper · לָכִישׁ (H3923)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְלָכִישׁ (H3923) Lachish, a major Shephelah fortress city, a key target later in vv.31-32.
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinate prepositional phrase (recipient #4)אֶל with וְ, introducing the fourth addressee, Debir of Eglon (this king's name, homonymous with the city Debir taken in vv.38-39, is unrelated to that place).
דְּבִ֥ירDebirN proper · דְּבִיר (H1688)Object of preposition אֶלדְּבִיר (H1688), king of Eglon; fifth member of the coalition — not to be confused with the city Debir taken in vv.38–39.
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (genitival)מֶלֶךְ (H4428), royal title.
עֶגְל֖וֹןEglonN proper · עֶגְלוֹן (H5700)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְעֶגְלוֹן (H5700) Eglon, a Shephelah city, target of vv.34-35.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive of manner/quotation introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: introduces direct discourse ('saying')אָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the standard quotative frame לֵאמֹר opening the coalition's message in v.4.
4
עֲלֽוּ אֵלַ֣י וְעִזְרֻ֔נִי וְנַכֶּ֖ה אֶת גִּבְע֑וֹן כִּֽי הִשְׁלִ֥ימָה אֶת יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ וְאֶת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
"Come up to me and help me, and let us strike Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and the sons of Israel."
Quoted speech opening with two imperatives (summons + appeal) and a cohortative of intent, grounded by a כִּי-clause naming Gibeon's treaty as casus belli. The five-king coalition frames Gibeon's peace with Israel as treason against Canaanite solidarity, not merely a border dispute.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
עֲלֽוּcome upQal impv 2mp · עָלָה (H5927)Volitional main verb (imperative, direct address opening the message)→ Volitional: imperative summons — urgent appealעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; the coalition's opening plea, echoing the Gibeonites' own later cry (v.6) to 'come up quickly.'
אֵלַ֣יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suff · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of עֲלוּאֶל (H413) with 1cs suffix; Adoni-zedek summons the other kings to himself/his cause.
וְעִזְרֻ֔נִיand help meconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp + 1cs suff · עָזַר (H5826)Coordinate volitional verb, direct object suffix 'me'→ Volitional: imperative appeal for military aidעָזַר (H5826) 'to help'; the coalition's rallying cry, joining forces against Gibeon.
וְנַכֶּ֖הand let us strikeconj וְ + Hiphil impf (cohortative) 1cp · נָכָה (H5221)Cohortative expressing purpose/intent→ Cohortative: self-exhortation, 'let us strike/attack'נָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; the coalition's stated purpose — a punitive attack on Gibeon.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of וְנַכֶּה)אֵת (H853), marking גִּבְעוֹן as the direct object; untranslated.
גִּבְע֑וֹןGibeonN proper · גִּבְעוֹן (H1391)Direct object of וְנַכֶּהגִּבְעוֹן (H1391), see v.1; target of the coalition's planned assault.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the coalition's stated grievanceכִּי (H3588) causal, explaining the motive for attack — Gibeon's treaty with Israel.
הִשְׁלִ֥ימָהit has made peaceHiphil perf 3fs · שָׁלַם (H7999)Predicate verb of the causal clause, subject Gibeon (fem.)→ Perfective: a completed act now viewed as a grievance/betrayalשָׁלַם (H7999) Hiphil, see v.1; from the coalition's viewpoint, this is treachery deserving punishment.
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Prepositional complement of הִשְׁלִימָהאֵת (H854) 'with' (distinct from the object marker H853); marks the treaty partner.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of preposition אֵתיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
וְאֶתand withconj וְ + prep · אֵת (H854)Coordinate prepositional complementאֵת with וְ, adding the second treaty partner, 'the sons of Israel.'
בְּנֵ֥יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121) pl constr 'sons of'; 'sons of Israel' = the Israelite nation.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct בְּנֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
5
וַיֵּאָסְפ֨וּ וַֽיַּעֲל֜וּ חֲמֵ֣שֶׁת מַלְכֵ֣י הָאֱמֹרִ֗י מֶ֣לֶךְ יְרוּשָׁלִַ֜ם מֶֽלֶךְ חֶבְר֤וֹן מֶֽלֶךְ יַרְמוּת֙ מֶֽלֶךְ לָכִ֣ישׁ מֶֽלֶךְ עֶגְל֔וֹן הֵ֖ם וְכָל מַֽחֲנֵיהֶ֑ם וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙ עַל גִּבְע֔וֹן וַיִּֽלָּחֲמ֖וּ עָלֶֽיהָ
So the five kings of the Amorites — the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon — gathered together and went up, they and all their armies, and they encamped against Gibeon and made war against it.
A second full recitation of the five-king roster (now with 'the Amorite' as ethnic label) frames the mustering as formal and total before the wayyiqtol chain (gathered, went up, encamped, made war) drives the coalition to Gibeon's gates — the crisis to which Gibeon's appeal in v.6 responds.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיֵּאָסְפ֨וּand they gathered togetherwaw-consec + Niphal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָסַף (H622)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, subject the five kings)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the coalition's mobilizationאָסַף (H622) Niphal 'to be gathered, assemble'; the kings' military muster in response to the summons of vv.3-4.
וַֽיַּעֲל֜וּand they went upwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential advance — the march toward Gibeonעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; the highland approach to Gibeon, answering the coalition's own call to 'come up' (v.4).
חֲמֵ֣שֶׁתthe five ofnum m sg constr · חָמֵשׁ (H2568)Construct chain (genitival), in apposition to subjectחָמֵשׁ (H2568) 'five'; construct before 'kings,' numbering the coalition explicitly — a number that structures the rest of the chapter (five kings, five trees).
מַלְכֵ֣יkings ofN m pl constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive complement of construct חֲמֵשֶׁת; construct governing הָאֱמֹרִימֶלֶךְ (H4428) pl constr 'kings of'; the five monarchs named in v.3.
הָאֱמֹרִ֗יthe Amoriteart + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Genitive complement of construct מַלְכֵיאֱמֹרִי (H567) 'Amorite', a collective gentilic term for the highland/hill-country Canaanite peoples; identifies the ethnic bloc of the five kings.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain, first item of appositional listמֶלֶךְ (H4428), royal title, reopening the itemized roster from v.3.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֜םJerusalemN proper · יְרוּשָׁלִַם (H3389)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְיְרוּשָׁלִַם (H3389), see v.1.
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain, second itemמֶלֶךְ (H4428), royal title.
חֶבְר֤וֹןHebronN proper · חֶבְרוֹן (H2275)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְחֶבְרוֹן (H2275), see v.3.
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain, third itemמֶלֶךְ (H4428), royal title.
יַרְמוּת֙JarmuthN proper · יַרְמוּת (H3412)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְיַרְמוּת (H3412), see v.3.
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain, fourth itemמֶלֶךְ (H4428), royal title.
לָכִ֣ישׁLachishN proper · לָכִישׁ (H3923)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְלָכִישׁ (H3923), see v.3.
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain, fifth itemמֶלֶךְ (H4428), royal title.
עֶגְל֔וֹןEglonN proper · עֶגְלוֹן (H5700)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְ, closing the rosterעֶגְלוֹן (H5700), see v.3.
הֵ֖םtheyindependent pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Resumptive subject pronoun, emphatic apposition to the five kingsהֵם (H1992) 3mp pronoun resuming the subject after the long roster, emphasizing personal presence — 'they themselves.'
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), coordinate subjectכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct before 'their camps/armies.'
מַֽחֲנֵיהֶ֑םtheir armiesN com pl constr + 3mp suff · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Genitive complement of construct כָּלמַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp, army'; the combined military forces of the five-king coalition.
וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙and they encampedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָנָה (H2583)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential advance — establishing the siege positionחָנָה (H2583) 'to camp, encamp'; the coalition takes up siege position against Gibeon.
עַלagainstprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of וַיַּחֲנוּ (hostile sense)עַל (H5921) here hostile 'against,' marking Gibeon as the besieged target.
גִּבְע֔וֹןGibeonN proper · גִּבְעוֹן (H1391)Object of preposition עַלגִּבְעוֹן (H1391), see v.1.
וַיִּֽלָּחֲמ֖וּand they made warwaw-consec + Niphal wayyiqtol 3mp · לָחַם (H3898)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential advance — open hostilities beginלָחַם (H3898) Niphal 'to fight, wage war'; the siege becomes active combat against Gibeon.
עָלֶֽיהָagainst itprep עַל + 3fs suff · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of וַיִּלָּחֲמוּעַל (H5921) with 3fs suffix referring to Gibeon (fem.); 'against it/her.'
6
וַיִּשְׁלְח֣וּ אַנְשֵׁי֩ גִבְע֨וֹן אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ אֶל הַֽמַּחֲנֶה֙ הַגִּלְגָּ֣לָה לֵאמֹ֔ר אַל תֶּ֥רֶף יָדֶ֖יךָ מֵֽעֲבָדֶ֑יךָ עֲלֵ֧ה אֵלֵ֣ינוּ מְהֵרָ֗ה וְהוֹשִׁ֤יעָה לָּ֨נוּ֙ וְעָזְרֵ֔נוּ כִּ֚י נִקְבְּצ֣וּ אֵלֵ֔ינוּ כָּל מַלְכֵ֥י הָאֱמֹרִ֖י יֹשְׁבֵ֥י הָהָֽר
So the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua, to the camp at Gilgal, saying, "Do not abandon your servants; come up to us quickly, and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites who dwell in the hill country have gathered together against us."
Gibeon's plea mirrors and answers the coalition's own message in v.4 almost word for word (עֲלֵה, the root עזר), but recast as a covenant appeal — 'your servants' invokes the ch. 9 treaty. The triad of imperatives (come, save, help) escalates urgency, and the causal clause supplies the same intelligence Adoni-zedek already possesses, now used to move Joshua rather than the coalition.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
וַיִּשְׁלְח֣וּand they sentwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, subject the men of Gibeon)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Gibeon's urgent appeal for helpשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send', see v.3; Gibeon dispatches its own messengers, mirroring Adoni-zedek's action.
אַנְשֵׁי֩the men ofN m pl constr · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (construct chain, genitival)אִישׁ (H376) pl constr 'men of'; the citizens/representatives of Gibeon acting collectively.
גִבְע֨וֹןGibeonN proper · גִּבְעוֹן (H1391)Genitive complement of construct אַנְשֵׁיגִּבְעוֹן (H1391), see v.1.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וַיִּשְׁלְחוּ (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to'; the message's primary addressee, Joshua.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of preposition אֶליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Coordinate prepositional phrase (locational)אֶל (H413); a second 'to' phrase specifying WHERE Joshua was — the camp at Gilgal.
הַֽמַּחֲנֶה֙the campart + N com sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Object of preposition אֶלמַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'; Israel's base at Gilgal, the staging point for the conquest (chs. 4-5).
הַגִּלְגָּ֣לָהto Gilgalart + N proper + directional ה suff · גִּלְגָּל (H1537)Appositional locative (directional suffix specifying destination)גִּלְגָּל (H1537) Gilgal, Israel's camp near Jericho; the directional ה (-ah) marks 'toward/at Gilgal.'
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: quotative frame introducing the Gibeonites' pleaאָמַר (H559), see v.4; opens the direct quotation of the Gibeonite appeal.
אַלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle with jussive/volitional forceאַל (H408) 'do not' (with jussive/imperfect, prohibiting a specific act, unlike the absolute לֹא).
תֶּ֥רֶףabandonHiphil jussive 2ms · רָפָה (H7503)Volitional main verb (negative prohibition, direct appeal)→ Jussive/volitional (negated): urgent prohibition, 'do not slacken/abandon'רָפָה (H7503) Hiphil 'to slacken, let drop, abandon'; the Gibeonites beg Joshua not to withdraw his protective hand.
יָדֶ֖יךָyour handN com dual constr + 2ms suff · יָד (H3027)Direct object of תֶּרֶףיָד (H3027) 'hand'; 'your hand' idiomatically denotes protective power/aid — 'do not withdraw your hand.'
מֵֽעֲבָדֶ֑יךָfrom your servantsprep מִן + N m pl constr + 2ms suff · עֶבֶד (H5650)Prepositional complement of תֶּרֶף (source/separation)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; the Gibeonites self-identify as Joshua's/Israel's covenant vassals per ch. 9, appealing to that bond.
עֲלֵ֧הcome upQal impv 2ms · עָלָה (H5927)Volitional main verb (imperative, urgent summons)→ Volitional: imperative summons — echoing the coalition's own words in v.4, now on Israel's behalfעָלָה (H5927), see v.4; the Gibeonites' urgent plea for Joshua to march up to their relief.
אֵלֵ֣ינוּto usprep אֶל + 1cp suff · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of עֲלֵהאֶל (H413) with 1cp suffix, 'to us.'
מְהֵרָ֗הquicklyN f sg abs (adverbial) · מְהֵרָה (H4120)Adverbial accusative of manner ('quickly, speedily')מְהֵרָה (H4120) 'haste, speed'; used adverbially, intensifying the urgency of the plea — echoed structurally by Israel's own all-night march in v.9.
וְהוֹשִׁ֤יעָהand saveconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2ms + paragogic ה · יָשַׁע (H3467)Coordinate volitional verb, emphatic imperative→ Volitional (emphatic imperative with paragogic ה): urgent plea for deliveranceיָשַׁע (H3467) Hiphil 'to save, deliver'; the same root as יְהוֹשֻׁעַ's own name — Joshua is entreated to 'save' as his name implies.
לָּ֨נוּ֙usprep לְ + 1cp suff · לְPrepositional complement (dative of advantage) of וְהוֹשִׁיעָהלְ with 1cp suffix, 'for/to us' — dative of advantage marking the beneficiaries of deliverance.
וְעָזְרֵ֔נוּand help usconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms + 1cp suff · עָזַר (H5826)Coordinate volitional verb, direct object suffix 'us'→ Volitional: imperative appeal for aidעָזַר (H5826), see v.4; the third imperative in the triad (come, save, help) intensifying the plea.
כִּ֚יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground of the appealכִּי (H3588) causal, explaining the urgency — the coalition has already massed against them.
נִקְבְּצ֣וּhave gathered togetherNiphal perf 3cp · קָבַץ (H6908)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed, alarming fact — the siege is already in placeקָבַץ (H6908) Niphal 'to be gathered, assembled'; describes the enemy coalition already mustered against Gibeon, near-synonym to אָסַף in v.5.
אֵלֵ֔ינוּagainst usprep אֶל + 1cp suff · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of נִקְבְּצוּ (hostile sense)אֶל (H413) with 1cp suffix here in a hostile sense, 'against us.'
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), subject of נִקְבְּצוּכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct before 'the kings.'
מַלְכֵ֥יthe kings ofN m pl constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive complement of construct כָּלמֶלֶךְ (H4428) pl constr; the five-king coalition, seen now from Gibeon's terrified perspective.
הָאֱמֹרִ֖יthe Amoriteart + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Genitive complement of construct מַלְכֵיאֱמֹרִי (H567), see v.5.
יֹשְׁבֵ֥יwho dwell inQal ptc m pl constr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Substantival participle in apposition, further describing the kings→ Participle: substantival/attributive, denoting ongoing residenceיָשַׁב (H3427), see v.1; 'those dwelling in the hill country' identifies the coalition's home territory.
הָהָֽרthe hill countryart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Genitive complement of construct יֹשְׁבֵיהַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill country'; the central highland ridge where Jerusalem, Hebron, and the other coalition cities lie.
7
וַיַּ֨עַל יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ מִן הַגִּלְגָּ֗ל ה֚וּא וְכָל עַ֤ם הַמִּלְחָמָה֙ עִמּ֔וֹ וְכֹ֖ל גִּבּוֹרֵ֥י הֶחָֽיִל
So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the fighting people with him, and all the mighty men of valor.
Joshua's answer is immediate and total — the whole standing army, not a detachment, marches with him. The verse pointedly reuses עָלָה from both the coalition's threat (v.4) and Gibeon's plea (v.6), signaling that Joshua's ascent will decide whose summons prevails.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיַּ֨עַלand he went upwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, subject Joshua)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Joshua's decisive response to Gibeon's appealעָלָה (H5927), see v.4; Joshua answers Gibeon's plea by literally 'going up' as begged.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיַּעַליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase of source/originמִן (H4480) 'from'; marks the point of departure, the Gilgal camp.
הַגִּלְגָּ֗לGilgalart + N proper · גִּלְגָּל (H1537)Object of preposition מִןגִּלְגָּל (H1537), see v.6; Israel's base camp, from which the all-night march (v.9) is launched.
ה֚וּאheindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Emphatic resumptive pronoun, subject in appositionהוּא (H1931) 3ms pronoun, emphasizing Joshua's personal presence with the army — 'he himself.'
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), coordinate subjectכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct before 'the people of war.'
עַ֤םthe people ofN m sg constr · עַם (H5971)Genitive complement of construct כָּל; construct governing הַמִּלְחָמָהעַם (H5971) 'people'; construct before 'war,' i.e., 'fighting men, troops.'
הַמִּלְחָמָה֙warart + N f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Genitive complement of construct עַםמִלְחָמָה (H4421) 'war, battle'; 'people of the war' = the fighting force, the standing army.
עִמּ֔וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suff · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase modifying the subject complexעִם (H5973) 'with', with 3ms suffix referring to Joshua — the army accompanying him.
וְכֹ֖לand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), coordinate subjectכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; a second instance, emphasizing 'all the mighty men of valor.'
גִּבּוֹרֵ֥יthe mighty men ofadj m pl constr (substantival) · גִּבּוֹר (H1368)Genitive complement of construct וְכֹל; construct governing הֶחָיִלגִּבּוֹר (H1368), see v.2; substantival use, 'warriors, mighty men.'
הֶחָֽיִלvalorart + N m sg abs · חַיִל (H2428)Genitive complement of construct גִּבּוֹרֵיחַיִל (H2428) 'strength, valor, army'; 'mighty men of valor' is the standard designation for elite warriors, underscoring the seriousness of Israel's mobilization.
8
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֤ה אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ אַל תִּירָ֣א מֵהֶ֔ם כִּ֥י בְיָדְךָ֖ נְתַתִּ֑ים לֹֽא יַעֲמֹ֥ד אִ֛ישׁ מֵהֶ֖ם בְּפָנֶֽיךָ
And YHWH said to Joshua, "Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you."
The chapter's theological center of gravity: before the forced march or a single blow is struck, YHWH pre-announces total victory with a prophetic perfect ('I have given'). This oracle authorizes everything that follows — the rout, the hailstones, and the halted sun are all downstream enactments of a verdict already rendered here.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — introducing the divine oracleאָמַר (H559), see v.4; YHWH speaks directly to Joshua, the chapter's key oracle of assurance.
יְהוָ֤הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068), Israel's covenant God, the personal name revealed at the burning bush (Exod 3); speaks directly here, framing the coming battle as divine war.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וַיֹּאמֶראֶל (H413), introduces the addressee, Joshua.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙JoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of preposition אֶליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
אַלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle with jussive/volitional forceאַל (H408), see v.6.
תִּירָ֣אfearQal jussive 2ms (negated) · יָרֵא (H3372)Volitional main verb (negative prohibition, divine oracle)→ Jussive/volitional (negated): the paradigm 'fear not' formula of the holy-war oracleיָרֵא (H3372), see v.2; the negated jussive is the standard holy-war assurance given before major engagements (cf. 1:9; 8:1).
מֵהֶ֔םthemprep מִן + 3mp suff · מִן (H4480)Prepositional complement of תִּירָאמִן with 3mp suffix, 'from them' — the object of fearing.
כִּ֥יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction grounding the assuranceכִּי (H3588) causal, introducing the divine warrant for fearlessness.
בְיָדְךָ֖into your handprep בְּ + N com sg constr + 2ms suff · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase (locative/instrumental), fronted for emphasisיָד (H3027), see v.6; 'into your hand' is the standard idiom of divine transfer of victory (cf. 2:24; 6:2; 8:1).
נְתַתִּ֑יםI have given themQal perf 1cs + 3mp suff · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (prophetic perfect)→ Perfective (prophetic perfect): future victory declared as an already-accomplished fact — the 'perfect of certainty'נָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; YHWH's declarative grant of victory precedes the battle, the theological ground of holy war.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle with the indicative יַעֲמֹדלֹא (H3808), absolute negation, stronger than אַל — denying the possibility categorically.
יַעֲמֹ֥דshall standQal impf 3ms · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate verb of the negated main clause→ Imperfective: future/modal, categorical denial of the enemy's ability to resistעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; the same root that will govern the sun's 'standing still' in v.13 — a verbal thread linking the battle's outcome to its cosmic sign.
אִ֛ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of יַעֲמֹדאִישׁ (H376), see v.2; distributive singular, 'not a single man.'
מֵהֶ֖םof themprep מִן + 3mp suff · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (partitive), modifying אִישׁמִן with 3mp suffix, partitive 'of/from them.'
בְּפָנֶֽיךָbefore youprep בְּ + N com pl constr + 2ms suff · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase modifying יַעֲמֹדפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; with בְּ + suffix, 'in your presence, before you' — the enemy cannot even stand in confrontation.
9
וַיָּבֹ֧א אֲלֵיהֶ֛ם יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ פִּתְאֹ֑ם כָּל הַלַּ֕יְלָה עָלָ֖ה מִן הַגִּלְגָּֽל
So Joshua came upon them suddenly, having marched up from Gilgal all night.
A compact tactical summary: the sentence states the effect (sudden arrival) before its cause (the all-night march), foregrounding the surprise that fulfills YHWH's assurance in v.8. The forced march from Gilgal to Gibeon (roughly 20 miles of ascent) is left understated, letting 'suddenly' carry the drama.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיָּבֹ֧אand he camewaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the climactic arrivalבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; Joshua's surprise arrival at the battlefield, the payoff of the all-night march.
אֲלֵיהֶ֛םupon themprep אֶל + 3mp suff · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וַיָּבֹאאֶל with 3mp suffix; here directional/hostile, 'against/upon them' — the coalition besieging Gibeon.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיָּבֹאיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
פִּתְאֹ֑םsuddenlyadv · פִּתְאֹם (H6597)Adverbial modifier of וַיָּבֹאפִּתְאֹם (H6597) 'suddenly'; emphasizes surprise, the tactical payoff of the forced night march — the coalition is caught unprepared.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), adverbial accusative of durationכֹּל (H3605), construct before 'the night.'
הַלַּ֕יְלָהthe nightart + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Genitive complement of construct כָּללַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; 'all the night' is an adverbial accusative of duration, specifying the march lasted the entire night.
עָלָ֖הhe went upQal perf 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb of explanatory clause (circumstantial/summarizing)→ Perfective: summarizing the completed march just narratedעָלָה (H5927), see v.4; this clause explains HOW Joshua arrived suddenly — by ascending through the night.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase of source/originמִן (H4480), see v.7.
הַגִּלְגָּֽלGilgalart + N proper · גִּלְגָּל (H1537)Object of preposition מִןגִּלְגָּל (H1537), see v.6.
10
וַיְהֻמֵּ֤ם יְהוָה֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיַּכֵּ֥ם מַכָּֽה גְדוֹלָ֖ה בְּגִבְע֑וֹן וַֽיִּרְדְּפֵ֗ם דֶּ֚רֶךְ מַעֲלֵ֣ה בֵית חוֹרֹ֔ן וַיַּכֵּ֥ם עַד עֲזֵקָ֖ה וְעַד מַקֵּדָֽה
And YHWH threw them into confusion before Israel, and struck them with a great blow at Gibeon, and pursued them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon, and struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah.
YHWH is the grammatical subject of every verb in this verse — confused, struck, pursued, struck — with Israel demoted to a prepositional phrase ('before Israel'). The rout is deliberately narrated as divine warfare fulfilling v.8's oracle before the hailstones (v.11) and the halted sun (vv.12-14) intensify the same point.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיְהֻמֵּ֤םand he threw them into confusionwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + 3mp suff · הָמַם (H2000)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, subject YHWH)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the decisive divine interventionהָמַם (H2000) 'to confuse, throw into panic'; a holy-war term (cf. Exod 14:24 of Egypt at the sea) — YHWH, not Israel's sword, is the primary agent of the rout.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְהֻמֵּםיְהוָה (H3068), see v.8.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase modifying וַיְהֻמֵּםפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; 'before Israel' marks Israel as the (secondary) instrument while YHWH is the primary actor.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct לִפְנֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
וַיַּכֵּ֥םand he struck themwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + 3mp suff · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence (subject still YHWH)→ Wayyiqtol: sequential divine actionנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil, see v.4; the first of two 'strikings' in this verse — grammatically YHWH remains the acting subject even as Israel's army wields the sword.
מַכָּֽהa blowN f sg abs · מַכָּה (H4347)Direct object (cognate to the verb) of וַיַּכֵּםמַכָּה (H4347) 'blow, strike, defeat'; cognate to the verb נָכָה, intensifying the description.
גְדוֹלָ֖הgreatadj f sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying מַכָּהגָּדוֹל (H1419), see v.2; modifies מַכָּה, 'a great blow/defeat.'
בְּגִבְע֑וֹןat Gibeonprep בְּ + N proper · גִּבְעוֹן (H1391)Locative prepositional phraseגִּבְעוֹן (H1391), see v.1; site of the initial rout, before the pursuit down the Beth-horon descent.
וַֽיִּרְדְּפֵ֗םand he pursued themwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + 3mp suff · רָדַף (H7291)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential advance — pursuit following the routרָדַף (H7291) 'to pursue'; the rout becomes a running pursuit down the Beth-horon pass.
דֶּ֚רֶךְthe way ofN com sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial accusative (construct chain, route description)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; opens the route description, 'by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon.'
מַעֲלֵ֣הthe ascent ofN f sg constr · מַעֲלֶה (H4609)Construct chain (genitival), in apposition to דֶּרֶךְמַעֲלֶה (H4609) 'ascent, slope'; the steep road connecting the hill country to the coastal plain.
בֵיתBeth-N proper · בֵּית (H1032)Genitive complement of construct מַעֲלֵה (first element of place name)בֵּית (H1032), first element of the place name בֵּית חוֹרוֹן, 'house of Horon' (a Canaanite deity); the upper and lower Beth-horons controlled this strategic pass.
חוֹרֹ֔ן-horonN proper · חוֹרֹן (H1032)Second element of the place name בֵּית חוֹרוֹןחוֹרוֹן, second element of בֵּית חוֹרוֹן; the famous descent where the rout turns into a full pursuit.
וַיַּכֵּ֥םand he struck themwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + 3mp suff · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential advanceנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil; the second 'striking,' now specifying the pursuit's geographic extent.
עַדas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase marking the pursuit's terminusעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; marks the terminus of the pursuit route.
עֲזֵקָ֖הAzekahN proper · עֲזֵקָה (H5825)Object of preposition עַדעֲזֵקָה (H5825) Azekah, a Shephelah town marking the southwestern limit of the initial pursuit.
וְעַדand as far asconj וְ + prep · עַד (H5704)Coordinate prepositional phraseעַד with וְ, extending the pursuit's terminus to a second point, Makkedah.
מַקֵּדָֽהMakkedahN proper · מַקֵּדָה (H4719)Object of preposition עַדמַקֵּדָה (H4719) Makkedah, the Shephelah town where the five kings will take refuge in the cave (v.16) — introduced here as the pursuit's endpoint.
11
וַיְהִ֞י בְּנֻסָ֣ם מִפְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל הֵ֞ם בְּמוֹרַ֤ד בֵּית חוֹרֹן֙ וַֽיהוָ֡ה הִשְׁלִ֣יךְ עֲלֵיהֶם֩ אֲבָנִ֨ים גְּדֹל֧וֹת מִן הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם עַד עֲזֵקָ֖ה וַיָּמֻ֑תוּ רַבִּ֗ים אֲשֶׁר מֵ֨תוּ֙ בְּאַבְנֵ֣י הַבָּרָ֔ד מֵאֲשֶׁ֥ר הָרְג֛וּ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בֶּחָֽרֶב
And as they fled before Israel, at the descent of Beth-horon, YHWH threw down great stones from heaven upon them as far as Azekah, and they died — more died from the hailstones than the sons of Israel killed with the sword.
The verse pivots on a stark statistical comparison: hail kills more than sword. Fronting וְ.יהוה before its verb spotlights YHWH as agent, and the double אֲשֶׁר clauses set human and divine casualty-counts in explicit rivalry — Israel's valor is real but subordinate to YHWH fighting from heaven, recalling the Exodus hail-plague against Egypt.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
וַיְהִ֞יand it came to passwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (chapter-internal narrative marker)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, introducing a new development within the routהָיָה (H1961), see v.1; here launches the hailstone episode as a distinct beat within the battle narrative.
בְּנֻסָ֣םas they fledprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 3mp suff · נוּס (H5127)Temporal infinitive clause (subordinate to וַיְהִי)→ Infinitive construct: temporal, describing the ongoing flightנוּס (H5127) 'to flee'; with בְּ + infinitive construct, a temporal clause, 'while/as they were fleeing.'
מִפְּנֵ֣יfrom beforeprep מִן + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase modifying בְּנֻסָםפָּנִים (H6440); 'from the face of' = 'from before, away from.'
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct מִפְּנֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
הֵ֞םtheyindependent pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Resumptive emphatic subject pronounהֵם (H1992), see v.5; resumes the fleeing coalition as subject.
בְּמוֹרַ֤דat the descent ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · מוֹרָד (H4174)Locative prepositional phrase (construct)מוֹרָד (H4174) 'descent, slope'; the downward side of the Beth-horon pass, opposite מַעֲלֶה (the ascent) in v.10.
בֵּיתBeth-N proper · בֵּית (H1032)Genitive complement of construct מוֹרַד (first element of place name)בֵּית (H1032), see v.10.
חוֹרֹן֙-horonN proper · חוֹרֹן (H1032)Second element of the place name בֵּית חוֹרוֹןחוֹרוֹן, see v.10; the pass's lower slope, where the hailstones catch the fleeing coalition.
וַֽיהוָ֡הand YHWHconj וְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject, fronted before the verb for emphasisיְהוָה (H3068); fronted before its verb for emphasis — YHWH, not mere terrain or chance, is the direct cause of these deaths.
הִשְׁלִ֣יךְthrew downHiphil perf 3ms · שָׁלַךְ (H7993)Predicate verb (main clause, subject YHWH)→ Perfective: a decisive, direct divine actשָׁלַךְ (H7993) Hiphil 'to throw, cast'; describes YHWH's direct meteorological assault on the fleeing army.
עֲלֵיהֶם֩upon themprep עַל + 3mp suff · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of הִשְׁלִיךְעַל with 3mp suffix, 'upon them,' marking the fleeing coalition as the target.
אֲבָנִ֨יםstonesN f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct object of הִשְׁלִיךְאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; here the massive hailstones, explicitly identified as בָּרָד later in the verse.
גְּדֹל֧וֹתgreatadj f pl abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying אֲבָנִיםגָּדוֹל (H1419), see v.2; emphasizes the hailstones' extraordinary, lethal size.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase of source/originמִן (H4480), see v.7.
הַשָּׁמַ֛יִםheavenart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Object of preposition מִןשָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heaven, sky'; the stones' celestial origin underscores that this is YHWH's own weapon, not natural chance.
עַדas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase marking extentעַד (H5704), see v.10.
עֲזֵקָ֖הAzekahN proper · עֲזֵקָה (H5825)Object of preposition עַדעֲזֵקָה (H5825), see v.10.
וַיָּמֻ֑תוּand they diedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · מוּת (H4191)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential result — the hailstones' lethal effectמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the hailstones' effect on the fleeing coalition.
רַבִּ֗יםmoreadj m pl abs (comparative sense) · רַב (H7227)Predicate adjective heading a comparative constructionרַב (H7227) 'many, much'; here comparative, 'more (were those who died by hail) than...'
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing a substantival relative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle introducing the description of those who died by hail.
מֵ֨תוּ֙diedQal perf 3cp · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: completed factמוּת (H4191); repeats the death-verb specifying the hailstone casualties.
בְּאַבְנֵ֣יby the stones ofprep בְּ + N f pl constr · אֶבֶן (H68)Instrumental prepositional phrase (construct)אֶבֶן (H68), construct; instrumental בְּ, 'by means of the stones of.'
הַבָּרָ֔דthe hailart + N m sg abs · בָּרָד (H1259)Genitive complement of construct בְּאַבְנֵיבָּרָד (H1259) 'hail'; identifies the great stones as hailstones — a divinely weaponized storm, recalling the Exodus plague (Exod 9:23-25).
מֵאֲשֶׁ֥רthan those whomprep מִן + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative particle introducing the second relative clauseמִן + אֲשֶׁר, comparative construction, 'more than those whom.'
הָרְג֛וּkilledQal perf 3cp · הָרַג (H2026)Predicate verb of the second relative clause→ Perfective: completed factהָרַג (H2026) 'to kill, slay'; the sword-casualties inflicted by Israel, set in explicit comparison to the hail-casualties.
בְּנֵ֥יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival), subject of הָרְגוּבֵּן (H1121), see v.4.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct בְּנֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
בֶּחָֽרֶבwith the swordprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying הָרְגוּחֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword'; instrumental בְּ, marking Israel's human weapon as explicitly LESS lethal than YHWH's hail — the chapter's clearest statement that heaven outfought the army.
12
אָ֣ז יְדַבֵּ֤ר יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֙ לַֽיהוָ֔ה בְּי֗וֹם תֵּ֤ת יְהוָה֙ אֶת הָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔י לִפְנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְעֵינֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל שֶׁ֚מֶשׁ בְּגִבְע֣וֹן דּ֔וֹם וְיָרֵ֖חַ בְּעֵ֥מֶק אַיָּלֽוֹן
Then Joshua spoke to YHWH, on the day when YHWH gave up the Amorites before the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: "Sun, in Gibeon be still, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon."
The prose frame ('then Joshua spoke to YHWH... and said in the sight of Israel') carefully brackets the poetic couplet as both prayer and public proclamation. The shift from narrative wayyiqtol prose to terse, parallel vocative poetry (שֶׁמֶשׁ / יָרֵחַ, גִּבְעוֹן / אַיָּלוֹן) signals a quotation from an older poetic source, made explicit in v.13's citation of the Book of Jashar.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
אָ֣זthenadv · אָז (H227)Temporal adverb marking a shift to elevated registerאָז (H227) 'then, at that time'; introduces the poetic apostrophe that follows, a change of register from prose narrative to invocation.
יְדַבֵּ֤רspokePiel impf (preterite use after אָז) 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, solemn address to YHWH)→ Imperfect (preterite idiom after אָז): a solemn, formal act of speakingדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the imperfect after אָז carries a past/preterite nuance, a known Hebrew idiom, introducing Joshua's address to YHWH before the quoted command.
יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֙JoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of יְדַבֵּריְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
לַֽיהוָ֔הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional complement of יְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), see v.8; Joshua addresses YHWH directly before commanding sun and moon — the command that follows is framed as prayer/oracle, not magic.
בְּי֗וֹםin the dayprep בְּ + N m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase (construct, opening a temporal clause)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; construct opening a temporal clause specifying WHEN Joshua spoke.
תֵּ֤תgaveQal inf constr · נָתַן (H5414)Temporal infinitive clause, complement of בְּיוֹם→ Infinitive construct: temporal, marking the moment victory is grantedנָתַן (H5414), see v.8; infinitive construct after בְּיוֹם, 'on the day of YHWH's giving.'
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of the infinitive clause תֵּתיְהוָה (H3068), see v.8.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of תֵּת)אֵת (H853), marking הָאֱמֹרִי as the definite object; untranslated.
הָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔יthe Amoriteart + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Direct object of תֵּתאֱמֹרִי (H567), see v.5; collective singular for the coalition as a whole.
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase modifying תֵּתפָּנִים (H6440), see v.10.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121), see v.4.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct בְּנֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing the quoted command→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, introducing direct speechאָמַר (H559), see v.4; introduces the direct quotation of Joshua's celebrated command.
לְעֵינֵ֣יin the eyes ofprep לְ + N com dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase modifying וַיֹּאמֶרעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; 'in the eyes of Israel' = publicly, in Israel's sight — the command is uttered before witnesses, not privately.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct לְעֵינֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
שֶׁ֚מֶשׁsunN com sg abs (vocative) · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Vocative (direct address, opening the command)שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'sun'; direct address/vocative, apostrophizing a celestial body as Joshua's command begins — the chapter's most celebrated line.
בְּגִבְע֣וֹןin Gibeonprep בְּ + N proper · גִּבְעוֹן (H1391)Locative prepositional phraseגִּבְעוֹן (H1391), see v.1; locates the sun over Gibeon, the site of the initial battle.
דּ֔וֹםbe stillQal impv 2ms · דָּמַם (H1826)Volitional main verb (imperative addressed to the sun)→ Volitional (imperative): a command addressed to a celestial body, extraordinary in both address and contentדָּמַם (H1826) 'to be silent, still, stop'; the command halting the sun's motion — the chapter's most celebrated line.
וְיָרֵ֖חַand moonconj וְ + N m sg abs (vocative) · יָרֵחַ (H3394)Coordinate vocative (second addressee, verb דּוֹם governs both by ellipsis)יָרֵחַ (H3394) 'moon'; paired with שֶׁמֶשׁ in synonymous parallelism, the command's second addressee.
בְּעֵ֥מֶקin the valley ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · עֵמֶק (H6010)Locative prepositional phrase (construct)עֵמֶק (H6010) 'valley'; construct opening the moon's location.
אַיָּלֽוֹןAijalonN proper · אַיָּלוֹן (H357)Genitive complement of construct בְּעֵמֶקאַיָּלוֹן (H357) Aijalon, a valley northwest of Jerusalem; paired with Gibeon, the two place-names locate sun and moon at opposite points on the horizon, suggesting (on one reading) a full day's arc frozen in place.
13
וַיִּדֹּ֨ם הַשֶּׁ֜מֶשׁ וְיָרֵ֣חַ עָמָ֗ד עַד יִקֹּ֥ם גּוֹי֙ אֹֽיְבָ֔יו הֲלֹא הִ֥יא כְתוּבָ֖ה עַל סֵ֣פֶר הַיָּשָׁ֑ר וַיַּעֲמֹ֤ד הַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙ בַּחֲצִ֣י הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וְלֹא אָ֥ץ לָב֖וֹא כְּי֥וֹם תָּמִֽים
So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on its enemies. (Is it not written in the Book of Jashar?) So the sun stood still in the middle of the heavens and did not hasten to set for about a whole day.
The verse fulfills the poem, cites its written source (the lost Book of Jashar, also behind 2 Sam 1:18), then restates the miracle in prose with added precision ('in the middle of the heavens,' 'did not hasten to set,' 'about a whole day'). Interpreters divide over how literally to press the image: extended literal daylight, a poetic idiom for swift/decisive victory, an eclipse or omen-language reading of דמם/עמד, or a liturgical hyperbole — the text itself insists only that the day was unprecedented and that YHWH 'listened to the voice of a man' (v.14).
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיִּדֹּ֨םand it was stillwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּמַם (H1826)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (fulfillment of the command)→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative fulfillment of the preceding poetic commandדָּמַם (H1826), see v.12; the narrative confirms the sun's compliance with Joshua's command — poetic imperative fulfilled in prose wayyiqtol.
הַשֶּׁ֜מֶשׁthe sunart + N com sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Subject of וַיִּדֹּםשֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121), see v.12.
וְיָרֵ֣חַand the moonconj וְ + N m sg abs · יָרֵחַ (H3394)Coordinate subject of עָמָדיָרֵחַ (H3394), see v.12.
עָמָ֗דstoppedQal perf 3ms · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate verb (coordinate with וַיִּדֹּם, gapped construction)→ Perfective: a state entered and maintainedעָמַד (H5975), see v.8; the same root used of the enemy's inability to 'stand' before Israel now describes the moon 'standing still' — the verbal thread unifying vv.8 and 12-13's cosmic sign.
עַדuntilprep (temporal) · עַד (H5704)Temporal conjunction/preposition introducing the bounding clauseעַד (H5704), see v.10; here temporal, 'until.'
יִקֹּ֥םtook vengeanceQal impf 3ms · נָקַם (H5358)Predicate verb of the temporal (עַד) clause→ Imperfective (past-referring, in a עַד-clause): the ongoing action bounding the sun's stillnessנָקַם (H5358) 'to avenge, take vengeance'; the stated purpose of the extended daylight — completing Israel's victory before nightfall.
גּוֹי֙the nationN m sg abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Subject of יִקֹּםגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation'; here referring to Israel, an unusual but not unique designation for the covenant people in a military context.
אֹֽיְבָ֔יוits enemiesQal ptc m pl constr + 3ms suff (substantival) · אֹיֵב (H341)Direct object of יִקֹּם→ Participle: substantival, 'enemies' as an ongoing classאֹיֵב (H341) substantival participle 'enemy'; with 3ms suffix, 'its enemies' — the fleeing Amorite coalition.
הֲלֹאis it notinterrog הֲ + negative · לֹא (H3808)Interrogative particle forming a rhetorical question (citation formula)הֲ interrogative + לֹא negative, forming a rhetorical question expecting 'yes' — a standard source-citation formula.
הִ֥יאitindependent pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject of the nominal clause (referring back to the preceding statement)הִיא (H1931), see v.2; resumes the preceding statement as its referent, 'is it not written...'
כְתוּבָ֖הwrittenQal passive ptc f sg abs · כָּתַב (H3789)Predicate (passive participle) of the nominal clause→ Participle (passive, stative): a completed, standing state — 'is/stands written'כָּתַב (H3789) Qal passive participle 'written'; the source-citation formula, appealing to an external written record.
עַלinprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase modifying כְתוּבָהעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; here 'in' (a scroll/book).
סֵ֣פֶרthe book ofN m sg constr · סֵפֶר (H5612)Construct chain, object of preposition עַלסֵפֶר (H5612) 'book, scroll'; construct opening the title of the cited source.
הַיָּשָׁ֑רJasharart + adj m sg abs (substantivized as title) · יָשָׁר (H3477)Genitive complement of construct סֵפֶריָשָׁר (H3477) 'upright, straight'; substantivized as a proper title, 'the Book of Jashar' — a now-lost poetic anthology also cited in 2 Sam 1:18, evidently the source of the sun-moon couplet just quoted.
וַיַּעֲמֹ֤דand it stoodwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָמַד (H5975)Wayyiqtol resuming the narrative after the parenthetical citation→ Wayyiqtol: resumptive narrative advance, restating and elaborating the sun's haltעָמַד (H5975), see above; resumes the narrative after the parenthetical citation, restating and expanding the sun's stillness.
הַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙the sunart + N com sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Subject of וַיַּעֲמֹדשֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121), see v.12.
בַּחֲצִ֣יin the half ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · חֲצִי (H2677)Locative prepositional phrase (construct)חֲצִי (H2677) 'half'; construct, 'in the middle of the heavens' — a precise astronomical description of the sun's position, noon.
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Genitive complement of construct בַּחֲצִישָׁמַיִם (H8064), see v.11.
וְלֹאand did notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating אָץלֹא (H3808), see v.8; negates the following verb.
אָ֥ץhastenQal perf 3ms (negated) · אוּץ (H213)Predicate verb (negated), subject the sun→ Perfective (negated): describing the abnormal, suspended state of the dayאוּץ (H213) 'to hurry, hasten'; negated, 'did not hasten' — the sun's motion is not merely halted but its normal haste to set is suspended.
לָב֖וֹאto setprep לְ + Qal inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Infinitive construct complement of אָץ→ Infinitive construct: complementary, specifying what was not hastenedבּוֹא (H935), see v.9; here idiomatically 'to set' (of the sun going down).
כְּי֥וֹםlike a dayprep כְּ + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Comparative prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117), see v.12; comparative, 'like a (whole) day' — describing the extraordinary duration.
תָּמִֽיםwholeadj m sg abs · תָּמִים (H8549)Attributive adjective modifying יוֹםתָּמִים (H8549) 'complete, whole, blameless'; modifies יוֹם, 'a full/complete day' — the famous 'about a whole day' of extended daylight.
14
וְלֹ֨א הָיָ֜ה כַּיּ֤וֹם הַהוּא֙ לְפָנָ֣יו וְאַחֲרָ֔יו לִשְׁמֹ֥עַ יְהוָ֖ה בְּק֣וֹל אִ֑ישׁ כִּ֣י יְהוָ֔ה נִלְחָ֖ם לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל
And there has been no day like it before or since, when YHWH listened to the voice of a man, for YHWH fought for Israel.
The narrator steps back to editorialize, framing the day as absolutely unique across all of history ('before it or after it'). The real wonder named is not astronomical but relational — YHWH 'listening to the voice of a man' — and the closing כִּי-clause supplies the chapter's thesis sentence, echoed structurally throughout: YHWH fought for Israel.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְלֹ֨אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating הָיָהלֹא (H3808), see v.8.
הָיָ֜הthere wasQal perf 3ms (negated) · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (existential, main clause)→ Perfective: a summarizing statement, comprehensive negationהָיָה (H1961), see v.1; existential, 'there has been (no day like it).'
כַּיּ֤וֹםlike the dayprep כְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Comparative prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117), see v.12; comparative, 'like that day.'
הַהוּא֙thatart + independent pron 3ms (demonstrative) · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative modifier of הַיּוֹםהוּא (H1931), see v.7; with article, functions as demonstrative 'that (day).'
לְפָנָ֣יוbefore itprep לְ + N com pl constr + 3ms suff · פָּנִים (H6440)Temporal prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440), see v.10; temporal, 'before it' = previously.
וְאַחֲרָ֔יוand after itconj וְ + prep + 3ms suff · אַחַר (H310)Coordinate temporal prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after'; with 3ms suffix, 'and after it' = subsequently — together spanning all of history, past and future, up to the narrator's time.
לִשְׁמֹ֥עַlisteningprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁמַע (H8085)Infinitive construct (epexegetical, explaining the day's uniqueness)→ Infinitive construct: epexegetical, explaining in what respect the day was uniqueשָׁמַע (H8085), see v.1; specifies the day's uniqueness — YHWH's responsiveness to a human voice.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of the infinitive לִשְׁמֹעַיְהוָה (H3068), see v.8.
בְּק֣וֹלto the voice ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · קוֹל (H6963)Prepositional phrase, object of לִשְׁמֹעַקוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; construct, the object of YHWH's listening.
אִ֑ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Genitive complement of construct בְּקוֹלאִישׁ (H376), see v.2; 'the voice of a man' — Joshua, a mortal, is heeded by the sovereign of heaven.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction grounding the entire preceding statementכִּי (H3588) causal, introducing the chapter's theological summary.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נִלְחָםיְהוָה (H3068), see v.8.
נִלְחָ֖םfoughtNiphal perf 3ms · לָחַם (H3898)Predicate verb (main clause, chapter's summary statement)→ Perfective: a summarizing statement of the day's controlling realityלָחַם (H3898) Niphal, see v.5; the chapter's theological summary — the entire battle, rout to hailstones to halted sun, was YHWH fighting for Israel.
לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽלfor Israelprep לְ + N proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Prepositional phrase (dative of advantage)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1; dative of advantage, 'on behalf of Israel.'
15
וַיָּ֤שָׁב יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ וְכָל יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל עִמּ֔וֹ אֶל הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה הַגִּלְגָּֽלָה
Then Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.
This terse notice of return sits oddly mid-campaign — the cave-siege and pursuit continue through v.27 and the southern campaign has not yet begun. Most commentators take it as a summarizing anticipation of the eventual return narrated properly in v.43, perhaps marking the end of the poetic/citation unit (vv.12-14) before the narrative resumes the Makkedah action.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיָּ֤שָׁבand he returnedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance, though its position (fighting resumes in v.16) marks this verse as a proleptic summary or redactional seam anticipating v.43שׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; this verse, nearly duplicated at the chapter's actual close (v.43), is widely read as a summarizing anticipation rather than a mid-campaign event.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙JoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיָּשָׁביְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), coordinate subjectכֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct כָּליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
עִמּ֔וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suff · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase modifying the subject complexעִם (H5973), see v.7.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וַיָּשָׁבאֶל (H413), see v.6.
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖הthe campart + N com sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Object of preposition אֶלמַחֲנֶה (H4264), see v.6.
הַגִּלְגָּֽלָהat Gilgalart + N proper + directional ה suff · גִּלְגָּל (H1537)Appositional locativeגִּלְגָּל (H1537), see v.6.
16
וַיָּנֻ֕סוּ חֲמֵ֖שֶׁת הַמְּלָכִ֣ים הָאֵ֑לֶּה וַיֵּחָבְא֥וּ בַמְּעָרָ֖ה בְּמַקֵּדָֽה
And these five kings fled and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah.
The narrative camera pulls away from the general pursuit to track the five kings specifically, launching the Makkedah cave sequence (vv.16-27) that runs alongside the ongoing rout described in v.20.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיָּנֻ֕סוּand they fledwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נוּס (H5127)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, subject the five kings)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, shifting focus to the kings specificallyנוּס (H5127), see v.11; the five kings' personal flight, distinct from the general rout of their armies.
חֲמֵ֖שֶׁתthe five ofnum m sg constr · חָמֵשׁ (H2568)Construct chain (genitival), subject of וַיָּנֻסוּחָמֵשׁ (H2568), see v.5.
הַמְּלָכִ֣יםthe kingsart + N m pl abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive complement of construct חֲמֵשֶׁתמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.1; definite plural, referring back to the coalition already introduced.
הָאֵ֑לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַמְּלָכִיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; resumes the five kings named in vv.3/5.
וַיֵּחָבְא֥וּand they hid themselveswaw-consec + Niphal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָבָא (H2244)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential advance — the kings' desperate refugeחָבָא (H2244) Niphal 'to hide oneself'; sets up the cave-siege scene of vv.16-27.
בַמְּעָרָ֖הin the caveprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · מְעָרָה (H4631)Locative prepositional phraseמְעָרָה (H4631) 'cave'; the kings' hiding place, which becomes their prison and eventually their tomb (v.27).
בְּמַקֵּדָֽהat Makkedahprep בְּ + N proper · מַקֵּדָה (H4719)Locative prepositional phraseמַקֵּדָה (H4719), see v.10.
17
וַיֻּגַּ֖ד לִיהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ לֵאמֹ֑ר נִמְצְאוּ֙ חֲמֵ֣שֶׁת הַמְּלָכִ֔ים נֶחְבְּאִ֥ים בַּמְּעָרָ֖ה בְּמַקֵּדָֽה
And it was told to Joshua, "The five kings have been found hiding in the cave at Makkedah."
A passive report-verb (וַיֻּגַּד) relays intelligence to Joshua, mirroring the reporting formulas that opened the chapter (v.1) — information continues to trigger every decisive action in this narrative.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיֻּגַּ֖דand it was toldwaw-consec + Hophal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָגַד (H5046)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (passive construction)→ Wayyiqtol (passive): sequential narrative advanceנָגַד (H5046) Hophal 'to be told, reported'; passive construction, the report reaching Joshua.
לִיהוֹשֻׁ֣עַto Joshuaprep לְ + N proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Prepositional complement of וַיֻּגַּדיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: quotative frame introducing the reportאָמַר (H559), see v.4.
נִמְצְאוּ֙have been foundNiphal perf 3cp · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb of the quoted report (passive)→ Perfective (passive/stative): a discovered, present stateמָצָא (H4672) Niphal 'to be found'; passive, describing the kings' discovery in hiding.
חֲמֵ֣שֶׁתthe five ofnum m sg constr · חָמֵשׁ (H2568)Construct chain (genitival), subject of נִמְצְאוּחָמֵשׁ (H2568), see v.5.
הַמְּלָכִ֔יםthe kingsart + N m pl abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive complement of construct חֲמֵשֶׁתמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.16.
נֶחְבְּאִ֥יםhidingNiphal ptc m pl abs · חָבָא (H2244)Attributive/predicative participle describing the kings' state→ Participle: attributive/stative, describing an ongoing conditionחָבָא (H2244), see v.16; describes the kings' ongoing concealed state at the moment of discovery.
בַּמְּעָרָ֖הin the caveprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · מְעָרָה (H4631)Locative prepositional phraseמְעָרָה (H4631), see v.16.
בְּמַקֵּדָֽהat Makkedahprep בְּ + N proper · מַקֵּדָה (H4719)Locative prepositional phraseמַקֵּדָה (H4719), see v.10.
18
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ גֹּ֛לּוּ אֲבָנִ֥ים גְּדֹל֖וֹת אֶל פִּ֣י הַמְּעָרָ֑ה וְהַפְקִ֧ידוּ עָלֶ֛יהָ אֲנָשִׁ֖ים לְשָׁמְרָֽם
And Joshua said, "Roll great stones against the mouth of the cave, and appoint men by it to guard them."
Joshua deliberately defers the kings' execution — securing them alive is a calculated choice, prioritizing the still-fleeing armies (v.19) before dealing with the captured leaders in vv.22-27.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559), see v.4.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
גֹּ֛לּוּrollQal impv 2mp · גָּלַל (H1556)Volitional main verb (imperative, command to Israel's troops)→ Volitional: imperative commandגָּלַל (H1556) 'to roll'; the command sealing the kings in, delaying their execution until after the pursuit.
אֲבָנִ֥יםstonesN f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct object of גֹּלּוּאֶבֶן (H68), see v.11.
גְּדֹל֖וֹתgreatadj f pl abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying אֲבָנִיםגָּדוֹל (H1419), see v.2.
אֶלagainstprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of גֹּלּוּאֶל (H413), see v.6.
פִּ֣יthe mouth ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Construct chain (genitival), object of preposition אֶלפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; idiom for the opening/entrance of the cave.
הַמְּעָרָ֑הthe caveart + N f sg abs · מְעָרָה (H4631)Genitive complement of construct פִּימְעָרָה (H4631), see v.16.
וְהַפְקִ֧ידוּand appointconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2mp · פָּקַד (H6485)Coordinate volitional verb (imperative)→ Volitional: coordinate imperativeפָּקַד (H6485) Hiphil 'to appoint, set in charge'; assigning guards to secure the cave.
עָלֶ֛יהָover itprep עַל + 3fs suff · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of וְהַפְקִידוּעַל with 3fs suffix, referring to the cave (feminine); 'over/by it.'
אֲנָשִׁ֖יםmenN m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object of וְהַפְקִידוּאִישׁ (H376), see v.2; plural, the appointed guards.
לְשָׁמְרָֽםto guard themprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3mp suff · שָׁמַר (H8104)Infinitive construct expressing purpose→ Infinitive construct: purpose, 'in order to guard them'שָׁמַר (H8104) 'to guard, keep'; purpose clause — the men are stationed to keep the kings imprisoned.
19
וְאַתֶּם֙ אַֽל תַּעֲמֹ֔דוּ רִדְפוּ֙ אַחֲרֵ֣י אֹֽיְבֵיכֶ֔ם וְזִנַּבְתֶּ֖ם אוֹתָ֑ם אַֽל תִּתְּנ֗וּם לָבוֹא֙ אֶל עָ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם כִּ֧י נְתָנָ֛ם יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם בְּיֶדְכֶֽם
"But as for you, do not stand still; pursue your enemies and attack their rear; do not let them enter their cities, for YHWH your God has given them into your hand."
Joshua's second order (to the main army, contrasted with the cave-guards of v.18) drives home urgency with three volitional forms in a row — don't stand, pursue, cut off the rear — grounded once more in a כִּי-clause restating YHWH's gift of victory, echoing v.8 almost verbatim to the ordinary soldiers now.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְאַתֶּם֙but youconj וְ + independent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Fronted emphatic subject (contrastive)אַתֶּם (H859) 2mp pronoun; fronted for contrast — 'but as for YOU' (the pursuing troops), distinct from the guards just appointed in v.18.
אַֽלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle with jussive forceאַל (H408), see v.6.
תַּעֲמֹ֔דוּstandQal jussive 2mp (negated) · עָמַד (H5975)Volitional main verb (negative prohibition)→ Jussive/volitional (negated): prohibition against delayעָמַד (H5975), see v.8; 'do not stand [still]' — echoing the verb governing the enemy's inability to stand (v.8) and the sun's standing (v.13), now negatively commanding Israel's troops not to pause.
רִדְפוּ֙pursueQal impv 2mp · רָדַף (H7291)Volitional main verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeרָדַף (H7291), see v.10; command to continue the chase without pause.
אַחֲרֵ֣יafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional complement of רִדְפוּאַחַר (H310), see v.14; here spatial, 'after, behind.'
אֹֽיְבֵיכֶ֔םyour enemiesQal ptc m pl constr (substantival) + 2mp suff · אֹיֵב (H341)Object of preposition אַחֲרֵי→ Participle: substantival, 'enemies' as an ongoing classאֹיֵב (H341), see v.13; substantival participle with 2mp suffix.
וְזִנַּבְתֶּ֖םand attack the rear ofconj וְ + Piel weqatal 2mp · זָנַב (H2179)Weqatal continuing the imperative sequence→ Weqatal continuing imperative force: 'and cut off their rear'זָנַב (H2179) Piel 'to attack the rear/tail of'; a rare, vivid military term — cutting off stragglers at the tail of the fleeing column.
אוֹתָ֑םthemobj marker + 3mp suff · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker + suffix, object of וְזִנַּבְתֶּםאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, marking 'them' (the enemies) as direct object.
אַֽלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle with jussive forceאַל (H408), see v.6.
תִּתְּנ֗וּםlet themQal jussive 2mp (negated) + 3mp suff · נָתַן (H5414)Volitional main verb (negative prohibition)→ Jussive/volitional (negated): prohibitionנָתַן (H5414), see v.8; idiomatic 'do not give/allow them.'
לָבוֹא֙to enterprep לְ + Qal inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Infinitive construct, complementary→ Infinitive construct: complementaryבּוֹא (H935), see v.9; complementary infinitive, 'to enter/come into.'
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of לָבוֹאאֶל (H413), see v.6.
עָ֣רֵיהֶ֔םtheir citiesN f pl constr + 3mp suff · עִיר (H5892)Object of preposition אֶלעִיר (H5892), see v.2; with 3mp suffix, the coalition's own fortified cities, safety they must be denied.
כִּ֧יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction grounding the tactical orderכִּי (H3588) causal, grounding the command in divine promise.
נְתָנָ֛םhas given themQal perf 3ms + 3mp suff · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive divine actנָתַן (H5414), see v.8; the v.8 assurance repeated, grounding the tactical urgency in divine promise.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נְתָנָםיְהוָה (H3068), see v.8.
אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖םyour GodN m pl constr + 2mp suff · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430); with 2mp suffix, 'your God' — covenant relational language addressed directly to the troops.
בְּיֶדְכֶֽםinto your handprep בְּ + N com sg constr + 2mp suff · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase modifying נְתָנָםיָד (H3027), see v.6; with 2mp suffix, repeating the v.8 assurance now to the whole army.
20
וַיְהִי֩ כְּכַלּ֨וֹת יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ וּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל לְהַכּוֹתָ֛ם מַכָּ֥ה גְדוֹלָֽה מְאֹ֖ד עַד תֻּמָּ֑ם וְהַשְּׂרִידִים֙ שָׂרְד֣וּ מֵהֶ֔ם וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ אֶל עָרֵ֥י הַמִּבְצָֽר
And when Joshua and the sons of Israel had finished striking them with a very great blow, until they were finished off, the survivors who survived of them entered the fortified cities.
A summary statement closes the open-field slaughter before the narrative returns to Makkedah for the cave scene in v.21. The figura etymologica 'survivors survived' underscores how nearly total the destruction was — only scattered remnants reach walled safety.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיְהִי֩and it came to passwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961), see v.1.
כְּכַלּ֨וֹתwhen...finishedprep כְּ + Piel inf constr · כָּלָה (H3615)Temporal infinitive clause (subordinate to וַיְהִי)→ Infinitive construct: temporalכָּלָה (H3615) Piel 'to finish, complete'; with כְּ, temporal clause, 'when X finished.'
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of כְּכַלּוֹתיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
וּבְנֵ֣יand the sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate construct chain (genitival), coordinate subjectבֵּן (H1121), see v.4.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct בְּנֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
לְהַכּוֹתָ֛םstriking themprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr + 3mp suff · נָכָה (H5221)Infinitive construct complement of כְּכַלּוֹת→ Infinitive construct: complementary, specifying the completed actionנָכָה (H5221), see v.4; complementary infinitive specifying what was finished — striking down the fleeing coalition.
מַכָּ֥הa blowN f sg abs · מַכָּה (H4347)Direct object (cognate) of לְהַכּוֹתָםמַכָּה (H4347), see v.10.
גְדוֹלָֽהgreatadj f sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying מַכָּהגָּדוֹל (H1419), see v.2.
מְאֹ֖דveryadv · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifier modifying גְדוֹלָהמְאֹד (H3966), see v.2.
עַדuntilprep (temporal) · עַד (H5704)Temporal preposition introducing the infinitive תֻּמָּםעַד (H5704), see v.10.
תֻּמָּ֑םthey were finished offQal inf constr + 3mp suff · תָּמַם (H8552)Infinitive construct, temporal complement of עַד→ Infinitive construct: temporal, marking the terminus of the slaughterתָּמַם (H8552) 'to be complete, finished, consumed'; with עַד, 'until their being finished off' — a near-euphemism for near-annihilation.
וְהַשְּׂרִידִים֙and the survivorsconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · שָׂרִיד (H8300)Subject of שָׂרְדוּשָׂרִיד (H8300) 'survivor, remnant'; those who escaped the slaughter, defined immediately by the cognate verb that follows.
שָׂרְד֣וּsurvivedQal perf 3cp · שָׂרַד (H8277)Predicate verb (figura etymologica with שָׂרִיד)→ Perfective: completed factשָׂרַד (H8277) 'to survive, escape'; cognate to שָׂרִיד — 'the survivors survived' — emphasizing how few escaped.
מֵהֶ֔םof themprep מִן + 3mp suff · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (partitive), modifying הַשְּׂרִידִיםמִן with 3mp suffix, partitive 'of/from them.'
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּand they enteredwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935), see v.9; the survivors' flight to safety.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וַיָּבֹאוּאֶל (H413), see v.6.
עָרֵ֥יthe cities ofN f pl constr · עִיר (H5892)Construct chain (genitival), object of preposition אֶלעִיר (H5892), see v.2.
הַמִּבְצָֽרfortificationart + N m sg abs · מִבְצָר (H4013)Genitive complement of construct עָרֵימִבְצָר (H4013) 'fortification, stronghold'; 'cities of fortification' = fortified cities, the few strongholds able to shelter the routed remnant.
21
וַיָּשֻׁבוּ֩ כָל הָעָ֨ם אֶל הַמַּחֲנֶ֧ה אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ מַקֵּדָ֖ה בְּשָׁל֑וֹם לֹֽא חָרַ֞ץ לִבְנֵ֧י יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל לְאִ֖ישׁ אֶת לְשֹׁנֽוֹ
And all the people returned to the camp, to Joshua, at Makkedah, safely; no one sharpened his tongue against any of the sons of Israel.
The idiom 'no one sharpened his tongue' — echoing the Exodus plague narrative's 'not a dog shall move its tongue' (Exod 11:7) — signals that the victory was so total that not even a hostile word was risked against Israel, let alone a hostile act.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיָּשֻׁבוּ֩and they returnedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׁוּב (H7725), see v.15; the army's safe return to camp after the pursuit.
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), subject of וַיָּשֻׁבוּכֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
הָעָ֨םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive complement of construct כָּלעַם (H5971), see v.7; the army as a whole.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וַיָּשֻׁבוּאֶל (H413), see v.6.
הַמַּחֲנֶ֧הthe campart + N com sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Object of preposition אֶלמַחֲנֶה (H4264), see v.6.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Coordinate prepositional phraseאֶל (H413), see v.6.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of preposition אֶליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
מַקֵּדָ֖הat MakkedahN proper (appositional locative) · מַקֵּדָה (H4719)Appositional locative specifying the camp's locationמַקֵּדָה (H4719), see v.10; the camp's base has shifted from Gilgal to Makkedah, forward with the campaign.
בְּשָׁל֑וֹםsafelyprep בְּ + N m sg abs · שָׁלוֹם (H7965)Adverbial prepositional phrase modifying וַיָּשֻׁבוּשָׁלוֹם (H7965) 'peace, well-being, safety'; adverbial, 'in peace/safely' — not a single Israelite casualty.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating חָרַץלֹא (H3808), see v.8.
חָרַ֞ץsharpenedQal perf 3ms (negated) · חָרַץ (H2782)Predicate verb (main clause, idiomatic)→ Perfective (negated): a comprehensive, emphatic denialחָרַץ (H2782) 'to cut, sharpen, decide'; idiom 'sharpen the tongue' = utter a hostile word (cf. Exod 11:7's 'not a dog shall move its tongue') — total, uncontested victory.
לִבְנֵ֧יagainst the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase (dative/hostile) modifying חָרַץבֵּן (H1121), see v.4.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct לִבְנֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
לְאִ֖ישׁagainst any manprep לְ + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Prepositional phrase (distributive), in apposition to לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵלאִישׁ (H376), see v.2; distributive, 'to/against any man' — emphasizing totality.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of חָרַץ)אֵת (H853), marking לְשֹׁנוֹ as the definite direct object; untranslated.
לְשֹׁנֽוֹhis tongueN com sg constr + 3ms suff · לָשׁוֹן (H3956)Direct object of חָרַץלָשׁוֹן (H3956) 'tongue'; with 3ms suffix, completing the idiom 'sharpen the tongue' = utter a hostile word.
22
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ פִּתְח֖וּ אֶת פִּ֣י הַמְּעָרָ֑ה וְהוֹצִ֣יאוּ אֵלַ֗י אֶת חֲמֵ֛שֶׁת הַמְּלָכִ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה מִן הַמְּעָרָֽה
And Joshua said, "Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out to me these five kings from the cave."
The cave that was sealed for security in v.18 is now reopened for judgment, once the field pursuit (vv.19-21) has run its course — Joshua handles first things first.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559), see v.4.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
פִּתְח֖וּopenQal impv 2mp · פָּתַח (H6605)Volitional main verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeפָּתַח (H6605) 'to open'; reverses the sealing of v.18, now that the field pursuit is complete.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of פִּתְחוּ)אֵת (H853), untranslated.
פִּ֣יthe mouth ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Construct chain, direct object of פִּתְחוּפֶּה (H6310), see v.18.
הַמְּעָרָ֑הthe caveart + N f sg abs · מְעָרָה (H4631)Genitive complement of construct פִּימְעָרָה (H4631), see v.16.
וְהוֹצִ֣יאוּand bring outconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2mp · יָצָא (H3318)Coordinate volitional verb (imperative)→ Volitional: coordinate imperativeיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out'; command to produce the captive kings for judgment.
אֵלַ֗יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suff · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וְהוֹצִיאוּאֶל with 1cs suffix — Joshua summons the kings before himself personally.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of וְהוֹצִיאוּ)אֵת (H853), untranslated.
חֲמֵ֛שֶׁתthe five ofnum m sg constr · חָמֵשׁ (H2568)Construct chain (genitival)חָמֵשׁ (H2568), see v.5.
הַמְּלָכִ֥יםthe kingsart + N m pl abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive complement of construct חֲמֵשֶׁתמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.16.
הָאֵ֖לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַמְּלָכִיםאֵלֶּה (H428), see v.16.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase of source/originמִן (H4480), see v.7.
הַמְּעָרָֽהthe caveart + N f sg abs · מְעָרָה (H4631)Object of preposition מִןמְעָרָה (H4631), see v.16.
23
וַיַּ֣עֲשׂוּ כֵ֔ן וַיֹּצִ֣יאוּ אֵלָ֗יו אֶת חֲמֵ֛שֶׁת הַמְּלָכִ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה מִן הַמְּעָרָ֑ה אֵ֣ת מֶ֣לֶךְ יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם אֶת מֶ֤לֶךְ חֶבְרוֹן֙ אֶת מֶ֣לֶךְ יַרְמ֔וּת אֶת מֶ֥לֶךְ לָכִ֖ישׁ אֶת מֶ֥לֶךְ עֶגְלֽוֹן
And they did so, and brought out to him these five kings from the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon.
The roster is recited a third time (after vv.3 and 5), now as a formal, name-by-name production of prisoners — the repetition builds ceremonial weight for the public humiliation and execution that follow.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
וַיַּ֣עֲשׂוּand they didwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213), see v.1; the troops' compliance with Joshua's order.
כֵ֔ןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb modifying וַיַּעֲשׂוּכֵּן (H3651), see v.1.
וַיֹּצִ֣יאוּand they brought outwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil, see v.22.
אֵלָ֗יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suff · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וַיֹּצִיאוּאֶל with 3ms suffix, referring to Joshua.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of וַיֹּצִיאוּ)אֵת (H853), untranslated.
חֲמֵ֛שֶׁתthe five ofnum m sg constr · חָמֵשׁ (H2568)Construct chain (genitival)חָמֵשׁ (H2568), see v.5.
הַמְּלָכִ֥יםthe kingsart + N m pl abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive complement of construct חֲמֵשֶׁתמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.16.
הָאֵ֖לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַמְּלָכִיםאֵלֶּה (H428), see v.16.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase of source/originמִן (H4480), see v.7.
הַמְּעָרָ֑הthe caveart + N f sg abs · מְעָרָה (H4631)Object of preposition מִןמְעָרָה (H4631), see v.16.
אֵ֣ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, resumptive, introducing the itemized king-listאֵת (H853), untranslated; resumes the object already named, now itemizing it name by name.
מֶ֣לֶךְthe king ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain, first item of the itemized listמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.1.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗םJerusalemN proper · יְרוּשָׁלִַם (H3389)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְיְרוּשָׁלִַם (H3389), see v.1.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, second item of the itemized listאֵת (H853), untranslated.
מֶ֤לֶךְthe king ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain, second item of the itemized listמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.1.
חֶבְרוֹן֙HebronN proper · חֶבְרוֹן (H2275)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְחֶבְרוֹן (H2275), see v.3.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, third item of the itemized listאֵת (H853), untranslated.
מֶ֣לֶךְthe king ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain, third item of the itemized listמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.1.
יַרְמ֔וּתJarmuthN proper · יַרְמוּת (H3412)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְיַרְמוּת (H3412), see v.3.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, fourth item of the itemized listאֵת (H853), untranslated.
מֶ֥לֶךְthe king ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain, fourth item of the itemized listמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.1.
לָכִ֖ישׁLachishN proper · לָכִישׁ (H3923)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְלָכִישׁ (H3923), see v.3.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, fifth item of the itemized listאֵת (H853), untranslated.
מֶ֥לֶךְthe king ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain, fifth and final item of the itemized listמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.1.
עֶגְלֽוֹןEglonN proper · עֶגְלוֹן (H5700)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְעֶגְלוֹן (H5700), see v.3.
24
וַ֠יְהִי כְּֽהוֹצִיאָ֞ם אֶת הַמְּלָכִ֣ים הָאֵלֶּה֮ אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֒ וַיִּקְרָ֨א יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ אֶל כָּל אִ֣ישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וַ֠יֹּאמֶר אֶל קְצִינֵ֞י אַנְשֵׁ֤י הַמִּלְחָמָה֙ הֶהָלְכ֣וּא אִתּ֔וֹ קִרְב֗וּ שִׂ֚ימוּ אֶת רַגְלֵיכֶ֔ם עַֽל צַוְּארֵ֖י הַמְּלָכִ֣ים הָאֵ֑לֶּה וַֽיִּקְרְב֔וּ וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ אֶת רַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם עַל צַוְּארֵיהֶֽם
And when they had brought out these kings to Joshua, Joshua called all the men of Israel, and said to the chiefs of the men of war who had gone with him, "Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings." So they came near and put their feet on their necks.
A public, participatory ritual: not Joshua alone but the field commanders physically enact victory over royalty, before the assembled army as witnesses. The act (feet on the neck) is both literal humiliation and a teaching gesture, immediately glossed by Joshua's own explanation in v.25.
Word-by-word analysis· 34 words
וַ֠יְהִיand it came to passwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961), see v.1.
כְּֽהוֹצִיאָ֞םwhen they brought outprep כְּ + Hiphil inf constr + 3mp suff · יָצָא (H3318)Temporal infinitive clause (subordinate to וַיְהִי)→ Infinitive construct: temporalיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil, see v.22; with כְּ + infinitive, temporal clause.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of כְּהוֹצִיאָם)אֵת (H853), untranslated.
הַמְּלָכִ֣יםthe kingsart + N m pl abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Direct object of כְּהוֹצִיאָםמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.16.
הָאֵלֶּה֮theseart + demonstrative pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַמְּלָכִיםאֵלֶּה (H428), see v.16.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of כְּהוֹצִיאָםאֶל (H413), see v.6.
יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֒JoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of preposition אֶליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
וַיִּקְרָ֨אand he calledwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, summon'; Joshua assembles the whole army as witnesses to what follows.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיִּקְרָאיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וַיִּקְרָאאֶל (H413), see v.6.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
אִ֣ישׁthe men ofN m sg constr · אִישׁ (H376)Construct chain, object of preposition אֶלאִישׁ (H376), see v.2.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct אִישׁיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
וַ֠יֹּאמֶרand he saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559), see v.4.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וַיֹּאמֶראֶל (H413), see v.6.
קְצִינֵ֞יthe chiefs ofN m pl constr · קָצִין (H7101)Construct chain, object of preposition אֶלקָצִין (H7101) 'chief, commander'; military officers, distinct from the rank-and-file just summoned.
אַנְשֵׁ֤יthe men ofN m pl constr · אִישׁ (H376)Genitive complement of construct קְצִינֵיאִישׁ (H376), see v.2.
הַמִּלְחָמָה֙warart + N f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Genitive complement of construct אַנְשֵׁימִלְחָמָה (H4421), see v.7.
הֶהָלְכ֣וּאwho had goneart (relative) + Qal perf 3cp · הָלַךְ (H1980)Attributive relative clause modifying אַנְשֵׁי הַמִּלְחָמָה→ Perfective (article-marked relative): describes those who had accompanied Joshua into battleהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to walk, go'; the article prefixed to a finite verb functions here as a relative-clause marker (a known, if rare, MT usage), 'who had gone.'
אִתּ֔וֹwith himprep אֵת + 3ms suff · אֵת (H854)Prepositional complement of הֶהָלְכוּאאֵת (H854) with 3ms suffix, 'with him' (Joshua).
קִרְב֗וּcome nearQal impv 2mp · קָרַב (H7126)Volitional main verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeקָרַב (H7126) 'to draw near, approach'; command to the chiefs to step forward for the ritual act.
שִׂ֚ימוּputQal impv 2mp · שׂוּם (H7760)Volitional main verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeשׂוּם (H7760) 'to put, place'; command initiating the symbolic gesture of subjugation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of שִׂימוּ)אֵת (H853), untranslated.
רַגְלֵיכֶ֔םyour feetN f dual constr + 2mp suff · רֶגֶל (H7272)Direct object of שִׂימוּרֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot' (dual); with 2mp suffix, the chiefs' own feet — instruments of the symbolic act.
עַֽלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase modifying שִׂימוּעַל (H5921), see v.5.
צַוְּארֵ֖יthe necks ofN m pl constr · צַוָּאר (H6677)Construct chain, object of preposition עַלצַוָּאר (H6677) 'neck'; feet on the necks of defeated kings is a well-attested ancient Near Eastern gesture — literal and iconographic — of total subjugation.
הַמְּלָכִ֣יםthe kingsart + N m pl abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive complement of construct צַוְּארֵימֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.16.
הָאֵ֑לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַמְּלָכִיםאֵלֶּה (H428), see v.16.
וַֽיִּקְרְב֔וּand they came nearwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · קָרַב (H7126)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceקָרַב (H7126), see above; the chiefs' compliance.
וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּand they putwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שׂוּם (H7760)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceשׂוּם (H7760), see above; the act performed.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of וַיָּשִׂימוּ)אֵת (H853), untranslated.
רַגְלֵיהֶ֖םtheir feetN f dual constr + 3mp suff · רֶגֶל (H7272)Direct object of וַיָּשִׂימוּרֶגֶל (H7272), see above; with 3mp suffix, the chiefs' feet.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase modifying וַיָּשִׂימוּעַל (H5921), see v.5.
צַוְּארֵיהֶֽםtheir necksN m pl constr + 3mp suff · צַוָּאר (H6677)Object of preposition עַלצַוָּאר (H6677), see above; with 3mp suffix, the kings' necks — the ritual act completed.
25
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵיהֶם֙ יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ אַל תִּֽירְא֖וּ וְאַל תֵּחָ֑תּוּ חִזְק֣וּ וְאִמְצ֔וּ כִּ֣י כָ֗כָה יַעֲשֶׂ֤ה יְהוָה֙ לְכָל אֹ֣יְבֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתֶּ֖ם נִלְחָמִ֥ים אוֹתָֽם
And Joshua said to them, "Do not fear or be dismayed; be strong and courageous, for thus YHWH will do to all your enemies with whom you fight."
Joshua immediately glosses the symbolic act of v.24: the necks under Israelite feet are a preview and promise, not mere revenge — 'thus YHWH will do' to every future enemy. The fourfold formula (fear not / be not dismayed / be strong / be courageous) echoes YHWH's own charge to Joshua in 1:6-9, now passed from Joshua to his officers.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559), see v.4.
אֲלֵיהֶם֙to themprep אֶל + 3mp suff · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וַיֹּאמֶראֶל with 3mp suffix, referring to the assembled chiefs/army.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
אַלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle with jussive forceאַל (H408), see v.6.
תִּֽירְא֖וּfearQal jussive 2mp (negated) · יָרֵא (H3372)Volitional main verb (negative prohibition)→ Jussive/volitional (negated): prohibitionיָרֵא (H3372), see v.2; the paradigm holy-war reassurance, now given directly to the officers.
וְאַלand do notconj וְ + negative particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle with jussive forceאַל (H408), see v.6.
תֵּחָ֑תּוּbe dismayedNiphal jussive 2mp (negated) · חָתַת (H2865)Coordinate volitional main verb (negative prohibition)→ Jussive/volitional (negated): prohibitionחָתַת (H2865) Niphal 'to be shattered, dismayed, terrified'; paired with יָרֵא as the standard reassurance formula (cf. Deut 31:6, 8; Josh 1:9).
חִזְק֣וּbe strongQal impv 2mp · חָזַק (H2388)Volitional main verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeחָזַק (H2388) 'to be strong'; positive counterpart to the preceding prohibitions, part of the standard exhortation formula.
וְאִמְצ֔וּand be courageousconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · אָמַץ (H553)Coordinate volitional verb (imperative)→ Volitional: coordinate imperativeאָמַץ (H553) 'to be strong, courageous'; paired with חָזַק in the classic 'be strong and courageous' formula (cf. 1:6-9).
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction grounding the exhortationכִּי (H3588) causal, grounding the exhortation in divine promise.
כָ֗כָהthusadv · כָּכָה (H3602)Adverb modifying יַעֲשֶׂהכָּכָה (H3602) 'thus, in this manner'; points to the fate just enacted on the five kings as the pattern for all future enemies.
יַעֲשֶׂ֤הwill doQal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Imperfective: future/generalizing — a promise extending beyond this single battleעָשָׂה (H6213), see v.1; future/habitual imperfect, YHWH's ongoing pattern of action.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יַעֲשֶׂהיְהוָה (H3068), see v.8.
לְכָלto allprep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (construct) modifying יַעֲשֶׂהכֹּל (H3605), see v.5; with לְ, 'to all.'
אֹ֣יְבֵיכֶ֔םyour enemiesQal ptc m pl constr (substantival) + 2mp suff · אֹיֵב (H341)Genitive complement of construct לְכָל→ Participle: substantival, 'enemies' as an ongoing classאֹיֵב (H341), see v.13.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwith whomrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing a relative clause modifying אֹיְבֵיכֶםאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.11; specifies which enemies are meant.
אַתֶּ֖םyouindependent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Emphatic subject of the relative clauseאַתֶּם (H859), see v.19; emphatic subject.
נִלְחָמִ֥יםfightNiphal ptc m pl abs · לָחַם (H3898)Predicative participle, predicate of the relative clause→ Participle: predicative, describing an ongoing or repeated future actionלָחַם (H3898) Niphal, see v.5; 'you are fighting/will fight.'
אוֹתָֽםthemobj marker + 3mp suff · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker + suffix, object of נִלְחָמִיםאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, direct object of the participle.
26
וַיַּכֵּ֨ם יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ אַֽחֲרֵי כֵן֙ וַיְמִיתֵ֔ם וַיִּתְלֵ֕ם עַ֖ל חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה עֵצִ֑ים וַיִּֽהְי֛וּ תְּלוּיִ֥ם עַל הָעֵצִ֖ים עַד הָעָֽרֶב
And afterward Joshua struck them and put them to death, and hanged them on five trees; and they hung on the trees until evening.
The kings die by Joshua's own hand, then their bodies are publicly displayed as a deterrent — but only until evening, since the narrative already anticipates the Deuteronomic law (21:22-23) governing same-day burial of the executed, made explicit in v.27.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיַּכֵּ֨םand he struck themwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + 3mp suff · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, subject Joshua)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil, see v.4; the execution blow.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיַּכֵּםיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
אַֽחֲרֵיafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phrase (temporal), with כֵּן forms 'afterward'אַחַר (H310), see v.14.
כֵן֙soadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb, with אַחֲרֵי forms the temporal phrase 'afterward'כֵּן (H3651), see v.1; with אַחֲרֵי, 'afterward.'
וַיְמִיתֵ֔םand put them to deathwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + 3mp suff · מוּת (H4191)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceמוּת (H4191) Hiphil 'to kill, put to death'; causative of the root used intransitively in v.11 — Joshua's own execution of the kings.
וַיִּתְלֵ֕םand hanged themwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + 3mp suff · תָּלָה (H8518)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceתָּלָה (H8518) 'to hang'; public display of the executed kings, per Deut 21:22-23's provision (see v.27's note on same-day removal).
עַ֖לonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase modifying וַיִּתְלֵםעַל (H5921), see v.5.
חֲמִשָּׁ֣הfivenum m sg abs · חָמֵשׁ (H2568)Attributive numeral modifying עֵצִיםחָמֵשׁ (H2568), see v.5; here in absolute form modifying עֵצִים, 'five trees.'
עֵצִ֑יםtreesN m pl abs · עֵץ (H6086)Object of preposition עַלעֵץ (H6086) 'tree, wood'; the five kings each hanged on a separate tree, a stark visual tally.
וַיִּֽהְי֛וּand they werewaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol forming a periphrastic construction with the following participle→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961), see v.1; auxiliary verb forming a periphrastic construction, 'and they were hanging.'
תְּלוּיִ֥םhangingQal passive ptc m pl abs · תָּלָה (H8518)Predicate participle (periphrastic with וַיִּהְיוּ)→ Participle (passive, stative): describing the sustained state of public displayתָּלָה (H8518), see above; periphrastic with וַיִּהְיוּ, describing the ongoing displayed state.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase modifying תְּלוּיִםעַל (H5921), see v.5.
הָעֵצִ֖יםthe treesart + N m pl abs · עֵץ (H6086)Object of preposition עַלעֵץ (H6086), see above, now definite (referring back).
עַדuntilprep (temporal) · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phraseעַד (H5704), see v.10.
הָעָֽרֶבeveningart + N m sg abs · עֶרֶב (H6153)Object of preposition עַדעֶרֶב (H6153) 'evening'; the time limit per Deut 21:23's requirement not to leave a body hanging overnight.
27
וַיְהִ֞י לְעֵ֣ת בּ֣וֹא הַשֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ צִוָּ֤ה יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ וַיֹּֽרִידוּם֙ מֵעַ֣ל הָעֵצִ֔ים וַיַּ֨שְׁלִכֻ֔ם אֶל הַמְּעָרָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר נֶחְבְּאוּ שָׁ֑ם וַיָּשִׂ֜מוּ אֲבָנִ֤ים גְּדֹלוֹת֙ עַל פִּ֣י הַמְּעָרָ֔ה עַד עֶ֖צֶם הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה
And it came to pass at the time of the setting of the sun, Joshua commanded, and they took them down from the trees and threw them into the cave where they had hidden themselves, and they put great stones on the mouth of the cave, which remain until this very day.
The Deuteronomic law of same-day burial for the executed (Deut 21:22-23) governs the timing precisely — sunset triggers removal. The cave that sheltered the kings alive becomes their sealed tomb, and the closing etiological formula 'until this very day' anchors the story in physically verifiable memory for the narrator's audience, ending the Makkedah unit before the southern itinerary begins in v.28.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
וַיְהִ֞יand it came to passwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961), see v.1.
לְעֵ֣תat the time ofprep לְ + N com sg constr · עֵת (H6256)Temporal prepositional phrase (construct)עֵת (H6256) 'time'; construct opening a temporal clause.
בּ֣וֹאthe settingQal inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Infinitive construct, complement of לְעֵת→ Infinitive construct: temporal, marking the moment of sunsetבּוֹא (H935), see v.9; idiomatically 'the coming/setting' of the sun.
הַשֶּׁ֗מֶשׁthe sunart + N com sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Subject of the infinitive בּוֹאשֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121), see v.12.
צִוָּ֤הcommandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (main clause, subject Joshua)→ Perfective: a decisive commandצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; Joshua orders the bodies removed, complying with the burial law of Deut 21:22-23.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙JoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
וַיֹּֽרִידוּם֙and they took them downwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + 3mp suff · יָרַד (H3381)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceיָרַד (H3381) Hiphil 'to bring down'; the bodies removed from the trees before nightfall.
מֵעַ֣לfrom uponprep מִן + prep · עַל (H5921)Compound prepositional phraseמִן + עַל, 'from upon/off of.'
הָעֵצִ֔יםthe treesart + N m pl abs · עֵץ (H6086)Object of preposition מֵעַלעֵץ (H6086), see v.26.
וַיַּ֨שְׁלִכֻ֔םand they threw themwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + 3mp suff · שָׁלַךְ (H7993)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceשָׁלַךְ (H7993) Hiphil, see v.11; the bodies disposed of in the very cave that had briefly sheltered them alive.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וַיַּשְׁלִכֻםאֶל (H413), see v.6.
הַמְּעָרָ֖הthe caveart + N f sg abs · מְעָרָה (H4631)Object of preposition אֶלמְעָרָה (H4631), see v.16.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhererelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing a relative clause modifying הַמְּעָרָהאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.11.
נֶחְבְּאוּthey had hidden themselvesNiphal perf 3cp · חָבָא (H2244)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: completed factחָבָא (H2244), see v.16; the cave that hid them alive now entombs them dead — an ironic reversal closing the episode.
שָׁ֑םthereadv · שָׁם (H8033)Resumptive locative adverb closing the relative clauseשָׁם (H8033) 'there'.
וַיָּשִׂ֜מוּand they putwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שׂוּם (H7760)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceשׂוּם (H7760), see v.24; resealing the cave, now permanently as a tomb.
אֲבָנִ֤יםstonesN f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct object of וַיָּשִׂמוּאֶבֶן (H68), see v.11.
גְּדֹלוֹת֙greatadj f pl abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying אֲבָנִיםגָּדוֹל (H1419), see v.2.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase modifying וַיָּשִׂמוּעַל (H5921), see v.5.
פִּ֣יthe mouth ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Construct chain, object of preposition עַלפֶּה (H6310), see v.18.
הַמְּעָרָ֔הthe caveart + N f sg abs · מְעָרָה (H4631)Genitive complement of construct פִּימְעָרָה (H4631), see v.16.
עַדuntilprep (temporal) · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase, closing formulaעַד (H5704), see v.10.
עֶ֖צֶםthe very substance ofN f sg constr · עֶצֶם (H6106)Construct chain, idiomatic intensifier before הַיּוֹםעֶצֶם (H6106) 'bone, substance, self'; idiomatic construct with יוֹם, 'this very day' — emphasizing the marker's continuing visibility at the narrator's own time.
הַיּ֥וֹםthe dayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive complement of construct עֶצֶםיוֹם (H3117), see v.12.
הַזֶּֽהthisart + demonstrative pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַיּוֹםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; the closing formula 'until this very day' marks enduring physical evidence visible at the narrator's own time — a recurring etiological marker in Joshua.
28
וְאֶת מַקֵּדָה֩ לָכַ֨ד יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֗וּא וַיַּכֶּ֣הָ לְפִי חֶרֶב֮ וְאֶת מַלְכָּהּ֒ הֶחֱרִ֣ם אוֹתָ֗ם וְאֶת כָּל הַנֶּ֨פֶשׁ֙ אֲשֶׁר בָּ֔הּ לֹ֥א הִשְׁאִ֖יר שָׂרִ֑יד וַיַּ֨עַשׂ֙ לְמֶ֣לֶךְ מַקֵּדָ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָׂ֖ה לְמֶ֥לֶךְ יְרִיחֽוֹ
And Makkedah, Joshua captured on that day, and struck it with the edge of the sword; its king he devoted to destruction, them and every life that was in it — he left no survivor; and he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho.
This verse establishes the template the chapter will repeat with variation through v.39: capture, strike with the sword's edge, devote to the ban, leave no survivor, and close with 'as he did to X, so to Y' — anchored throughout to Jericho as the paradigm case of total destruction.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
וְאֶתandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, object fronted before its verbאֵת (H853) with וְ, fronting the direct object מַקֵּדָה before its verb for topical emphasis — 'and Makkedah, Joshua captured.'
מַקֵּדָה֩MakkedahN proper (fronted direct object) · מַקֵּדָה (H4719)Direct object of לָכַד, fronted for emphasisמַקֵּדָה (H4719), see v.10; now itself the target of conquest, having been merely a landmark and burial site in vv.10, 16-27.
לָכַ֨דcapturedQal perf 3ms · לָכַד (H3920)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actלָכַד (H3920), see v.1; opens the formulaic conquest-report pattern that structures the rest of the chapter.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of לָכַדיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
בַּיּ֣וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117), see v.12; 'on that day' — rapid, single-day conquest.
הַה֗וּאthatart + independent pron 3ms (demonstrative) · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַיּוֹםהוּא (H1931), see v.14.
וַיַּכֶּ֣הָand he struck itwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + 3fs suff · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221), see v.4; 3fs suffix referring to Makkedah (a city, grammatically feminine).
לְפִיwith the edge ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Instrumental prepositional phrase (construct)פֶּה (H6310), see v.18; idiom 'mouth of the sword' = the cutting edge — the standard formula for total military destruction recurring through vv.28-39.
חֶרֶב֮the swordN f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Genitive complement of construct לְפִיחֶרֶב (H2719), see v.11.
וְאֶתandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, marking the second objectאֵת with וְ, marking the second object, its king.
מַלְכָּהּ֒its kingN m sg constr + 3fs suff · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Direct object of הֶחֱרִיםמֶלֶךְ (H4428) with 3fs suffix; the king of Makkedah, otherwise unnamed.
הֶחֱרִ֣םhe devoted to destructionHiphil perf 3ms · חָרַם (H2763)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of holy-war destructionחָרַם (H2763), see v.1; the technical ban-term, resuming as the formula's central verb.
אוֹתָ֗םthemobj marker + 3mp suff · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker + suffix, resumptive object of הֶחֱרִיםאֵת with 3mp suffix, resuming 'Makkedah and its king' collectively as objects of הֶחֱרִים.
וְאֶתandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, introducing the third objectאֵת with וְ, introducing the third object, 'every life.'
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
הַנֶּ֨פֶשׁ֙lifeart + N com sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive complement of construct כָּלנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, person'; 'every life/person that was in it' = the entire population, civilian and combatant alike — the ban-formula's totalizing language, repeated through vv.28-39.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing a relative clause modifying הַנֶּפֶשׁאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.11.
בָּ֔הּwas in itprep בְּ + 3fs suff · בְּ (H0)Prepositional phrase, predicate of the relative clauseבְּ with 3fs suffix, referring to Makkedah, 'in it.'
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating הִשְׁאִירלֹא (H3808), see v.8.
הִשְׁאִ֖ירhe leftHiphil perf 3ms (negated) · שָׁאַר (H7604)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective (negated): comprehensive denial, the ban-formula's summary clauseשָׁאַר (H7604) Hiphil 'to leave remaining'; negated, the formula's summary of totality — 'he left no survivor,' a refrain repeated through vv.28-40.
שָׂרִ֑ידa survivorN m sg abs · שָׂרִיד (H8300)Direct object of הִשְׁאִירשָׂרִיד (H8300), see v.20; direct object of הִשְׁאִיר, completing the refrain.
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ֙and he didwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence, opening the comparative closing formula→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213), see v.1; opens the comparative closing formula.
לְמֶ֣לֶךְto the king ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Prepositional phrase (construct), indirect object of וַיַּעַשׂמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.1.
מַקֵּדָ֔הMakkedahN proper · מַקֵּדָה (H4719)Genitive complement of construct לְמֶלֶךְמַקֵּדָה (H4719), see v.10.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רasprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating conjunctionאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.1; forms the comparative 'as X, so Y' formula.
עָשָׂ֖הhe had doneQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: completed precedent actionעָשָׂה (H6213), see v.1.
לְמֶ֥לֶךְto the king ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Prepositional phrase (construct), indirect object of עָשָׂהמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.1.
יְרִיחֽוֹJerichoN proper · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Genitive complement of construct לְמֶלֶךְיְרִיחוֹ (H3405), see v.1; the recurring benchmark of total destruction against which every subsequent conquest is measured — 'as he had done to Jericho' becomes the chapter's ban-formula refrain (cf. vv.30, 39).
29
וַיַּעֲבֹ֣ר יְ֠הוֹשֻׁעַ וְכָֽל יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל עִמּ֛וֹ מִמַּקֵּדָ֖ה לִבְנָ֑ה וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם עִם לִבְנָֽה
Then Joshua passed on, and all Israel with him, from Makkedah to Libnah, and fought against Libnah.
The march-and-siege pattern begins: 'passed from X to Y, fought against Y' will recur (with variation) through the remaining southern cities, marking each stage of the campaign geographically.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיַּעֲבֹ֣רand he passed onwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass over, cross, move on'; opens the itinerary formula structuring vv.29-39, marking the march from city to city.
יְ֠הוֹשֻׁעַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיַּעֲבֹריְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
וְכָֽלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), coordinate subjectכֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct כָּליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
עִמּ֛וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suff · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase modifying the subject complexעִם (H5973), see v.7.
מִמַּקֵּדָ֖הfrom Makkedahprep מִן + N proper · מַקֵּדָה (H4719)Locative prepositional phrase (source)מַקֵּדָה (H4719), see v.10; the itinerary's point of departure.
לִבְנָ֑הto LibnahN proper (directional accusative) · לִבְנָה (H3841)Locative accusative of direction, object of וַיַּעֲבֹרלִבְנָה (H3841) Libnah, a Shephelah town, the itinerary's next target; the bare accusative of direction is idiomatic without a preposition.
וַיִּלָּ֖חֶםand he foughtwaw-consec + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָחַם (H3898)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceלָחַם (H3898) Niphal, see v.5.
עִםagainstprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional complement of וַיִּלָּחֶם (hostile sense)עִם (H5973) 'with'; here hostile, 'against.'
לִבְנָֽהLibnahN proper · לִבְנָה (H3841)Object of preposition עִםלִבְנָה (H3841), see above.
30
וַיִּתֵּן֩ יְהוָ֨ה גַּם אוֹתָ֜הּ בְּיַ֣ד יִשְׂרָאֵ֘ל וְאֶת מַלְכָּהּ֒ וַיַּכֶּ֣הָ לְפִי חֶ֗רֶב וְאֶת כָּל הַנֶּ֨פֶשׁ֙ אֲשֶׁר בָּ֔הּ לֹֽא הִשְׁאִ֥יר בָּ֖הּ שָׂרִ֑יד וַיַּ֣עַשׂ לְמַלְכָּ֔הּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָׂ֖ה לְמֶ֥לֶךְ יְרִיחֽוֹ
And YHWH gave it also into the hand of Israel, along with its king; and he struck it with the edge of the sword, and every life that was in it — he left no survivor in it; and he did to its king as he had done to the king of Jericho.
The formula repeats from v.28 almost verbatim, with two variations: YHWH is named explicitly as the one who 'gives' the city (rather than left implicit), and 'left no survivor' is doubled with a second 'in it,' intensifying the totality.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
וַיִּתֵּן֩and he gavewaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, subject YHWH)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414), see v.8; the giving verb resumes explicitly here, crediting YHWH directly with Libnah's fall.
יְהוָ֨הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיִּתֵּןיְהוָה (H3068), see v.8.
גַּםalsoadv · גַּם (H1571)Adverb modifying וַיִּתֵּן, linking this conquest to the preceding patternגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; links Libnah's fall to Makkedah's — 'this one too.'
אוֹתָ֜הּitobj marker + 3fs suff · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker + suffix, object of וַיִּתֵּןאֵת with 3fs suffix, referring to Libnah.
בְּיַ֣דinto the hand ofprep בְּ + N com sg constr · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase (construct)יָד (H3027), see v.6; the standard idiom of divine transfer of victory.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֘לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct בְּיַדיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
וְאֶתandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, marking a coordinate objectאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
מַלְכָּהּ֒its kingN m sg constr + 3fs suff · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Coordinate direct objectמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.28.
וַיַּכֶּ֣הָand he struck itwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + 3fs suff · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221), see v.28.
לְפִיwith the edge ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Instrumental prepositional phrase (construct)פֶּה (H6310), see v.28.
חֶ֗רֶבthe swordN f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Genitive complement of construct לְפִיחֶרֶב (H2719), see v.11.
וְאֶתandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, introducing the second objectאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
הַנֶּ֨פֶשׁ֙lifeart + N com sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive complement of construct כָּלנֶפֶשׁ (H5315), see v.28.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing a relative clause modifying הַנֶּפֶשׁאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.11.
בָּ֔הּwas in itprep בְּ + 3fs suff · בְּ (H0)Prepositional phrase, predicate of the relative clauseבְּ with 3fs suffix, referring to Libnah.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating הִשְׁאִירלֹא (H3808), see v.8.
הִשְׁאִ֥ירhe leftHiphil perf 3ms (negated) · שָׁאַר (H7604)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective (negated): comprehensive denial, the ban-formula's summary clauseשָׁאַר (H7604), see v.28.
בָּ֖הּin itprep בְּ + 3fs suff · בְּ (H0)Prepositional phrase modifying הִשְׁאִירבְּ with 3fs suffix, 'in it' — reinforcing the totality of the destruction, a second instance beyond v.28's single occurrence.
שָׂרִ֑ידa survivorN m sg abs · שָׂרִיד (H8300)Direct object of הִשְׁאִירשָׂרִיד (H8300), see v.20.
וַיַּ֣עַשׂand he didwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence, opening the comparative closing formula→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213), see v.28.
לְמַלְכָּ֔הּto its kingprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fs suff · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of וַיַּעַשׂמֶלֶךְ (H4428) with 3fs suffix and לְ — the comparative formula applied to the king rather than repeating the city name.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רasprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating conjunctionאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.1.
עָשָׂ֖הhe had doneQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: completed precedent actionעָשָׂה (H6213), see v.1.
לְמֶ֥לֶךְto the king ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Prepositional phrase (construct), indirect object of עָשָׂהמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.1.
יְרִיחֽוֹJerichoN proper · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Genitive complement of construct לְמֶלֶךְיְרִיחוֹ (H3405), see v.28.
31
וַיַּעֲבֹ֣ר יְ֠הוֹשֻׁעַ וְכָל יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל עִמּ֛וֹ מִלִּבְנָ֖ה לָכִ֑ישָׁה וַיִּ֣חַן עָלֶ֔יהָ וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם בָּֽהּ
Then Joshua passed on, and all Israel with him, from Libnah to Lachish, and encamped against it and fought against it.
Lachish, unlike the smaller towns, merits a siege notice (encamped against it) before the fighting, reflecting its status as a major fortified city — and anticipating the outside intervention from Gezer narrated in v.33.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיַּעֲבֹ֣רand he passed onwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָבַר (H5674), see v.29.
יְ֠הוֹשֻׁעַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיַּעֲבֹריְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), coordinate subjectכֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct כָּליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
עִמּ֛וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suff · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase modifying the subject complexעִם (H5973), see v.7.
מִלִּבְנָ֖הfrom Libnahprep מִן + N proper · לִבְנָה (H3841)Locative prepositional phrase (source)לִבְנָה (H3841), see v.29.
לָכִ֑ישָׁהto LachishN proper + directional ה suff · לָכִישׁ (H3923)Locative accusative of direction, object of וַיַּעֲבֹרלָכִישׁ (H3923), see v.3; the directional ה marks 'toward Lachish', a major Shephelah fortress and the campaign's next objective.
וַיִּ֣חַןand he encampedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָנָה (H2583)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceחָנָה (H2583), see v.5.
עָלֶ֔יהָagainst itprep עַל + 3fs suff · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of וַיִּחַןעַל (H5921), see v.5.
וַיִּלָּ֖חֶםand he foughtwaw-consec + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָחַם (H3898)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceלָחַם (H3898), see v.5.
בָּֽהּagainst itprep בְּ + 3fs suff · בְּ (H0)Prepositional complement of וַיִּלָּחֶם (hostile sense)בְּ with 3fs suffix; here hostile, 'against it.'
32
וַיִּתֵּן֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֶת לָכִ֜ישׁ בְּיַ֣ד יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וַֽיִּלְכְּדָהּ֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשֵּׁנִ֔י וַיַּכֶּ֣הָ לְפִי חֶ֔רֶב וְאֶת כָּל הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר בָּ֑הּ כְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂ֖ה לְלִבְנָֽה
And YHWH gave Lachish into the hand of Israel, and he captured it on the second day, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and every life that was in it, according to all that he had done to Libnah.
Lachish takes two days to fall (unlike Makkedah and Libnah's single-day conquests), and the comparative formula now points to Libnah rather than Jericho — the precedent-chain updates with each new conquest even as the underlying pattern of total destruction stays constant.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיִּתֵּן֩and he gavewaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, subject YHWH)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414), see v.30.
יְהוָ֨הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיִּתֵּןיְהוָה (H3068), see v.8.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of וַיִּתֵּן)אֵת (H853), untranslated.
לָכִ֜ישׁLachishN proper · לָכִישׁ (H3923)Direct object of וַיִּתֵּןלָכִישׁ (H3923), see v.3.
בְּיַ֣דinto the hand ofprep בְּ + N com sg constr · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase (construct)יָד (H3027), see v.6.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct בְּיַדיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
וַֽיִּלְכְּדָהּ֙and he captured itwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + 3fs suff · לָכַד (H3920)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceלָכַד (H3920), see v.1; with 3fs suffix, referring to Lachish.
בַּיּ֣וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117), see v.12.
הַשֵּׁנִ֔יthe secondart + ordinal adj m sg abs · שֵׁנִי (H8145)Attributive adjective modifying הַיּוֹםשֵׁנִי (H8145) 'second'; the two-day siege of Lachish (contrast Makkedah's single day, v.28) reflects its greater fortification.
וַיַּכֶּ֣הָand he struck itwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + 3fs suff · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221), see v.28.
לְפִיwith the edge ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Instrumental prepositional phrase (construct)פֶּה (H6310), see v.28.
חֶ֔רֶבthe swordN f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Genitive complement of construct לְפִיחֶרֶב (H2719), see v.11.
וְאֶתandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁlifeart + N com sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive complement of construct כָּלנֶפֶשׁ (H5315), see v.28.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing a relative clause modifying הַנֶּפֶשׁאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.11.
בָּ֑הּwas in itprep בְּ + 3fs suff · בְּ (H0)Prepositional phrase, predicate of the relative clauseבְּ with 3fs suffix, referring to Lachish.
כְּכֹ֥לaccording to allprep כְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Comparative prepositional phrase opening the closing formulaכֹּל (H3605), see v.5; with כְּ, 'according to all' — a variant closing formula (כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר rather than כַּאֲשֶׁר).
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun continuing the comparative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.11.
עָשָׂ֖הhe had doneQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: completed precedent actionעָשָׂה (H6213), see v.1.
לְלִבְנָֽהto Libnahprep לְ + N proper · לִבְנָה (H3841)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of עָשָׂהלִבְנָה (H3841), see v.29; Libnah, not Jericho, now serves as the comparative benchmark — the chain of precedent shifts to the most recently conquered city.
33
אָ֣ז עָלָ֗ה הֹרָם֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ גֶּ֔זֶר לַעְזֹ֖ר אֶת לָכִ֑ישׁ וַיַּכֵּ֤הוּ יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ וְאֶת עַמּ֔וֹ עַד בִּלְתִּ֥י הִשְׁאִֽיר ל֖וֹ שָׂרִֽיד
Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish, and Joshua struck him and his people, until he left him no survivor.
A brief aside interrupts the itinerary formula to record a failed relief attempt: unlike the systematic ban-formula conquests, this is a battlefield engagement, and Gezer itself is left unconquered even as its king's army is annihilated — a detail that will resurface in 16:10's note that Gezer's Canaanite population persisted.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
אָ֣זthenadv · אָז (H227)Temporal adverb marking a narrative digressionאָז (H227), see v.12.
עָלָ֗הcame upQal perf 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main clause, subject Horam)→ Perfective: a completed act, interrupting the itineraryעָלָה (H5927), see v.4; introduces a new actor intervening in the siege.
הֹרָם֙HoramN proper · הֹרָם (H2036)Subject of עָלָההֹרָם (H2036) Horam, otherwise unknown king of Gezer, whose attempted relief of Lachish is destroyed en route — a brief but telling episode of external intervention.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain, in apposition to הֹרָםמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.1.
גֶּ֔זֶרGezerN proper · גֶּזֶר (H1507)Genitive complement of construct מֶלֶךְגֶּזֶר (H1507) Gezer, a major Canaanite city on the Shephelah/coastal-plain border; notably NOT itself conquered here — only its king's relief force is destroyed (cf. 16:10, where Gezer's Canaanite inhabitants persist).
לַעְזֹ֖רto helpprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָזַר (H5826)Infinitive construct expressing purpose→ Infinitive construct: purpose, 'in order to help'עָזַר (H5826), see v.4; explains Horam's motive.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of לַעְזֹר)אֵת (H853), untranslated.
לָכִ֑ישׁLachishN proper · לָכִישׁ (H3923)Direct object of the infinitive לַעְזֹרלָכִישׁ (H3923), see v.3.
וַיַּכֵּ֤הוּand he struck himwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + 3ms suff · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, subject Joshua)→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221), see v.4; with 3ms suffix, referring to Horam.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙JoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיַּכֵּהוּיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
וְאֶתandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, marking a coordinate objectאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
עַמּ֔וֹhis peopleN m sg constr + 3ms suff · עַם (H5971)Coordinate direct object of וַיַּכֵּהוּעַם (H5971), see v.7; with 3ms suffix, Horam's relief force.
עַדuntilprep (temporal) · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phraseעַד (H5704), see v.10.
בִּלְתִּ֥יnotnegative particle · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Negative particle forming with עַד a negative result clauseבִּלְתִּי (H1115) 'not, without'; with עַד, forms 'until there was not' = 'so that none remained.'
הִשְׁאִֽירhe leftHiphil perf 3ms · שָׁאַר (H7604)Predicate verb of the negative result clause→ Perfective (negated construction): comprehensive denialשָׁאַר (H7604), see v.28.
ל֖וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suff · לְPrepositional phrase modifying הִשְׁאִירלְ with 3ms suffix, referring to Horam — 'he left to him no survivor.'
שָׂרִֽידa survivorN m sg abs · שָׂרִיד (H8300)Direct object of הִשְׁאִירשָׂרִיד (H8300), see v.20.
34
וַיַּעֲבֹ֣ר יְ֠הוֹשֻׁעַ וְכָל יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל עִמּ֛וֹ מִלָּכִ֖ישׁ עֶגְלֹ֑נָה וַיַּחֲנ֣וּ עָלֶ֔יהָ וַיִּֽלָּחֲמ֖וּ עָלֶֽיהָ
Then Joshua passed on, and all Israel with him, from Lachish to Eglon, and encamped against it and fought against it.
Identical formula to v.31 (Lachish), now applied to Eglon — the itinerary's rhythm continues unbroken after the Gezer digression.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיַּעֲבֹ֣רand he passed onwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָבַר (H5674), see v.29.
יְ֠הוֹשֻׁעַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיַּעֲבֹריְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), coordinate subjectכֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct כָּליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
עִמּ֛וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suff · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase modifying the subject complexעִם (H5973), see v.7.
מִלָּכִ֖ישׁfrom Lachishprep מִן + N proper · לָכִישׁ (H3923)Locative prepositional phrase (source)לָכִישׁ (H3923), see v.3.
עֶגְלֹ֑נָהto EglonN proper + directional ה suff · עֶגְלוֹן (H5700)Locative accusative of direction, object of וַיַּעֲבֹרעֶגְלוֹן (H5700), see v.3; the directional ה marks 'toward Eglon,' the campaign's next target.
וַיַּחֲנ֣וּand they encampedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָנָה (H2583)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceחָנָה (H2583), see v.5.
עָלֶ֔יהָagainst itprep עַל + 3fs suff · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of וַיַּחֲנוּעַל (H5921), see v.5.
וַיִּֽלָּחֲמ֖וּand they foughtwaw-consec + Niphal wayyiqtol 3mp · לָחַם (H3898)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceלָחַם (H3898), see v.5.
עָלֶֽיהָagainst itprep עַל + 3fs suff · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of וַיִּלָּחֲמוּעַל (H5921), see v.5.
35
וַֽיִּלְכְּד֜וּהָ בַּיּ֤וֹם הַהוּא֙ וַיַּכּ֣וּהָ לְפִי חֶ֔רֶב וְאֵת֙ כָּל הַנֶּ֣פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר בָּ֔הּ בַּיּ֥וֹם הַה֖וּא הֶחֱרִ֑ים כְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂ֖ה לְלָכִֽישׁ
And they captured it on that day, and struck it with the edge of the sword; and every life that was in it he devoted to destruction on that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish.
Eglon falls in a single day like Makkedah and Libnah, and the doubled 'on that day' phrase emphasizes how swiftly the ban is executed once battle is joined.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַֽיִּלְכְּד֜וּהָand they captured itwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp + 3fs suff · לָכַד (H3920)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, subject the troops)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָכַד (H3920), see v.1; plural subject (the troops), 3fs suffix referring to Eglon.
בַּיּ֤וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117), see v.12.
הַהוּא֙thatart + independent pron 3ms (demonstrative) · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַיּוֹםהוּא (H1931), see v.14.
וַיַּכּ֣וּהָand they struck itwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + 3fs suff · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221), see v.4; plural subject, 3fs suffix.
לְפִיwith the edge ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Instrumental prepositional phrase (construct)פֶּה (H6310), see v.28.
חֶ֔רֶבthe swordN f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Genitive complement of construct לְפִיחֶרֶב (H2719), see v.11.
וְאֵת֙andconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
הַנֶּ֣פֶשׁlifeart + N com sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive complement of construct כָּלנֶפֶשׁ (H5315), see v.28.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing a relative clause modifying הַנֶּפֶשׁאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.11.
בָּ֔הּwas in itprep בְּ + 3fs suff · בְּ (H0)Prepositional phrase, predicate of the relative clauseבְּ with 3fs suffix, referring to Eglon.
בַּיּ֥וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase (repeated for emphasis)יוֹם (H3117), see v.12; the phrase's repetition within the verse underscores the swiftness of the ban's execution.
הַה֖וּאthatart + independent pron 3ms (demonstrative) · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַיּוֹםהוּא (H1931), see v.14.
הֶחֱרִ֑יםhe devoted to destructionHiphil perf 3ms · חָרַם (H2763)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of holy-war destructionחָרַם (H2763), see v.1.
כְּכֹ֥לaccording to allprep כְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Comparative prepositional phrase opening the closing formulaכֹּל (H3605), see v.32.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun continuing the comparative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.11.
עָשָׂ֖הhe had doneQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: completed precedent actionעָשָׂה (H6213), see v.1.
לְלָכִֽישׁto Lachishprep לְ + N proper · לָכִישׁ (H3923)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of עָשָׂהלָכִישׁ (H3923), see v.3; now serves as the comparative benchmark, continuing the shifting precedent-chain.
36
וַיַּ֣עַל יְ֠הוֹשֻׁעַ וְכָֽל יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל עִמּ֛וֹ מֵעֶגְל֖וֹנָה חֶבְר֑וֹנָה וַיִּֽלָּחֲמ֖וּ עָלֶֽיהָ
Then Joshua went up, and all Israel with him, from Eglon to Hebron, and fought against it.
The itinerary verb shifts from 'passed on' to 'went up,' matching the terrain change as the campaign turns from the Shephelah back into the hill country toward Hebron — the same city whose king led the original coalition (v.3).
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיַּ֣עַלand he went upwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927), see v.4; 'went up' rather than 'passed on' reflects the ascent from the Shephelah lowlands to Hebron in the hill country.
יְ֠הוֹשֻׁעַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיַּעַליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
וְכָֽלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), coordinate subjectכֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct כָּליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
עִמּ֛וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suff · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase modifying the subject complexעִם (H5973), see v.7.
מֵעֶגְל֖וֹנָהfrom Eglonprep מִן + N proper · עֶגְלוֹן (H5700)Locative prepositional phrase (source)עֶגְלוֹן (H5700), see v.3.
חֶבְר֑וֹנָהto HebronN proper + directional ה suff · חֶבְרוֹן (H2275)Locative accusative of direction, object of וַיַּעַלחֶבְרוֹן (H2275), see v.3; the directional ה marks 'toward Hebron' — no siege/encampment notice this time, moving directly to combat.
וַיִּֽלָּחֲמ֖וּand they foughtwaw-consec + Niphal wayyiqtol 3mp · לָחַם (H3898)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceלָחַם (H3898), see v.5.
עָלֶֽיהָagainst itprep עַל + 3fs suff · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of וַיִּלָּחֲמוּעַל (H5921), see v.5.
37
וַיִּלְכְּד֣וּהָ וַיַּכּֽוּהָ לְפִי חֶ֠רֶב וְאֶת מַלְכָּ֨הּ וְאֶת כָּל עָרֶ֜יהָ וְאֶת כָּל הַנֶּ֤פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר בָּהּ֙ לֹֽא הִשְׁאִ֣יר שָׂרִ֔יד כְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂ֖ה לְעֶגְל֑וֹן וַיַּחֲרֵ֣ם אוֹתָ֔הּ וְאֶת כָּל הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר בָּֽהּ
And they captured it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and its king, and all its cities, and every life that was in it — he left no survivor, according to all that he had done to Eglon; and he devoted it to destruction, and every life that was in it.
Hebron receives the fullest treatment of any city in the itinerary: its satellite towns are named explicitly, and the ban-verb חָרַם is stated TWICE — once inside the comparative formula's shadow and once as an independent summarizing clause — underscoring the significance of conquering this major hill-country center, the former seat of the coalition's own initiating king (v.3).
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
וַיִּלְכְּד֣וּהָand they captured itwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp + 3fs suff · לָכַד (H3920)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, subject the troops)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָכַד (H3920), see v.35.
וַיַּכּֽוּהָand they struck itwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + 3fs suff · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221), see v.35.
לְפִיwith the edge ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Instrumental prepositional phrase (construct)פֶּה (H6310), see v.28.
חֶ֠רֶבthe swordN f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Genitive complement of construct לְפִיחֶרֶב (H2719), see v.11.
וְאֶתandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, marking a coordinate objectאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
מַלְכָּ֨הּits kingN m sg constr + 3fs suff · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Coordinate direct objectמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.28.
וְאֶתandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, marking a coordinate objectאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
עָרֶ֜יהָits citiesN f pl constr + 3fs suff · עִיר (H5892)Genitive complement of construct כָּל, coordinate direct objectעִיר (H5892), see v.2; plural with 3fs suffix — Hebron's satellite towns are included in the ban, a detail unique to this verse in the itinerary.
וְאֶתandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, marking a coordinate objectאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
הַנֶּ֤פֶשׁlifeart + N com sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive complement of construct כָּלנֶפֶשׁ (H5315), see v.28.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing a relative clause modifying הַנֶּפֶשׁאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.11.
בָּהּ֙was in itprep בְּ + 3fs suff · בְּ (H0)Prepositional phrase, predicate of the relative clauseבְּ with 3fs suffix, referring to Hebron.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating הִשְׁאִירלֹא (H3808), see v.8.
הִשְׁאִ֣ירhe leftHiphil perf 3ms (negated) · שָׁאַר (H7604)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective (negated): comprehensive denial, the ban-formula's summary clauseשָׁאַר (H7604), see v.28.
שָׂרִ֔ידa survivorN m sg abs · שָׂרִיד (H8300)Direct object of הִשְׁאִירשָׂרִיד (H8300), see v.20.
כְּכֹ֥לaccording to allprep כְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Comparative prepositional phrase opening the closing formulaכֹּל (H3605), see v.32.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun continuing the comparative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.11.
עָשָׂ֖הhe had doneQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: completed precedent actionעָשָׂה (H6213), see v.1.
לְעֶגְל֑וֹןto Eglonprep לְ + N proper · עֶגְלוֹן (H5700)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of עָשָׂהעֶגְלוֹן (H5700), see v.3; now the comparative benchmark.
וַיַּחֲרֵ֣םand he devoted to destructionwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · חָרַם (H2763)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence, restating the ban for emphasis→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advance, restating the ban for emphasisחָרַם (H2763), see v.1; a second, summarizing ban-statement appended after the comparative formula — unusual repetition emphasizing Hebron's total destruction.
אוֹתָ֔הּitobj marker + 3fs suff · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker + suffix, object of וַיַּחֲרֵםאֵת with 3fs suffix, referring to Hebron.
וְאֶתandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, marking a coordinate objectאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁlifeart + N com sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive complement of construct כָּלנֶפֶשׁ (H5315), see v.28.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing a relative clause modifying הַנֶּפֶשׁאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.11.
בָּֽהּwas in itprep בְּ + 3fs suff · בְּ (H0)Prepositional phrase, predicate of the relative clauseבְּ with 3fs suffix, referring to Hebron.
38
וַיָּ֧שָׁב יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ וְכָל יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל עִמּ֖וֹ דְּבִ֑רָה וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם עָלֶֽיהָ
Then Joshua turned back, and all Israel with him, to Debir, and fought against it.
The verb 'turned back' (rather than 'passed on') signals that Debir, near Hebron, is reached by a short redirection rather than a fresh leg of march — the campaign's final southern objective.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיָּ֧שָׁבand he turned backwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׁוּב (H7725), see v.15; unlike עָבַר ('passed on') used for the other legs, this verb marks a turn — Debir lay near Hebron, so the movement is a redirection rather than a long march.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיָּשָׁביְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), coordinate subjectכֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct כָּליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
עִמּ֖וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suff · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase modifying the subject complexעִם (H5973), see v.7.
דְּבִ֑רָהto DebirN proper + directional ה suff · דְּבִיר (H1688)Locative accusative of direction, object of וַיָּשָׁבדְּבִיר (H1688) Debir, a hill-country city near Hebron (distinct from the personal name of Eglon's king in v.3); the directional ה marks 'toward Debir.'
וַיִּלָּ֖חֶםand he foughtwaw-consec + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָחַם (H3898)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceלָחַם (H3898), see v.5.
עָלֶֽיהָagainst itprep עַל + 3fs suff · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of וַיִּלָּחֶםעַל (H5921), see v.5.
39
וַֽיִּלְכְּדָ֞הּ וְאֶת מַלְכָּ֤הּ וְאֶת כָּל עָרֶ֨יהָ֙ וַיַּכּ֣וּם לְפִי חֶ֔רֶב וַֽיַּחֲרִ֨ימוּ֙ אֶת כָּל נֶ֣פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר בָּ֔הּ לֹ֥א הִשְׁאִ֖יר שָׂרִ֑יד כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֜ה לְחֶבְר֗וֹן כֵּן עָשָׂ֤ה לִדְבִ֨רָה֙ וּלְמַלְכָּ֔הּ וְכַאֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָׂ֛ה לְלִבְנָ֖ה וּלְמַלְכָּֽהּ
And he captured it, and its king, and all its cities; and they struck them with the edge of the sword, and devoted to destruction every life that was in it — he left no survivor; as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir and its king, and as he had done to Libnah and its king.
This closing formula uniquely triples its comparison, invoking Hebron, then Debir's own precedent, then Libnah — gathering the whole southern campaign's pattern into one sentence before the chapter's summary verses (40-43) step back to survey the conquest as a whole.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
וַֽיִּלְכְּדָ֞הּand he captured itwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + 3fs suff · לָכַד (H3920)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, subject Joshua)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָכַד (H3920), see v.1.
וְאֶתandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, marking a coordinate objectאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
מַלְכָּ֤הּits kingN m sg constr + 3fs suff · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Coordinate direct objectמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.28.
וְאֶתandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, marking a coordinate objectאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
עָרֶ֨יהָ֙its citiesN f pl constr + 3fs suff · עִיר (H5892)Genitive complement of construct כָּל, coordinate direct objectעִיר (H5892), see v.37; Debir's satellite towns included as at Hebron.
וַיַּכּ֣וּםand they struck themwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + 3mp suff · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221), see v.4; plural subject and object, shifting from the singular-city focus to the collective peoples of Debir and its towns.
לְפִיwith the edge ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Instrumental prepositional phrase (construct)פֶּה (H6310), see v.28.
חֶ֔רֶבthe swordN f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Genitive complement of construct לְפִיחֶרֶב (H2719), see v.11.
וַֽיַּחֲרִ֨ימוּ֙and they devoted to destructionwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · חָרַם (H2763)Wayyiqtol continuing the narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential narrative advanceחָרַם (H2763), see v.1; plural subject.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of וַיַּחֲרִימוּ)אֵת (H853), untranslated.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
נֶ֣פֶשׁlifeN com sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive complement of construct כָּלנֶפֶשׁ (H5315), see v.28; here anarthrous, a minor stylistic variation from the article elsewhere.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing a relative clause modifying נֶפֶשׁאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.11.
בָּ֔הּwas in itprep בְּ + 3fs suff · בְּ (H0)Prepositional phrase, predicate of the relative clauseבְּ with 3fs suffix, referring to Debir.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating הִשְׁאִירלֹא (H3808), see v.8.
הִשְׁאִ֖ירhe leftHiphil perf 3ms (negated) · שָׁאַר (H7604)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective (negated): comprehensive denial, the ban-formula's summary clauseשָׁאַר (H7604), see v.28.
שָׂרִ֑ידa survivorN m sg abs · שָׂרִיד (H8300)Direct object of הִשְׁאִירשָׂרִיד (H8300), see v.20.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨רasprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating conjunctionאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.1.
עָשָׂ֜הhe had doneQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: completed precedent actionעָשָׂה (H6213), see v.1.
לְחֶבְר֗וֹןto Hebronprep לְ + N proper · חֶבְרוֹן (H2275)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of עָשָׂהחֶבְרוֹן (H2275), see v.3; the first of a triple comparison closing this final formula — Debir's destruction is measured against three prior conquests.
כֵּןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Correlative adverb resuming the comparisonכֵּן (H3651), see v.1.
עָשָׂ֤הhe didQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the main comparison (apodosis)→ Perfective: completed act, apodosis of the comparisonעָשָׂה (H6213), see v.1.
לִדְבִ֨רָה֙to Debirprep לְ + N proper · דְּבִיר (H1688)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of עָשָׂהדְּבִיר (H1688), see v.38; here as recipient — the same city functions both as the subject of the verse and a comparative target within it.
וּלְמַלְכָּ֔הּand to its kingconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fs suff · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Coordinate prepositional phraseמֶלֶךְ (H4428) with 3fs suffix; Debir's king included in the comparison.
וְכַאֲשֶׁ֥רand asconj וְ + prep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Coordinate comparative subordinating conjunctionאֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ and וְ, introducing a second comparison — 'and as he had done to Libnah.'
עָשָׂ֛הhe had doneQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the second comparative clause→ Perfective: completed precedent actionעָשָׂה (H6213), see v.1.
לְלִבְנָ֖הto Libnahprep לְ + N proper · לִבְנָה (H3841)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of עָשָׂהלִבְנָה (H3841), see v.29; the third benchmark named — the formula reaches back past Lachish, Eglon, and Hebron to the second city conquered, forming an inclusio with the campaign's early stages.
וּלְמַלְכָּֽהּand to its kingconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fs suff · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Coordinate prepositional phraseמֶלֶךְ (H4428) with 3fs suffix; Libnah's king, closing the chapter's southern-campaign narrative proper before the summary of vv.40-43.
40
וַיַּכֶּ֣ה יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ אֶת כָּל הָאָ֡רֶץ הָהָר֩ וְהַנֶּ֨גֶב וְהַשְּׁפֵלָ֜ה וְהָאֲשֵׁד֗וֹת וְאֵת֙ כָּל מַלְכֵיהֶ֔ם לֹ֥א הִשְׁאִ֖יר שָׂרִ֑יד וְאֵ֤ת כָּל הַנְּשָׁמָה֙ הֶחֱרִ֔ים כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוָּ֔ה יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
So Joshua struck all the land — the hill country, the Negev, the lowland, and the slopes — and all their kings; he left no survivor, but devoted to destruction everything that breathed, as YHWH the God of Israel commanded.
The narrative pulls back from itemized city-by-city conquest to a sweeping four-region summary, and the ban-vocabulary shifts to נְשָׁמָה ('everything that breathes'), the term used of Canaan's total destruction in Deut 20:16 — making explicit for the first time that the entire campaign fulfills a prior divine command, not merely divine assistance.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וַיַּכֶּ֣הand he struckwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, opening the campaign's summary statement→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, opening the summary statementנָכָה (H5221), see v.4; the summary verb encapsulating the entire southern campaign.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיַּכֶּהיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of וַיַּכֶּה)אֵת (H853), untranslated.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
הָאָ֡רֶץthe landart + N com sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive complement of construct כָּל, direct object of וַיַּכֶּהאֶרֶץ (H776), see Gen 1:1; the whole conquered territory.
הָהָר֩the hill countryart + N m sg abs (appositional) · הַר (H2022)Appositional geographic term specifying הָאָרֶץהַר (H2022), see v.6; the first of four geographic regions summarizing the conquest's scope.
וְהַנֶּ֨גֶבand the Negevconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · נֶגֶב (H5045)Coordinate appositional geographic termנֶגֶב (H5045) 'south, Negev'; the arid southern region.
וְהַשְּׁפֵלָ֜הand the lowlandconj וְ + art + N f sg abs · שְׁפֵלָה (H8219)Coordinate appositional geographic termשְׁפֵלָה (H8219) 'lowland'; the Shephelah, the foothill region between the hill country and the coast, site of most of this chapter's battles (Lachish, Libnah, Eglon, etc.).
וְהָאֲשֵׁד֗וֹתand the slopesconj וְ + art + N f pl abs · אֲשֵׁדוֹת (H794)Coordinate appositional geographic termאֲשֵׁדוֹת (H794) 'slopes, watersheds'; the fourth geographic zone; together the four terms survey the entire southern topography.
וְאֵת֙andconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, introducing a coordinate objectאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
מַלְכֵיהֶ֔םtheir kingsN m pl constr + 3mp suff · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive complement of construct כָּל, coordinate direct objectמֶלֶךְ (H4428) pl with 3mp suffix; all the kings of the region, not merely the five of the original coalition.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating הִשְׁאִירלֹא (H3808), see v.8.
הִשְׁאִ֖ירhe leftHiphil perf 3ms (negated) · שָׁאַר (H7604)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective (negated): comprehensive denial, the ban-formula's summary clauseשָׁאַר (H7604), see v.28.
שָׂרִ֑ידa survivorN m sg abs · שָׂרִיד (H8300)Direct object of הִשְׁאִירשָׂרִיד (H8300), see v.20.
וְאֵ֤תandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, introducing a coordinate objectאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
הַנְּשָׁמָה֙everything that breathesart + N f sg abs · נְשָׁמָה (H5397)Genitive complement of construct כָּל, direct object of הֶחֱרִיםנְשָׁמָה (H5397) 'breath, breathing creature'; distinct from נֶפֶשׁ used earlier, this term specifically denotes living, breathing beings — the Deuteronomic ban-vocabulary (cf. Deut 20:16) applied as the campaign's comprehensive summary term.
הֶחֱרִ֔יםhe devoted to destructionHiphil perf 3ms · חָרַם (H2763)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of holy-war destructionחָרַם (H2763), see v.1.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣רasprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating conjunctionאֲשֶׁר (H834), see v.1.
צִוָּ֔הcommandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: a completed, authoritative actצָוָה (H6680), see v.27; grounds the entire campaign's violence in explicit divine command, the chapter's theological justification.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068), see v.8.
אֱלֹהֵ֥יthe God ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain, in apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430), see Gen 1:1; construct before יִשְׂרָאֵל, the fuller divine title emphasizing YHWH's specific covenant relationship to Israel as the campaign's authorizing God.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct אֱלֹהֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
41
וַיַּכֵּ֧ם יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ מִקָּדֵ֥שׁ בַּרְנֵ֖עַ וְעַד עַזָּ֑ה וְאֵ֛ת כָּל אֶ֥רֶץ גֹּ֖שֶׁן וְעַד גִּבְעֽוֹן
And Joshua struck them from Kadesh-barnea even to Gaza, and all the land of Goshen even to Gibeon.
Two merisms bound the conquered territory: south-to-northwest (Kadesh-barnea to Gaza) and a second district-to-city span (Goshen to Gibeon) — geographic totality expressed the same way v.40's fourfold terrain list expressed topographic totality.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיַּכֵּ֧םand he struck themwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + 3mp suff · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221), see v.4; summarizing the campaign's geographic sweep.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיַּכֵּםיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
מִקָּדֵ֥שׁfrom Kadesh-prep מִן + N proper · קָדֵשׁ (H6947)Locative prepositional phrase (source), first element of compound place nameקָדֵשׁ, first element of קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ Kadesh-barnea, the oasis on Canaan's southern frontier, the wilderness staging point of the exodus narrative (Num 13-14).
בַּרְנֵ֖עַ-barneaN proper · בַּרְנֵעַ (H6947)Second element of the compound place nameבַּרְנֵעַ, second element of קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ, marking the campaign's southernmost extent.
וְעַדeven toconj וְ + prep · עַד (H5704)Coordinate prepositional phrase (extent)עַד (H5704), see v.10; with וְ, 'and as far as.'
עַזָּ֑הGazaN proper · עַזָּה (H5804)Object of preposition עַדעַזָּה (H5804) Gaza, a major Philistine coastal city — marking the campaign's westernmost extent along the coastal plain, though not itself conquered here (cf. Judg 1:18 for later Judahite action).
וְאֵ֛תandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, introducing a coordinate objectאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
אֶ֥רֶץthe land ofN com sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive complement of construct כָּל, construct governing גֹּשֶׁןאֶרֶץ (H776), see Gen 1:1.
גֹּ֖שֶׁןGoshenN proper · גֹּשֶׁן (H1657)Genitive complement of construct אֶרֶץגֹּשֶׁן (H1657) Goshen, a district in southern Judah/the Negev (distinct from the Egyptian Goshen of Genesis) — its precise extent is uncertain but denotes the campaign's southern territorial reach.
וְעַדeven toconj וְ + prep · עַד (H5704)Coordinate prepositional phrase (extent)עַד (H5704), see v.10.
גִּבְעֽוֹןGibeonN proper · גִּבְעוֹן (H1391)Object of preposition עַדגִּבְעוֹן (H1391), see v.1; the chapter's starting point (v.1's crisis) now marks the summary's terminus — the whole conquered territory is framed by Gibeon at one end and Kadesh-barnea/Gaza at the other.
42
וְאֵ֨ת כָּל הַמְּלָכִ֤ים הָאֵ֨לֶּה֙ וְאֶת אַרְצָ֔ם לָכַ֥ד יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ פַּ֣עַם אֶחָ֑ת כִּ֗י יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל נִלְחָ֖ם לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל
And all these kings and their land Joshua took at one time, because YHWH the God of Israel fought for Israel.
The chapter's central claim from v.14 — 'YHWH fought for Israel' — returns verbatim as the closing verdict on the whole southern campaign, with 'at one time' underscoring the speed and unity of the conquest as itself a sign of divine, not merely military, causation.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְאֵ֨תandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, fronting the compound object before the verbאֵת with וְ, fronting the compound object 'all these kings and their land' before the verb for summarizing emphasis.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
הַמְּלָכִ֤יםthe kingsart + N m pl abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive complement of construct כָּלמֶלֶךְ (H4428), see v.16.
הָאֵ֨לֶּה֙theseart + demonstrative pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַמְּלָכִיםאֵלֶּה (H428), see v.16; here referring collectively to ALL the kings defeated in the chapter, not merely the original five.
וְאֶתandconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, introducing the coordinate objectאֵת with וְ, see v.28.
אַרְצָ֔םtheir landN com sg constr + 3mp suff · אֶרֶץ (H776)Coordinate direct object of לָכַדאֶרֶץ (H776) with 3mp suffix, 'their land' — the territory belonging to all these kings.
לָכַ֥דtookQal perf 3ms · לָכַד (H3920)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actלָכַד (H3920), see v.1.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of לָכַדיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
פַּ֣עַםa timeN f sg constr · פַּעַם (H6471)Adverbial accusative (construct), 'at one time'פַּעַם (H6471) 'time, occasion, foot-step'; construct with אֶחָת forms an adverbial phrase, 'at one time' = in a single unified campaign.
אֶחָ֑תonenum f sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeral modifying פַּעַםאֶחָד (H259), see v.2; modifying פַּעַם, 'one time' — emphasizing the campaign's swift, unified character (contrast the more protracted northern campaign of ch.11).
כִּ֗יbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction grounding the whole chapter's narrativeכִּי (H3588) causal, introducing the chapter's climactic thesis statement.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נִלְחָםיְהוָה (H3068), see v.8.
אֱלֹהֵ֣יthe God ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain, in apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430), see v.40.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct אֱלֹהֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
נִלְחָ֖םfoughtNiphal perf 3ms · לָחַם (H3898)Predicate verb (main clause, chapter's climactic summary)→ Perfective: a summarizing statement of the chapter's controlling realityלָחַם (H3898), see v.5; echoing v.14's identical thesis statement, now as the chapter's closing theological verdict.
לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽלfor Israelprep לְ + N proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Prepositional phrase (dative of advantage)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1; dative of advantage, 'on behalf of Israel,' see v.14.
43
וַיָּ֤שָׁב יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ וְכָל יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל עִמּ֔וֹ אֶל הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה הַגִּלְגָּֽלָה
Then Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.
The chapter's final sentence duplicates v.15 word for word — what was announced early as a summarizing anticipation is now narrated in its true chronological place, ending the long day's campaign exactly where it began, at Gilgal.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיָּ֤שָׁבand he returnedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, closing the chapter)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, the campaign's actual, final returnשׁוּב (H7725), see v.15; this is the return v.15 proleptically anticipated — now narrated in its proper place after the full southern campaign.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙JoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיָּשָׁביְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v.1.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), coordinate subjectכֹּל (H3605), see v.5.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct כָּליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v.1.
עִמּ֔וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suff · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase modifying the subject complexעִם (H5973), see v.7.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וַיָּשָׁבאֶל (H413), see v.6.
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖הthe campart + N com sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Object of preposition אֶלמַחֲנֶה (H4264), see v.6.
הַגִּלְגָּֽלָהat Gilgalart + N proper + directional ה suff · גִּלְגָּל (H1537)Appositional locativeגִּלְגָּל (H1537), see v.6; the campaign's home base, reached at last — the chapter's final word, closing the frame opened in v.6.