1
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ בִּן נ֠וּן מִֽן הַשִּׁטִּ֞ים שְׁנַֽיִם אֲנָשִׁ֤ים מְרַגְּלִים֙ חֶ֣רֶשׁ לֵאמֹ֔ר לְכ֛וּ רְא֥וּ אֶת הָאָ֖רֶץ וְאֶת יְרִיח֑וֹ וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ וַ֠יָּבֹאוּ בֵּית אִשָּׁ֥ה זוֹנָ֛ה וּשְׁמָ֥הּ רָחָ֖ב וַיִּשְׁכְּבוּ שָֽׁמָּה
Then Joshua son of Nun sent two men from Shittim as spies, secretly, saying, "Go, view the land, and Jericho." So they went and came to the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab, and lodged there.
Opens the chapter with a wayyiqtol chain led by Joshua's command; the adverb 'secretly' (חֶרֶשׁ) marks a deliberate contrast with the open, ill-fated spying of Numbers 13. Lodging at a prostitute's house sets up the moral tension the chapter resolves in Rahab's confession (vv. 9-11).
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣חand he sentwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative opening)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the chapter's initiating actשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; Joshua's initiating action opening the reconnaissance narrative. Source id 06gPX.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיִּשְׁלַחיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'YHWH is salvation'; Moses's successor and commander of Israel. Source id 06gtq.
בִּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, first member)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct before נוּן, Joshua's patronymic. Source id 06HSQ.
נ֠וּןNunN proper · נוּן (H5126)Construct chain (genitival, second member)נוּן (H5126), Joshua's father, of the tribe of Ephraim. Source id 06fbB.
מִֽןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Source prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from, out of'; marks the point of departure, Shittim. Source id 06k1L.
הַשִּׁטִּ֞יםShittimart + N proper (place) · הַשִּׁטִּים (H7851)Object of preposition מִןשִׁטִּים (H7851) 'acacias'; Israel's staging camp east of the Jordan opposite Jericho (Num 25:1; 33:49). Source id 062tS.
שְׁנַֽיִםtwocardinal number m dual abs · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral modifying אֲנָשִׁיםשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; specifies the number of spies. Source id 06EVu.
אֲנָשִׁ֤יםmenN m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object of וַיִּשְׁלַחאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; plural אֲנָשִׁים, the two agents Joshua dispatches. Source id 06ygU.
מְרַגְּלִים֙spyingPiel ptc m pl abs · רִגֵּל (H7270)Attributive participle qualifying אֲנָשִׁים→ Participle: durative characterization — men engaged in scoutingרָגַל (H7270) in Piel 'to spy out, reconnoiter', denominative from רֶגֶל 'foot' — to go about scouting on foot. Source id 06swV.
חֶ֣רֶשׁsecretlyN m sg abs (adverbial) · חֶרֶשׁ (H2791)Adverbial accusative of mannerחֶרֶשׁ (H2791) 'silence, secrecy'; used adverbially — the mission is covert, unlike the open spying of Numbers 13. Source id 06HjU.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: introduces the content of the commandאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the formulaic לֵאמֹר opens Joshua's direct instructions. Source id 06d3U.
לְכ֛וּgoQal impv 2mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Imperative, first of two coordinate commands→ Volitional: direct commandהָלַךְ 'to go, walk'; the suppletive imperative לְכוּ is conventionally cited under H3212. Source id 06NtK.
רְא֥וּviewQal impv 2mp · רָאָה (H7200)Imperative, second of two coordinate commands→ Volitional: direct commandרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; here 'reconnoiter, survey' the land. Source id 06U94.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated. Source id 06zqr.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct objectאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the land of Canaan, object of reconnaissance. Source id 066JA.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks יְרִיחוֹ as a definite object. Source id 06JyD.
יְרִיח֑וֹJerichoN proper (place) · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Direct object (specification alongside הארץ)יְרִיחוֹ (H3405) 'Jericho'; the first city to fall, singled out already here as the reconnaissance target. Source id 06jjy.
וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּand they wentwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ 'to go'; the spies' immediate compliance with Joshua's command. Source id 0679E.
וַ֠יָּבֹאוּand they camewaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; they arrive at a particular house. Source id 06Zuo.
בֵּיתhouse ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Construct chain (genitival) — locative complementבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; construct before אִשָּׁה, the spies' destination. Source id 06LXS.
אִשָּׁ֥הa womanN f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Genitive complement of בֵּית (construct chain)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman'; further qualified by the participle זוֹנָה. Source id 06mR4.
זוֹנָ֛הprostituteQal ptc f sg abs (substantival) · זָנָה (H2181)Substantival participle in apposition to אִשָּׁה→ Participle: characterizing/habitual — one who practices prostitutionזָנָה (H2181) 'to commit fornication/prostitution'; the participle functions as a noun, 'a prostitute' — the text names Rahab's occupation plainly, without euphemism. Source id 06MC8.
וּשְׁמָ֥הּand her nameconj וְ + N m sg constr + suff 3fs · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of nominal naming-clauseשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; introduces the naming formula standard for a newly-introduced character. Source id 06BnR.
רָחָ֖בRahabN proper · רָחָב (H7343)Predicate of nominal clauseרָחָב (H7343), perhaps 'wide, broad'; the woman later commended for faith in Heb 11:31 and Jas 2:25, and named in Matthew's genealogy (Matt 1:5). Source id 06PUg.
וַיִּשְׁכְּבוּand they lodgedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שָׁכַב (H7901)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie down'; here 'spent the night, lodged' — the setting in a prostitute's house is deliberately provocative narration, resolved only by her confession later in the chapter. Source id 06pUN.
שָֽׁמָּהthereadv + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbialשָׁם (H8033) 'there', with the ה־ ending reinforcing location. Source id 06gc8.
2
וַיֵּ֣אָמַ֔ר לְמֶ֥לֶךְ יְרִיח֖וֹ לֵאמֹ֑ר הִנֵּ֣ה אֲ֠נָשִׁים בָּ֣אוּ הֵ֧נָּה הַלַּ֛יְלָה מִבְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לַחְפֹּ֥ר אֶת הָאָֽרֶץ
And it was told to the king of Jericho, saying, "Behold, men have come here tonight from the sons of Israel, to search out the land."
The passive וַיֵּאָמַר withholds the informant's identity, focusing attention on the king's reaction; the report's own wording (הִנֵּה + perfect) frames the spies' arrival as urgent, already-accomplished fact requiring immediate royal response.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיֵּ֣אָמַ֔רand it was toldwaw-consec + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause, passive report formula)→ Wayyiqtol (Niphal passive): foregrounded narrative advance — an anonymous report reaches the kingאָמַר (H559) in Niphal 'to be told, be said'; impersonal passive introduces a report without naming the informant. Source id 06Lsp.
לְמֶ֥לֶךְto the king ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Indirect object (recipient of the report)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; construct before יְרִיחוֹ, the ruler of the besieged city. Source id 06SAE.
יְרִיח֖וֹJerichoN proper (place) · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Construct chain (genitival, second member)יְרִיחוֹ (H3405); the city whose king now moves to counter the threat. Source id 063gY.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: introduces the reported speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; formulaic introduction to the informant's message to the king. Source id 06RuM.
הִנֵּ֣הbeholddemonstrative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing the report's contentהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; a deictic particle vivifying the report as urgent, present fact. Source id 06WFU.
אֲ֠נָשִׁיםmenN m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of בָּאוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the informant's vague designation for the spies — identity clarified below as Israelite. Source id 06BJv.
בָּ֣אוּhave comeQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (embedded clause within reported speech)→ Perfective: a completed act reported as established factבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the perfect presents the men's arrival as already accomplished. Source id 06ExP.
הֵ֧נָּהhereadverb · הֵנָּה (H2008)Locative adverbialהֵנָּה (H2008) 'hither, here'; marks the location of the men's arrival. Source id 06ypu.
הַלַּ֛יְלָהtonightart + N m sg abs (adverbial) · לַיְלָה (H3915)Temporal adverbial accusativeלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; with the article, functions adverbially — the report is prompt, same-night. Source id 06mP3.
מִבְּנֵ֥יfrom the sons ofprep מִן + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Source prepositional phrase, construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל 'sons of Israel' names the men's nationality — the alarming detail for the king. Source id 06V8b.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Construct chain (genitival, second member)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people, here identified as the spies' origin. Source id 06suQ.
לַחְפֹּ֥רto search outprep לְ + Qal inf constr · חָפַר (H2658)Infinitive construct of purpose→ Infinitive: purpose — the intent behind the men's arrivalחָפַר (H2658) 'to dig, search out, explore'; the informant's characterization of the spies' reconnaissance. Source id 061Su.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated. Source id 06MEz.
הָאָֽרֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct objectאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; object of the spies' reconnaissance per the informant's report. Source id 06Q2u.
3
וַיִּשְׁלַח֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ יְרִיח֔וֹ אֶל רָחָ֖ב לֵאמֹ֑ר ה֠וֹצִיאִי הָאֲנָשִׁ֨ים הַבָּאִ֤ים אֵלַ֨יִךְ֙ אֲשֶׁר בָּ֣אוּ לְבֵיתֵ֔ךְ כִּ֛י לַחְפֹּ֥ר אֶת כָּל הָאָ֖רֶץ בָּֽאוּ
So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, "Bring out the men who came to you, who entered your house, for they have come to search out all the land."
The king's message stacks two relative/causal clauses (אֲשֶׁר ... כִּי) to justify his demand; notably the king never appears in person — the whole exchange is relayed by messenger, which leaves Rahab room for independent action in the verses that follow.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיִּשְׁלַח֙and he sentwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; the king's counter-move, sending word to Rahab's house. Source id 06yT5.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Subject of וַיִּשְׁלַח (construct chain, first member)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; construct before יְרִיחוֹ. Source id 06b5Q.
יְרִיח֔וֹJerichoN proper (place) · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Construct chain (genitival, second member)יְרִיחוֹ (H3405); the city whose king now presses his demand. Source id 06F88.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the message's recipient, Rahab. Source id 06AXb.
רָחָ֖בRahabN proper · רָחָב (H7343)Object of preposition אֶלרָחָב (H7343); the message is relayed to her, not delivered by the king in person. Source id 06Wjz.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: introduces the king's commandאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; formulaic introduction to the king's demand. Source id 06bPJ.
ה֠וֹצִיאִיbring outHiphil impv 2fs · יָצָא (H3318)Imperative, main command of the king's message→ Volitional: direct command (causative — 'cause to go out')יָצָא (H3318) in Hiphil 'to bring out, cause to go out'; the king's demand that Rahab surrender the spies. Source id 06hS1.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֨יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object of הוֹצִיאִיאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; now definite, referring to the spies already reported to the king. Source id 06h53.
הַבָּאִ֤יםwho cameart + Qal ptc m pl abs · בּוֹא (H935)Attributive/substantival participle qualifying הָאֲנָשִׁים→ Participle: identifies the men by their prior action, functioning as a relative clauseבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; the articular participle 'who came' pins down which men the king means. Source id 06vpK.
אֵלַ֨יִךְ֙to youprep אֶל + suff 2fs · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of הַבָּאִיםאֶל (H413) 'to'; with 2fs suffix, the king's message addresses Rahab directly. Source id 06G6E.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a second relative clause modifying הָאֲנָשִׁיםאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'who, which, that'; second relative clause, 'who entered your house'. Source id 064vX.
בָּ֣אוּcameQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed actבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'. Source id 06X1R.
לְבֵיתֵ֔ךְto your houseprep לְ + N m sg constr + suff 2fs · בַּיִת (H1004)Locative prepositional phraseבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; with 2fs suffix, Rahab's house — the destination named in the king's charge. Source id 06bsu.
כִּ֛יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal/explanatory conjunction introducing the king's rationaleכִּי (H3588) 'for, because, that'; here causal, giving the king's reasoning for the demand. Source id 06Ygn.
לַחְפֹּ֥רto search outprep לְ + Qal inf constr · חָפַר (H2658)Infinitive construct of purpose→ Infinitive: purposeחָפַר (H2658) 'to dig, search out, explore'. Source id 062gM.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06pAw.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (quantifier) before הָאָרֶץכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; totalizing the land — the king suspects a wholesale reconnaissance. Source id 06mVV.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of לַחְפֹּר (via כָּל construct)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'. Source id 06FMa.
בָּֽאוּthey cameQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb, resumptive of the כִּי-clause→ Perfective: completed act, restating the men's purposeבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; the verse closes by re-emphasizing the men's arrival as reconnaissance. Source id 06KPU.
4
וַתִּקַּ֧ח הָֽאִשָּׁ֛ה אֶת שְׁנֵ֥י הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים וַֽתִּצְפְּנ֑וֹ וַתֹּ֣אמֶר כֵּ֗ן בָּ֤אוּ אֵלַי֙ הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים וְלֹ֥א יָדַ֖עְתִּי מֵאַ֥יִן הֵֽמָּה
And the woman took the two men and hid them; and she said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from."
Rahab's reply mixes a true concession (the men did come) with an outright lie (she claims not to know their origin) — the narrative's first instance of her strategic dishonesty on the spies' behalf, left morally unassessed by the text itself.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַתִּקַּ֧חand she tookwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Rahab's decisive first action — she takes charge of the two men. Source id 06ki2.
הָֽאִשָּׁ֛הthe womanart + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Subject of וַתִּקַּחאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman'; now definite, referring back to Rahab. Source id 065pZ.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06HWo.
שְׁנֵ֥יthe two ofcardinal number m dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral in construct, modifying הָאֲנָשִׁיםשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; construct form before הָאֲנָשִׁים. Source id 06zkA.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֖יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object of וַתִּקַּחאִישׁ (H376) 'man'. Source id 06JMT.
וַֽתִּצְפְּנ֑וֹand she hid themwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs + suff 3ms · צָפַן (H6845)Predicate verb (main clause) with pronominal direct object→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceצָפַן (H6845) 'to hide, conceal, treasure up'; the 3ms suffix (rather than expected 3mp) treats the pair collectively as a single charge — the chapter's first concrete act of protection. Source id 06jEX.
וַתֹּ֣אמֶרand she saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Rahab's reply — the first of her carefully worded misdirections. Source id 06uUA.
כֵּ֗ןyesadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Affirmative adverb opening Rahab's replyכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; used here as an affirmative, 'yes, it is so' — she concedes the men's arrival before pivoting to falsehood. Source id 06tKf.
בָּ֤אוּthey cameQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (Rahab's concession)→ Perfective: a completed, admitted factבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'. Source id 06awE.
אֵלַי֙to meprep אֶל + suff 1cs · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of בָּאוּאֶל (H413) 'to'; 1cs suffix, Rahab speaking of herself. Source id 06yNT.
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of בָּאוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'. Source id 06Azu.
וְלֹ֥אbut notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of יָדַעְתִּילֹא (H3808) 'not'; negates the following verb — the pivot into Rahab's lie. Source id 06884.
יָדַ֖עְתִּיI knewQal perf 1cs · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (Rahab's denial)→ Perfective: stated as settled fact — 'I did not know', the substance of her deceptionיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; Rahab's first outright falsehood, claiming ignorance of the men's origin. Source id 06XMu.
מֵאַ֥יִןfrom whereprep מִן + interrogative · אַיִן (H370)Interrogative prepositional phrase (indirect question)אַיִן (H370) 'where?'; forms the content of what Rahab claims not to know. Source id 06mrn.
הֵֽמָּהtheyindependent pronoun 3mp · הֵמָּה (H1992)Subject of the implied verb in the indirect questionהֵמָּה (H1992) 'they'; resumes 'the men' as subject of the embedded question. Source id 06Xh9.
5
וַיְהִ֨י הַשַּׁ֜עַר לִסְגּ֗וֹר בַּחֹ֨שֶׁךְ֙ וְהָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים יָצָ֔אוּ לֹ֣א יָדַ֔עְתִּי אָ֥נָה הָלְכ֖וּ הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֑ים רִדְפ֥וּ מַהֵ֛ר אַחֲרֵיהֶ֖ם כִּ֥י תַשִּׂיגֽוּם
And it happened, when the gate was about to close, at dark, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. Pursue quickly after them, for you will overtake them.
Rahab's speech builds a precise but false timeline — gate closing at dusk, men already gone — and closes with an urgent imperative plus motive clause designed to send the pursuers toward the fords, away from her own roof; the entire verse is her reported speech, not the narrator's account of what actually happened.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיְהִ֨יand it happenedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb, temporal-clause opener→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, introducing a temporal circumstanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, happen'; the classic וַיְהִי formula opening a temporal clause, 'and it came about that...'. Source id 06D3a.
הַשַּׁ֜עַרthe gateart + N m sg abs · שַׁעַר (H8179)Subject of the temporal clause (predicate לִסְגּוֹר)שַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; the city gate of Jericho, about to be closed at nightfall. Source id 06wEr.
לִסְגּ֗וֹרwas about to closeprep לְ + Qal inf constr · סָגַר (H5462)Infinitive construct functioning as predicate of the temporal clause→ Infinitive: imminence — 'about to be closed'סָגַר (H5462) 'to shut, close'; the לְ+infinitive expresses imminence, timing the spies' departure precisely at dusk. Source id 06Rvc.
בַּחֹ֨שֶׁךְ֙in the darkprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · חֹשֶׁךְ (H2822)Temporal prepositional phraseחֹשֶׁךְ (H2822) 'darkness'; pins the men's departure to the exact moment of nightfall. Source id 06c6V.
וְהָאֲנָשִׁ֣יםand the menconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of יָצָאוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the spies, subject of Rahab's continuing account. Source id 068eM.
יָצָ֔אוּwent outQal perf 3cp · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (Rahab's continued account)→ Perfective: reported as completed fact — part of her fabricated timelineיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Rahab claims the men already left, continuing her deception. Source id 06xkK.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of יָדַעְתִּילֹא (H3808) 'not'. Source id 06rGa.
יָדַ֔עְתִּיI knowQal perf 1cs · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (Rahab's continued denial)→ Perfective: stated as fact — she disclaims knowledge of their routeיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; Rahab repeats her claim of ignorance, now regarding the men's destination. Source id 06fp1.
אָ֥נָהwhereinterrogative adverb · אָנָה (H575)Interrogative adverbial (indirect question)אָנָה (H575) 'where? whither?'; introduces the content of what she claims not to know. Source id 06Y9g.
הָלְכ֖וּthey wentQal perf 3cp · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate verb of the indirect question→ Perfective: completed act, within the fabricated reportהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'. Source id 06mGU.
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֑יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of הָלְכוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'. Source id 06gBW.
רִדְפ֥וּpursueQal impv 2mp · רָדַף (H7291)Imperative, Rahab's urgent instruction to the pursuers→ Volitional: direct command urging swift actionרָדַף (H7291) 'to pursue, chase'; Rahab actively directs the pursuers away — the climactic misdirection of her deception. Source id 06eLD.
מַהֵ֛רquicklyPiel inf abs (adverbial) · מָהַר (H4118)Adverbial infinitive absolute intensifying רִדְפוּ→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic/adverbial — urgencyמָהַר (H4118) 'to hurry, hasten'; functions adverbially, 'quickly' — Rahab presses urgency to move the pursuers on before the truth surfaces. Source id 0693F.
אַחֲרֵיהֶ֖םafter themprep אַחַר + suff 3mp · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional complement of רִדְפוּאַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; 3mp suffix refers to the supposedly-departed spies. Source id 06eyL.
כִּ֥יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Result/purpose conjunction introducing תַשִּׂיגוּםכִּי (H3588) 'for, that, so that'; result/purpose here, 'so that you may overtake them'. Source id 06pm7.
תַשִּׂיגֽוּםyou will overtake themHiphil impf 2mp + suff 3mp · נָשַׂג (H5381)Predicate verb (result clause) with pronominal object→ Yiqtol: modal/result — the expected outcome if pursuit is swiftנָשַׂג (H5381) in Hiphil 'to overtake, reach, catch up to'; Rahab's closing incentive, promising success if the pursuers hurry — pure fabrication meant to send them away from the true hiding place. Source id 06teU.
6
וְהִ֖יא הֶעֱלָ֣תַם הַגָּ֑גָה וַֽתִּטְמְנֵם֙ בְּפִשְׁתֵּ֣י הָעֵ֔ץ הָעֲרֻכ֥וֹת לָ֖הּ עַל הַגָּֽג
But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that were laid out for her on the roof.
The disjunctive וְהִיא clause, with a pluperfect-sense Hiphil (הֶעֱלָתַם), interrupts the flow to reveal, out of strict chronological order, what Rahab had actually done before she spoke to the pursuers — the dialogue withheld this background, which the narrator now supplies.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְהִ֖יאbut sheconj וְ + independent pronoun 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject, disjunctive/circumstantial clauseהִיא (H1931) 'she'; the disjunctive וְ+pronoun shifts focus back to Rahab's actual, secret actions, contrasting with the misdirected pursuers. Source id 06c58.
הֶעֱלָ֣תַםshe had brought them upHiphil perf 3fs + suff 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (circumstantial/pluperfect clause) with pronominal object→ Perfective (Hiphil causative): a prior completed act, narrated out of sequence to reveal what really happened before her speechעָלָה (H5927) in Hiphil 'to bring up, cause to ascend'; discloses that she had already hidden the men on the roof before speaking to the pursuers. Source id 06MRA.
הַגָּ֑גָהto the roofart + N m sg abs + directional ה · גָּג (H1406)Locative accusative of directionגָּג (H1406) 'roof'; flat roofs served as usable space — here the hiding place. Source id 06xp4.
וַֽתִּטְמְנֵם֙and she hid themwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs + suff 3mp · טָמַן (H2934)Predicate verb (main clause) with pronominal object→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceטָמַן (H2934) 'to hide, bury, conceal'; distinct from צָפַן (v. 4) — concealment under a concrete covering, the flax. Source id 06Hki.
בְּפִשְׁתֵּ֣יamong the stalks ofprep בְּ + N m pl constr · פִּשְׁתָּה (H6593)Locative prepositional phrase, construct chainפִּשְׁתָּה (H6593) 'flax'; construct before הָעֵץ, 'the stalks of flax'. Source id 06QvZ.
הָעֵ֔ץstalksart + N m sg abs · עֵץ (H6086)Construct chain (genitival, second member)עֵץ (H6086) 'tree, wood, stalk'; here the woody flax stems laid out to dry, a plausible cover for the hidden men. Source id 06S38.
הָעֲרֻכ֥וֹתlaid outart + Qal passive ptc f pl abs · עָרַךְ (H6186)Attributive/substantival passive participle qualifying פִּשְׁתֵּי הָעֵץ→ Passive participle: a resultant state — the flax already arrangedעָרַךְ (H6186) 'to arrange, set in order'; the flax set out to dry gives Rahab's ruse full household plausibility. Source id 06eN1.
לָ֖הּfor herprep לְ + suff 3fsDative of interest/possession, complement of הָעֲרֻכוֹתprep לְ 'to, for'; marks the flax as Rahab's own household stock, laid out on her roof. Source id 06HoD.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'. Source id 06P5s.
הַגָּֽגthe roofart + N m sg abs · גָּג (H1406)Object of preposition עַלגָּג (H1406) 'roof'; repeats and confirms the location. Source id 065QX.
7
וְהָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים רָדְפ֤וּ אַֽחֲרֵיהֶם֙ דֶּ֣רֶךְ הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן עַ֖ל הַֽמַּעְבְּר֑וֹת וְהַשַּׁ֣עַר סָגָ֔רוּ אַחֲרֵ֕י כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר יָצְא֥וּ הָרֹדְפִ֖ים אַחֲרֵיהֶֽם
And the men pursued after them by the way of the Jordan, to the fords; and they shut the gate as soon as the pursuers had gone out after them.
The narrator confirms Rahab's ruse succeeded to the letter — the pursuers head for the Jordan fords exactly as directed, and the city gate closes behind them, sealing the irony that the true spies remain hidden inside the very walls the pursuers have just left.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְהָאֲנָשִׁ֗יםand the menconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of רָדְפוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; here the pursuers, not the spies — the narrator resumes the outer story after Rahab's flashback. Source id 06Mxy.
רָדְפ֤וּpursuedQal perf 3cp · רָדַף (H7291)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act — the pursuers act exactly as Rahab directedרָדַף (H7291) 'to pursue, chase'; confirms that her ruse worked. Source id 06w6u.
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶם֙after themprep אַחַר + suff 3mp · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional complement of רָדְפוּאַחַר (H310) 'after'; referring to the nonexistent, supposedly-fled spies. Source id 06e3z.
דֶּ֣רֶךְthe way ofN c sg constr (adverbial) · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial accusative of direction, construct chainדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; functions adverbially, 'by way of, toward'. Source id 062c6.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ןthe Jordanart + N proper · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Construct chain (genitival, second member)יַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'Jordan'; the river the pursuers head toward. Source id 063RL.
עַ֖לatprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, at, by'. Source id 06JUf.
הַֽמַּעְבְּר֑וֹתthe fordsart + N f pl abs · מַעְבָּרָה (H4569)Object of preposition עַלמַעְבָּרָה (H4569) 'ford, crossing-place'; the Jordan fords, the strategic crossing points now searched. Source id 06ce9.
וְהַשַּׁ֣עַרand the gateconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · שַׁעַר (H8179)Subject of סָגָרוּשַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; the city gate, now actually closed, fulfilling what Rahab had described as imminent in v. 5. Source id 06dPK.
סָגָ֔רוּthey shutQal perf 3cp · סָגַר (H5462)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed actסָגַר (H5462) 'to shut, close'; impersonal plural subject (the gatekeepers); the gate closes behind the departing pursuers. Source id 06vLv.
אַחֲרֵ֕יafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositional phrase introducing the כַּאֲשֶׁר clauseאַחַר (H310) 'after'; temporal here, 'after [that]'. Source id 06UrG.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רas, whenprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Temporal conjunction introducing a subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'as, when'; combined with אַחֲרֵי forms 'after that, as soon as'. Source id 06Sxc.
יָצְא֥וּhad gone outQal perf 3cp · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of the temporal subordinate clause→ Perfective: a prior completed act (pluperfect sense within the temporal clause)יָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the gate closes precisely once the pursuers have exited. Source id 06xwN.
הָרֹדְפִ֖יםthe pursuersart + Qal ptc m pl abs (substantival) · רָדַף (H7291)Subject of יָצְאוּ→ Participle: substantival, 'those who pursue' — the pursuersרָדַף (H7291) 'to pursue'; substantival participle naming the search party. Source id 06GjY.
אַחֲרֵיהֶֽםafter themprep אַחַר + suff 3mp · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional complement of יָצְאוּ (emphatic repetition)אַחַר (H310) 'after'; repeats the phrase, framing the whole verse around the futile chase. Source id 06KNo.
8
וְהֵ֖מָּה טֶ֣רֶם יִשְׁכָּב֑וּן וְהִ֛יא עָלְתָ֥ה עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם עַל הַגָּֽג
Now before they had lain down, she came up to them on the roof.
Two disjunctive clauses (וְהֵמָּה ... וְהִיא) set the scene for vv. 9-11, the chapter's theological centerpiece: Rahab climbs to the men before they sleep, framing her confession as urgent and deliberate rather than incidental.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְהֵ֖מָּהnow theyconj וְ + independent pronoun 3mp · הֵמָּה (H1992)Subject, disjunctive/circumstantial clauseהֵמָּה (H1992) 'they'; refers to the two spies, resuming their storyline after the pursuit narration. Source id 06NLD.
טֶ֣רֶםbefore, not yetadverb · טֶרֶם (H2962)Temporal adverb modifying יִשְׁכָּבוּןטֶרֶם (H2962) 'not yet, before'; sets the timing — this happens before the men have lain down for the night. Source id 06GUh.
יִשְׁכָּב֑וּןthey lay downQal impf 3mp (paragogic נ) · שָׁכַב (H7901)Predicate verb of the temporal clause→ Yiqtol (with טֶרֶם): anterior nuance — 'before they had yet lain down'שָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie down'; the paragogic ן is an archaic/emphatic verb form appearing in prose narrative here. Source id 065aF.
וְהִ֛יאand sheconj וְ + independent pronoun 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject, disjunctive clauseהִיא (H1931) 'she'; Rahab, resuming the main action. Source id 06taY.
עָלְתָ֥הshe came upQal perf 3fs · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (disjunctive/circumstantial clause)→ Perfective: a completed act, temporally overlapping with the men's not-yet-sleepingעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; Rahab climbs to the roof before the spies sleep, framing her coming confession as urgent and deliberate. Source id 06EZz.
עֲלֵיהֶ֖םto themprep עַל + suff 3mp · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of עָלְתָהעַל (H5921) 'on, to'; marks Rahab's approach to the two spies. Source id 06Hnw.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'. Source id 06pXi.
הַגָּֽגthe roofart + N m sg abs · גָּג (H1406)Object of preposition עַלגָּג (H1406) 'roof'; the coming confession (vv. 9-11) takes place on the same roof where the spies are hidden. Source id 06Nq4.
9
וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים יָדַ֕עְתִּי כִּֽי נָתַ֧ן יְהוָ֛ה לָכֶ֖ם אֶת הָאָ֑רֶץ וְכִֽי נָפְלָ֤ה אֵֽימַתְכֶם֙ עָלֵ֔ינוּ וְכִ֥י נָמֹ֛גוּ כָּל יֹשְׁבֵ֥י הָאָ֖רֶץ מִפְּנֵיכֶֽם
And she said to the men, "I know that YHWH has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of you."
Rahab's confession opens with an emphatic יָדַעְתִּי ('I know') that directly reverses her earlier feigned ignorance (v. 4), then stacks three coordinate כִּי-clauses building a case: YHWH's gift of the land, Canaanite terror, and universal collapse of morale — laying the theological ground for the oath-request that follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙and she saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, introducing the confessionאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; opens Rahab's central speech, the theological heart of the chapter. Source id 06rZH.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'. Source id 06GtT.
הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Object of preposition אֶלאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the two spies, now addressed directly. Source id 06kwz.
יָדַ֕עְתִּיI knowQal perf 1cs · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb, main clause of the confession→ Perfective (stative-resultative): certain, settled knowledge — in ironic contrast to her earlier claimed ignorance in v. 4יָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; Rahab's true epistemic state — she DOES know, decisively, reversing her earlier deception; this 'I know' launches the chapter's theological centerpiece. Source id 06tc4.
כִּֽיthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer introducing the object clause of יָדַעְתִּיכִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the first of three grounds for Rahab's knowledge. Source id 06CMD.
נָתַ֧ןhas givenQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the first כִּי-clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — the land as already given in principle, though not yet possessedנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the theological claim at the heart of the conquest narrative — YHWH has already granted the land. Source id 065eq.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHN proper (divine name) · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נָתַןיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; Rahab, a Canaanite, uses this specific divine name rather than a generic term for deity — striking precision from an outsider. Source id 06Cj2.
לָכֶ֖םto youprep לְ + suff 2mpIndirect object of נָתַןprep לְ 'to, for'; 2mp, addressing the two spies as representatives of Israel. Source id 06Ttm.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 066Vi.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of נָתַןאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the land of Canaan, object of the gift. Source id 06V8W.
וְכִֽיand thatconj וְ + conjunction · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer, second coordinate clauseכִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the second ground of Rahab's knowledge. Source id 06zg2.
נָפְלָ֤הhas fallenQal perf 3fs · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb of the second כִּי-clause→ Perfective: a completed act with ongoing effectנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; idiomatic for terror overtaking a people, 'dread has fallen'. Source id 06gXh.
אֵֽימַתְכֶם֙your terrorN f sg constr + suff 2mp · אֵימָה (H367)Subject of נָפְלָהאֵימָה (H367) 'terror, dread'; the fear Israel inspires — the suffix 'your' marks the terror as caused by the Israelites. Source id 063iR.
עָלֵ֔ינוּupon usprep עַל + suff 1cp · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of נָפְלָהעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; 1cp — Rahab identifies herself with the Canaanite populace. Source id 06RoG.
וְכִ֥יand thatconj וְ + conjunction · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer, third coordinate clauseכִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the third and climactic ground. Source id 06jP7.
נָמֹ֛גוּhave meltedNiphal perf 3cp · מוּג (H4127)Predicate verb of the third כִּי-clause→ Perfective (Niphal): a completed state — total collapse of moraleמוּג (H4127) in Niphal 'to melt, dissolve, waver'; vivid metaphor for the paralysis of fear gripping the land's inhabitants. Source id 06vCn.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (quantifier) before יֹשְׁבֵיכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; totalizing the population. Source id 06jv3.
יֹשְׁבֵ֥יthe inhabitants ofQal ptc m pl constr (substantival) · יָשַׁב (H3427)Subject of נָמֹגוּ (via כָּל construct)→ Participle: substantival, 'those dwelling' = inhabitantsיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, sit'; substantival participle, 'the inhabitants of'. Source id 06ggL.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival, second member)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'. Source id 06MVq.
מִפְּנֵיכֶֽםbecause of youprep מִן + N c pl constr + suff 2mp · פָּנִים (H6440)Causal prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; מִפְּנֵי idiomatically 'because of, from before' — the land's inhabitants collapse in dread at Israel's approach. Source id 06g1y.
10
כִּ֣י שָׁמַ֗עְנוּ אֵ֠ת אֲשֶׁר הוֹבִ֨ישׁ יְהוָ֜ה אֶת מֵ֤י יַם סוּף֙ מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם בְּצֵאתְכֶ֖ם מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם וַאֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲשִׂיתֶ֡ם לִשְׁנֵי֩ מַלְכֵ֨י הָאֱמֹרִ֜י אֲשֶׁ֨ר בְּעֵ֤בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ לְסִיחֹ֣ן וּלְע֔וֹג אֲשֶׁ֥ר הֶחֱרַמְתֶּ֖ם אוֹתָֽם
For we have heard how YHWH dried up the water of the Sea of Reeds before you, when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and to Og, whom you devoted to destruction.
כִּי introduces the evidentiary basis for Rahab's confession in v. 9: reports of the Exodus sea-crossing and the Transjordanian conquest of Sihon and Og (cf. Num 21) have reached Jericho. The technical term הֶחֱרַמְתֶּם ('you devoted to destruction') shows even a Canaanite understood Israel's holy-war vocabulary.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
כִּ֣יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction, continuing the grounds for Rahab's confessionכִּי (H3588) 'for'; explains why she knows what she just confessed. Source id 06CBH.
שָׁמַ֗עְנוּwe have heardQal perf 1cp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act — reception of a report, the basis of Canaanite terrorשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; 1cp — Rahab speaks for the collective Canaanite population, among whom rumor of YHWH's acts has spread. Source id 063t6.
אֵ֠ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks the following relative clause as object of שָׁמַעְנוּ)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06g33.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the object clause (content of what was heard)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that, which'; introduces the report's content — YHWH's drying of the sea. Source id 06LDn.
הוֹבִ֨ישׁdried upHiphil perf 3ms · יָבֵשׁ (H3001)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective (Hiphil causative): a completed, decisive miraculous actיָבֵשׁ (H3001) in Hiphil 'to dry up, cause to become dry'; recalls the Exodus sea-crossing (Exod 14). Source id 063jG.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHN proper (divine name) · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of הוֹבִישׁיְהוָה (H3068); again the specific covenant name, not a generic term for deity. Source id 06WDP.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06eeF.
מֵ֤יthe waters ofN m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object of הוֹבִישׁ, construct chainמַיִם (H4325) 'water'; construct before יַם סוּף. Source id 06idA.
יַםsea ofN m sg constr · יָם (H3220)Construct chain (genitival, second member)יָם (H3220) 'sea'; construct before סוּף. Source id 06Z4D.
סוּף֙reedsN m sg abs · סוּף (H5488)Construct chain (genitival, final member)סוּף (H5488) 'reed, rush'; יַם סוּף 'Sea of Reeds' — the Red Sea of the Exodus crossing. Source id 06VMC.
מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔םbefore youprep מִן + N c pl constr + suff 2mp · פָּנִים (H6440)Causal/locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; מִפְּנֵי 'from before, on account of', marking Israel as the reason for the drying. Source id 06K8W.
בְּצֵאתְכֶ֖םwhen you came outprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + suff 2mp · יָצָא (H3318)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive: temporal circumstance — 'when/at your coming out'יָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the Exodus departure from Egypt. Source id 066RX.
מִמִּצְרָ֑יִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Source prepositional phraseמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'. Source id 06bYm.
וַאֲשֶׁ֣רand whatconj וְ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a second object clause of שָׁמַעְנוּאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'what, that which'; introduces the second report — the defeat of Sihon and Og. Source id 06M7H.
עֲשִׂיתֶ֡םyou didQal perf 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed actעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; refers to Israel's military victories east of the Jordan (Num 21). Source id 06gcK.
לִשְׁנֵי֩to the two ofprep לְ + cardinal number m dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Prepositional/dative complement of עֲשִׂיתֶם, construct chainשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; construct before מַלְכֵי. Source id 06p7s.
מַלְכֵ֨יthe kings ofN m pl constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (genitival, second member)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; construct before הָאֱמֹרִי. Source id 06ZBR.
הָאֱמֹרִ֜יthe Amoritesart + N gentilic m sg abs (collective) · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Construct chain (genitival, third member), gentilic used collectivelyאֱמֹרִי (H567) 'Amorite'; a major Canaanite/Transjordanian people group; collective singular here, 'the Amorite [kings]'. Source id 06ACh.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a clause modifying מַלְכֵי הָאֱמֹרִיאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'who, which'; identifies which Amorite kings — those across the Jordan. Source id 06mnL.
בְּעֵ֤בֶרacrossprep בְּ + N m sg constr · עֵבֶר (H5676)Locative prepositional phrase, construct chainעֵבֶר (H5676) 'side, region across'; construct before הַיַּרְדֵּן. Source id 0689r.
הַיַּרְדֵּן֙the Jordanart + N proper · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Construct chain (genitival, second member)יַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'Jordan'. Source id 06GmF.
לְסִיחֹ֣ןto Sihonprep לְ + N proper · סִיחוֹן (H5511)Appositional dative, specifying the two kingsסִיחוֹן (H5511), king of the Amorites at Heshbon, defeated in Num 21:21-30. Source id 06fcv.
וּלְע֔וֹגand to Ogconj וְ + prep לְ + N proper · עוֹג (H5747)Appositional dative, second of the two kingsעוֹג (H5747), king of Bashan, defeated in Num 21:33-35. Source id 06knb.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhomrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a clause modifying Sihon and Ogאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'whom'. Source id 06Qpj.
הֶחֱרַמְתֶּ֖םyou devoted to destructionHiphil perf 2mp · חָרַם (H2763)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective (Hiphil): a completed, decisive act of holy warחָרַם (H2763) in Hiphil 'to devote to destruction, put under the ban (חֵרֶם)'; the technical term for Israel's holy-war annihilation of Sihon and Og — known even to a Canaanite in Jericho. Source id 06MDS.
אוֹתָֽםthemobj marker + suff 3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with pronominal suffixאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, resuming Sihon and Og as direct object of הֶחֱרַמְתֶּם. Source id 06YBx.
11
וַנִּשְׁמַע֙ וַיִּמַּ֣ס לְבָבֵ֔נוּ וְלֹא קָ֨מָה ע֥וֹד ר֛וּחַ בְּאִ֖ישׁ מִפְּנֵיכֶ֑ם כִּ֚י יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם ה֤וּא אֱלֹהִים֙ בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם מִמַּ֔עַל וְעַל הָאָ֖רֶץ מִתָּֽחַת
And we heard, and our heart melted, and there remained no spirit in any man any longer because of you; for YHWH your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.
The verse closes Rahab's speech with the chapter's most striking line: 'YHWH your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath' echoes Deuteronomy 4:39 (and 1 Kings 8:60) almost verbatim — a Canaanite prostitute voices Israel's foundational monotheistic confession, the theological high point of the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַנִּשְׁמַע֙and we heardwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 1cp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main clause, resuming narrative sequence within speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, marking sequential resultשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; picks up from v. 10's report, now stating the effect of hearing. Source id 06kMZ.
וַיִּמַּ֣סand it meltedwaw-consec + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · מָסַס (H4549)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol (Niphal): foregrounded narrative advance — the emotional collapse that followed hearingמָסַס (H4549) in Niphal 'to melt, dissolve'; synonym of מוּג (v. 9), reinforcing the theme of terror liquefying resolve. Source id 06uqC.
לְבָבֵ֔נוּour heartN m sg constr + suff 1cp · לֵבָב (H3824)Subject of וַיִּמַּסלֵבָב (H3824) 'heart, mind'; seat of courage — its melting signals total loss of nerve. Source id 06VY5.
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of קָמָהלֹא (H3808) 'not'. Source id 06WJY.
קָ֨מָהaroseQal perf 3fs · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective: a completed (negated) state — no courage remainedקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, stand'; 'no spirit rose/remained' — total demoralization. Source id 06brh.
ע֥וֹדany longeradverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverbial modifier of the negationעוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet, again'; intensifies the negation, 'no longer any'. Source id 06w1U.
ר֛וּחַspiritN c sg abs · רוּחַ (H7307)Subject of קָמָהרוּחַ (H7307) 'spirit, breath, wind'; here 'spirit, courage, resolve' — its absence signals moral collapse. Source id 06aqT.
בְּאִ֖ישׁin any manprep בְּ + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Locative prepositional phrase (existential, 'in anyone')אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; distributive, 'in any man' — universalizing the collapse. Source id 06zXi.
מִפְּנֵיכֶ֑םbecause of youprep מִן + N c pl constr + suff 2mp · פָּנִים (H6440)Causal prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; מִפְּנֵי 'because of, from before'. Source id 06H8a.
כִּ֚יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the theological climaxכִּי (H3588) 'for'; introduces the confession's climactic theological ground. Source id 06Sjh.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHN proper (divine name) · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of the nominal clauseיְהוָה (H3068). Source id 06oYp.
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔םyour GodN m pl constr + suff 2mp · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; 'your God' — Rahab addresses YHWH as specifically Israel's God even while confessing his universal sovereignty in what follows. Source id 06Pht.
ה֤וּאheindependent pronoun 3ms (copula) · הוּא (H1931)Copular pronoun, resumptive subject of the nominal (identity) clauseהוּא (H1931) 'he'; functions as the copula 'is' in a Hebrew verbless clause — 'YHWH your God, HE is God'. Source id 06idy.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs (of the one true God) · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Predicate nominative of the nominal clauseאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; the climactic universal claim, echoing Deut 4:39 (and 1 Kgs 8:60) almost verbatim — a Canaanite prostitute articulates Israel's core monotheistic confession. Source id 06PU6.
בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִםin the heavensprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Locative prepositional phrase, first member of a merismשָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'. Source id 06FCP.
מִמַּ֔עַלaboveprep מִן + adverb · מַעַל (H4605)Adverbial intensifier of בַּשָּׁמַיִםמַעַל (H4605) 'above, upward'; reinforces 'in the heavens above'. Source id 06YuY.
וְעַלand onconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase, second member of the merismעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'. Source id 068Js.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of preposition עַלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; second member of the heaven/earth merism for totality. Source id 06FyK.
מִתָּֽחַתbeneathprep מִן + prep · תַּחַת (H8478)Adverbial intensifier of וְעַל הָאָרֶץתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, beneath'; completes the merism — 'heaven above and earth beneath', totalizing YHWH's sovereignty over the cosmos. Source id 06XjR.
12
וְעַתָּ֗ה הִשָּֽׁבְעוּ נָ֥א לִי֙ בַּֽיהוָ֔ה כִּי עָשִׂ֥יתִי עִמָּכֶ֖ם חָ֑סֶד וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם גַּם אַתֶּ֜ם עִם בֵּ֤ית אָבִי֙ חֶ֔סֶד וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם לִ֖י א֥וֹת אֱמֶֽת
Now therefore, please swear to me by YHWH, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a true sign,
וְעַתָּה pivots from theological confession to practical negotiation. Rahab requests a formal oath sworn by YHWH himself, framed as reciprocal חֶסֶד (covenant loyalty) for the חֶסֶד she has already shown — effectively proposing a covenant bond, to be sealed by a tangible 'true sign'.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וְעַתָּ֗הand nowconj וְ + adverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Transitional temporal adverb, marking a shift from confession to requestעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; the pivot from theological grounds (vv. 9-11) to Rahab's practical petition. Source id 06jaD.
הִשָּֽׁבְעוּswearNiphal impv 2mp · שָׁבַע (H7650)Imperative, main clause of Rahab's request→ Volitional: direct command, requesting a binding oathשָׁבַע (H7650) in Niphal 'to swear, take an oath'; Rahab demands a formal, binding oath in exchange for her aid. Source id 06W7V.
נָ֥אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty softening the imperativeנָא (H4994) 'please, now, I pray'; a politeness/urgency marker. Source id 06U2Y.
לִי֙to meprep לְ + suff 1csIndirect object of הִשָּׁבְעוּprep לְ 'to'; 1cs, Rahab as beneficiary of the oath. Source id 068na.
בַּֽיהוָ֔הby YHWHprep בְּ + N proper (divine name) · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase specifying the oath's guarantorיְהוָה (H3068); Rahab insists the oath be sworn specifically by Israel's God — the same name she used in her confession. Source id 06sgw.
כִּיsinceconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing Rahab's grounds for the requestכִּי (H3588) 'since, because'; grounds the oath-request in her prior kindness. Source id 06MDX.
עָשִׂ֥יתִיI have dealtQal perf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed act she has already performedעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, deal'; idiomatic, 'to do kindness (חֶסֶד) with someone'. Source id 06pPp.
עִמָּכֶ֖םwith youprep עִם + suff 2mp · עִם (H5973)Prepositional complement of עָשִׂיתִיעִם (H5973) 'with'. Source id 06ieN.
חָ֑סֶדkindnessN m sg abs · חֶסֶד (H2617)Direct object (idiomatic accusative) of עָשִׂיתִיחֶסֶד (H2617) 'covenant loyalty, steadfast kindness'; Rahab claims she has shown them חֶסֶד and now requests reciprocal חֶסֶד, effectively proposing a covenant bond. Source id 06Csj.
וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֨םthat you also will doconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb continuing the imperative's force (weqatal)→ Weqatal: volitional continuation — the reciprocal obligation Rahab requestsעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the weqatal continues the force of the preceding imperative, 'and [that] you will also do'. Source id 06rHn.
גַּםalsoadverb · גַּם (H1571)Emphatic adverb stressing reciprocityגַּם (H1571) 'also, even, too'; underscores the mutuality of the exchange. Source id 06ViB.
אַתֶּ֜םyouindependent pronoun 2mp (emphatic) · אַתֶּם (H859)Emphatic subject of וַעֲשִׂיתֶםאַתֶּם (H859) 'you'; emphatic, reinforcing גַּם — 'you too, for your part'. Source id 06CFo.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase, complement of וַעֲשִׂיתֶםעִם (H5973) 'with'. Source id 065Ja.
בֵּ֤יתthe house ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Construct chain (genitival, first member), object of עִםבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; construct before אָבִי — Rahab's request extends beyond herself to her whole family. Source id 06UXS.
אָבִי֙my fatherN m sg constr + suff 1cs · אָב (H1)Construct chain (genitival, second member)אָב (H1) 'father'; 'my father's house' = Rahab's extended family/household. Source id 06YQ8.
חֶ֔סֶדkindnessN m sg abs · חֶסֶד (H2617)Direct object (idiomatic accusative) of וַעֲשִׂיתֶםחֶסֶד (H2617) 'covenant loyalty, kindness'; repeats the key term, sealing the reciprocal-חֶסֶד bargain. Source id 06Abd.
וּנְתַתֶּ֥םand you shall giveconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb, continuing the requested obligation (weqatal)→ Weqatal: volitional continuation — a further requested actionנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; Rahab adds a concrete requirement to the promised kindness. Source id 062UV.
לִ֖יto meprep לְ + suff 1csIndirect object of וּנְתַתֶּםprep לְ 'to'. Source id 06ZtS.
א֥וֹתa sign ofN c sg constr · אוֹת (H226)Direct object of וּנְתַתֶּם, construct chainאוֹת (H226) 'sign, token'; construct before אֱמֶת — she requests tangible proof, not just a verbal promise. Source id 06gMU.
אֱמֶֽתof truthN f sg abs · אֱמֶת (H571)Construct chain (genitival, second member / attributive genitive)אֱמֶת (H571) 'truth, faithfulness'; 'a sign of truth/reliability' — Rahab demands a guarantee she can trust, given the danger she undertakes. Source id 06nWb.
13
וְהַחֲיִתֶ֞ם אֶת אָבִ֣י וְאֶת אִמִּ֗י וְאֶת אַחַי֙ וְאֶת אחותי אַחְיוֹתַ֔י וְאֵ֖ת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֣ר לָהֶ֑ם וְהִצַּלְתֶּ֥ם אֶת נַפְשֹׁתֵ֖ינוּ מִמָּֽוֶת
and you shall keep alive my father and my mother, my brothers and my sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.
Rahab itemizes her family — father, mother, brothers, sisters (a ketiv/qere pair, אחותי/אַחְיוֹתַי) — and all who belong to them, then closes with the stark, life-and-death stakes of the exchange (מִמָּוֶת, 'from death'). The two weqatal verbs (וְהַחֲיִתֶם, וְהִצַּלְתֶּם) form the substantive content of the oath she is requesting.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְהַחֲיִתֶ֞םand you shall keep aliveconj וְ + Hiphil perf (weqatal) 2mp · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate verb, main request (weqatal continuing the imperative force)→ Weqatal (Hiphil causative): volitional continuation — the central request, preservation of lifeחָיָה (H2421) in Hiphil 'to keep alive, preserve, save alive'; the concrete substance of the חֶסֶד Rahab requests. Source id 06GXk.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06TZa.
אָבִ֣יmy fatherN m sg constr + suff 1cs · אָב (H1)Direct object (first in the family list)אָב (H1) 'father'; first named family member. Source id 065qp.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerוְ joins the next family member; אֵת marks אִמִּי as a definite object. Source id 06uHZ.
אִמִּ֗יmy motherN f sg constr + suff 1cs · אֵם (H517)Direct object (second in the family list)אֵם (H517) 'mother'. Source id 06pAL.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markermarks אַחַי as a definite object. Source id 06hSr.
אַחַי֙my brothersN m pl constr + suff 1cs · אָח (H251)Direct object (third in the family list)אָח (H251) 'brother'. Source id 06ZMk.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markermarks the next term (a ketiv/qere pair meaning 'my sisters') as a definite object. Source id 06irW.
אחותיmy sister(s)N f sg/pl constr + suff 1cs (ketiv, unpointed) · אָחוֹת (H269)Direct object (fourth in the family list) — ketiv formאָחוֹת (H269) 'sister'; the ketiv (as-written consonantal text) is followed immediately by the qere אַחְיוֹתַי, the Masoretic scribal correction supplying the intended plural vocalization. Source id 06x72.
אַחְיוֹתַ֔יmy sistersN f pl constr + suff 1cs (qere) · אָחוֹת (H269)Direct object (fourth in the family list) — qere readingאָחוֹת (H269) 'sister'; the qere אַחְיוֹתַי 'my sisters' (plural) is the vocalized correction to the ketiv אחותי, a standard scribal ketiv/qere pair. Source id 06FYV.
וְאֵ֖תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markermarks the final, comprehensive object clause. Source id 06Uoo.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (final, comprehensive), construct chainכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct before the relative clause, totalizing the request to cover the whole household. Source id 06sC3.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a clause modifying כָּלאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that, who, which'. Source id 064CS.
לָהֶ֑םbelong to themprep לְ + suff 3mpPredicate of the relative clause (possessive)prep לְ 'to, belonging to'; 'all who belong to them' extends the request to the entire household. Source id 066n2.
וְהִצַּלְתֶּ֥םand you shall deliverconj וְ + Hiphil perf (weqatal) 2mp · נָצַל (H5337)Predicate verb, second main request (weqatal)→ Weqatal (Hiphil): volitional continuation — the culminating requestנָצַל (H5337) in Hiphil 'to deliver, rescue, save'; parallels וְהַחֲיִתֶם, intensifying the plea. Source id 06HqY.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06BFZ.
נַפְשֹׁתֵ֖ינוּour livesN c pl constr + suff 1cp · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object of וְהִצַּלְתֶּםנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, self'; plural 'our lives' — Rahab now speaks collectively for the whole household. Source id 06shy.
מִמָּֽוֶתfrom deathprep מִן + N m sg abs · מָוֶת (H4194)Source/separative prepositional phraseמָוֶת (H4194) 'death'; the mortal stakes of the exchange made explicit. Source id 06nzj.
14
וַיֹּ֧אמְרוּ לָ֣הּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים נַפְשֵׁ֤נוּ תַחְתֵּיכֶם֙ לָמ֔וּת אִ֚ם לֹ֣א תַגִּ֔ידוּ אֶת דְּבָרֵ֖נוּ זֶ֑ה וְהָיָ֗ה בְּתֵת יְהוָ֥ה לָ֨נוּ֙ אֶת הָאָ֔רֶץ וְעָשִׂ֥ינוּ עִמָּ֖ךְ חֶ֥סֶד וֶאֱמֶֽת
And the men said to her, "Our life for yours, if you do not tell this business of ours! And when YHWH gives us the land, we will deal kindly and faithfully with you."
The spies answer with their own binding formula — 'our life for yours, to die!' — conditioned on Rahab's silence, then promise חֶסֶד וֶאֱמֶת ('kindness and truth'), a fixed covenantal word-pair, once YHWH has given them the land; their oath directly answers Rahab's request in vv. 12-13.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיֹּ֧אמְרוּand they saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, introducing the spies' replyאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the men respond to Rahab's oath-request. Source id 06vpT.
לָ֣הּto herprep לְ + suff 3fsIndirect object of וַיֹּאמְרוּprep לְ 'to'. Source id 063Sx.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֗יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of וַיֹּאמְרוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the two spies, speaking for the first time since their arrival. Source id 06qVv.
נַפְשֵׁ֤נוּour lifeN c sg constr + suff 1cp · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of an elliptical nominal (oath) clauseנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life'; the spies pledge their own lives as surety — a solemn, oath-like formula. Source id 06Kov.
תַחְתֵּיכֶם֙instead of youprep תַּחַת + suff 2mp · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional complement in the oath formulaתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, instead of'; substitutionary formula, 'our life for yours'. Source id 06HNy.
לָמ֔וּתto dieprep לְ + Qal inf constr · מוּת (H4191)Infinitive construct completing the oath formula→ Infinitive: purpose/consequence — the men stake their lives on the outcomeמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the men's binding self-curse — if the deal fails, they forfeit their lives: 'our life for yours, to die!'. Source id 06Ta6.
אִ֚םifconjunction · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing the condition of their pledgeאִם (H518) 'if'; part of the self-imprecatory conditional formula — the pledge holds provided Rahab keeps silent. Source id 06ER2.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation within the conditional clauseלֹא (H3808) 'not'. Source id 06yP1.
תַגִּ֔ידוּyou tellHiphil impf 2mp · נָגַד (H5046)Predicate verb of the conditional clause→ Yiqtol: modal/conditional — a hypothetical future actionנָגַד (H5046) in Hiphil 'to tell, declare, disclose'; the men's condition — their pledge holds provided Rahab keeps the matter secret. Source id 06w4T.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06Cyx.
דְּבָרֵ֖נוּour matterN m sg constr + suff 1cp · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of תַגִּידוּדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter, thing'; 'our business/affair' — the whole transaction and the spies' presence. Source id 06qTT.
זֶ֑הthisdemonstrative pronoun m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying דְּבָרֵנוּזֶה (H2088) 'this'; specifies 'this matter of ours'. Source id 06m55.
וְהָיָ֗הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb, introducing a future temporal clause (weqatal)→ Weqatal: volitional/future — 'and it shall come about that...'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; introduces the condition under which the spies' oath takes effect — Israel's entry into the land. Source id 06AF1.
בְּתֵתwhen givingprep בְּ + Qal inf constr · נָתַן (H5414)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive: temporal circumstance — 'when YHWH gives'נָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; echoes Rahab's own confession in v. 9 (נָתַן יְהוָה), now affirmed by the spies themselves. Source id 065ED.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHN proper (divine name) · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of בְּתֵתיְהוָה (H3068). Source id 06zCS.
לָ֨נוּ֙to usprep לְ + suff 1cpIndirect object of בְּתֵתprep לְ 'to'; 1cp — the spies now speak for Israel. Source id 06LsC.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06B4x.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of בְּתֵתאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'. Source id 06JB6.
וְעָשִׂ֥ינוּthen we will dealconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 1cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb, apodosis of the future condition (weqatal)→ Weqatal: volitional/future — the promised reciprocationעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, deal'; the spies commit to their side of the reciprocal-חֶסֶד bargain. Source id 06LzS.
עִמָּ֖ךְwith youprep עִם + suff 2fs · עִם (H5973)Prepositional complement of וְעָשִׂינוּעִם (H5973) 'with'; 2fs, addressed to Rahab specifically. Source id 0683E.
חֶ֥סֶדkindnessN m sg abs · חֶסֶד (H2617)Direct object (idiomatic accusative) of וְעָשִׂינוּחֶסֶד (H2617) 'covenant loyalty, kindness'; completes the reciprocal-חֶסֶד formula begun in v. 12. Source id 06hQD.
וֶאֱמֶֽתand truthconj וְ + N f sg abs · אֱמֶת (H571)Coordinate direct object with חֶסֶדאֱמֶת (H571) 'truth, faithfulness'; חֶסֶד וֶאֱמֶת is a fixed covenantal word-pair ('steadfast love and faithfulness', cf. Exod 34:6), now pledged between the spies and Rahab. Source id 06LZD.
15
וַתּוֹרִדֵ֥ם בַּחֶ֖בֶל בְּעַ֣ד הַֽחַלּ֑וֹן כִּ֤י בֵיתָהּ֙ בְּקִ֣יר הַֽחוֹמָ֔ה וּבַֽחוֹמָ֖ה הִ֥יא יוֹשָֽׁבֶת
Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was in the wall of the city-wall, and she lived in the wall.
The wayyiqtol וַתּוֹרִדֵם narrates Rahab's execution of the escape plan; the narrator then pauses in a כִּי-clause to explain the architectural detail that makes it possible — her house is built directly into Jericho's city wall (קִיר הַחוֹמָה), a detail that anticipates the wall's collapse in ch. 6, where her household alone survives.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַתּוֹרִדֵ֥םand she let them downwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3fs + suff 3mp · יָרַד (H3381)Predicate verb (main clause) with pronominal object→ Wayyiqtol (Hiphil causative): foregrounded narrative advance — the physical act of escapeיָרַד (H3381) in Hiphil 'to bring down, let down'; Rahab lowers the spies from her window, executing the escape. Source id 066bH.
בַּחֶ֖בֶלby the ropeprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · חֶבֶל (H2256)Instrumental prepositional phraseחֶבֶל (H2256) 'rope, cord'; the instrument of the spies' descent, later specified as tied with scarlet thread (vv. 18, 21). Source id 06Ekx.
בְּעַ֣דthroughprep · בְּעַד (H1157)Locative prepositional phraseבְּעַד (H1157) 'through, behind, on behalf of'; here 'through' the window. Source id 06PG7.
הַֽחַלּ֑וֹןthe windowart + N c sg abs · חַלּוֹן (H2474)Object of preposition בְּעַדחַלּוֹן (H2474) 'window'; Rahab's house is built into the city wall, giving direct access to the outside. Source id 06EL8.
כִּ֤יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the narrator's explanatory asideכִּי (H3588) 'for'; explains why escape through the window was possible. Source id 06ufm.
בֵיתָהּ֙her houseN m sg constr + suff 3fs · בַּיִת (H1004)Subject of the nominal clauseבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'. Source id 06XSi.
בְּקִ֣ירin the wall ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · קִיר (H7023)Locative predicate of the nominal clause, construct chainקִיר (H7023) 'wall'; construct before הַחוֹמָה — her house is architecturally embedded within the city fortification. Source id 06ELV.
הַֽחוֹמָ֔הthe city-wallart + N f sg abs · חוֹמָה (H2346)Construct chain (genitival, second member)חוֹמָה (H2346) 'wall' (city/fortification wall, distinct from קִיר, a generic wall); the great defensive wall of Jericho. Source id 06Y6w.
וּבַֽחוֹמָ֖הand in the wallconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · חוֹמָה (H2346)Locative prepositional phrase, resumptiveחוֹמָה (H2346) 'wall'; repeats and clarifies — she lives IN the wall itself, not merely near it. Source id 06qLR.
הִ֥יאsheindependent pronoun 3fs (emphatic) · הִיא (H1931)Emphatic subject of יוֹשָׁבֶתהִיא (H1931) 'she'; emphatic, underscoring the narrator's point about her residence. Source id 06vfq.
יוֹשָֽׁבֶתwas dwellingQal ptc f sg abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate participle of the nominal clause→ Participle: durative/habitual — an ongoing state of residenceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, sit, live'; her settled habitation built into the wall — explaining the window's outward access. Source id 06Qsx.
16
וַתֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ הָהָ֣רָה לֵּ֔כוּ פֶּֽן יִפְגְּע֥וּ בָכֶ֖ם הָרֹדְפִ֑ים וְנַחְבֵּתֶ֨ם שָׁ֜מָּה שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים עַ֚ד שׁ֣וֹב הָרֹֽדְפִ֔ים וְאַחַ֖ר תֵּלְכ֥וּ לְדַרְכְּכֶֽם
And she said to them, "Go to the hill country, lest the pursuers meet you, and hide yourselves there three days until the pursuers have returned, and afterward you may go on your way."
Rahab supplies the spies with a concrete survival plan — direction (hill country, away from the Jordan fords the pursuers took), duration (three days), and timing (after the pursuers return) — practical wisdom matching the strategic acumen of her earlier deception.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַתֹּ֤אמֶרand she saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Rahab's final instructions before the spies depart. Source id 068KZ.
לָהֶם֙to themprep לְ + suff 3mpIndirect object of וַתֹּאמֶרprep לְ 'to'. Source id 06GXq.
הָהָ֣רָהto the hill countryart + N m sg abs + directional ה · הַר (H2022)Locative accusative of direction (fronted)הַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill country'; the rugged terrain west of Jericho, ideal for hiding. Source id 06iCi.
לֵּ֔כוּgoQal impv 2mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Imperative, Rahab's directive→ Volitional: direct commandהָלַךְ 'to go'. Source id 06vwH.
פֶּֽןlestconjunction · פֶּן (H6435)Negative-purpose conjunction introducing the rationale for going to the hillsפֶּן (H6435) 'lest, so that not'; introduces the danger Rahab warns against. Source id 06dbM.
יִפְגְּע֥וּthey meetQal impf 3mp · פָּגַע (H6293)Predicate verb of the פֶּן-clause→ Yiqtol: modal — a feared potential outcomeפָּגַע (H6293) 'to meet, encounter, fall upon'; here with hostile nuance, 'run into, be caught by'. Source id 06Dqb.
בָכֶ֖םyouprep בְּ + suff 2mpPrepositional complement of יִפְגְּעוּprep בְּ; with יִפְגְּעוּ idiomatically 'meet, encounter [you]'. Source id 06kCD.
הָרֹדְפִ֑יםthe pursuersart + Qal ptc m pl abs (substantival) · רָדַף (H7291)Subject of יִפְגְּעוּ→ Participle: substantival, 'those who pursue'רָדַף (H7291) 'to pursue'; the search party still active, per v. 7. Source id 06XgW.
וְנַחְבֵּתֶ֨םand hide yourselvesconj וְ + Niphal perf (weqatal) 2mp · חָבָה (H2247)Predicate verb, continuing the imperative sequence (weqatal)→ Weqatal (Niphal): volitional continuation — a further instructionחָבָה (H2247) in Niphal 'to hide oneself'; Rahab's practical survival plan for the spies. Source id 066PV.
שָׁ֜מָּהthereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbialשָׁם (H8033) 'there'. Source id 06qGs.
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁתthreecardinal number m sg constr · שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral in construct, modifying יָמִים (adverbial accusative of duration)שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; construct before יָמִים. Source id 06w7p.
יָמִ֗יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Construct chain (genitival, second member), accusative of durationיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; specifies the length of the hiding period. Source id 06k7H.
עַ֚דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase introducing the endpointעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'. Source id 06r6F.
שׁ֣וֹבthe returning ofQal inf constr · שׁוּב (H7725)Infinitive construct, object of עַד (temporal endpoint)→ Infinitive: marks the temporal limit — 'until the return of'שׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; the pursuers' return marks the end of the danger window. Source id 06Ugz.
הָרֹֽדְפִ֔יםthe pursuersart + Qal ptc m pl abs (substantival) · רָדַף (H7291)Subject of the infinitive שׁוֹב→ Participle: substantivalרָדַף (H7291) 'to pursue'. Source id 06Mjg.
וְאַחַ֖רand afterwardconj וְ + adverb · אַחַר (H310)Temporal adverb, sequencing the final instructionאַחַר (H310) 'after, afterward'. Source id 06mdR.
תֵּלְכ֥וּyou shall goQal impf (jussive/modal) 2mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, final instruction→ Yiqtol: modal/permissive — 'then you may go'הָלַךְ 'to go'. Source id 06eWA.
לְדַרְכְּכֶֽםon your wayprep לְ + N c sg constr + suff 2mp · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Prepositional complement of תֵּלְכוּדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; 'your way' completes Rahab's directions, allowing the spies to resume their journey. Source id 06CqN.
17
וַיֹּאמְר֥וּ אֵלֶ֖יהָ הָאֲנָשִׁ֑ים נְקִיִּ֣ם אֲנַ֔חְנוּ מִשְּׁבֻעָתֵ֥ךְ הַזֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר הִשְׁבַּעְתָּֽנוּ
And the men said to her, "We will be free from this oath of yours which you have made us swear,"
The men begin to specify the escape clauses that will release them from the oath — the first of several conditions (vv. 18-20) that qualify the seemingly unconditional pledge they made in v. 14.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיֹּאמְר֥וּand they saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the spies respond with their own conditions. Source id 06Cpt.
אֵלֶ֖יהָto herprep אֶל + suff 3fs · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of וַיֹּאמְרוּאֶל (H413) 'to'. Source id 06aSi.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֑יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of וַיֹּאמְרוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'. Source id 067VU.
נְקִיִּ֣םinnocent, freeadjective m pl abs · נָקִי (H5355)Predicate adjective of the nominal clauseנָקִי (H5355) 'innocent, free, exempt'; the spies assert conditional release from the oath's obligations. Source id 06eK3.
אֲנַ֔חְנוּweindependent pronoun 1cp · אֲנַחְנוּ (H587)Subject of the nominal clauseאֲנַחְנוּ (H587) 'we'. Source id 06c63.
מִשְּׁבֻעָתֵ֥ךְfrom your oathprep מִן + N f sg constr + suff 2fs · שְׁבוּעָה (H7621)Prepositional complement of נְקִיִּם (source of release)שְׁבוּעָה (H7621) 'oath'; 'your oath' = the oath Rahab required of them in v. 12. Source id 06TuL.
הַזֶּ֖הthisart + demonstrative pronoun m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying שְׁבֻעָתֵךְזֶה (H2088) 'this'; specifies 'this oath of yours'. Source id 06emQ.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a clause modifying שְׁבֻעָתֵךְאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, that'. Source id 06uf4.
הִשְׁבַּעְתָּֽנוּyou made us swearHiphil perf 2fs + suff 1cp · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective (Hiphil causative): a completed act — Rahab's prior action of exacting the oathשָׁבַע (H7650) in Hiphil 'to cause to swear, make swear'; recalls the oath Rahab demanded in v. 12; the men now set out its conditions of release (vv. 18-20). Source id 06jQv.
18
הִנֵּ֛ה אֲנַ֥חְנוּ בָאִ֖ים בָּאָ֑רֶץ אֶת תִּקְוַ֡ת חוּט֩ הַשָּׁנִ֨י הַזֶּ֜ה תִּקְשְׁרִ֗י בַּֽחַלּוֹן֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הוֹרַדְתֵּ֣נוּ ב֔וֹ וְאֶת אָבִ֨יךְ וְאֶת אִמֵּ֜ךְ וְאֶת אַחַ֗יִךְ וְאֵת֙ כָּל בֵּ֣ית אָבִ֔יךְ תַּאַסְפִ֥י אֵלַ֖יִךְ הַבָּֽיְתָה
Behold, we are coming into the land: you shall tie this cord of scarlet thread in the window through which you let us down, and you shall gather to yourself into the house your father and your mother, your brothers, and all your father's household.
The spies specify their conditions: a visible sign — the scarlet cord (תִּקְוַת חוּט הַשָּׁנִי) — tied in the same window used for the escape, punning on תִּקְוָה as both 'cord' and 'hope', and the physical gathering of the whole household under one roof; both conditions must be met before the coming invasion (הִנֵּה אֲנַחְנוּ בָאִים בָּאָרֶץ).
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
הִנֵּ֛הbeholddemonstrative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing the spies' conditionהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; draws attention to the coming plan. Source id 06ME1.
אֲנַ֥חְנוּweindependent pronoun 1cp · אֲנַחְנוּ (H587)Subject of the participial clauseאֲנַחְנוּ (H587) 'we'. Source id 06ht4.
בָאִ֖יםare comingQal ptc m pl abs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate participle of the nominal clause→ Participle: durative/imminent — 'we are about to be coming'בּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; describes Israel's impending invasion, from the spies' perspective as its agents. Source id 063Yo.
בָּאָ֑רֶץinto the landprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'. Source id 06pYb.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06g5u.
תִּקְוַ֡תthe cord ofN f sg constr · תִּקְוָה (H8615)Direct object, construct chainתִּקְוָה (H8615), here 'cord, line'; notably the same word ordinarily means 'hope' — a striking wordplay, since the scarlet cord is literally Rahab's 'hope' of rescue. Source id 06w6U.
חוּט֩the thread ofN m sg constr · חוּט (H2339)Construct chain (genitival, second member)חוּט (H2339) 'thread, cord, string'. Source id 06ifL.
הַשָּׁנִ֨יthe scarletart + N m sg abs (attributive) · שָׁנִי (H8144)Construct chain (genitival, third member / attributive)שָׁנִי (H8144) 'scarlet, crimson'; a dyed thread, visible against the wall. Source id 06LZU.
הַזֶּ֜הthisart + demonstrative pronoun m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying תִּקְוַת חוּט הַשָּׁנִיזֶה (H2088) 'this'. Source id 06yHT.
תִּקְשְׁרִ֗יyou shall tieQal impf 2fs (instructional) · קָשַׁר (H7194)Predicate verb, the spies' instruction to Rahab→ Yiqtol: instructional/volitional — a directiveקָשַׁר (H7194) 'to bind, tie'; the sign Rahab must display before the coming invasion. Source id 069Dq.
בַּֽחַלּוֹן֙in the windowprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · חַלּוֹן (H2474)Locative prepositional phraseחַלּוֹן (H2474) 'window'; the same window through which the spies were let down. Source id 067Vg.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthrough whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a clause modifying הַחַלּוֹןאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, that'. Source id 063LR.
הוֹרַדְתֵּ֣נוּyou let us downHiphil perf 2fs + suff 1cp · יָרַד (H3381)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective (Hiphil causative): a completed act, referring back to v. 15יָרַד (H3381) in Hiphil 'to bring/let down'; recalls Rahab's earlier action. Source id 06vdQ.
ב֔וֹthrough itprep בְּ + suff 3msPrepositional complement, resuming הַחַלּוֹןprep בְּ 'through, by means of'. Source id 06zAa.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markermarks the family list to be gathered, echoing v. 13. Source id 06HK3.
אָבִ֨יךְyour fatherN m sg constr + suff 2fs · אָב (H1)Direct object (first in the family list) of תַּאַסְפִיאָב (H1) 'father'. Source id 06sCi.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markermarks אִמֵּךְ as a definite object. Source id 06S3d.
אִמֵּ֜ךְyour motherN f sg constr + suff 2fs · אֵם (H517)Direct object (second in the family list)אֵם (H517) 'mother'. Source id 06RFe.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markermarks אַחַיִךְ as a definite object. Source id 06PfQ.
אַחַ֗יִךְyour brothersN m pl constr + suff 2fs · אָח (H251)Direct object (third in the family list)אָח (H251) 'brother'. Source id 06AwN.
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markermarks the final, comprehensive object clause. Source id 06khc.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (quantifier) before בֵּיתכֹּל (H3605) 'all'. Source id 06kYA.
בֵּ֣יתthe house ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Construct chain (genitival, second member)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'. Source id 06u6F.
אָבִ֔יךְyour fatherN m sg constr + suff 2fs · אָב (H1)Construct chain (genitival, third member)אָב (H1) 'father'; 'your father's house' — the household to be gathered under one roof for safety. Source id 06PYJ.
תַּאַסְפִ֥יyou shall gatherQal impf 2fs (instructional) · אָסַף (H622)Predicate verb, second instruction to Rahab→ Yiqtol: instructional/volitionalאָסַף (H622) 'to gather'; the second condition — the whole household must be assembled inside. Source id 061Za.
אֵלַ֖יִךְto yourselfprep אֶל + suff 2fs · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement of תַּאַסְפִיאֶל (H413) 'to'. Source id 06gam.
הַבָּֽיְתָהinto the houseart + N m sg abs + directional ה · בַּיִת (H1004)Locative accusative of directionבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; the directive is explicit — everyone must be physically inside Rahab's house. Source id 06un5.
19
וְהָיָ֡ה כֹּ֣ל אֲשֶׁר יֵצֵא֩ מִדַּלְתֵ֨י בֵיתֵ֧ךְ הַח֛וּצָה דָּמ֥וֹ בְרֹאשׁ֖וֹ וַאֲנַ֣חְנוּ נְקִיִּ֑ם וְ֠כֹל אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִֽהְיֶ֤ה אִתָּךְ֙ בַּבַּ֔יִת דָּמ֣וֹ בְרֹאשֵׁ֔נוּ אִם יָ֖ד תִּֽהְיֶה בּֽוֹ
And if anyone goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head, and we shall be innocent; but if a hand is laid on anyone who is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head.
A precise legal formula assigns responsibility: outside the house, one's death is self-incurred (דָּמוֹ בְרֹאשׁוֹ); inside, any harm falls on the spies' own heads (דָּמוֹ בְרֹאשֵׁנוּ). The house itself becomes the boundary of the promised protection, anticipating ch. 6's instruction to spare 'Rahab and all who are with her in the house' (6:17, 22-23).
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וְהָיָ֡הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb, apodosis-introducing (weqatal)→ Weqatal: volitional/future — introduces the third conditionהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'. Source id 06WSe.
כֹּ֣לwhoeverN m sg abs (indefinite) · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of וְהָיָה (head of the relative construction)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, anyone'; 'whoever' — subject of the following relative clause. Source id 06AFs.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a clause modifying כֹּלאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'who, which'. Source id 06aJe.
יֵצֵא֩goes outQal impf 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: conditional/generic — a hypothetical future actionיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'. Source id 06g2t.
מִדַּלְתֵ֨יfrom the doors ofprep מִן + N f dual constr · דֶּלֶת (H1817)Source prepositional phrase, construct chainדֶּלֶת (H1817) 'door'; dual form, the double doors of the house entrance. Source id 068HV.
בֵיתֵ֧ךְyour houseN m sg constr + suff 2fs · בַּיִת (H1004)Construct chain (genitival, second member)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'. Source id 06j8W.
הַח֛וּצָהoutsideart + N m sg abs + directional ה · חוּץ (H2351)Locative accusative of directionחוּץ (H2351) 'outside, street'; the fatal boundary — crossing it forfeits the promised protection. Source id 06h73.
דָּמ֥וֹhis bloodN m sg constr + suff 3ms · דָּם (H1818)Subject of an elliptical nominal clauseדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; idiomatic for culpability for one's own death. Source id 069Yh.
בְרֹאשׁ֖וֹon his own headprep בְּ + N m sg constr + suff 3ms · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Locative predicate of the nominal clauseרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; the idiom דָּמוֹ בְרֹאשׁוֹ 'his blood is on his own head' assigns full responsibility to the victim, absolving the spies. Source id 06SkM.
וַאֲנַ֣חְנוּand weconj וְ + independent pronoun 1cp · אֲנַחְנוּ (H587)Subject, disjunctive/contrastive clauseאֲנַחְנוּ (H587) 'we'. Source id 06yXK.
נְקִיִּ֑םinnocentadjective m pl abs · נָקִי (H5355)Predicate adjective of the disjunctive nominal clauseנָקִי (H5355) 'innocent, free, exempt'; repeats the legal-release vocabulary from v. 17. Source id 06hDf.
וְ֠כֹלbut whoeverconj וְ + N m sg abs (indefinite) · כֹּל (H3605)Subject, head of a second (contrastive) relative constructionכֹּל (H3605) 'all, anyone'; the counter-case — those who stay inside. Source id 06PuA.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a clause modifying כֹלאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'who, which'. Source id 06myi.
יִֽהְיֶ֤הisQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: conditional/genericהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'. Source id 06YLn.
אִתָּךְ֙with youprep אֵת + suff 2fs · אֵת (H854)Prepositional complement of יִהְיֶהאֵת (H854) 'with' (a distinct lexeme from the object-marker אֵת H853, though homographic); marks accompaniment. Source id 06AXU.
בַּבַּ֔יִתin the houseprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Locative prepositional phraseבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; specifies the protected zone — inside Rahab's house. Source id 06reD.
דָּמ֣וֹhis bloodN m sg constr + suff 3ms · דָּם (H1818)Subject of the elliptical nominal clause (apodosis)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'. Source id 06VFM.
בְרֹאשֵׁ֔נוּon our headprep בְּ + N m sg constr + suff 1cp · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Locative predicate of the nominal clauseרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; reverses the formula — if harm comes to those inside, the spies bear the guilt. Source id 06SGf.
אִםifconjunction · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing a further exception clauseאִם (H518) 'if'. Source id 069jX.
יָ֖דa handN c sg abs · יָד (H3027)Subject of תִּהְיֶהיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiomatic for violence, 'if a hand is laid on him'. Source id 066t4.
תִּֽהְיֶהcomesQal impf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the final conditional clause→ Yiqtol: conditional/genericהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; idiomatic with יָד, 'if a hand comes upon him'. Source id 06Yu7.
בּֽוֹupon himprep בְּ + suff 3msPrepositional complement of תִּהְיֶהprep בְּ 'upon, against'. Source id 06vL9.
20
וְאִם תַּגִּ֖ידִי אֶת דְּבָרֵ֣נוּ זֶ֑ה וְהָיִ֣ינוּ נְקִיִּ֔ם מִשְּׁבֻעָתֵ֖ךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הִשְׁבַּעְתָּֽנוּ
But if you tell this business of ours, then we shall be free from your oath which you made us swear.
The final clause closes the ring begun in v. 17 (נְקִיִּם ... מִשְּׁבֻעָתֵךְ), restating the sole condition that voids the spies' oath — Rahab's own disclosure of 'this business of ours' — bracketing the full set of conditions given in vv. 17-20.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְאִםand ifconj וְ + conjunction · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing the final exception clauseאִם (H518) 'if'; the closing condition — the risk of disclosure. Source id 06G2d.
תַּגִּ֖ידִיyou tellHiphil impf 2fs · נָגַד (H5046)Predicate verb of the conditional clause→ Yiqtol: conditional — a hypothetical future actionנָגַד (H5046) in Hiphil 'to tell, declare, disclose'. Source id 06xY3.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06Zmd.
דְּבָרֵ֣נוּour matterN m sg constr + suff 1cp · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of תַּגִּידִידָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter'; repeats the term from v. 14. Source id 06Wyn.
זֶ֑הthisdemonstrative pronoun m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying דְּבָרֵנוּזֶה (H2088) 'this'. Source id 06njg.
וְהָיִ֣ינוּthen we shall beconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 1cp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb, apodosis of the condition (weqatal)→ Weqatal: volitional/future — result clauseהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'. Source id 06L6G.
נְקִיִּ֔םinnocentadjective m pl abs · נָקִי (H5355)Predicate adjectiveנָקִי (H5355) 'innocent, free, exempt'; the third occurrence of this release-formula in the chapter (vv. 17, 19, 20). Source id 06EDP.
מִשְּׁבֻעָתֵ֖ךְfrom your oathprep מִן + N f sg constr + suff 2fs · שְׁבוּעָה (H7621)Prepositional complement of נְקִיִּםשְׁבוּעָה (H7621) 'oath'. Source id 06QUP.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a clause modifying שְׁבֻעָתֵךְאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, that'. Source id 06fv8.
הִשְׁבַּעְתָּֽנוּyou made us swearHiphil perf 2fs + suff 1cp · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective (Hiphil causative): a completed actשָׁבַע (H7650) in Hiphil 'to cause to swear'; closes the ring begun in v. 17, restating the oath's origin. Source id 062SX.
21
וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ כְּדִבְרֵיכֶ֣ם כֶּן ה֔וּא וַֽתְּשַׁלְּחֵ֖ם וַיֵּלֵ֑כוּ וַתִּקְשֹׁ֛ר אֶת תִּקְוַ֥ת הַשָּׁנִ֖י בַּחַלּֽוֹן
And she said, "According to your words, so be it." Then she sent them away, and they departed; and she tied the scarlet cord in the window.
Rahab's terse acceptance formula (כְּדִבְרֵיכֶם כֶּן הוּא) seals the agreement; her immediate compliance — tying the scarlet cord — shows good faith even before the spies reach safety, and וַתְּשַׁלְּחֵם ('she sent them away') deliberately echoes Joshua's שָׁלַח in v. 1, framing the whole chapter as a mission dispatched and now returned.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙and she saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Rahab accepts the spies' terms. Source id 06pwZ.
כְּדִבְרֵיכֶ֣םaccording to your wordsprep כְּ + N m pl constr + suff 2mp · דָּבָר (H1697)Comparative/manner prepositional phrase (predicate of the nominal clause)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word'; 'according to your words' — Rahab's formal acceptance formula. Source id 06KKJ.
כֶּןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial predicate of the nominal clauseכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; 'so be it'. Source id 06U9v.
ה֔וּאit isindependent pronoun 3ms (copula) · הוּא (H1931)Copular pronoun, subject of the nominal clauseהוּא (H1931) 'he/it'; functions as copula, 'it is so' — the terms of the agreement sealed. Source id 063V4.
וַֽתְּשַׁלְּחֵ֖םand she sent them awaywaw-consec + Piel wayyiqtol 3fs + suff 3mp · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (main clause) with pronominal object→ Wayyiqtol (Piel intensive): foregrounded narrative advance — Rahab dismisses the spiesשָׁלַח (H7971) in Piel 'to send off, dismiss'; echoes Joshua's שָׁלַח in v. 1, closing the mission's frame. Source id 06gJ1.
וַיֵּלֵ֑כוּand they wentwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ 'to go'. Source id 06rWk.
וַתִּקְשֹׁ֛רand she tiedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָשַׁר (H7194)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Rahab immediately fulfills the sign-conditionקָשַׁר (H7194) 'to bind, tie'; fulfills the spies' instruction from v. 18. Source id 066gQ.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06mSF.
תִּקְוַ֥תthe cord ofN f sg constr · תִּקְוָה (H8615)Direct object of וַתִּקְשֹׁר, construct chainתִּקְוָה (H8615) 'cord' (also 'hope'); see the wordplay noted at v. 18. Source id 06awX.
הַשָּׁנִ֖יthe scarletart + N m sg abs (attributive) · שָׁנִי (H8144)Construct chain (genitival, second member)שָׁנִי (H8144) 'scarlet, crimson'. Source id 06wik.
בַּחַלּֽוֹןin the windowprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · חַלּוֹן (H2474)Locative prepositional phraseחַלּוֹן (H2474) 'window'; the sign is now in place. Source id 06CVM.
22
וַיֵּלְכוּ֙ וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ הָהָ֔רָה וַיֵּ֤שְׁבוּ שָׁם֙ שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֔ים עַד שָׁ֖בוּ הָרֹדְפִ֑ים וַיְבַקְשׁ֧וּ הָרֹדְפִ֛ים בְּכָל הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ וְלֹ֥א מָצָֽאוּ
And they went and came to the hill country, and stayed there three days, until the pursuers returned. The pursuers searched all along the way, but did not find them.
The narrative confirms, point by point, that events unfolded exactly as Rahab planned: hill country, three days, safe past the pursuers' return; the pursuers' exhaustive but fruitless search (בְּכָל הַדֶּרֶךְ) closes the pursuit subplot begun in v. 7.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֵּלְכוּ֙and they wentwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ 'to go'; the spies obey Rahab's instructions from v. 16. Source id 06gbT.
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּand they camewaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'. Source id 06wMq.
הָהָ֔רָהto the hill countryart + N m sg abs + directional ה · הַר (H2022)Locative accusative of directionהַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill country'. Source id 062GY.
וַיֵּ֤שְׁבוּand they stayedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, stay, remain'. Source id 06Doj.
שָׁם֙thereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbialשָׁם (H8033) 'there'. Source id 06m3h.
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁתthreecardinal number m sg constr · שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral in construct, modifying יָמִים (adverbial accusative of duration)שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'. Source id 06Djb.
יָמִ֔יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Construct chain (genitival, second member), accusative of durationיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; confirms the spies followed Rahab's timeline exactly (v. 16). Source id 06F5r.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase introducing the endpointעַד (H5704) 'until'. Source id 06V4p.
שָׁ֖בוּreturnedQal perf 3cp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb of the temporal clause→ Perfective: a completed act, marking the endpoint of the hiding periodשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'. Source id 06HsZ.
הָרֹדְפִ֑יםthe pursuersart + Qal ptc m pl abs (substantival) · רָדַף (H7291)Subject of שָׁבוּ→ Participle: substantivalרָדַף (H7291) 'to pursue'. Source id 06DgA.
וַיְבַקְשׁ֧וּand they soughtwaw-consec + Piel wayyiqtol 3mp · בָּקַשׁ (H1245)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol (Piel intensive): foregrounded narrative advance — the pursuers' futile searchבָּקַשׁ (H1245) in Piel 'to seek, search for'; their fruitless search confirms the total success of Rahab's ruse. Source id 06QCa.
הָרֹדְפִ֛יםthe pursuersart + Qal ptc m pl abs (substantival) · רָדַף (H7291)Subject of וַיְבַקְשׁוּ→ Participle: substantivalרָדַף (H7291) 'to pursue'. Source id 06nps.
בְּכָלthroughout all ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phrase, construct chainכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct before הַדֶּרֶךְ. Source id 06oA2.
הַדֶּ֖רֶךְthe wayart + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Construct chain (genitival, second member)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; the whole route (toward the fords) is searched exhaustively. Source id 06CYW.
וְלֹ֥אbut notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of מָצָאוּלֹא (H3808) 'not'. Source id 06TDs.
מָצָֽאוּthey foundQal perf 3cp · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective: a completed (negated) act — total failure of the searchמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; the pursuers' mission fails completely, closing the pursuit subplot. Source id 06fhx.
23
וַיָּשֻׁ֜בוּ שְׁנֵ֤י הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙ וַיֵּרְד֣וּ מֵֽהָהָ֔ר וַיַּעַבְרוּ֙ וַיָּבֹ֔אוּ אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ בִּן נ֑וּן וַיְסַ֨פְּרוּ ל֔וֹ אֵ֥ת כָּל הַמֹּצְא֖וֹת אוֹתָֽם
Then the two men returned, and came down from the hill country, and crossed over, and came to Joshua son of Nun, and they recounted to him all that had happened to them.
The verse brings the mission full circle, naming Joshua son of Nun exactly as in v. 1; the formal report-verb וַיְסַפְּרוּ ('they recounted') sets up their summary speech in v. 24.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיָּשֻׁ֜בוּand they returnedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; the spies begin their journey back to camp. Source id 06JPp.
שְׁנֵ֤יthe two ofcardinal number m dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral in construct, modifying הָאֲנָשִׁיםשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'. Source id 06dWm.
הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙the menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of וַיָּשֻׁבוּ (resumptive, construct chain)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'. Source id 06BYg.
וַיֵּרְד֣וּand they came downwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָרַד (H3381)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down, descend'. Source id 069by.
מֵֽהָהָ֔רfrom the hill countryprep מִן + art + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Source prepositional phraseהַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill country'. Source id 06VRt.
וַיַּעַבְרוּ֙and they crossed overwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross over, pass through'; the Jordan crossing back to the Israelite camp. Source id 06CPS.
וַיָּבֹ֔אוּand they camewaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'. Source id 06fiV.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'. Source id 06vAa.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of preposition אֶליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); the mission's sender, now receiving the report — bracketing the chapter with Joshua (cf. v. 1). Source id 068Na.
בִּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, first member), apposition to יְהוֹשֻׁעַבֵּן (H1121) 'son'. Source id 06RZN.
נ֑וּןNunN proper · נוּן (H5126)Construct chain (genitival, second member)נוּן (H5126), Joshua's father. Source id 06krV.
וַיְסַ֨פְּרוּand they recountedwaw-consec + Piel wayyiqtol 3mp · סָפַר (H5608)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol (Piel intensive): foregrounded narrative advanceסָפַר (H5608) in Piel 'to recount, tell, narrate'; the formal debriefing of the mission. Source id 06sQy.
ל֔וֹto himprep לְ + suff 3msIndirect object of וַיְסַפְּרוּprep לְ 'to'. Source id 06asy.
אֵ֥ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06rxG.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (comprehensive), construct chainכֹּל (H3605) 'all'. Source id 066fj.
הַמֹּצְא֖וֹתthat had happenedart + Qal ptc f pl abs (substantival) · מָצָא (H4672)Construct chain (genitival, second member), substantival participle→ Participle: substantival, 'the things that befell [them]'מָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; idiomatic in Qal, 'to happen, befall' — 'all that had happened to them'. Source id 06oGi.
אוֹתָֽםthemobj marker + suff 3mp · אֵת (H853)Resumptive object marker with suffix, marking the logical object of הַמֹּצְאוֹתאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, 'to them' — closing the report formula. Source id 06PrG.
24
וַיֹּאמְרוּ֙ אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ כִּֽי נָתַ֧ן יְהוָ֛ה בְּיָדֵ֖נוּ אֶת כָּל הָאָ֑רֶץ וְגַם נָמֹ֛גוּ כָּל יֹשְׁבֵ֥י הָאָ֖רֶץ מִפָּנֵֽינוּ
And they said to Joshua, "Surely YHWH has given all the land into our hand; and moreover, all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us."
The chapter closes by deliberately inverting the disastrous spy-report of Numbers 13: where those spies terrified Israel with tales of giants, these two confirm both YHWH's gift of the land and the Canaanites' collapsing morale (נָמֹגוּ, echoing Rahab's own word in v. 9) — an outsider's confession independently corroborated by Israel's own scouts, ending the chapter on a note of confident faith.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּאמְרוּ֙and they saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the spies' summary report to Joshua. Source id 06Ao4.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'. Source id 06fjK.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of preposition אֶליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091). Source id 06Dwm.
כִּֽיsurelyconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Emphatic/content conjunction introducing the report's contentכִּי (H3588) 'that, surely'; introduces the substance of the spies' message. Source id 0631Z.
נָתַ֧ןhas givenQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the כִּי-clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — the spies affirm as fact what Rahab confessed in v. 9נָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the spies' report inverts the negative spy-report of Numbers 13 — this time a report of confident faith. Source id 06nRw.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHN proper (divine name) · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נָתַןיְהוָה (H3068). Source id 06qjY.
בְּיָדֵ֖נוּinto our handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + suff 1cp · יָד (H3027)Locative/instrumental prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiomatic for possession/control, 'into our power'. Source id 062oH.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06H3W.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (quantifier) before הָאָרֶץכֹּל (H3605) 'all'. Source id 06wQL.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of נָתַן (via כָּל construct)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'. Source id 064LW.
וְגַםand alsoconj וְ + adverb · גַּם (H1571)Emphatic coordinating adverb, introducing the second confirmationגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; adds a second, equally decisive claim. Source id 06q4j.
נָמֹ֛גוּmeltNiphal perf 3cp · מוּג (H4127)Predicate verb of the second clause→ Perfective (Niphal): a completed state — the spies confirm Rahab's reportמוּג (H4127) in Niphal 'to melt, dissolve, waver'; the exact verb Rahab used in v. 9, now independently confirmed by the spies' own report. Source id 06Jdu.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (quantifier) before יֹשְׁבֵיכֹּל (H3605) 'all'. Source id 06cgg.
יֹשְׁבֵ֥יthe inhabitants ofQal ptc m pl constr (substantival) · יָשַׁב (H3427)Subject of נָמֹגוּ (via כָּל construct)→ Participle: substantival, 'those dwelling'יָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell'. Source id 06x5W.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival, second member)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'. Source id 06s3h.
מִפָּנֵֽינוּbecause of usprep מִן + N c pl constr + suff 1cp · פָּנִים (H6440)Causal prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; מִפְּנֵי 'because of, from before' mirrors Rahab's מִפְּנֵיכֶם in v. 9, now spoken from Israel's own perspective — closing the chapter's theme of Canaanite terror before YHWH's people. Source id 06ymv.