Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Joshua, Chapter 6יהושע 6

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Jericho falls not to siege engines but to liturgy: seven days, seven priests, seven trumpets, and a single shout dismantle the impregnable city. Rahab, who sheltered the spies, is spared and grafted into Israel; the doomed city is placed under an irrevocable curse. The chapter frames conquest as worship — obedience, not military might, wins the war.

Translation & textual notes

Joshua 6 preserves an unusually high concentration of Kethiv/Qere variants for its length: v. 5 (בשמעכם/כְּשָׁמְעֲכֶם), v. 7 (ויאמרו/וַיֹּאמֶר, plural vs. singular 'said'), v. 9 (תקעו/תֹּקְעֵי, finite verb vs. construct participle), and v. 13 (הולך/הָלוֹךְ) — several affecting syntax, not merely vocalization. The Greek Septuagint of this chapter is markedly shorter than the MT and orders its material differently, most plausibly reflecting a shorter Hebrew Vorlage rather than deliberate abridgment, a pattern paralleling LXX Jeremiah. Verses 3-4 read almost as a doublet, prescribing the daily circuit twice with overlapping phrasing, which source-critics often attribute to combined liturgical instructions; the sevenfold circuit of the climactic day is likewise stated twice in direct succession (vv. 15b-c). None of these variants affect the narrative's substance; they reflect the layered, repetitive style native to this chapter's genre as a ritual-conquest narrative.

1

וִֽירִיחוֹ֙ סֹגֶ֣רֶת וּמְסֻגֶּ֔רֶת מִפְּנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אֵ֥ין יוֹצֵ֖א וְאֵ֥ין בָּֽא

Now Jericho was shut up tight because of the Israelites — none going out and none coming in.

Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וִֽירִיחוֹ֙and Jerichoconj וְ + Np · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Subject (proper noun; disjunctive vav opens a circumstantial clause)יְרִיחוֹ (H3405) 'Jericho'; the vav here is circumstantial/disjunctive ('now Jericho was...'), pausing the narrative to set the scene before YHWH's command in v. 2.
סֹגֶ֣רֶתshuttingQal ptc fs abs · סָגַר (H5462)Predicate participle (stative, subject וִירִיחוֹ)→ Participle: durative/stative — a standing state of closureסָגַר (H5462) 'to shut, close'; the active participle carries stative force, 'was shut'; paired with the passive participle following for emphasis.
וּמְסֻגֶּ֔רֶתand shut upconj וְ + Pual pass ptc fs abs · סָגַר (H5462)Predicate participle (passive, coordinate with סֹגֶרֶת)→ Passive participle: the doubled active-then-passive participle on the same root intensifies — 'shut up tight'סָגַר (H5462) in Pual, 'to be shut'; repeating the same root as active-then-passive participle is an idiomatic Hebrew intensive, stressing the city's total impregnability.
מִפְּנֵ֖יbecause ofprep מִן + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Causal prepositional phrase ('away from the face of')פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; מִפְּנֵי idiomatically 'because of, on account of' — the city's shut-up posture is explicitly fear-driven.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, governs יִשְׂרָאֵל)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct plural forms 'sons/children of Israel', the standing ethnonym for the covenant people.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (nomen rectum of בְּנֵי)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), Jacob's covenant name, here designating the nation encamped before the city.
אֵ֥יןthere was nonenegative particle · אַיִן (H369)Negative existential particle (predicate negator)אַיִן (H369), particle of non-existence, 'there is not'; negates the participle יוֹצֵא — 'none going out'.
יוֹצֵ֖אgoing outQal ptc ms abs · יָצָא (H3318)Substantival participle (complement of אֵין, 'one going out')→ Participle: durative, describing an ongoing habitual (non-)stateיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; with אֵין forms a negated durative clause — no one habitually exiting.
וְאֵ֥יןand noneconj וְ + negative particle · אַיִן (H369)Coordinating conjunction + negative existential particleאַיִן (H369) continues the negation, coordinated with the first clause: 'and none coming in.'
בָּֽאcoming inQal ptc ms abs · בּוֹא (H935)Substantival participle (complement of וְאֵין)→ Participle: durative, describing an ongoing habitual (non-)stateבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; complements יוֹצֵא to form a merism — total lockdown, no movement in or out.
2

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ רְאֵה֙ נָתַ֣תִּי בְיָֽדְךָ֔ אֶת יְרִיח֖וֹ וְאֶת מַלְכָּ֑הּ גִּבּוֹרֵ֖י הֶחָֽיִל

And YHWH said to Joshua, 'See, I have given into your hand Jericho and its king, the mighty men of valor.'

Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the divine speech that launches the chapter's actionאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard narrative verb introducing direct speech.
יְהוָה֙YHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; the divine speaker who commands the whole siege liturgy.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; introduces the recipient of speech.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaNp · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of preposition (addressee)יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'YHWH is salvation', Moses' successor and commander of Israel's conquest.
רְאֵה֙seeQal impv 2ms · רָאָה (H7200)Volitional (imperative), attention-getting→ Volitional: an imperative directing attention, rhetorically introducing the declaration that followsרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; used rhetorically ('behold, look') to draw Joshua — and the reader — to the certainty of the gift that follows.
נָתַ֣תִּיI have givenQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, perfect of certainty)→ Perfective (prophetic/performative perfect): the future victory is spoken of as already accomplished, expressing absolute divine certaintyנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the so-called 'perfect of certainty' — YHWH speaks of the still-future conquest as a completed fact.
בְיָֽדְךָ֔into your handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + suff 2ms · יָד (H3027)Locative/instrumental prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; 'into your hand' is the standard idiom of transfer of military control/possession.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marks the definite direct object יְרִיחוֹ; untranslated.
יְרִיח֖וֹJerichoNp · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Direct objectיְרִיחוֹ (H3405), the city under the ban, first target of the conquest of Canaan.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)Joins the second object, מַלְכָּהּ, to the first.
מַלְכָּ֑הּits kingN m sg constr + suff 3fs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Direct object (second)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; 3fs suffix refers to the (feminine) city — 'her king', the king of Jericho.
גִּבּוֹרֵ֖יthe mighty men ofadj m pl constr · גִּבּוֹר (H1368)Apposition (in construct with הֶחָיִל)גִּבּוֹר (H1368) 'mighty, valiant one'; in construct with חַיִל forms the fixed military idiom 'mighty men of valor', Jericho's elite garrison.
הֶחָֽיִלof valorart + N m sg abs · חַיִל (H2428)Genitive (nomen rectum of גִּבּוֹרֵי)חַיִל (H2428) 'strength, valor, army'; גִּבּוֹרֵי הַחַיִל denotes Jericho's professional fighting force — already included in the gift.
3

וְסַבֹּתֶ֣ם אֶת הָעִ֗יר כֹּ֚ל אַנְשֵׁ֣י הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה הַקֵּ֥יף אֶת הָעִ֖יר פַּ֣עַם אֶחָ֑ת כֹּ֥ה תַעֲשֶׂ֖ה שֵׁ֥שֶׁת יָמִֽים

And you shall march around the city, all the men of war circling the city once. Thus you shall do six days.

Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְסַבֹּתֶ֣םand you shall go aroundconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · סָבַב (H5437)Weqatal continuing the instructional sequence (main clause)→ Weqatal: perfective-formed verb continuing volitional/instructional force — 'you shall march around'סָבַב (H5437) 'to go around, encircle'; the weqatal continues YHWH's instruction to Joshua begun in v. 2.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הָעִיר as the definite direct object of וְסַבֹּתֶם.
הָעִ֗ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892) 'city'; refers throughout the chapter to Jericho.
כֹּ֚לallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Apposition to the implied subject 'you'כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with אַנְשֵׁי הַמִּלְחָמָה specifies who does the encircling — every fighting man.
אַנְשֵׁ֣יthe men ofN m pl constr · אִישׁ (H376)Construct chain (genitival)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; construct plural, 'men of war' — the combatants, as opposed to noncombatant Israelites.
הַמִּלְחָמָ֔הwarart + N f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Genitive (nomen rectum of אַנְשֵׁי)מִלְחָמָה (H4421) 'war, battle'; 'men of war' designates Israel's fighting force specifically.
הַקֵּ֥יףcirclingHiphil inf abs · נָקַף (H5362)Infinitive absolute (adverbial, reinforcing manner of the main verb)→ Infinitive absolute: intensifies/specifies the continuous circling action — 'circling continually'נָקַף (H5362) Hiphil 'to make a circuit, go around'; the infinitive absolute functions adverbially, describing how the city is encircled — one continuous circuit.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הָעִיר as object of the circling action.
הָעִ֖ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892), Jericho, the target of the circuit.
פַּ֣עַםtimeN f sg constr · פַּעַם (H6471)Adverbial accusative of frequencyפַּעַם (H6471) 'foot, step, occurrence'; construct with אֶחָת = 'once' — the daily quota for the first six days.
אֶחָ֑תonecardinal num f sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Genitive (numeral qualifying פַּעַם)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; 'once' — a single daily circuit for the first six days, contrasting the sevenfold circuit of day seven.
כֹּ֥הthusadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Manner adverb (fronted for emphasis)כֹּה (H3541) 'thus, so'; points to the prescribed ritual pattern about to be enacted.
תַעֲשֶׂ֖הyou shall doQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (imperfect of instruction)→ Yiqtol: modal/instructional — a prescribed, repeated actionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the imperfect carries instructional/durative force — 'you shall do this repeatedly'.
שֵׁ֥שֶׁתsixcardinal num m sg constr · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Construct (governs יָמִים)שֵׁשׁ (H8337) 'six'; governs יָמִים — 'six days', the preparatory phase before the climactic seventh.
יָמִֽיםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of duration (genitive to שֵׁשֶׁת)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; six days of single daily circuits precede the sevenfold seventh day (vv. 4, 15).
4

וְשִׁבְעָ֣ה כֹהֲנִ֡ים יִשְׂאוּ֩ שִׁבְעָ֨ה שׁוֹפְר֤וֹת הַיּֽוֹבְלִים֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הָאָר֔וֹן וּבַיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י תָּסֹ֥בּוּ אֶת הָעִ֖יר שֶׁ֣בַע פְּעָמִ֑ים וְהַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים יִתְקְע֖וּ בַּשּׁוֹפָרֽוֹת

And seven priests shall carry seven rams'-horn trumpets before the ark; and on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.

Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְשִׁבְעָ֣הand sevenconj וְ + cardinal num m sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Subject (numeral modifying כֹהֲנִים)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; the sacred number governs the whole ritual — seven priests, seven trumpets, seven days, seven circuits on day seven.
כֹהֲנִ֡יםpriestsN m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subjectכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the Aaronic priesthood carries the ark and blows the trumpets — this is cultic warfare, not ordinary siege.
יִשְׂאוּ֩shall bearQal impf 3mp · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (imperfect of instruction)→ Yiqtol: instructional/future — prescribing the priests' roleנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, bear'; the priests carry (not merely blow) the trumpets, marking their processional role.
שִׁבְעָ֨הsevencardinal num m sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Direct object (numeral modifying שׁוֹפְרוֹת)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; repeats the sacred number for the trumpets specifically.
שׁוֹפְר֤וֹתtrumpets ofN m pl constr · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Direct object (construct chain)שׁוֹפָר (H7782) 'ram's-horn trumpet'; construct with הַיּוֹבְלִים specifies the type — the long curved horn used for signaling and cultic proclamation.
הַיּֽוֹבְלִים֙of rams' hornsart + N m pl abs · יוֹבֵל (H3104)Genitive (nomen rectum of שׁוֹפְרוֹת)יוֹבֵל (H3104) 'ram, ram's horn; jubilee'; שׁוֹפְרוֹת הַיּוֹבְלִים 'trumpets of rams' horns' — the same root gives 'Jubilee', the horn proclaiming liberty and, here, conquest.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי 'before, in front of' — the priests process immediately ahead of the ark.
הָאָר֔וֹןthe arkart + N c sg abs · אָרוֹן (H727)Object of prepositionאָרוֹן (H727) 'ark, chest'; the ark of the covenant, locus of YHWH's presence leading the procession.
וּבַיּוֹם֙and on the dayconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; 'on the seventh day' introduces the escalation from the six-day pattern to the climactic seventh.
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔יthe seventhart + ordinal num m sg abs · שְׁבִיעִי (H7637)Attributive adjective (modifying הַיּוֹם)שְׁבִיעִי (H7637) 'seventh', from שֶׁבַע; the day when the single circuit becomes sevenfold and the wall falls.
תָּסֹ֥בּוּyou shall march aroundQal impf 2mp · סָבַב (H5437)Predicate verb (imperfect of instruction)→ Yiqtol: instructional — the prescribed action for the seventh dayסָבַב (H5437) 'to go around'; same verb as v. 3, now prescribing the sevenfold circuit.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הָעִיר as object of the circuit.
הָעִ֖ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892), Jericho.
שֶׁ֣בַעsevencardinal num f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Adverbial accusative (numeral modifying פְּעָמִים)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; the climactic sevenfold circuit, contrasting the single daily circuit of vv. 3, 14.
פְּעָמִ֑יםtimesN f pl abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Adverbial accusative of frequencyפַּעַם (H6471) 'occurrence, time'; plural 'seven times' — the sevenfold circuit unique to day seven.
וְהַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔יםand the priestsconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subjectכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; resumes as subject for the final clause of the verse.
יִתְקְע֖וּshall blowQal impf 3mp · תָּקַע (H8628)Predicate verb (imperfect of instruction)→ Yiqtol: instructional — the priests' prescribed actionתָּקַע (H8628) 'to blow (a horn), thrust, drive'; the technical verb for sounding the שׁוֹפָר throughout the chapter.
בַּשּׁוֹפָרֽוֹתon the trumpetsprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Instrumental prepositional phraseשׁוֹפָר (H7782), 'ram's-horn trumpet'; the instrument sounded continuously through the circuits (cf. vv. 9, 13).
5

וְהָיָ֞ה בִּמְשֹׁ֣ךְ בְּקֶ֣רֶן הַיּוֹבֵ֗ל בשמעכם כְּשָׁמְעֲכֶם֙ אֶת ק֣וֹל הַשּׁוֹפָ֔ר יָרִ֥יעוּ כָל הָעָ֖ם תְּרוּעָ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֑ה וְנָ֨פְלָ֜ה חוֹמַ֤ת הָעִיר֙ תַּחְתֶּ֔יהָ וְעָל֥וּ הָעָ֖ם אִ֥ישׁ נֶגְדּֽוֹ

And it shall be, when they sound a long blast on the ram's horn — when you hear the sound of the trumpet — all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, each man straight ahead.

Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וְהָיָ֞הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal introducing a temporal protasis (main instructional clause)→ Weqatal: instructional, introducing the temporal clause 'and it shall happen that...'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, happen'; the formulaic וְהָיָה introduces a temporal clause specifying when the people are to shout.
בִּמְשֹׁ֣ךְwhen they draw out (a long blast)prep בְּ + Qal inf constr · מָשַׁךְ (H4900)Temporal infinitive construct clause→ Infinitive construct with בְּ: temporal — 'when/as they draw out (the horn blast)'מָשַׁךְ (H4900) 'to draw, drag, prolong'; here of drawing out a long blast on the horn — the signal for the final shout.
בְּקֶ֣רֶןwith the horn ofprep בְּ + N c sg constr · קֶרֶן (H7161)Instrumental prepositional phraseקֶרֶן (H7161) 'horn'; construct with הַיּוֹבֵל — 'the ram's horn', the instrument of the long blast.
הַיּוֹבֵ֗לthe ram's hornart + N m sg abs · יוֹבֵל (H3104)Genitive (nomen rectum of קֶרֶן)יוֹבֵל (H3104) 'ram, ram's horn'; the same root behind 'Jubilee' — a sustained blast signaling the climactic moment.
בשמעכם[Kethiv: when you hear]Kethiv: prep בְּ + Qal inf constr + suff 2mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Kethiv form of the temporal clause (unpointed consonantal text)→ Infinitive construct: temporal — 'when you hear'שָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; this is the Kethiv (written, consonantal-only) form; the Qere (form to be read aloud) follows as the next word.
כְּשָׁמְעֲכֶם֙when you hearQere: prep כְּ + Qal inf constr + suff 2mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Temporal infinitive construct clause (Qere, the form actually read aloud)→ Infinitive construct: temporal — 'as/when you hear'שָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; the Qere reads כְּ ('as, when') where the Kethiv wrote בְּ — a minor preposition variant, both temporal; the standard MT Kethiv/Qere pair for this verse.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks קוֹל as the object of שָׁמַע.
ק֣וֹלthe sound ofN m sg constr · קוֹל (H6963)Direct object (construct chain)קוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; construct with הַשּׁוֹפָר — 'the sound of the trumpet'.
הַשּׁוֹפָ֔רthe trumpetart + N m sg abs · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Genitive (nomen rectum of קוֹל)שׁוֹפָר (H7782), the ram's-horn trumpet; here the long signaling blast that triggers the shout.
יָרִ֥יעוּshall shoutHiphil impf 3mp · רוּעַ (H7321)Predicate verb (apodosis of the temporal clause)→ Yiqtol: instructional, the prescribed response — 'shall raise a shout'רוּעַ (H7321) Hiphil 'to shout, raise a war cry/battle shout'; the cultic-military shout that, with the horn blast, triggers the wall's collapse.
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with הָעָם — 'all the people', the entire assembly joining the shout.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subjectעַם (H5971) 'people'; the whole nation of Israel, not just the priests, joins the climactic shout.
תְּרוּעָ֣הa shoutN f sg abs · תְּרוּעָה (H8643)Adverbial accusative (cognate object of יָרִיעוּ)תְּרוּעָה (H8643) 'shout, alarm, battle-cry'; cognate noun to the verb רוּעַ — the technical cultic/military shout of acclamation and attack.
גְדוֹלָ֑הgreatadj f sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective (modifying תְּרוּעָה)גָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; intensifies the shout — a GREAT shout matching the magnitude of the miracle about to occur.
וְנָ֨פְלָ֜הand it shall fallconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · נָפַל (H5307)Weqatal continuing the apodosis (result clause)→ Weqatal: instructional/result — the promised consequence of the shoutנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; the weqatal announces the miracle as the certain outcome of obedience to the ritual.
חוֹמַ֤תthe wall ofN f sg constr · חוֹמָה (H2346)Subject (construct chain)חוֹמָה (H2346) 'wall' (fortification); construct with הָעִיר — Jericho's defensive wall, the visible symbol of its supposed invincibility.
הָעִיר֙the cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive (nomen rectum of חוֹמַת)עִיר (H5892), Jericho.
תַּחְתֶּ֔יהָunder itself (flat)prep תַּחַת + suff 3fs · תַּחַת (H8478)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner, modifying וְנָפְלָה)תַּחַת (H8478) 'under, in place of'; with 3fs suffix referring to the wall — 'under itself'. Idiomatically the wall collapses straight down, flat, in its own place, not outward.
וְעָל֥וּand they shall go upconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · עָלָה (H5927)Weqatal continuing the result sequence (main clause)→ Weqatal: instructional/result — the assault following the wall's collapseעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; here of storming up and into the breached city.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subjectעַם (H5971) 'people'; the whole army now storms the city.
אִ֥ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive apposition to הָעָםאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; distributive use, 'each/every man' — every soldier advances on his own direct line.
נֶגְדּֽוֹstraight before himprep נֶגֶד + suff 3ms · נֶגֶד (H5048)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner)נֶגֶד (H5048) 'in front of, opposite'; אִישׁ נֶגְדּוֹ 'each man straight ahead' — a simultaneous, disciplined frontal assault, no flanking maneuver.
6

וַיִּקְרָ֞א יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ בִּן נוּן֙ אֶל הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֔ם שְׂא֖וּ אֶת אֲר֣וֹן הַבְּרִ֑ית וְשִׁבְעָ֣ה כֹֽהֲנִ֗ים יִשְׂאוּ֙ שִׁבְעָ֤ה שֽׁוֹפְרוֹת֙ יוֹבְלִ֔ים לִפְנֵ֖י אֲר֥וֹן יְהוָֽה

And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, 'Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests carry seven rams'-horn trumpets before the ark of YHWH.'

Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיִּקְרָ֞אand he calledconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, summon'; Joshua summons the priests to receive final instructions before the seventh-day climax.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַJoshuaNp · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subjectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), the commander, here given his full patronymic for solemnity.
בִּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Apposition (patronymic)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct introduces the patronymic 'son of Nun', formally identifying Joshua at this pivotal moment.
נוּן֙NunNp · נוּן (H5126)Genitive (nomen rectum of בִּן)נוּן (H5126), Joshua's father, of the tribe of Ephraim.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Object of preposition (addressee)כֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the addressees of Joshua's summons.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Joshua's direct instructions to the priests.
אֲלֵהֶ֔םto themprep אֶל + suff 3mp · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (indirect object)אֶל (H413) with 3mp suffix, resuming 'the priests' as addressees.
שְׂא֖וּtake upQal impv 2mp · נָשָׂא (H5375)Volitional (imperative, main command)→ Volitional: direct command initiating the priestly processionנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry'; the priests' first duty — to shoulder the ark.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית as the object of שְׂאוּ.
אֲר֣וֹןthe ark ofN c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Direct object (construct chain)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark, chest'; construct with הַבְּרִית — 'the ark of the covenant'.
הַבְּרִ֑יתthe covenantart + N f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitive (nomen rectum of אֲרוֹן)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the ark housing the covenant tablets, symbol of YHWH's presence and pledge.
וְשִׁבְעָ֣הand sevenconj וְ + cardinal num m sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Subject (numeral modifying כֹהֲנִים)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; repeats the sacred number, now within Joshua's direct command.
כֹֽהֲנִ֗יםpriestsN m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subjectכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the seven horn-bearers, distinct from those bearing the ark.
יִשְׂאוּ֙shall carryQal impf 3mp · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (jussive/instructional imperfect)→ Yiqtol: volitional/instructional — 'let them carry'נָשָׂא (H5375) 'to carry'; repeats v. 4's instruction, now as part of Joshua's direct speech.
שִׁבְעָ֤הsevencardinal num m sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Direct object (numeral modifying שׁוֹפְרוֹת)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; again for the trumpets.
שֽׁוֹפְרוֹת֙trumpets ofN m pl constr · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Direct object (construct chain)שׁוֹפָר (H7782), ram's-horn trumpets, in construct with יוֹבְלִים.
יוֹבְלִ֔יםrams' hornsN m pl abs · יוֹבֵל (H3104)Genitive (nomen rectum of שׁוֹפְרוֹת)יוֹבֵל (H3104) 'ram, ram's horn'; here anarthrous, unlike v. 4's הַיּוֹבְלִים, but referring to the same instruments.
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי 'before, in front of'.
אֲר֥וֹןthe ark ofN c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Object of preposition (construct chain)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; construct with יְהוָה — 'the ark of YHWH'.
יְהוָֽהYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (nomen rectum of אֲרוֹן)יְהוָה (H3068); here the ark is called 'the ark of YHWH' rather than 'of the covenant', emphasizing divine ownership/presence leading the procession.
7

ויאמרו וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל הָעָ֔ם עִבְר֖וּ וְסֹ֣בּוּ אֶת הָעִ֑יר וְהֶ֣חָל֔וּץ יַעֲבֹ֕ר לִפְנֵ֖י אֲר֥וֹן יְהוָֽה

And he said to the people, 'Proceed, and march around the city, and let the armed vanguard pass on before the ark of YHWH.'

Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ויאמרו[Kethiv: and they said]Kethiv: conj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Kethiv form (unpointed, plural) — superseded by the Qere→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance (Kethiv reading, plural)אָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the Kethiv (written) text has the plural 'and they said', while the Qere that follows corrects to the singular, referring to Joshua alone.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidQere: conj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, Qere reading)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the Qere (traditionally read form), singular — Joshua alone speaks to the people, matching the singular subject throughout the chapter.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of preposition (addressee)עַם (H5971) 'people'; the whole assembly, now addressed alongside the priests.
עִבְר֖וּproceedQal impv 2mp · עָבַר (H5674)Volitional (imperative, opening command)→ Volitional: initiates the processionעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass over, cross, proceed'; the command that sets the procession moving.
וְסֹ֣בּוּand march aroundconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · סָבַב (H5437)Volitional (imperative, coordinate)→ Volitional: continues the command sequenceסָבַב (H5437) 'to go around'; the same encircling verb governing the whole chapter.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הָעִיר as the object of וְסֹבּוּ.
הָעִ֑ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892), Jericho.
וְהֶ֣חָל֔וּץand the armed vanguardconj וְ + art + Qal pass ptc ms abs · חָלַץ (H2502)Subject (substantival participle)→ Passive participle used substantivally: 'the equipped/armed one(s)' — those girded for battleחָלַץ (H2502) 'to draw out, equip for war'; the passive/stative participle substantivized, 'the armed vanguard' — Israel's front-line troops, distinguished from the general populace.
יַעֲבֹ֕רshall pass onQal impf 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (jussive/instructional imperfect)→ Yiqtol: volitional/instructional — 'let it pass on'עָבַר (H5674) 'to pass over, proceed'; specifies the vanguard's position — moving ahead of the ark.
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי 'before, in front of'.
אֲר֥וֹןthe ark ofN c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Object of preposition (construct chain)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; construct with יְהוָה.
יְהוָֽהYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (nomen rectum of אֲרוֹן)יְהוָה (H3068); the vanguard leads not the whole procession but goes before the ark specifically, an order completed in the fuller description of vv. 8-9, 13.
8

וַיְהִ֗י כֶּאֱמֹ֣ר יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֮ אֶל הָעָם֒ וְשִׁבְעָ֣ה הַכֹּהֲנִ֡ים נֹשְׂאִים֩ שִׁבְעָ֨ה שׁוֹפְר֤וֹת הַיּֽוֹבְלִים֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה עָבְר֕וּ וְתָקְע֖וּ בַּשּֽׁוֹפָר֑וֹת וַֽאֲרוֹן֙ בְּרִ֣ית יְהוָ֔ה הֹלֵ֖ךְ אַחֲרֵיהֶֽם

And it was so, that when Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests bearing the seven rams'-horn trumpets before YHWH passed on and blew the trumpets, and the ark of the covenant of YHWH followed after them.

Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיְהִ֗יand it was soconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; formulaic narrative transition, 'and it came to pass'.
כֶּאֱמֹ֣רwhen he had spokenprep כְּ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Temporal infinitive construct clause→ Infinitive construct with כְּ: temporal — 'as/when he spoke'אָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the temporal clause marks the moment Joshua's command (v. 7) becomes action.
יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֮JoshuaNp · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject (of the infinitive clause)יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), the commander whose word sets the procession moving.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
הָעָם֒the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of preposition (addressee)עַם (H5971) 'people'; the assembly Joshua just addressed in v. 7.
וְשִׁבְעָ֣הand sevenconj וְ + cardinal num m sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Subject (numeral modifying הַכֹּהֲנִים)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; the sacred number, now narrated as fact rather than commanded.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֡יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subjectכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; now enacting the instruction of vv. 4, 6.
נֹשְׂאִים֩bearingQal ptc mp abs · נָשָׂא (H5375)Attributive participle (modifying הַכֹּהֲנִים)→ Participle: durative, describing the priests' ongoing action of carryingנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to carry'; participle describing the priests as they process, trumpets in hand.
שִׁבְעָ֨הsevencardinal num m sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Direct object (numeral modifying שׁוֹפְרוֹת)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; again for the trumpets.
שׁוֹפְר֤וֹתtrumpets ofN m pl constr · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Direct object (construct chain)שׁוֹפָר (H7782), ram's-horn trumpets.
הַיּֽוֹבְלִים֙the rams' hornsart + N m pl abs · יוֹבֵל (H3104)Genitive (nomen rectum of שׁוֹפְרוֹת)יוֹבֵל (H3104) 'ram, ram's horn'.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; here 'before YHWH' rather than 'before the ark' — the two are interchangeable in this chapter's idiom.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prepositionיְהוָה (H3068); the priests process directly before YHWH's own presence.
עָבְר֕וּpassed onQal perf 3cp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (perfect within narrative sequence)→ Perfective: narrates the priests' action as accomplished factעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass over, proceed'; the perfect narrates what the imperfect of v. 7 commanded.
וְתָקְע֖וּand blewconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · תָּקַע (H8628)Weqatal continuing the narrative (coordinate with עָבְרוּ)→ Weqatal: narrative continuation — the accompanying trumpet blastתָּקַע (H8628) 'to blow (a horn)'; the priests sound the horns as they process.
בַּשּֽׁוֹפָר֑וֹתon the trumpetsprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Instrumental prepositional phraseשׁוֹפָר (H7782), the trumpets sounded continuously.
וַֽאֲרוֹן֙and the ark ofconj וְ + N c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Subject (construct chain)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; construct with בְּרִית יְהוָה — the full title, 'ark of the covenant of YHWH'.
בְּרִ֣יתthe covenant ofN f sg constr · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitive (construct chain)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; construct with יְהוָה.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (nomen rectum of בְּרִית)יְהוָה (H3068); the fullest form of the ark's title in the chapter, combining both designations of v. 6.
הֹלֵ֖ךְwas goingQal ptc ms abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate participle (durative, subject וַאֲרוֹן)→ Participle: durative, describing the ark's continuous movement in processionהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; describes the ark's ongoing motion — the first of several 'walking' participles structuring vv. 8-9, 13.
אַחֲרֵיהֶֽםafter themprep אַחַר + suff 3mp · אַחַר (H310)Adverbial prepositional phrase (position)אַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; the ark follows the trumpet-bearing priests, establishing the processional order (contrast v. 9's מְאַסֵּף, the rear guard, who follows the ark).
9

וְהֶחָל֣וּץ הֹלֵ֔ךְ לִפְנֵי֙ הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים תקעו תֹּקְעֵ֖י הַשּֽׁוֹפָר֑וֹת וְהַֽמְאַסֵּ֗ף הֹלֵךְ֙ אַחֲרֵ֣י הָאָר֔וֹן הָל֖וֹךְ וְתָק֥וֹעַ בַּשּׁוֹפָרֽוֹת

And the armed vanguard went before the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard went after the ark, walking and blowing the trumpets continually.

Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְהֶחָל֣וּץand the armed vanguardconj וְ + art + Qal pass ptc ms abs · חָלַץ (H2502)Subject (substantival participle)→ Passive participle used substantivally: 'the equipped/armed one(s)'חָלַץ (H2502) 'to equip for war'; same term as v. 7, now placed within the fuller processional order.
הֹלֵ֔ךְwas goingQal ptc ms abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate participle (durative, subject וְהֶחָלוּץ)→ Participle: durative, describing ongoing marchingהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; the vanguard's continuous forward motion, leading the procession.
לִפְנֵי֙beforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי, positioning the vanguard ahead of the priests.
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Object of prepositionכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'.
תקעו[Kethiv: they blew]Kethiv: Qal perf 3cp · תָּקַע (H8628)Kethiv form (finite verb) — superseded by the Qere participle→ Perfective (Kethiv reading)תָּקַע (H8628) 'to blow'; the Kethiv gives a finite perfect 'they blew', while the Qere (next word) reads a construct participle 'blowers of' — a Kethiv/Qere pair affecting syntax, not just pointing.
תֹּקְעֵ֖יblowers ofQere: Qal ptc mp constr · תָּקַע (H8628)Attributive/appositional participle (construct, renaming הַכֹּהֲנִים)→ Participle (construct): substantival, 'the blowers of the trumpets' — describes the priests by their processional functionתָּקַע (H8628) 'to blow'; the Qere's construct participle renames the priests as 'blowers of the trumpets', the reading followed by the standard tradition.
הַשּֽׁוֹפָר֑וֹתthe trumpetsart + N m pl abs · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Genitive (nomen rectum of תֹּקְעֵי)שׁוֹפָר (H7782), the trumpets.
וְהַֽמְאַסֵּ֗ףand the rear guardconj וְ + art + Piel ptc ms abs · אָסַף (H622)Subject (substantival participle)→ Piel participle used substantivally: 'the one gathering/collecting' — the rear guardאָסַף (H622) Piel 'to gather, collect'; substantivized as 'the gatherer/rear guard' — the unit that gathers stragglers and closes the procession.
הֹלֵךְ֙was goingQal ptc ms abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate participle (durative, subject וְהַמְאַסֵּף)→ Participle: durative, describing ongoing marchingהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; the rear guard's continuous motion, closing the procession.
אַחֲרֵ֣יafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Locative prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; the rear guard follows the ark, opposite the vanguard's leading position.
הָאָר֔וֹןthe arkart + N c sg abs · אָרוֹן (H727)Object of prepositionאָרוֹן (H727), 'ark'.
הָל֖וֹךְwalkingQal inf abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Infinitive absolute (adverbial, paired with וְתָקוֹעַ)→ Infinitive absolute: durative — describes the continuous, repeated action of the whole processionהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to walk'; paired infinitive absolute הָלוֹךְ וְתָקוֹעַ, 'walking and blowing continually' — an idiom for sustained, simultaneous action characterizing the entire march.
וְתָק֥וֹעַand blowingconj וְ + Qal inf abs · תָּקַע (H8628)Infinitive absolute (adverbial, paired with הָלוֹךְ)→ Infinitive absolute: durative — paired with הָלוֹךְ to express continuous, ongoing actionתָּקַע (H8628) 'to blow'; the paired infinitive absolute underscores that the trumpets sounded without pause throughout the march, not merely at intervals.
בַּשּׁוֹפָרֽוֹתthe trumpetsprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Instrumental prepositional phraseשׁוֹפָר (H7782), the trumpets, sounded continuously per the paired infinitives absolute.
10

וְאֶת הָעָם֩ צִוָּ֨ה יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ לֵאמֹ֗ר לֹ֤א תָרִ֨יעוּ֙ וְלֹֽא תַשְׁמִ֣יעוּ אֶת קוֹלְכֶ֔ם וְלֹא יֵצֵ֥א מִפִּיכֶ֖ם דָּבָ֑ר עַ֠ד י֣וֹם אָמְרִ֧י אֲלֵיכֶ֛ם הָרִ֖יעוּ וַהֲרִיעֹתֶֽם

And Joshua commanded the people, saying, 'You shall not shout, nor let your voice be heard, nor shall any word go out of your mouth, until the day I say to you, "Shout!" — then you shall shout.'

Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (fronted for emphasis)אֵת (H853) marks הָעָם as the object of צִוָּה, fronted before the verb for emphasis — 'AND THE PEOPLE, Joshua commanded...'.
הָעָם֩the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object (fronted)עַם (H5971) 'people'; the addressee of this new, silence-focused command.
צִוָּ֨הcommandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of command reported by the narratorצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command, charge'; the standard verb for authoritative instruction, here governing the silence order.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַJoshuaNp · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subjectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), issuing his most restrictive instruction yet — total silence until the signal.
לֵאמֹ֗רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: formulaic, introduces quoted speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the standard formula introducing a direct quotation.
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (negating the verb)לֹא (H3808), the standard verbal negative, here forbidding the shout prematurely.
תָרִ֨יעוּ֙you shall shoutHiphil impf 2mp · רוּעַ (H7321)Predicate verb (prohibition, negated imperfect)→ Yiqtol (negated): prohibitive — 'you shall not shout'רוּעַ (H7321) Hiphil 'to shout'; the same verb that will trigger the wall's collapse (v. 5) is here strictly forbidden until the appointed moment.
וְלֹֽאand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative particleלֹא (H3808), continuing the prohibition series.
תַשְׁמִ֣יעוּyou shall cause to be heardHiphil impf 2mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (prohibition, negated imperfect)→ Yiqtol (negated): prohibitive — 'you shall not let your voice be heard'שָׁמַע (H8085) Hiphil (causative) 'to cause to hear, make heard'; forbids not just shouting but any audible vocal noise.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks קוֹלְכֶם as the object of תַשְׁמִיעוּ.
קוֹלְכֶ֔םyour voiceN m sg constr + suff 2mp · קוֹל (H6963)Direct objectקוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; with 2mp suffix — total vocal silence is demanded of the entire people.
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative particleלֹא (H3808), continuing the prohibition to a third clause.
יֵצֵ֥אshall go outQal impf 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (prohibition, negated imperfect)→ Yiqtol (negated): prohibitive — 'let no word go out'יָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the negated imperfect extends the silence even to a single word from anyone's mouth.
מִפִּיכֶ֖םfrom your mouthprep מִן + N m sg constr + suff 2mp · פֶּה (H6310)Locative prepositional phrase (source)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; source of the forbidden word — absolute silence, down to the individual.
דָּבָ֑רa wordN m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Subjectדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing'; the smallest unit of speech, entirely forbidden — the sign-act's discipline depends on absolute quiet.
עַ֠דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase (marks the limit of the prohibition)עַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; sets the temporal boundary — silence lasts until a specific moment.
י֣וֹםthe dayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Object of preposition (temporal head, governs the following clause)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; here governing the following verbal clause — 'the day when I say...'.
אָמְרִ֧יwhen I sayQal inf constr + suff 1cs · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct clause (temporal, modifying יוֹם)→ Infinitive construct: temporal — 'when I say'אָמַר (H559) 'to say'; with 1cs suffix, 'my saying' = 'when I say' — Joshua alone controls the timing of the release.
אֲלֵיכֶ֛םto youprep אֶל + suff 2mp · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (indirect object)אֶל (H413) with 2mp suffix, addressing the whole people.
הָרִ֖יעוּshout!Hiphil impv 2mp · רוּעַ (H7321)Volitional (imperative, quoted command within the quotation)→ Volitional: the future release command, quoted in advance — the exact word Joshua will speakרוּעַ (H7321) Hiphil 'to shout'; the very command to be given on day seven (v. 16), quoted here in advance to define the signal.
וַהֲרִיעֹתֶֽםthen you shall shoutconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2mp · רוּעַ (H7321)Weqatal (apodosis, the people's response once released)→ Weqatal: instructional/result — the prescribed response once the signal is givenרוּעַ (H7321) Hiphil 'to shout'; the weqatal marks the people's obligatory response the moment Joshua gives the word — total readiness, total obedience.
11

וַיַּסֵּ֤ב אֲרוֹן יְהוָה֙ אֶת הָעִ֔יר הַקֵּ֖ף פַּ֣עַם אֶחָ֑ת וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה וַיָּלִ֖ינוּ בַּֽמַּחֲנֶֽה

So the ark of YHWH went around the city, circling it once; then they came into the camp and lodged in the camp.

Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיַּסֵּ֤בand it went aroundconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · סָבַב (H5437)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, causative — 'caused to go around, led the circuit'סָבַב (H5437) Hiphil 'to cause to go around, lead around'; unlike the Qal used for the people's marching, this Hiphil (of the ark) frames the ark as actively leading the circuit — vv. 3-4's instructions now executed.
אֲרוֹןthe ark ofN c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Subject (construct chain)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; construct with יְהוָה.
יְהוָה֙YHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (nomen rectum of אֲרוֹן)יְהוָה (H3068).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הָעִיר as the object of the circling.
הָעִ֔ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892), Jericho.
הַקֵּ֖ףcirclingHiphil inf abs · נָקַף (H5362)Infinitive absolute (adverbial, reinforcing manner)→ Infinitive absolute: emphasizes the single, complete circuit accomplishedנָקַף (H5362) Hiphil 'to make a circuit'; same construction as v. 3, now narrated as fulfilled fact rather than commanded.
פַּ֣עַםtimeN f sg constr · פַּעַם (H6471)Adverbial accusative of frequencyפַּעַם (H6471) 'occurrence, time'; construct with אֶחָת, 'once' — day one's single circuit, as prescribed.
אֶחָ֑תonecardinal num f sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Genitive (numeral qualifying פַּעַם)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; confirms exact obedience to the day-one instruction of v. 3.
וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ֙and they cameconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the whole procession returns to camp after the day's single circuit.
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔הthe campart + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Direct object (locative accusative, 'into the camp')מַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'; Israel's base near Jericho.
וַיָּלִ֖ינוּand they lodgedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · לוּן (H3885)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלוּן (H3885) 'to lodge, spend the night'; day one closes with the people back in camp overnight — the pattern repeated five more times before the climactic seventh day.
בַּֽמַּחֲנֶֽהin the campprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Locative prepositional phraseמַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'; repeated for emphasis — a full return each night, no perpetual siege-camp before Jericho itself.
12

וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֥ם יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ בַּבֹּ֑קֶר וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים אֶת אֲר֥וֹן יְהוָֽה

And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of YHWH.

Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֥םand he rose earlyconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁכַם (H7925)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁכַם (H7925) Hiphil 'to rise early, do something early'; marks the start of day two, repeated for each of the six days (cf. v. 15 for day seven).
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַJoshuaNp · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subjectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), leading the daily ritual himself.
בַּבֹּ֑קֶרin the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Temporal prepositional phraseבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'; the daily ritual begins at first light.
וַיִּשְׂא֥וּand they took upconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָשָׂא (H5375)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry'; the priests shoulder the ark for another day's circuit.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֖יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subjectכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks אֲרוֹן יְהוָה as the object of וַיִּשְׂאוּ.
אֲר֥וֹןthe ark ofN c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Direct object (construct chain)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; construct with יְהוָה.
יְהוָֽהYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (nomen rectum of אֲרוֹן)יְהוָה (H3068); this verse formulaically opens each subsequent day's account (cf. v. 15).
13

וְשִׁבְעָ֣ה הַכֹּהֲנִ֡ים נֹשְׂאִים֩ שִׁבְעָ֨ה שׁוֹפְר֜וֹת הַיֹּבְלִ֗ים לִפְנֵי֙ אֲר֣וֹן יְהוָ֔ה הֹלְכִ֣ים הָל֔וֹךְ וְתָקְע֖וּ בַּשּׁוֹפָר֑וֹת וְהֶחָלוּץ֙ הֹלֵ֣ךְ לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם וְהַֽמְאַסֵּ֗ף הֹלֵךְ֙ אַֽחֲרֵי֙ אֲר֣וֹן יְהוָ֔ה הולך הָל֖וֹךְ וְתָק֥וֹעַ בַּשּׁוֹפָרֽוֹת

And seven priests bearing seven rams'-horn trumpets before the ark of YHWH went on, walking and blowing the trumpets; and the armed vanguard went before them, and the rear guard went after the ark, walking and blowing the trumpets continually.

Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
וְשִׁבְעָ֣הand sevenconj וְ + cardinal num m sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Subject (numeral modifying הַכֹּהֲנִים)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; repeats the sacred number as the daily procession resumes (cf. vv. 4, 6, 8).
הַכֹּהֲנִ֡יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subjectכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'.
נֹשְׂאִים֩bearingQal ptc mp abs · נָשָׂא (H5375)Attributive participle (modifying הַכֹּהֲנִים)→ Participle: durativeנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to carry'; describes the priests carrying the trumpets.
שִׁבְעָ֨הsevencardinal num m sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Direct object (numeral modifying שׁוֹפְרוֹת)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'.
שׁוֹפְר֜וֹתtrumpets ofN m pl constr · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Direct object (construct chain)שׁוֹפָר (H7782), ram's-horn trumpets.
הַיֹּבְלִ֗יםthe rams' hornsart + N m pl abs · יוֹבֵל (H3104)Genitive (nomen rectum of שׁוֹפְרוֹת)יוֹבֵל (H3104) 'ram, ram's horn'.
לִפְנֵי֙beforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי, positioning the priests ahead of the ark.
אֲר֣וֹןthe ark ofN c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Object of preposition (construct chain)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (nomen rectum of אֲרוֹן)יְהוָה (H3068).
הֹלְכִ֣יםgoingQal ptc mp abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate participle (durative, subject the priests)→ Participle: durative, describing the priests' ongoing marchהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; participle describing continuous forward motion.
הָל֔וֹךְwalkingQal inf abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Infinitive absolute (adverbial, paired with וְתָקְעוּ)→ Infinitive absolute: durative, reinforcing continuous actionהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to walk'; paired infinitive absolute intensifying the durative sense of הֹלְכִים.
וְתָקְע֖וּand they blewconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · תָּקַע (H8628)Weqatal continuing the narrative (coordinate with הֹלְכִים הָלוֹךְ)→ Weqatal: narrative continuation — the accompanying trumpet blastתָּקַע (H8628) 'to blow'; here a finite weqatal (unlike v. 9's infinitive absolute pair), narrating the priests' continual blowing as they march.
בַּשּׁוֹפָר֑וֹתthe trumpetsprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Instrumental prepositional phraseשׁוֹפָר (H7782), the trumpets.
וְהֶחָלוּץ֙and the armed vanguardconj וְ + art + Qal pass ptc ms abs · חָלַץ (H2502)Subject (substantival participle)→ Passive participle used substantivally: 'the equipped/armed one(s)'חָלַץ (H2502) 'to equip for war'; same term as vv. 7, 9.
הֹלֵ֣ךְwas goingQal ptc ms abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate participle (durative, subject וְהֶחָלוּץ)→ Participle: durativeהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; the vanguard's continuous motion.
לִפְנֵיהֶ֔םbefore themprep לְ + N c pl constr + suff 3mp · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; with 3mp suffix, 'before them' — ahead of the trumpet-bearing priests.
וְהַֽמְאַסֵּ֗ףand the rear guardconj וְ + art + Piel ptc ms abs · אָסַף (H622)Subject (substantival participle)→ Piel participle used substantivally: 'the gatherer/rear guard'אָסַף (H622) Piel 'to gather'; substantivized, the unit closing the procession.
הֹלֵךְ֙was goingQal ptc ms abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate participle (durative, subject וְהַמְאַסֵּף)→ Participle: durativeהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; the rear guard's continuous motion.
אַֽחֲרֵי֙afterprep · אַחַר (H310)Locative prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'.
אֲר֣וֹןthe ark ofN c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Object of preposition (construct chain)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (nomen rectum of אֲרוֹן)יְהוָה (H3068).
הולך[Kethiv: walking]Kethiv: Qal ptc ms abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Kethiv form — superseded by the Qere infinitive absolute→ Participle (Kethiv reading)הָלַךְ (H1980) 'to walk'; the Kethiv reads a participle where the Qere (next word) reads an infinitive absolute paired with תָקוֹעַ — a minor variant on the closing formula, matching v. 9's idiom.
הָל֖וֹךְwalkingQere: Qal inf abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Infinitive absolute (adverbial, paired with וְתָקוֹעַ)→ Infinitive absolute: durative — continuous action, matching v. 9's idiomהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to walk'; the Qere's infinitive absolute completes the idiom הָלוֹךְ וְתָקוֹעַ, 'walking and blowing continually', as in v. 9.
וְתָק֥וֹעַand blowingconj וְ + Qal inf abs · תָּקַע (H8628)Infinitive absolute (adverbial, paired with הָלוֹךְ)→ Infinitive absolute: durative — paired with הָלוֹךְ for continuous actionתָּקַע (H8628) 'to blow'; the paired infinitive absolute matches v. 9's idiom exactly, closing the verse's processional description.
בַּשּׁוֹפָרֽוֹתthe trumpetsprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Instrumental prepositional phraseשׁוֹפָר (H7782), the trumpets, sounded continuously.
14

וַיָּסֹ֨בּוּ אֶת הָעִ֜יר בַּיּ֤וֹם הַשֵּׁנִי֙ פַּ֣עַם אַחַ֔ת וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה כֹּ֥ה עָשׂ֖וּ שֵׁ֥שֶׁת יָמִֽים

And they marched around the city on the second day once, and returned to the camp. Thus they did six days.

Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיָּסֹ֨בּוּand they marched aroundconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · סָבַב (H5437)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceסָבַב (H5437) 'to go around'; day two's circuit, narrated in summary.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הָעִיר as the object of the circling.
הָעִ֜ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892), Jericho.
בַּיּ֤וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; explicitly numbering the day, unlike the compressed formula of v. 12.
הַשֵּׁנִי֙the secondart + ordinal num m sg abs · שֵׁנִי (H8145)Attributive adjective (modifying הַיּוֹם)שֵׁנִי (H8145) 'second', from שָׁנָה 'to repeat'; confirms this is day two of the six preparatory circuits.
פַּ֣עַםtimeN f sg constr · פַּעַם (H6471)Adverbial accusative of frequencyפַּעַם (H6471) 'occurrence, time'; construct with אַחַת.
אַחַ֔תonecardinal num f sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Genitive (numeral qualifying פַּעַם)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; the single circuit, per the six-day pattern.
וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּand they returnedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; synonymous here with v. 11's וַיָּבֹאוּ, marking the daily return to camp.
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑הto the campart + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Direct object (locative accusative, 'to the camp')מַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'.
כֹּ֥הthusadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Manner adverb (fronted, summarizing)כֹּה (H3541) 'thus, so'; introduces the summary formula closing the six-day account (matching v. 3's opening command).
עָשׂ֖וּthey didQal perf 3cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (summary perfect)→ Perfective: summarizes the whole six-day pattern as accomplished factעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the perfect confirms exact obedience — what was commanded in v. 3 (כֹּה תַעֲשֶׂה) is now reported as done (כֹּה עָשׂוּ).
שֵׁ֥שֶׁתsixcardinal num m sg constr · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Construct (governs יָמִים)שֵׁשׁ (H8337) 'six'; closes the loop with v. 3's instruction.
יָמִֽיםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of duration (genitive to שֵׁשֶׁת)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the six-day preparatory phase now complete, setting up the seventh-day climax of vv. 15-16.
15

וַיְהִ֣י בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י וַיַּשְׁכִּ֨מוּ֙ כַּעֲל֣וֹת הַשַּׁ֔חַר וַיָּסֹ֧בּוּ אֶת הָעִ֛יר כַּמִּשְׁפָּ֥ט הַזֶּ֖ה שֶׁ֣בַע פְּעָמִ֑ים רַ֚ק בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֔וּא סָבְב֥וּ אֶת הָעִ֖יר שֶׁ֥בַע פְּעָמִֽים

And it was so, that on the seventh day they rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched around the city in this manner seven times; only on that day they marched around the city seven times.

Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיְהִ֣יand it was soconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; formulaic transition marking the pivot to the climactic seventh day.
בַּיּ֣וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'.
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗יthe seventhart + ordinal num m sg abs · שְׁבִיעִי (H7637)Attributive adjective (modifying הַיּוֹם)שְׁבִיעִי (H7637) 'seventh'; the long-anticipated day, flagged since v. 4.
וַיַּשְׁכִּ֨מוּ֙and they rose earlyconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · שָׁכַם (H7925)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁכַם (H7925) Hiphil 'to rise early'; same formula as v. 12, now with added urgency for the decisive day.
כַּעֲל֣וֹתat the rising ofprep כְּ + Qal inf constr · עָלָה (H5927)Temporal infinitive construct clause→ Infinitive construct with כְּ: temporal — 'as/when...rose'עָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, rise'; of the dawn's rising — an even earlier start than the ordinary daily rising.
הַשַּׁ֔חַרthe dawnart + N m sg abs · שַׁחַר (H7837)Subject (of the infinitive clause)שַׁחַר (H7837) 'dawn'; the earliest possible start, underscoring the seventh day's urgency and solemnity.
וַיָּסֹ֧בּוּand they marched aroundconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · סָבַב (H5437)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceסָבַב (H5437) 'to go around'; the seventh day's circuits begin.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הָעִיר as the object of the circling.
הָעִ֛ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892), Jericho.
כַּמִּשְׁפָּ֥טaccording to the mannerprep כְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner)מִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, custom, manner'; 'in the (same) manner' — the identical form of circuit as the previous six days, only multiplied.
הַזֶּ֖הthisart + demonstrative pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative (modifying הַמִּשְׁפָּט)זֶה (H2088) 'this'; points back to the established six-day pattern, now repeated sevenfold.
שֶׁ֣בַעsevencardinal num f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Adverbial accusative (numeral modifying פְּעָמִים)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; the climactic sevenfold circuit.
פְּעָמִ֑יםtimesN f pl abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Adverbial accusative of frequencyפַּעַם (H6471) 'occurrence, time'; plural, matching the instruction of v. 4.
רַ֚קonlyparticle of restriction · רַק (H7535)Restrictive particle (introducing a clarifying repetition)רַק (H7535) 'only, but'; introduces a clarifying restatement — the seven circuits happened specifically that day, distinct from the six single circuits before.
בַּיּ֣וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'.
הַה֔וּאthatart + pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative (modifying הַיּוֹם)הוּא (H1931) 'he, that'; with article functions demonstratively, 'that (specific) day' — the seventh, emphasized by restatement.
סָבְב֥וּthey marched aroundQal perf 3cp · סָבַב (H5437)Predicate verb (summary perfect, restating the wayyiqtol)→ Perfective: restates the sevenfold circuit as an emphatic, summarized factסָבַב (H5437) 'to go around'; the perfect (vs. the wayyiqtol of v. 15a) restates for emphasis — driving home that this day alone had seven circuits.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הָעִיר as the object of the circling (restated).
הָעִ֖ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892), Jericho.
שֶׁ֥בַעsevencardinal num f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Adverbial accusative (numeral modifying פְּעָמִים)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; restated for emphasis.
פְּעָמִֽיםtimesN f pl abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Adverbial accusative of frequencyפַּעַם (H6471) 'occurrence, time'; the doubled statement (vv. 15b-c) makes the sevenfold circuit unmistakable before the wall falls in v. 20.
16

וַיְהִי֙ בַּפַּ֣עַם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔ית תָּקְע֥וּ הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים בַּשּׁוֹפָר֑וֹת וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ אֶל הָעָם֙ הָרִ֔יעוּ כִּֽי נָתַ֧ן יְהוָ֛ה לָכֶ֖ם אֶת הָעִֽיר

And it was so at the seventh time, the priests blew the trumpets, and Joshua said to the people, 'Shout! For YHWH has given you the city!'

Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיְהִי֙and it was soconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; the formulaic marker isolates the precise moment of the climax — the seventh circuit's completion.
בַּפַּ֣עַםat the timeprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Temporal prepositional phraseפַּעַם (H6471) 'time, occurrence'; 'at the...time' pinpoints exactly which of the seven circuits triggers the shout.
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔יתthe seventhart + ordinal num f sg abs · שְׁבִיעִי (H7637)Attributive adjective (modifying הַפַּעַם)שְׁבִיעִי (H7637) 'seventh' (feminine, agreeing with פַּעַם); the final of the seven circuits — the moment everything has built toward.
תָּקְע֥וּblewQal perf 3cp · תָּקַע (H8628)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: narrates the completed trumpet blast marking the climactic momentתָּקַע (H8628) 'to blow'; the priests' final, decisive blast, distinct from the continuous blowing of the preceding circuits.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֖יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subjectכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'.
בַּשּׁוֹפָר֑וֹתthe trumpetsprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Instrumental prepositional phraseשׁוֹפָר (H7782), the trumpets.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Joshua gives the very command he pre-announced in v. 10.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַJoshuaNp · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subjectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
הָעָם֙the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of preposition (addressee)עַם (H5971) 'people'; the ones who have kept silence since v. 10, now released.
הָרִ֔יעוּshout!Hiphil impv 2mp · רוּעַ (H7321)Volitional (imperative, quoted direct command)→ Volitional: the long-awaited release command, the exact word promised in v. 10רוּעַ (H7321) Hiphil 'to shout'; the very word Joshua quoted in advance (v. 10) — the silence is now broken.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (introducing the ground for the command)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; grounds the command to shout in the prior gift already accomplished.
נָתַ֧ןhas givenQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (causal clause, perfect of certainty)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — echoing the perfect of certainty of v. 2נָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; echoes v. 2's נָתַתִּי — the gift, declared in advance, is now announced as accomplished at the shout's very moment.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the true giver of the victory.
לָכֶ֖םto youprep לְ + suff 2mp · לְPrepositional phrase (indirect object)לְ 'to, for'; with 2mp suffix, addressing the whole people as recipients of the gift.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הָעִיר as the object of נָתַן.
הָעִֽירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892), Jericho — the gift promised in v. 2 now formally conferred.
17

וְהָיְתָ֨ה הָעִ֥יר חֵ֛רֶם הִ֥יא וְכָל אֲשֶׁר בָּ֖הּ לַֽיהוָ֑ה רַק֩ רָחָ֨ב הַזּוֹנָ֜ה תִּֽחְיֶ֗ה הִ֚יא וְכָל אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתָּ֣הּ בַּבַּ֔יִת כִּ֣י הֶחְבְּאַ֔תָה אֶת הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׁלָֽחְנוּ

And the city shall be devoted to destruction, it and all that is in it, to YHWH; only Rahab the prostitute shall live, she and all who are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers whom we sent.

Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וְהָיְתָ֨הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal (instructional, main clause)→ Weqatal: instructional — decreeing the city's statusהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; introduces the חֵרֶם decree — the city's fate is now formally declared.
הָעִ֥ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Subjectעִיר (H5892), Jericho, now subject to the ban.
חֵ֛רֶםdevoted to destructionN m sg abs · חֵרֶם (H2764)Predicate nominativeחֵרֶם (H2764) 'devoted thing, ban'; from חָרַם 'to devote irrevocably to YHWH, often via destruction'; the technical term for holy war's total consecration, as in Deut 20:16-18 — nothing may be salvaged for private use.
הִ֥יאitpers pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Resumptive pronoun (subject, resuming הָעִיר)הִיא (H1931) 'she, it'; resumes 'the city' for emphasis before the following apposition.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Apposition (coordinate with הִיא)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with the following relative clause — 'and all that is in it'.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (introducing a relative clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834), the standard Hebrew relative pronoun/particle, 'who, which, that'.
בָּ֖הּin itprep בְּ + suff 3fs · בְּPredicate of the relative clauseבְּ 'in'; with 3fs suffix referring to the city — everything and everyone inside falls under the ban.
לַֽיהוָ֑הto YHWHprep לְ + Np · יְהוָה (H3068)Dative/locative prepositional phrase (for whom the devotion is made)יְהוָה (H3068); the חֵרֶם is dedicated to YHWH — the destruction is a sacral act, not mere plunder.
רַק֩onlyparticle of restriction · רַק (H7535)Restrictive particle (introducing the exception)רַק (H7535) 'only, but'; introduces the single exception to the total ban.
רָחָ֨בRahabNp · רָחָב (H7343)Subjectרָחָב (H7343), the Canaanite woman of Jericho who sheltered Israel's spies in Joshua 2.
הַזּוֹנָ֜הthe prostituteart + Qal ptc fs abs · זָנָה (H2181)Apposition (substantival participle, describing רָחָב)→ Participle used substantivally: a description, not merely a titleזָנָה (H2181) 'to be a prostitute, act unfaithfully'; the participle honestly names her profession — the text does not soften or omit it even as she is honored.
תִּֽחְיֶ֗הshall liveQal impf 3fs · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: instructional/future — the decreed exception to the banחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; the singular exemption from the חֵרֶם, honoring the oath sworn to her in Joshua 2:12-14.
הִ֚יאshepers pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Resumptive pronoun (subject, resuming רָחָב)הִיא (H1931) 'she'; resumes Rahab for emphasis before the following apposition, echoing v. 17a's structure.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Apposition (coordinate with הִיא)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with the following relative clause — extending the exemption to her household.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particleאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun.
אִתָּ֣הּwith herprep אֵת + suff 3fs · אֵת/אִתָּה (H854)Predicate of the relative clauseאֵת (H854) 'with' (distinct from the object-marker אֵת, H853); the whole household sheltered with her shares in the exemption.
בַּבַּ֔יִתin the houseprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Locative prepositional phraseבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; Rahab's house built into Jericho's wall (Josh 2:15).
כִּ֣יbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds the exemption)כִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; grounds Rahab's exemption in her prior act of protection.
הֶחְבְּאַ֔תָהshe hidHiphil perf 3fs · חָבָא (H2244)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: narrates the completed, decisive act that grounds her deliveranceחָבָא (H2244) Hiphil 'to hide, conceal'; her concealment of the spies (Josh 2:4-6) is the explicit legal ground for sparing her entire household.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הַמַּלְאָכִים as the object of הֶחְבְּאַתָה.
הַמַּלְאָכִ֖יםthe messengersart + N m pl abs · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Direct objectמַלְאָךְ (H4397) 'messenger'; here of the human spies sent by Joshua, not angelic messengers.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhomrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (introducing the final relative clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun.
שָׁלָֽחְנוּwe sentQal perf 1cp · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed prior actשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; first-person plural — Israel's leadership (Joshua and, implicitly, the narrator) owns responsibility for the spy mission of Joshua 2.
18

וְרַק אַתֶּם֙ שִׁמְר֣וּ מִן הַחֵ֔רֶם פֶּֽן תַּחֲרִ֖ימוּ וּלְקַחְתֶּ֣ם מִן הַחֵ֑רֶם וְשַׂמְתֶּ֞ם אֶת מַחֲנֵ֤ה יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לְחֵ֔רֶם וַעֲכַרְתֶּ֖ם אוֹתֽוֹ

But as for you, only keep yourselves from the devoted things, lest you covet and take of the devoted things, and make the camp of Israel accursed and trouble it.

Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְרַקbut onlyconj וְ + particle of restriction · רַק (H7535)Restrictive particle (fronted, emphatic warning)רַק (H7535) 'only, but'; introduces the sharpest warning of the chapter — the flip side of Rahab's exemption.
אַתֶּם֙youpers pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject (emphatic, independent pronoun)אַתֶּם (H859) 'you' (mp); the independent pronoun emphasizes personal responsibility — each of you, individually.
שִׁמְר֣וּkeep yourselvesQal impv 2mp · שָׁמַר (H8104)Volitional (imperative, main command)→ Volitional: urgent warning-commandשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, watch'; here reflexively, 'guard yourselves (from)' — a warning against contamination.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source, object of guarding)מִן (H4480) 'from'; marks what must be avoided.
הַחֵ֔רֶםthe devoted thingsart + N m sg abs · חֵרֶם (H2764)Object of prepositionחֵרֶם (H2764) 'devoted thing, ban'; the same term as v. 17 — anything consecrated to destruction is lethal to touch or keep.
פֶּֽןlestconj · פֶּן (H6435)Negative purpose conjunction (introducing the feared consequence)פֶּן (H6435) 'lest'; introduces the danger the command guards against.
תַּחֲרִ֖ימוּyou covet (take as devoted)Hiphil impf 2mp · חָרַם (H2763)Predicate verb (negative purpose clause)→ Yiqtol (in פֶּן clause): apprehensive/prohibitive — the feared actחָרַם (H2763) Hiphil 'to devote, ban, destroy utterly'; here of taking devoted material for oneself — appropriating what belongs to YHWH alone, the very sin Achan will commit in ch. 7.
וּלְקַחְתֶּ֣םand takeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · לָקַח (H3947)Weqatal continuing the feared consequence→ Weqatal (continuing פֶּן): the compounding danger — coveting leads to takingלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the second, worse stage — from desire to actual theft of the banned material.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source, partitive)מִן (H4480) 'from'; partitive, 'some of'.
הַחֵ֑רֶםthe devoted thingsart + N m sg abs · חֵרֶם (H2764)Object of prepositionחֵרֶם (H2764), repeated for emphasis — the danger is named three times in this verse.
וְשַׂמְתֶּ֞םand makeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · שׂוּם (H7760)Weqatal continuing the feared consequence (result)→ Weqatal (continuing פֶּן): the ultimate consequence — the whole camp implicatedשׂוּם (H7760) 'to put, place, make'; the third and worst stage — individual sin becomes corporate liability.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks מַחֲנֵה יִשְׂרָאֵל as the object of וְשַׂמְתֶּם.
מַחֲנֵ֤הthe camp ofN c sg constr · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Direct object (construct chain)מַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'; construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל — the whole nation's encampment, not just the individual thief.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙IsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (nomen rectum of מַחֲנֵה)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); one person's theft would corporately implicate the entire nation.
לְחֵ֔רֶםaccursedprep לְ + N m sg abs · חֵרֶם (H2764)Predicate complement (result, 'into a ban')חֵרֶם (H2764); the horrifying prospect — Israel's own camp becoming subject to the very ban meant for Jericho.
וַעֲכַרְתֶּ֖םand trouble itconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · עָכַר (H5916)Weqatal continuing the feared consequence→ Weqatal (continuing פֶּן): the climactic verb naming the disasterעָכַר (H5916) 'to trouble, bring disaster upon, make taboo'; the verb that will name the Valley of Achor ('Trouble') in Joshua 7:24-26 after Achan's sin — this verse anticipates that very story.
אוֹתֽוֹitobj marker + suff 3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with pronominal suffixאֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, resuming 'the camp' as the object troubled — the whole nation's fate hangs on individual obedience.
19

וְכֹ֣ל כֶּ֣סֶף וְזָהָ֗ב וּכְלֵ֤י נְחֹ֨שֶׁת֙ וּבַרְזֶ֔ל קֹ֥דֶשׁ ה֖וּא לַֽיהוָ֑ה אוֹצַ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה יָבֽוֹא

But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are holy to YHWH; they shall come into the treasury of YHWH.

Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְכֹ֣לand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; introduces the exception to total destruction — metals are not burned but consecrated.
כֶּ֣סֶףsilverN m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Genitive (nomen rectum of כֹּל)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'; the first of four consecrated metals.
וְזָהָ֗בand goldconj וְ + N m sg abs · זָהָב (H2091)Genitive (coordinate with כֶּסֶף)זָהָב (H2091) 'gold'.
וּכְלֵ֤יand vessels ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · כְּלִי (H3627)Genitive (construct chain, coordinate)כְּלִי (H3627) 'vessel, implement, tool'; construct with the following metals — utensils and tools, not merely raw ore.
נְחֹ֨שֶׁת֙bronzeN f sg abs · נְחֹשֶׁת (H5178)Genitive (nomen rectum of כְּלֵי)נְחֹשֶׁת (H5178) 'bronze, copper'.
וּבַרְזֶ֔לand ironconj וְ + N m sg abs · בַּרְזֶל (H1270)Genitive (coordinate with נְחֹשֶׁת)בַּרְזֶל (H1270) 'iron'; the fourth metal, completing the list found again in v. 24.
קֹ֥דֶשׁholyN m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Predicate nominativeקֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness, sacred thing'; the metals are not destroyed like the rest of the חֵרֶם but consecrated for cultic use — a different, non-lethal category of devotion.
ה֖וּאit (is)pers pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Copula (linking subject to predicate nominative)הוּא (H1931) 'he, it'; functions as the copula 'is' in this verbless clause.
לַֽיהוָ֑הto YHWHprep לְ + Np · יְהוָה (H3068)Dative prepositional phraseיְהוָה (H3068); the metals belong to YHWH's sanctuary economy, not to individual soldiers.
אוֹצַ֥רthe treasury ofN m sg constr · אוֹצָר (H214)Subject (construct chain)אוֹצָר (H214) 'treasury, storehouse'; construct with יְהוָה — the sanctuary's treasury, likely at the tabernacle.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (nomen rectum of אוֹצַר)יְהוָה (H3068).
יָבֽוֹאshall comeQal impf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (instructional imperfect)→ Yiqtol: instructional/future — the required destination of the metalsבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; instructs that the metals must be delivered to the sanctuary treasury, not kept as spoils.
20

וַיָּ֣רַע הָעָ֔ם וַֽיִּתְקְע֖וּ בַּשֹּֽׁפָר֑וֹת וַיְהִי֩ כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ הָעָ֜ם אֶת ק֣וֹל הַשּׁוֹפָ֗ר וַיָּרִ֤יעוּ הָעָם֙ תְּרוּעָ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֔ה וַתִּפֹּ֨ל הַֽחוֹמָ֜ה תַּחְתֶּ֗יהָ וַיַּ֨עַל הָעָ֤ם הָעִ֨ירָה֙ אִ֣ישׁ נֶגְדּ֔וֹ וַֽיִּלְכְּד֖וּ אֶת הָעִֽיר

So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets; and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, that the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.

Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
וַיָּ֣רַעand it shoutedconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · רוּעַ (H7321)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the shout finally executedרוּעַ (H7321) Hiphil 'to shout'; the very act commanded in v. 16 and prescribed since v. 10, now finally performed.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subjectעַם (H5971) 'people'; the whole nation, silent no longer.
וַֽיִּתְקְע֖וּand they blewconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · תָּקַע (H8628)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceתָּקַע (H8628) 'to blow'; the priests' trumpet blast coincides with the people's shout.
בַּשֹּֽׁפָר֑וֹתthe trumpetsprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Instrumental prepositional phraseשׁוֹפָר (H7782), the trumpets.
וַיְהִי֩and it was soconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; formulaic marker introducing the miracle's precise timing.
כִשְׁמֹ֨עַwhen...heardprep כְּ + Qal inf constr · שָׁמַע (H8085)Temporal infinitive construct clause→ Infinitive construct with כְּ: temporal — 'as/when...heard'שָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; the fulfillment of the temporal condition set in v. 5.
הָעָ֜םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject (of the infinitive clause)עַם (H5971) 'people'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks קוֹל as the object of שָׁמַע.
ק֣וֹלthe sound ofN m sg constr · קוֹל (H6963)Direct object (construct chain)קוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'.
הַשּׁוֹפָ֗רthe trumpetart + N m sg abs · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Genitive (nomen rectum of קוֹל)שׁוֹפָר (H7782), the trumpet.
וַיָּרִ֤יעוּshoutedconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · רוּעַ (H7321)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, apodosis)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the great shout, exactly as prescribedרוּעַ (H7321) Hiphil 'to shout'; restated with its cognate object, matching v. 5's instruction precisely.
הָעָם֙the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subjectעַם (H5971) 'people'.
תְּרוּעָ֣הa shoutN f sg abs · תְּרוּעָה (H8643)Adverbial accusative (cognate object of וַיָּרִיעוּ)תְּרוּעָה (H8643) 'shout, battle-cry'; cognate to the verb, intensifying the action — matching v. 5's cognate construction exactly.
גְדוֹלָ֔הgreatadj f sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective (modifying תְּרוּעָה)גָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great'; the shout matches the miracle's magnitude, as prescribed in v. 5.
וַתִּפֹּ֨לand it fellconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · נָפַל (H5307)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the miracle itself, the chapter's climaxנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; the promised collapse of v. 5 now realized as historical fact.
הַֽחוֹמָ֜הthe wallart + N f sg abs · חוֹמָה (H2346)Subjectחוֹמָה (H2346) 'wall'; Jericho's fortification, the visible obstacle now removed.
תַּחְתֶּ֗יהָunder itself (flat)prep תַּחַת + suff 3fs · תַּחַת (H8478)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner, modifying וַתִּפֹּל)תַּחַת (H8478) 'under'; with 3fs suffix — the wall collapses straight down in its own place, exactly as promised in v. 5.
וַיַּ֨עַלand went upconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; here of storming into the breached city, singular verb with collective subject הָעָם.
הָעָ֤םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subjectעַם (H5971) 'people'; the collective army.
הָעִ֨ירָה֙into the cityart + N f sg abs + directional suff הָ · עִיר (H5892)Locative accusative (directional 'into')עִיר (H5892) with directional he suffix, 'toward/into the city' — grammatically marking the goal of the assault.
אִ֣ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive apposition to הָעָםאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; distributive, 'each man' — repeating v. 5's precise phrasing.
נֶגְדּ֔וֹstraight before himprep נֶגֶד + suff 3ms · נֶגֶד (H5048)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner)נֶגֶד (H5048) 'in front of, opposite'; the disciplined frontal assault, exactly as prescribed in v. 5.
וַֽיִּלְכְּד֖וּand they capturedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · לָכַד (H3920)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the campaign's decisive outcomeלָכַד (H3920) 'to capture, seize'; the military verb of conquest, sealing the chapter's central action.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הָעִיר as the object of וַיִּלְכְּדוּ.
הָעִֽירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892), Jericho — captured, exactly as YHWH had promised in v. 2.
21

וַֽיַּחֲרִ֨ימוּ֙ אֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֣ר בָּעִ֔יר מֵאִישׁ֙ וְעַד אִשָּׁ֔ה מִנַּ֖עַר וְעַד זָקֵ֑ן וְעַ֨ד שׁ֥וֹר וָשֶׂ֛ה וַחֲמ֖וֹר לְפִי חָֽרֶב

And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, ox and sheep and donkey, with the edge of the sword.

Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַֽיַּחֲרִ֨ימוּ֙and they devoted to destructionconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · חָרַם (H2763)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the חֵרֶם decree of vv. 17-18 now executedחָרַם (H2763) Hiphil 'to devote to destruction, exterminate'; the verb enacting the ban decreed in v. 17; the same root as the noun חֵרֶם.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks כָּל אֲשֶׁר בָּעִיר as the object of וַיַּחֲרִימוּ.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with the following relative clause.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particleאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun.
בָּעִ֔ירin the cityprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Predicate of the relative clauseעִיר (H5892), Jericho; the totality of what lay within — nothing exempted except Rahab's household.
מֵאִישׁ֙from manprep מִן + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Adverbial prepositional phrase (merism, first member)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; opens the first of three merism pairs specifying the totality of the destruction.
וְעַדand toconj וְ + prep · עַד (H5704)Coordinating prepositional phrase (merism, correlative)עַד (H5704) 'until, to'; the מִן...וְעַד construction, 'from...to', forms an inclusive merism.
אִשָּׁ֔הwomanN f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Object of preposition (merism, second member)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman'; completes the man-woman merism — every human being.
מִנַּ֖עַרfrom youngprep מִן + N m sg abs · נַעַר (H5288)Adverbial prepositional phrase (merism, first member)נַעַר (H5288) 'youth, young person'; opens the second merism pair, by age.
וְעַדand toconj וְ + prep · עַד (H5704)Coordinating prepositional phrase (merism, correlative)עַד (H5704) 'until, to'; continues the מִן...וְעַד construction.
זָקֵ֑ןoldadj m sg abs · זָקֵן (H2205)Object of preposition (merism, second member)זָקֵן (H2205) 'old, elder'; completes the young-old merism — every human life stage, without exception, in the plain terms the חֵרֶם genre requires (cf. Deut 20).
וְעַ֨דand toconj וְ + prep · עַד (H5704)Coordinating prepositional phrase (merism series, animals)עַד (H5704) 'until, to'; introduces the third list, now of livestock.
שׁ֥וֹרoxN m sg abs · שׁוֹר (H7794)Object of prepositionשׁוֹר (H7794) 'ox, bull'; the first of three domestic animal categories, extending the ban even to livestock.
וָשֶׂ֛הand sheepconj וְ + N c sg abs · שֶׂה (H7716)Object of preposition (coordinate)שֶׂה (H7716) 'sheep, lamb, flock animal'.
וַחֲמ֖וֹרand donkeyconj וְ + N c sg abs · חֲמוֹר (H2543)Object of preposition (coordinate)חֲמוֹר (H2543) 'donkey'; completing the animal triad — total, unqualified destruction, holding back nothing.
לְפִיby the edge ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Instrumental prepositional phrase (construct chain)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; idiomatically 'the edge (mouth) of the sword' — the standard Hebrew expression for the sword's cutting edge.
חָֽרֶבthe swordN f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Genitive (nomen rectum of לְפִי)חֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword'; the means of the חֵרֶם's execution.
22

וְלִשְׁנַ֨יִם הָאֲנָשִׁ֜ים הַֽמְרַגְּלִ֤ים אֶת הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ אָמַ֣ר יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ בֹּ֖אוּ בֵּית הָאִשָּׁ֣ה הַזּוֹנָ֑ה וְהוֹצִ֨יאוּ מִשָּׁ֤ם אֶת הָֽאִשָּׁה֙ וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לָ֔הּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר נִשְׁבַּעְתֶּ֖ם לָֽהּ

And Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, 'Go into the prostitute's house, and bring out from there the woman and all who are hers, as you swore to her.'

Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וְלִשְׁנַ֨יִםand to the twoconj וְ + prep לְ + cardinal num m dual abs · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Prepositional phrase (indirect object, fronted)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; dual form, referring to the two spies of Joshua 2.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֜יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Apposition (to לִשְׁנַיִם)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; plural, identifying the two as the men in question.
הַֽמְרַגְּלִ֤יםwho spied outart + Piel ptc mp abs · רָגַל (H7270)Attributive participle (modifying הָאֲנָשִׁים)→ Piel participle: intensive, describing their reconnaissance roleרָגַל (H7270) Piel 'to spy out, explore'; identifies the two as the reconnaissance team sent in Joshua 2.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הָאָרֶץ as the object of הַמְרַגְּלִים.
הָאָ֨רֶץ֙the landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct objectאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; Canaan, the object of their reconnaissance.
אָמַ֣רsaidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: narrates the command givenאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Joshua's directive to fulfill the oath sworn in Joshua 2:14.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaNp · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subjectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091).
בֹּ֖אוּgo inQal impv 2mp · בּוֹא (H935)Volitional (imperative, main command)→ Volitional: direct commandבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; commands the spies into the being-destroyed city to complete the rescue.
בֵּיתthe house ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Locative accusative (construct chain, goal of בֹּאוּ)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; construct with הָאִשָּׁה.
הָאִשָּׁ֣הthe womanart + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Genitive (nomen rectum of בֵּית)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman'; referring to Rahab.
הַזּוֹנָ֑הthe prostituteart + Qal ptc fs abs · זָנָה (H2181)Apposition (substantival participle, describing הָאִשָּׁה)→ Participle used substantivally: identifying descriptionזָנָה (H2181) 'to be a prostitute'; the identical descriptor as v. 17, naming Rahab honestly once more.
וְהוֹצִ֨יאוּand bring outconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2mp · יָצָא (H3318)Volitional (imperative, coordinate command)→ Volitional: causative — 'cause to go out, bring out'יָצָא (H3318) Hiphil (causative) 'to bring out'; the rescue operation — extracting Rahab's household from the doomed city.
מִשָּׁ֤םfrom thereprep מִן + adverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial prepositional phrase (source)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; referring to Jericho, now under the ban.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הָאִשָּׁה as the object of וְהוֹצִיאוּ.
הָֽאִשָּׁה֙the womanart + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct objectאִשָּׁה (H802), Rahab.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)Joins the second object, her household.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with the following relative clause.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particleאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun.
לָ֔הּbelong to herprep לְ + suff 3fs · לְPredicate of the relative clause (possession)לְ 'to, for', expressing possession — 'who are hers'.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רasprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative/manner conjunction (introducing the oath clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'according as, just as'; grounds the rescue in a prior legal obligation.
נִשְׁבַּעְתֶּ֖םyou sworeNiphal perf 2mp · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate verb (comparative clause)→ Perfective: recalls a completed prior oathשָׁבַע (H7650) Niphal ('to swear an oath', reflexive/passive in form) refers back to the spies' oath in Joshua 2:12-14 — the rescue fulfills a binding promise, not mere kindness.
לָֽהּto herprep לְ + suff 3fs · לְPrepositional phrase (indirect object)לְ 'to, for'; with 3fs suffix, Rahab, the recipient of the sworn promise.
23

וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ הַנְּעָרִ֣ים הַֽמְרַגְּלִ֗ים וַיֹּצִ֡יאוּ אֶת רָ֠חָב וְאֶת אָבִ֨יהָ וְאֶת אִמָּ֤הּ וְאֶת אַחֶ֨יהָ֙ וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לָ֔הּ וְאֵ֥ת כָּל מִשְׁפְּחוֹתֶ֖יהָ הוֹצִ֑יאוּ וַיַּ֨נִּיח֔וּם מִח֖וּץ לְמַחֲנֵ֥ה יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

And the young men who were spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, her mother, her brothers, and all who were hers; and they brought out all her relatives, and set them outside the camp of Israel.

Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וַיָּבֹ֜אוּand they went inconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the spies execute Joshua's command of v. 22.
הַנְּעָרִ֣יםthe young menart + N m pl abs · נַעַר (H5288)Subjectנַעַר (H5288) 'young man'; here referring to the two spies, now called by a term denoting their youthful vigor for the task.
הַֽמְרַגְּלִ֗יםwho were spiesart + Piel ptc mp abs · רָגַל (H7270)Apposition (substantival participle, describing הַנְּעָרִים)→ Piel participle: substantival, identifying their roleרָגַל (H7270) Piel 'to spy'; the same identification as v. 22.
וַיֹּצִ֡יאוּand they brought outconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out'; the rescue accomplished, fulfilling the command of v. 22.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks רָחָב as the first of the rescued objects.
רָ֠חָבRahabNp · רָחָב (H7343)Direct objectרָחָב (H7343), named first among the rescued.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerJoins the next family member to the list.
אָבִ֨יהָher fatherN m sg constr + suff 3fs · אָב (H1)Direct objectאָב (H1) 'father'; the first family member named, per the oath's promise to spare her whole household.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerContinues the list of rescued family.
אִמָּ֤הּher motherN f sg constr + suff 3fs · אֵם (H517)Direct objectאֵם (H517) 'mother'.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerContinues the list.
אַחֶ֨יהָ֙her brothersN m pl constr + suff 3fs · אָח (H251)Direct objectאָח (H251) 'brother'.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerIntroduces the final, general category, all who were hers.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with the following relative clause.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particleאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun.
לָ֔הּbelonged to herprep לְ + suff 3fs · לְPredicate of the relative clause (possession)לְ, expressing possession — everyone connected to her, echoing v. 22.
וְאֵ֥תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (restated object)A second, emphatic direct-object marker restates the list with an additional detail.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with מִשְׁפְּחוֹתֶיהָ.
מִשְׁפְּחוֹתֶ֖יהָher relativesN f pl constr + suff 3fs · מִשְׁפָּחָה (H4940)Genitive (nomen rectum of כָּל)מִשְׁפָּחָה (H4940) 'clan, family'; plural, specifying her extended kin group beyond the immediate family already named.
הוֹצִ֑יאוּthey brought outHiphil perf 3cp · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (summary, resuming the main clause)→ Perfective: summarizes/restates the completed rescueיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out'; restated as a perfect for emphasis, closing the list of who was rescued.
וַיַּ֨נִּיח֔וּםand they set themconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + suff 3mp · נוּחַ (H3240)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנוּחַ (H3240) Hiphil 'to cause to rest, set down, leave'; Rahab's family is relocated to safety, resettled outside the doomed city.
מִח֖וּץoutsideprep מִן + N m sg abs · חוּץ (H2351)Locative prepositional phraseחוּץ (H2351) 'outside, street'; the place of safety, apart from the doomed city and its ban.
לְמַחֲנֵ֥הthe camp ofprep לְ + N c sg constr · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Object of preposition (construct chain)מַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'; construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל — Rahab's family is settled adjacent to, though not fully within, Israel's own encampment (cf. v. 25).
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (nomen rectum of לְמַחֲנֵה)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
24

וְהָעִ֛יר שָׂרְפ֥וּ בָאֵ֖שׁ וְכָל אֲשֶׁר בָּ֑הּ רַ֣ק הַכֶּ֣סֶף וְהַזָּהָ֗ב וּכְלֵ֤י הַנְּחֹ֨שֶׁת֙ וְהַבַּרְזֶ֔ל נָתְנ֖וּ אוֹצַ֥ר בֵּית יְהוָֽה

And they burned the city with fire, and all that was in it; only the silver and the gold, and the vessels of bronze and iron, they put into the treasury of the house of YHWH.

Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְהָעִ֛ירand the cityconj וְ + art + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct object (fronted for emphasis)עִיר (H5892), Jericho, fronted before its verb for emphasis — the city itself, now the object of fire.
שָׂרְפ֥וּthey burnedQal perf 3cp · שָׂרַף (H8313)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: narrates the completed act of destructionשָׂרַף (H8313) 'to burn'; the standard method of totally destroying a חֵרֶם city, leaving nothing habitable (cf. Deut 13:16).
בָאֵ֖שׁwith fireprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Instrumental prepositional phraseאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; the destructive medium.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (coordinate, construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with the following relative clause.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particleאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun.
בָּ֑הּwas in itprep בְּ + suff 3fs · בְּPredicate of the relative clauseבְּ 'in'; with 3fs suffix referring to the city — everything within, except the reserved metals, is consumed.
רַ֣קonlyparticle of restriction · רַק (H7535)Restrictive particle (introducing the exception)רַק (H7535) 'only, but'; introduces the metals exception, executing v. 19's instruction.
הַכֶּ֣סֶףthe silverart + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Subjectכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'.
וְהַזָּהָ֗בand the goldconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · זָהָב (H2091)Subject (coordinate)זָהָב (H2091) 'gold'.
וּכְלֵ֤יand vessels ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · כְּלִי (H3627)Subject (construct chain, coordinate)כְּלִי (H3627) 'vessel, implement'; construct with the following metals.
הַנְּחֹ֨שֶׁת֙the bronzeart + N f sg abs · נְחֹשֶׁת (H5178)Genitive (nomen rectum of כְּלֵי)נְחֹשֶׁת (H5178) 'bronze, copper'.
וְהַבַּרְזֶ֔לand the ironconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · בַּרְזֶל (H1270)Genitive (coordinate)בַּרְזֶל (H1270) 'iron'; the four-metal list matches v. 19 exactly, confirming exact compliance.
נָתְנ֖וּthey putQal perf 3cp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: narrates the completed act of dedicationנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, put'; the metals are deposited rather than destroyed, fulfilling v. 19's instruction.
אוֹצַ֥רthe treasury ofN m sg constr · אוֹצָר (H214)Locative accusative (construct chain, goal of נָתְנוּ)אוֹצָר (H214) 'treasury'; construct with בֵּית יְהוָה.
בֵּיתthe house ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive (construct chain)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; construct with יְהוָה — 'the house of YHWH', here likely the tabernacle rather than a permanent temple (which did not yet exist).
יְהוָֽהYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (nomen rectum of בֵּית)יְהוָה (H3068); the fuller phrase 'treasury of the house of YHWH' specifies precisely where the consecrated metals were kept.
25

וְֽאֶת רָחָ֣ב הַ֠זּוֹנָה וְאֶת בֵּ֨ית אָבִ֤יהָ וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לָהּ֙ הֶחֱיָ֣ה יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ וַתֵּ֨שֶׁב֙ בְּקֶ֣רֶב יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל עַ֖ד הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה כִּ֤י הֶחְבִּ֨יאָה֙ אֶת הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר שָׁלַ֥ח יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ לְרַגֵּ֥ל אֶת יְרִיחֽוֹ

And Rahab the prostitute, her father's household, and all who were hers, Joshua saved alive; and she has dwelt in the midst of Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
וְֽאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (fronted for emphasis)אֵת (H853) marks רָחָב as object, fronted before its verb הֶחֱיָה for emphasis — Rahab's survival is the verse's focal point.
רָחָ֣בRahabNp · רָחָב (H7343)Direct objectרָחָב (H7343).
הַ֠זּוֹנָהthe prostituteart + Qal ptc fs abs · זָנָה (H2181)Apposition (substantival participle, describing רָחָב)→ Participle used substantivally: identifying descriptionזָנָה (H2181) 'to be a prostitute'; the same honest descriptor as vv. 17, 22 — repeated a third and final time as the narrative closes her story.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerJoins the next object.
בֵּ֨יתthe household ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Direct object (construct chain)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; construct with אָבִיהָ.
אָבִ֤יהָher fatherN m sg constr + suff 3fs · אָב (H1)Genitive (nomen rectum of בֵּית)אָב (H1) 'father'; 'her father's household' — the whole family unit.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerIntroduces the final, general category.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with the following relative clause.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particleאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun.
לָהּ֙belonged to herprep לְ + suff 3fs · לְPredicate of the relative clause (possession)לְ, expressing possession.
הֶחֱיָ֣הsaved aliveHiphil perf 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: narrates the decisive, life-giving actחָיָה (H2421) Hiphil (causative) 'to cause to live, save alive'; Joshua's personal act of preservation, echoing the verb of v. 17 (תִּחְיֶה, 'shall live') now fulfilled.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaNp · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subjectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), personally credited with sparing Rahab.
וַתֵּ֨שֶׁב֙and she dweltconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, extending into the narrator's presentיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, sit'; marks Rahab's ongoing, lasting integration into Israel, not merely a one-time rescue.
בְּקֶ֣רֶבin the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Locative prepositional phraseקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, inward part'; 'in the midst of Israel' — full incorporation, not mere proximity, contrasting v. 23's 'outside the camp'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Object of prepositionיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); a Canaanite former prostitute is now permanently within the covenant community.
עַ֖דtoprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phraseעַד (H5704) 'until, to'; marking duration up to the narrator's own time.
הַיּ֣וֹםthe dayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Object of prepositionיוֹם (H3117) 'day'.
הַזֶּ֑הthisart + demonstrative pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative (modifying הַיּוֹם)זֶה (H2088) 'this'; the formula 'to this day' signals the narrator's temporal distance from the events, a hallmark of Joshua's compositional voice.
כִּ֤יbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'because'; grounds Rahab's lasting place among Israel in her original act.
הֶחְבִּ֨יאָה֙she hidHiphil perf 3fs · חָבָא (H2244)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: narrates the completed, decisive actחָבָא (H2244) Hiphil 'to hide'; restates v. 17's ground for her deliverance, closing the frame around her story.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הַמַּלְאָכִים as the object of הֶחְבִּיאָה.
הַמַּלְאָכִ֔יםthe messengersart + N m pl abs · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Direct objectמַלְאָךְ (H4397) 'messenger'; the human spies.
אֲשֶׁרwhomrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particleאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun.
שָׁלַ֥חsentQal perf 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed prior actשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; here 3ms with Joshua as subject, whereas v. 17 used 1cp ('we sent') — the chapter's closing report attributes the mission specifically to Joshua.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַJoshuaNp · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subjectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091).
לְרַגֵּ֥לto spy outprep לְ + Piel inf constr · רָגַל (H7270)Purpose infinitive construct clause→ Infinitive construct with לְ: purpose — 'in order to spy out'רָגַל (H7270) Piel 'to spy'; names the purpose of the original mission of Joshua 2.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks יְרִיחוֹ as the object of לְרַגֵּל.
יְרִיחֽוֹJerichoNp · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Direct objectיְרִיחוֹ (H3405); the closing scene names the city one last time — captured and destroyed, yet the site of an unlikely, enduring act of mercy.
26

וַיַּשְׁבַּ֣ע יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ בָּעֵ֥ת הַהִ֖יא לֵאמֹ֑ר אָר֨וּר הָאִ֜ישׁ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר יָקוּם֙ וּבָנָ֞ה אֶת הָעִ֤יר הַזֹּאת֙ אֶת יְרִיח֔וֹ בִּבְכֹר֣וֹ יְיַסְּדֶ֔נָּה וּבִצְעִיר֖וֹ יַצִּ֥יב דְּלָתֶֽיהָ

And Joshua charged them at that time, saying, 'Cursed before YHWH is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; at the cost of his firstborn he shall lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest he shall set up its gates.'

Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיַּשְׁבַּ֣עand he made swearconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁבַע (H7650)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁבַע (H7650) Hiphil (causative) 'to cause to swear, adjure'; Joshua imposes a binding oath/curse upon Israel regarding Jericho's future.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaNp · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subjectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091).
בָּעֵ֥תat the timeprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · עֵת (H6256)Temporal prepositional phraseעֵת (H6256) 'time'; marks the solemn moment of the curse's pronouncement, immediately following the conquest.
הַהִ֖יאthatart + pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative (modifying הָעֵת)הִיא (H1931) 'she, it'; with article functions demonstratively, 'that (specific) time'.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: formulaic, introduces quoted speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the standard formula introducing the quoted curse.
אָר֨וּרcursedQal pass ptc ms abs · אָרַר (H779)Predicate (passive participle, verbless clause)→ Passive participle: a solemn, performative curse-formulaאָרַר (H779) Qal passive participle 'cursed'; the formal curse-formula, matching the pattern of Genesis 3:14, 17 and Deuteronomy's covenant curses.
הָאִ֜ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subjectאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; whoever, at any future time, attempts the forbidden act.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phrase (in whose presence the curse stands)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; 'before YHWH' — the curse is legally binding in the divine court, not merely a wish.
יְהוָ֗הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prepositionיְהוָה (H3068), witness and enforcer of the curse.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (introducing the description of the cursed man)אֲשֶׁר (H834), relative pronoun.
יָקוּם֙rises upQal impf 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: generic/future — describing any future attemptקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, arise'; idiomatically, to undertake or set about a task — here, the forbidden rebuilding.
וּבָנָ֞הand buildsconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · בָּנָה (H1129)Weqatal continuing the relative clause→ Weqatal: continues the generic future descriptionבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; the specific forbidden act — reconstructing Jericho's fortifications.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerMarks הָעִיר הַזֹּאת as the object of וּבָנָה.
הָעִ֤ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892), Jericho, now the subject of a permanent prohibition.
הַזֹּאת֙thisart + demonstrative pron fs · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative (modifying הָעִיר)זֹאת (H2063) 'this' (fs); points to the ruined city, still smoldering as Joshua speaks.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (apposition, renaming the object)A second object-marker introduces יְרִיחוֹ in apposition, naming the city explicitly.
יְרִיח֔וֹJerichoNp · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Direct object (apposition)יְרִיחוֹ (H3405); the curse names the city explicitly, leaving no ambiguity — Jericho above all others must never be rebuilt.
בִּבְכֹר֣וֹat the cost of his firstbornprep בְּ + N m sg constr + suff 3ms · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Adverbial prepositional phrase (cost/price, fronted for emphasis)בְּכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'; the terrible price — the builder's own firstborn son will die, per the tragic fulfillment recorded in 1 Kings 16:34.
יְיַסְּדֶ֔נָּהhe shall lay its foundationPiel impf 3ms + suff 3fs · יָסַד (H3245)Predicate verb (apodosis of the curse)→ Yiqtol: instructional/predictive — the curse's certain consequenceיָסַד (H3245) Piel 'to found, lay a foundation'; with 3fs suffix ('it', the city) — the cost exacted at the very start of the forbidden project.
וּבִצְעִיר֖וֹand at the cost of his youngestconj וְ + prep בְּ + adj m sg constr + suff 3ms · צָעִיר (H6810)Adverbial prepositional phrase (cost/price, coordinate)צָעִיר (H6810) 'young, youngest'; the second, matching price — his last-born son, exacted at the project's completion.
יַצִּ֥יבhe shall set upHiphil impf 3ms · נָצַב (H5324)Predicate verb (apodosis, coordinate)→ Yiqtol: instructional/predictive — the curse's certain consequenceנָצַב (H5324) Hiphil 'to set up, erect'; the completion of the city — its gates — exacts the second death.
דְּלָתֶֽיהָits gatesN f dual constr + suff 3fs · דֶּלֶת (H1817)Direct objectדֶּלֶת (H1817) 'door, gate'; dual form (a pair of doors); with 3fs suffix, the city's — the final, defining structure of a rebuilt, fortified Jericho.
27

וַיְהִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה אֶת יְהוֹשֻׁ֑עַ וַיְהִ֥י שָׁמְע֖וֹ בְּכָל הָאָֽרֶץ

So YHWH was with Joshua, and his fame was in all the land.

Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיְהִ֥יand he wasconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the chapter's closing theological verdict — YHWH's abiding presence with Joshua, as promised at the outset of the book (Josh 1:5, 9).
יְהוָ֖הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase (accompaniment, not object marker)אֵת (H854) 'with' (distinct from the object-marker אֵת, H853); marks accompaniment/presence.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֑עַJoshuaNp · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of prepositionיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), the recipient of YHWH's abiding presence and favor.
וַיְהִ֥יand it wasconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; introduces the second half of the chapter's concluding formula — Joshua's reputation now spreading.
שָׁמְע֖וֹhis fameN m sg constr + suff 3ms · שֹׁמַע (H8089)Subjectשֹׁמַע (H8089) 'report, fame, reputation' (from שָׁמַע 'to hear'); with 3ms suffix, 'his fame' — what people heard and said about Joshua after Jericho's fall.
בְּכָלin allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phrase (construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with הָאָרֶץ.
הָאָֽרֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prepositionאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; the whole region, now aware of Israel's God-empowered conquest — echoing the terror already gripping Jericho itself (cf. Josh 2:9-11) and now spreading further, preparing the way for the campaigns to come.