Joshua 10:16
Joshua 10:16 in Multiple Translations
Now the five kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah.
But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.
And these five kings fled, and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah.
But these five kings went in flight secretly to a hole in the rock at Makkedah.
The five kings had run away and hid in a cave at Makkedah.
But the fiue Kings fled and were hid in a caue at Makkedah.
And these five kings flee, and are hidden in a cave at Makkedah,
These five kings fled, and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah.
But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.
For the five kings were fled, and had hidden themselves in a cave of the city of Maceda.
While the enemy soldiers were fleeing from Joshua’s army, their five kings also fled and hid in a cave at Makkedah town.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 10:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 10:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּנֻ֕סוּ
חֲמֵ֖שֶׁת
הַ/מְּלָכִ֣ים
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
וַ/יֵּחָבְא֥וּ
בַ/מְּעָרָ֖ה
בְּ/מַקֵּדָֽה
וַ/יָּנֻ֕סוּ
nûwç
H5127
to flee
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
חֲמֵ֖שֶׁת
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
הַ/מְּלָכִ֣ים
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
וַ/יֵּחָבְא֥וּ
châbâʼ
H2244
to hide
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בַ/מְּעָרָ֖ה
mᵉʻârâh
H4631
cave
Prep | N-fs
בְּ/מַקֵּדָֽה
Maqqêdâh
H4719
Makkedah
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 10:16
וַ/יָּנֻ֕סוּ
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
חֲמֵ֖שֶׁת
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
הַ/מְּלָכִ֣ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
וַ/יֵּחָבְא֥וּ
châbâʼ
H2244
"to hide"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To hide means to secrete or withdraw, often for safety or protection. In the Bible, this word is used to describe hiding oneself or being forced into hiding. It appears in various forms, including to hide oneself or to be hidden by someone else.
Definition: 1) to withdraw, hide 1a) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1b) (Pual) to be forced into hiding 1c) (Hiphil) to hide 1d) (Hophal) to be hidden 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to hide oneself, draw back 1e2) to draw together, thicken, harden
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] held, hide (self), do secretly. See also: Genesis 3:8; 1 Kings 18:4; Isaiah 42:22.
בַ/מְּעָרָ֖ה
mᵉʻârâh
H4631
"cave"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for a cave or den, often used to describe a dark or hidden place. It can also refer to a hole or a hollowed-out space. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural landscapes and places of refuge or hiding.
Definition: cave, den, hole
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: cave, den, hole. See also: Genesis 19:30; 1 Samuel 13:6; Psalms 57:1.
בְּ/מַקֵּדָֽה
Maqqêdâh
H4719
"Makkedah"
Prep | N-proper
Makkedah, a place in Palestine where Joshua captured five Canaanite kings, meaning 'place of shepherds'.
Definition: § Makkedah = "place of shepherds" the location of a cave in Judah where Joshua captured and executed five Canaanite kings during the conquest; located near Bethhoron and Libnah
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Makkedah. See also: Joshua 10:10; Joshua 10:28; Joshua 15:41.
Study Notes — Joshua 10:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 10:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 10:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 10:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 10:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 10:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 10:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 10:16
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 10:16
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 10:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 10:16
- Sermons on Joshua 10:16
Context — The Victory at Makkedah
14There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel.
15Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.
16Now the five kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah.
17And Joshua was informed: “The five kings have been found; they are hiding in the cave at Makkedah.” 18So Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and post men there to guard them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 24:8 | After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed facedown in reverence |
| 2 | Amos 9:2 | Though they dig down to Sheol, from there My hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, from there I will pull them down. |
| 3 | Psalms 139:7–10 | Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea, even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast. |
| 4 | Isaiah 2:10–12 | Go into the rocks and hide in the dust from the terror of the LORD and the splendor of His majesty. The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted— it will be humbled— |
| 5 | Psalms 48:4–6 | For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together. They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror. Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor. |
| 6 | Micah 7:17 | They will lick the dust like a snake, like reptiles slithering on the ground. They will crawl from their holes in the presence of the LORD our God; they will tremble in fear of You. |
| 7 | Isaiah 2:19–22 | Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth. In that day men will cast away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and gold— the idols they made to worship. They will flee to caverns in the rocks and crevices in the cliffs, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth. Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he? |
| 8 | Isaiah 24:21–22 | In that day the LORD will punish the host of heaven above and the kings of the earth below. They will be gathered together like prisoners in a pit. They will be confined to a dungeon and punished after many days. |
| 9 | Revelation 6:15 | Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. |
| 10 | Judges 6:2 | and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. |
Joshua 10:16 Summary
[The five kings were trying to hide from the Israelites and from God, but they couldn't escape, just like Adam and Eve couldn't hide from God in Genesis 3:8. This verse shows us that trying to hide from our problems or from God is not the answer, and that true safety and security can only be found in surrendering to Him (Psalm 139:7-12). We can learn from the kings' mistake and instead choose to trust in God's power and presence in our lives, just like the Israelites did in Exodus 14:14. By surrendering to God and seeking His mercy, we can find true freedom and peace.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the five kings doing in the cave at Makkedah?
The five kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah, indicating their attempt to escape the battle and its consequences, as seen in Joshua 10:16, similar to the hiding of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:8 after disobeying God's command.
Why did the kings choose to hide in a cave?
The kings may have chosen to hide in a cave because it provided a temporary sense of safety and security, but ultimately, it was a futile attempt to escape God's judgment, as expressed in Psalm 139:7-12, where David acknowledges that God's presence is everywhere, even in the darkest places.
What can we learn from the actions of the five kings?
The actions of the five kings teach us that trying to hide from God or our problems is not a solution, and that true safety and security can only be found in surrendering to God, as seen in Proverbs 28:13, where it is written that whoever conceals their sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is a continuation of the story of the battle between the Israelites and the Amorite kings, and it sets the stage for Joshua's actions in the following verses, demonstrating God's power and presence in the midst of battle, as described in Exodus 14:14, where Moses tells the Israelites that God will fight for them.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to hide from God or my problems, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How can I apply the lesson of the five kings to my own life, and what are some practical steps I can take to seek true safety and security in God?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's power and presence in my life, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties?
- How can I use this verse as a reminder to seek God's mercy and forgiveness, rather than trying to conceal my sins or hide from my problems?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 10:16
But these five kings fled,.... They were not killed by hailstones, nor slain by the sword of the Israelites, but made their escape, being reserved by the providence of God for a more shameful end:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 10:16
But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah. These five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave (Hebrew, the cave) at Makkedah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 10:16
The five kings named above, . In a cave, as a place of most secrecy or security; but there is no escaping the eye or hand of God, who here brought them into a net of their own making. At Makkedah, Heb. in Makkedah; not in the city, for that was not yet taken; but in the territory of it; as in Gibeon, .
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 10:16
Joshua 10:16 But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.Ver. 16. But these five kings fled, and hid themselves.] But their covering was too short; divine vengeance discovered them, and brought out to condign punishment. Nemo scelus gerit in pictore, qui non idem Nemesin in tergo. See Amos 9:2 Psalms 139:8-10.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 10:16
(16) In a cave.—Literally, in the cave in Makkedah, and so Joshua 10:17.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 10:16
Verse 16. Hid themselves in a cave] It is very likely that this cave was a fortified place among some rocks; for there were many such places in different parts of Palestine.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 10:16
16–27. Flight and Execution of the Five Kings 16. But these five kings] Here the regular historical narrative is resumed. The second stage in the flight was over. “In the lengthened day granted to Joshua’s prayer” now commences the third stage. The tide of fugitives rolled on, hotly pursued by the Israelites through the pass of Lower Beth-horon to Azekah, and thence to Makkedah.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 10:16
The thread of the narrative, broken by the four intermediate verses, Joshua 10:12-15, is now resumed from Joshua 10:11.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 10:16
THE PURSUIT AND OF THE , Joshua 10:16-21. 16. The thread of the narrative, broken at the end of Jos 10:11 by the quotation from the Book of Jasher, is here resumed. Five kings — See Joshua 10:3.
Sermons on Joshua 10:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The First Open-Air Sermon by Gawin Kirkham | Gawin Kirkham preaches on the searching question asked by God in Genesis 3:9, 'Where art thou?' highlighting how man has been hiding from God out of fear since Adam and Eve's time |
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Fear and Folly by James Smith | James Smith preaches on the consequences of sin as seen in Adam's fear and folly after disobeying God in the Garden of Eden. Sin leads to guilt, fear, and ultimately folly, causing |
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Who Is the Holy Spirit and How Can We Know Him? by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the tragedy that has befallen the Church of Christ but offers hope for change. He suggests that this kind of preaching will either drive peo |
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Attributes of God (Series 1): God's Omnipresence and Immanence by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the distance between humanity and God. He shares a personal experience of praying with a friend on a hill, feeling both the darkness and the |
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The Ever Increasing Love of Jesus by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a 93-year-old woman who is consumed by revenge against her grandsons. He emphasizes that without Jesus, human love becomes sour an |
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The Gospel for Outcasts by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, Nicky Cruz, a former gang leader turned preacher, shares a powerful message about God's heart for outcasts. He uses three illustrations - a lost sheep, a lost coin, |
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The Fear of God - Part 4 by Jerry Bridges | In this sermon, the speaker begins with a far-fetched illustration of a Christian leader who contemplates going to a topless dancer performance to "experience all of life." However |