Joshua 2:2
Joshua 2:2 in Multiple Translations
And it was reported to the king of Jericho: “Behold, some men of Israel have come here tonight to spy out the land.”
And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.
And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to-night of the children of Israel to search out the land.
And it was said to the king of Jericho, See, some men have come here tonight from the children of Israel with the purpose of searching out the land.
But the king of Jericho was told, “Look, some Israelites have come here this evening to spy out the land.”
Then report was made to the King of Iericho, saying, Beholde, there came men hither to night, of the children of Israel, to spie out the countrey.
And it is told to the king of Jericho, saying, 'Lo, men have come in hither to-night, from the sons of Israel, to search the land.
The king of Jericho was told, “Behold, men of the children of Israel came in here tonight to spy out the land.”
And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to-night of the children of Israel, to search out the country.
And it was told the king of Jericho, and was said: Behold there are men come in hither, by night, of the children of Israel, to spy the land.
But someone saw them and told the king of Jericho, “Some Israeli men have come here tonight to spy out the land!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 2:2
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 2:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֣אָמַ֔ר
לְ/מֶ֥לֶךְ
יְרִיח֖וֹ
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
הִנֵּ֣ה
אֲ֠נָשִׁים
בָּ֣אוּ
הֵ֧נָּה
הַ/לַּ֛יְלָה
מִ/בְּנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
לַ/חְפֹּ֥ר
אֶת
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
וַ/יֵּ֣אָמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
יְרִיח֖וֹ
Yᵉrîychôw
H3405
Jericho
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
אֲ֠נָשִׁים
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
בָּ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הֵ֧נָּה
hênnâh
H2008
here/thus
Adv
הַ/לַּ֛יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Art | N-ms
מִ/בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
לַ/חְפֹּ֥ר
châphar
H2658
to search
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 2:2
וַ/יֵּ֣אָמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לְ/מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Prep | N-ms
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.
יְרִיח֖וֹ
Yᵉrîychôw
H3405
"Jericho"
N-proper
Jericho was a city in Palestine, the first conquered by the Israelites in Canaan. Its name means 'its moon' and it was located near the Jordan River and the Dead Sea.
Definition: Jericho = "its moon" a city 5 miles (8 km) west of the Jordan and 7 miles (11.5 km) north of the Dead Sea and the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the promised land of Canaan Also named: Hierichō (Ἱεριχώ "Jericho" G2410)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Jericho. See also: Numbers 22:1; Joshua 9:3; Jeremiah 39:5.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אֲ֠נָשִׁים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בָּ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הֵ֧נָּה
hênnâh
H2008
"here/thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means a location or direction, like here or there, and can also refer to a point in time, such as now. It is used in various contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'here' or 'hither'.
Definition: here, there, now, hither
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, [phrase] since, this (that) way, thitherward, [phrase] thus far, to...fro, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 15:16; 2 Samuel 20:16; Psalms 71:17.
הַ/לַּ֛יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Art | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
מִ/בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
לַ/חְפֹּ֥ר
châphar
H2658
"to search"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word châphar means to search or dig, often used to describe seeking something deeply. In Psalm 139:1, David asks God to search him, knowing God already knows everything. It implies a thorough examination.
Definition: 1) to dig, search for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dig 1a2) to search, search out, explore
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: dig, paw, search out, seek. See also: Genesis 21:30; Deuteronomy 23:14; Psalms 7:16.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Joshua 2:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 2:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 2:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 2:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 2:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 2:2
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 2:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 2:2
- Sermons on Joshua 2:2
Context — Rahab Welcomes the Spies
1Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.
2And it was reported to the king of Jericho: “Behold, some men of Israel have come here tonight to spy out the land.”
3So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab and said, “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, for they have come to spy out the whole land.” 4But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, “Yes, the men did come to me, but I did not know where they had come from.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 43:13 | Even from eternity I am He, and none can deliver out of My hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” |
| 2 | Daniel 4:35 | All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” |
| 3 | Proverbs 21:30 | There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. |
| 4 | Psalms 127:1 | Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. |
Joshua 2:2 Summary
This verse tells us that the king of Jericho found out about the two spies that Joshua had sent to explore the land. The king was told that these men had come to spy out the land, which made him very concerned. This shows us that our actions can have big consequences, and we should always be mindful of what we do, just like it says in Matthew 10:16. We can also learn that God is in control, even when things seem to be going wrong, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king of Jericho become aware of the spies so quickly?
The king of Jericho was informed about the spies because someone in the city had seen them and reported it to him, as seen in Joshua 2:2, highlighting the importance of discretion in our actions, as taught in Matthew 10:16.
What can we learn from the fact that the spies were discovered?
The fact that the spies were discovered teaches us that our actions have consequences and that we should be mindful of our surroundings, as warned in Proverbs 27:12, and that God can use any situation for His glory, as seen in Romans 8:28.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?
This verse shows us that there is a spiritual battle going on, and that the enemy is always on the lookout for ways to thwart God's plans, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:12, and that we need to be aware of this and trust in God's power and protection, as promised in Psalm 91:1-2.
What role does Rahab play in this story and what can we learn from her?
Rahab, a prostitute, plays a significant role in this story, and we can learn from her bravery, faith, and selflessness, as seen in Joshua 2:4, and that God can use anyone, regardless of their background, to accomplish His purposes, as stated in 1 Corinthians 1:27-28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the concept of being mindful of my surroundings and actions in my own life, just like the spies in Joshua 2:2?
- How can I trust in God's power and protection when faced with challenging situations, like the king of Jericho's pursuit of the spies?
- In what ways can I demonstrate bravery and faith, like Rahab, in my own life and witness for God?
- What are some spiritual battles that I am facing right now, and how can I apply the lessons from this verse to overcome them?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 2:2
And it was told the king of Jericho, saying,.... Who being alarmed at the near approach of the Israelites, and knowing their claim to the land of Canaan, and their design upon it, employed men to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 2:2
And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 2:2
To-night; this evening, by comparing this with .
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 2:2
Joshua 2:2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.Ver. 2. And it was told the king of Jericho.] Kings have long ears; their ωτακουσται, informers and intelligencers, are in all places, but especially when Hannibal est ad portas, the enemy is at hand, as now he was. To search out the country.] As we have cause to conceive. Optimus in dubiis agur timor.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 2:2
2. it was told the king] Jericho was the residence of a “king” or “chief,” a fenced city, enclosed by walls of considerable breadth, and not only contained sheep and oxen, but abounded in “silver and gold,” and “vessels of brass and iron” (Joshua 6:24).
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 2:2
2. It was told the king — The chief of each great city, and even of each petty clan, is in the Old Testament dignified by the appellation of king.
Sermons on Joshua 2:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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That Great Day by Charles S. Price | Charles S. Price preaches about God's eternal purpose and plan ordained before the foundation of the world, now being revealed in the days of consummation. Despite man's impatience |
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The Church Which Christ Builds by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the significance of belonging to the true Church built upon Christ, which is not a physical structure but a spiritual body of true believers. He explains that |
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2 Peter 3:8 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the importance of understanding God's perspective on time in his sermon on 2 Peter 3:8. He reassures believers that the delay in Christ's return should not cau |
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Why Revival Tarries by William McCrea | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of attending prayer meetings and participating in gospel campaigns. He highlights the significance of prayer in serving God a |
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Predestination by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the unfailing mercy and inexhaustible patience of God towards His wayward children, highlighting His gracious dealings in restoring, saving, and deliver |
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The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the sovereignty of God as a foundational truth that has been neglected in contemporary discourse. He explains that God's sovereignty signifies His supremacy, k |
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Of the Will of God, and the Sovereignty of It. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on the will of God and its sovereignty, emphasizing that God's will is essential to His nature and is the guiding force behind all His actions. He distinguishes |