Joshua 2:21
Joshua 2:21 in Multiple Translations
“Let it be as you say,” she replied, and she sent them away. And when they had gone, she tied the scarlet cord in the window.
And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
And she said, Let it be as you say. Then she sent them away, and they went; and she put the bright red cord in the window.
“I agree—may it be as you say,” she replied. She sent them off, and hung a scarlet cord in the window.
And she answered, According vnto your wordes, so be it: then she sent them away, and they departed, and she bound the red cord in ye window.
And she saith, 'According unto your words, so it [is];' and she sendeth them away, and they go; and she bindeth the scarlet line to the window.
She said, “Let it be as you have said.” She sent them away, and they departed. Then she tied the scarlet line in the window.
And she said, According to your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
And she answered: As you have spoken, so be it done. And sending them on their way, she hung the scarlet cord in the window.
Rahab said, “I agree to do what you say.” So they climbed down the rope and left. And she left the red cord tied in the window.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 2:21
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 2:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
כְּ/דִבְרֵי/כֶ֣ם
כֶּן
ה֔וּא
וַֽ/תְּשַׁלְּחֵ֖/ם
וַ/יֵּלֵ֑כוּ
וַ/תִּקְשֹׁ֛ר
אֶת
תִּקְוַ֥ת
הַ/שָּׁנִ֖י
בַּ/חַלּֽוֹן
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
כְּ/דִבְרֵי/כֶ֣ם
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-mp | Suff
כֶּן
kên
H3651
right
Adv
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וַֽ/תְּשַׁלְּחֵ֖/ם
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
וַ/יֵּלֵ֑כוּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/תִּקְשֹׁ֛ר
qâshar
H7194
to conspire
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
תִּקְוַ֥ת
tiqvâh
H8615
cord
N-fs
הַ/שָּׁנִ֖י
shânîy
H8144
scarlet
Art | N-ms
בַּ/חַלּֽוֹן
challôwn
H2474
window
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 2:21
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
כְּ/דִבְרֵי/כֶ֣ם
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
כֶּן
kên
H3651
"right"
Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וַֽ/תְּשַׁלְּחֵ֖/ם
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
וַ/יֵּלֵ֑כוּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וַ/תִּקְשֹׁ֛ר
qâshar
H7194
"to conspire"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
In the Bible, this verb means to tie or bind something, like when God bound Isaac in Genesis 22:9. It can also mean to conspire or make an alliance, as in 2 Samuel 15:31. The KJV translates it as bind or conspire.
Definition: 1) to bind, tie, bind together, league together, conspire 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind, confine 1a2) to league together, conspire 1b) (Niphal) to be bound, be bound up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to bind on 1c2) to bind fast 1c3) to bind, tie 1c4) to bind to oneself 1d) (Pual) robust, vigorous (participle) 1e) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bind (up), (make a) conspire(-acy, -ator), join together, knit, stronger, work (treason). See also: Genesis 30:41; 2 Kings 15:25; Proverbs 3:3.
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.
תִּקְוַ֥ת
tiqvâh
H8615
"cord"
N-fs
In Hebrew, this word for hope means a cord that attaches or expectancy, like waiting for something to happen. It appears in the Bible as a feeling of expectation or a thing someone longs for. The KJV translates it as hope or expectation.
Definition: cord
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: expectation(-ted), hope, live, thing that I long for. See also: Joshua 2:18; Psalms 62:6; Psalms 9:19.
הַ/שָּׁנִ֖י
shânîy
H8144
"scarlet"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word describes the deep red color of the coccus ilicis insect, used to dye fabric scarlet or crimson, like the scarlet thread in Joshua 2:18. It symbolizes wealth and importance.
Definition: 1) scarlet, crimson 1a) properly, the insect 'coccus ilicis', the dried body of the female yielding colouring matter from which is made the dye used for cloth to colour it scarlet or crimson
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet (thread). See also: Genesis 38:28; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:21.
בַּ/חַלּֽוֹן
challôwn
H2474
"window"
Prep | N-cs
A window in ancient times was a hole in the wall, as described in the Bible. The Hebrew word for window is used in the story of Jezebel's death in 2 Kings 9:30-33. Windows were also mentioned in the Song of Solomon.
Definition: window (piercing of the wall)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: window. See also: Genesis 8:6; Proverbs 7:6; Jeremiah 9:20.
Study Notes — Joshua 2:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Promise to Rahab
19If anyone goes out the door of your house into the street, his blood will be on his own head, and we will be innocent. But if a hand is laid on anyone with you in the house, his blood will be on our heads.
20And if you report our mission, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.”
21“Let it be as you say,” she replied, and she sent them away. And when they had gone, she tied the scarlet cord in the window.
22So the spies went out into the hill country and stayed there three days, until their pursuers had returned without finding them, having searched all along the road. 23Then the two men started back, came down from the hill country, and crossed the river. So they came to Joshua son of Nun and reported all that had happened to them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 2:5 | His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” |
| 2 | Joshua 2:18 | unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother and brothers and all your family into your house. |
| 3 | Matthew 7:24 | Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. |
Joshua 2:21 Summary
In Joshua 2:21, Rahab ties a scarlet cord in her window as a sign of faith and obedience to the spies' instructions. This simple act demonstrates her trust in the God of the Israelites and her desire to be saved, as seen in Joshua 2:11. Just like Rahab, we can demonstrate our faith by taking small steps of obedience, like sharing our faith with others or trusting in God's promises (Psalm 119:114). By doing so, we can experience the salvation and redemption that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, as mentioned in Acts 16:31 and Romans 10:9-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rahab tie the scarlet cord in the window?
Rahab tied the scarlet cord in the window as a sign of faith and obedience to the spies' instructions, ensuring the safety of herself and her family, as agreed upon in Joshua 2:18-20, and symbolizing the blood of Christ that would later save all people, as seen in John 1:29 and Revelation 7:14.
What is the significance of the scarlet cord?
The scarlet cord represents salvation and redemption, as seen in the context of Joshua 2:21, and it foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would shed His blood to save humanity, as mentioned in Romans 5:8-9 and Hebrews 9:22.
How did Rahab's actions demonstrate her faith?
Rahab's actions, including hiding the spies and tying the scarlet cord in the window, demonstrated her faith in the God of the Israelites, as seen in Joshua 2:11, and her trust in the promise made to her by the spies, as stated in Joshua 2:14 and Hebrews 11:31.
What can we learn from Rahab's response to the spies?
We can learn from Rahab's response that faith is demonstrated through actions, not just words, as seen in James 2:18 and 26, and that trusting in God's promises, as stated in Joshua 2:14 and Psalm 119:114, can lead to salvation and redemption.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my faith in God, like Rahab did, in my everyday life?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's promises, as seen in Joshua 2:14, to my current circumstances?
- What are some 'scarlet cords' in my life that symbolize my faith and trust in God, and how can I use them to witness to others?
- In what ways can I, like Rahab, take a step of faith and obey God's instructions, even when it's difficult or uncertain, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 2:21
And she said, according to your words, so [be] it,.... She agreed, that if the conditions required were not performed, they would be quit of their oath, but if they were, she expected it would be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 2:21
And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 2:21
Forthwith, partly, that the spies might see it hung out before their departure, and so the better know it at some distance; partly, lest some accident might occasion a mistake or neglect about it; and partly, for her own comfort, it being pleasant and encouraging to her to have in her eye the pledge of her deliverance.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 2:21
21. And she bound the scarlet line in the window — This statement is here made to complete the account, not to indicate that she bound the line in the window as soon as the spies were gone.
Sermons on Joshua 2:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
K-042 True Manhood by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of complete surrender to God. He describes surrender as falling on one's face before God in utter submission. The speaker warn |
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(John) the Joy of the Lord by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being filled with the word of God. He compares ordinary stone pots filled with water to ordinary people filled with the wor |
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Mark - the Sower, the Seed & the Soil 2 by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking the words of Jesus seriously, even if it may cause some discomfort. He draws a parallel to the book of Jeremiah, wh |
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Old Testament Survey - Part 26 by Dick Woodward | This sermon delves into the book of Joshua as a powerful illustration of faith, contrasting it with the book of Numbers which focuses on unbelief. It highlights the perpetuation of |
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Wives, Obey Your Husbands! by Valsan Thampu | Valsan Thampu emphasizes the importance of wives in shaping and sustaining families, drawing parallels between Eve's pivotal role in the fall and Mary's significant presence in Jes |
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The Call of the First Four Disciples Luke 5:1-11 by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey explores the calling of the first four disciples in Luke 5:1-11, emphasizing the importance of listening to Jesus, obeying His commands, and following Him wholeheartedl |
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Give What You Have by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of doing good, communicating, and freely giving as sacrifices that please God. She emphasizes the need to open our eyes to see th |