Joshua 2:4

Joshua 2:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But 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.

King James Version KJV

And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:

American Standard Version ASV

And the woman took the two men, and hid them; and she said, Yea, the men came unto me, but I knew not whence they were:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the woman took the two men and put them in a secret place; then she said, Yes, the men came to me, but I had no idea where they came from;

Free Bible Version FBV

The woman had taken the two men and had hidden them. She told the king's messengers, “Yes, it's true—the men did come to visit me, but I didn't know where they were from.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

(But ye woman had taken the two men, and hid them) Therefore saide she thus, There came men vnto me, but I wist not whence they were.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the woman taketh the two men, and hideth them, and saith thus: 'The men came in unto me, and I have not known whence they [are];

World English Bible WEB

The woman took the two men and hid them. Then she said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I didn’t know where they came from.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men to me, but I knew not whence they were :

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the woman taking the men, hid them, and said: I confess they came to me, but I knew not whence they were:

Translation for Translators T4T

She told them that the two men had gone to her house. But she had hidden the two men there. So when the messengers came to her house, she told them, “Two men came here, but I did not know where they had come from.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 2:4

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 2:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/תִּקַּ֧ח הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֛ה אֶת שְׁנֵ֥י הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים וַֽ/תִּצְפְּנ֑/וֹ וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר כֵּ֗ן בָּ֤אוּ אֵלַ/י֙ הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֔ים וְ/לֹ֥א יָדַ֖עְתִּי מֵ/אַ֥יִן הֵֽמָּה

וַ/תִּקַּ֧ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֛ה ʼishshâh H802 woman Art | N-fs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

שְׁנֵ֥י shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj

הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-mp

וַֽ/תִּצְפְּנ֑/וֹ tsâphan H6845 to treasure Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff

וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

כֵּ֗ן kên H3651 right Part

בָּ֤אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3cp

אֵלַ/י֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֔ים ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-mp

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יָדַ֖עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-1cs

מֵ/אַ֥יִן ʼayin H370 where? Prep | Part

הֵֽמָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 2:4

וַ/תִּקַּ֧ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֛ה ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Art | N-fs

The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.

Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

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.

שְׁנֵ֥י shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | 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.

וַֽ/תִּצְפְּנ֑/וֹ tsâphan H6845 "to treasure" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff

To treasure means to hide or store something valuable, like the treasures stored in the temple in 1 Kings.

Definition: 1) to hide, treasure, treasure or store up 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to hide, treasure, treasure up 1a2) to lie hidden, lurk 1b) (Niphal) to be hidden, be stored up 1c) (Hiphil) to hide, hide from discovery

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: esteem, hide(-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret(-ly, place). See also: Exodus 2:2; Psalms 31:21; Psalms 10:8.

וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר 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.

כֵּ֗ן kên H3651 "right" Part

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.

בָּ֤אוּ 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.

אֵלַ/י֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֔ים ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-mp

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יָדַ֖עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

מֵ/אַ֥יִן ʼayin H370 "where?" Prep | Part

Ayin is a Hebrew word that means 'where' or 'whence'. It's used in many Bible verses, including Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13, to ask about a location or origin.

Definition: where?, whence?

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: whence, where. See also: Genesis 29:4; 2 Kings 20:14; Psalms 121:1.

הֵֽמָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron

This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.

Definition: they, these, the same, who

Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

Study Notes — Joshua 2:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Joshua 2:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 2:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 2:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 2:4
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 2:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 2:4
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 2:4
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 2:4
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 2:4
Sermons on Joshua 2:4

Context — Rahab Welcomes the Spies

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.

5At dusk, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I do not know which way they went. Pursue them quickly, and you may catch them!” 6(But Rahab had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had laid out there.)

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Kings 6:19	And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria.
2	2 Samuel 17:19–20	Then the man’s wife took a covering and spread it over the mouth of the well, scattering grain over it so nobody would know a thing. When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem.
3	2 Samuel 16:18–19	“Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by the people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain. Furthermore, whom should I serve if not the son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.”
4	Exodus 1:19	The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives.”

Joshua 2:4 Summary

[Rahab, a woman who lived in Jericho, hid two Israeli spies from the king's men, showing her faith and trust in the God of Israel. She lied to the authorities to protect the men, but her actions were motivated by her belief in God's power, as seen in Joshua 2:9-11. This story teaches us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, to accomplish His plans (Romans 8:28). By trusting in God and taking courageous action, we can, like Rahab, be part of God's larger story and experience His protection and care.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Rahab hide the two men in Joshua 2:4?

Rahab hid the two men because she believed in the God of the Israelites and wanted to protect them from the king of Jericho, as seen in Joshua 2:9-11 where she acknowledges the power of the God of Israel and asks for mercy.

Was Rahab's action of hiding the spies a sin since she lied to the authorities?

While Rahab did deceive the king's men, her actions were motivated by her faith in the God of Israel, and she is actually commended for her faith in Hebrews 11:31, which highlights her trust in God's power and plan.

How did Rahab know where to hide the men?

The Bible doesn't explicitly state how Rahab knew where to hide the men, but it's possible that she had a place already prepared or that she acted quickly and cleverly to hide them among the stalks of flax on her roof, as mentioned in Joshua 2:6.

What can we learn from Rahab's actions in this verse?

Rahab's actions demonstrate her courage, cunning, and faith in the face of danger, and we can learn from her example by trusting in God's power and plan, even when faced with challenging circumstances, as encouraged in Psalm 46:1-3 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

What would I have done if I were in Rahab's position, and how can I apply her example of faith and courage to my own life?
How does Rahab's story illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty and protection, and what does this mean for my own trust in Him?
In what ways can I, like Rahab, demonstrate my faith in God's power and plan, even when faced with uncertainty or danger?
What does Rahab's actions reveal about her character, and how can I cultivate similar qualities of faith, courage, and wisdom in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 2:4

And the woman took the two men,.... Or "she had taken" them (z) before the messengers came, upon a rumour she understood was gone abroad, that she had got Israelitish spies in her house, and so might

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 2:4

And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: The woman took the two men and hid them - literally, him; i:e., each of them in

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 2:4

Or, But the woman had taken— and had hid them, to wit, before the messengers came from the king; as soon as she understood from her neighbours, or common rumour, that there was a suspicion of the matter, and guessed that search would be made. And this is justly mentioned as a great and generous act of faith, , for she did apparently venture her life upon a stedfast persuasion of the truth of God’ s word and promise given to the Israelites. I wist not whence they were: her answer, contained in these and the following words, was palpably false, and therefore unquestionably sinful; howsoever, her intention was good therein: see . But it is very probable, she being a heathen, might think, what some Christians have thought and said, that an officious lie is not unlawful. Or, at worst. this was her infirmity, which was graciously pardoned by God, and her faith was amply rewarded.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 2:4

Joshua 2:4 And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they [were]:Ver. 4. And the woman took the two men, and hid them.] This was an act of her praiseworthy faith. See Hebrews 11:31, where it is honourably mentioned, but nothing is said of the lie she told. God layeth the finger of mercy on the scars of our sins; as that painter in the story. But I wist not whence they were.] This was no better than an officious lie: yea, four lies she here uttereth together in a breath, - as Jacob also did three, - neither can she be excused. That was a worthy speech of a good woman on the rack, as Jerome relateth it, Non ideo negare volo ne peream: sed ideo mentiri nolo, ne peccem. But Rahab was yet but a new convert.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 2:4

Verse 4. And hid them] Probably she secreted them for the time being in some private corner, till she had the opportunity of concealing them on the house-top in the manner mentioned Joshua 2:6.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 2:4

4. And the woman took the two men] Instead of timidly surrendering them to the king she resolved to shield and protect them. I wist not] For this meaning of “wist,” comp. Exodus 16:15, “And they said one to another, It is manna, for they wist not what it was;” Exodus 34:29, and in many other passages both in the Old and New Testament. See Commentary on St Mark, ch. Joshua 9:6, p. 100.

Barnes' Notes on Joshua 2:4

I wist not whence they were - Rahab acted as she did from the belief in God’s declared word, and conviction that resistance to His will would be both vain and wicked Joshua 2:9-11.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 2:4

4. Hid them — Literally, hid him. Hebrew usage shows many such sudden transitions from plural to singular.

Sermons on Joshua 2:4

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 1:17-22 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the birth of Moses and how God raised him up to deliver the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. The preacher emphasizes that the book o

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