Joshua 2:7
Joshua 2:7 in Multiple Translations
So the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they had gone out, the gate was shut.
And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
And the men pursued after them the way to the Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they that pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
So the men went after them on the road to Jordan as far as the river-crossing: and when they had gone out after them, the door into the town was shut.
The king's messengers went chasing after the men down the road that leads to the Jordan River fords. As soon as the pursuers had left, the city gate was shut behind them.
And certaine men pursued after them, the way to Iorden, vnto the foordes, and as soone as they which pursued after them, were gone out, they shut the gate.
And the men have pursued after them the way of the Jordan, by the fords, and the gate they have shut afterwards, when the pursuers have gone out after them.
The men pursued them along the way to the fords of the Jordan River. As soon as those who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate.
And the men pursued them the way to Jordan to the fords: and as soon as they who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate.
Now they that were sent, pursued after them, by the way that leadeth to the fords of the Jordan: and as soon as they were gone out, the gate was presently shut.
The messengers went out of the city to search for the two men. Immediately, the guards shut the city gate. The messengers went along the road that leads down to the place where people can walk across the Jordan River, but they did not find the two men.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 2:7
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 2:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים
רָדְפ֤וּ
אַֽחֲרֵי/הֶם֙
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
עַ֖ל
הַֽ/מַּעְבְּר֑וֹת
וְ/הַ/שַּׁ֣עַר
סָגָ֔רוּ
אַחֲרֵ֕י
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
יָצְא֥וּ
הָ/רֹדְפִ֖ים
אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם
וְ/הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | Art | N-mp
רָדְפ֤וּ
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אַֽחֲרֵי/הֶם֙
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַֽ/מַּעְבְּר֑וֹת
maʻăbâr
H4569
ford
Art | N-fp
וְ/הַ/שַּׁ֣עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Conj | Art | N-ms
סָגָ֔רוּ
çâgar
H5462
to shut
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אַחֲרֵ֕י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
יָצְא֥וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הָ/רֹדְפִ֖ים
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Art | V-Qal
אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 2:7
וְ/הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | 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.
רָדְפ֤וּ
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אַֽחֲרֵי/הֶם֙
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
Yardên
H3383
"Jordan"
Art | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַֽ/מַּעְבְּר֑וֹת
maʻăbâr
H4569
"ford"
Art | N-fp
This word refers to a crossing place, like a ford in a river or a pass in a mountain. It can also mean a transit or passage, and is used figuratively to describe overwhelming events. The KJV translates it as ford or pass.
Definition: 1) ford, pass, passing 1a) ford 1b) pass 1c) passing, sweep
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: ford, place where...pass, passage. See also: Genesis 32:23; 1 Samuel 13:23; Isaiah 10:29.
וְ/הַ/שַּׁ֣עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Conj | Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
סָגָ֔רוּ
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
אַחֲרֵ֕י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יָצְא֥וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הָ/רֹדְפִ֖ים
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Art | V-Qal
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
Study Notes — Joshua 2:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 2:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 2:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 2:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 2:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 2:7
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 2:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 2:7
- Sermons on Joshua 2:7
Context — Rahab Welcomes the Spies
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.)
7So the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they had gone out, the gate was shut.
8Before the spies lay down for the night, Rahab went up on the roof 9and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 3:28 | “Follow me,” he told them, “for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and did not allow anyone to cross over. |
| 2 | Joshua 2:5 | At 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!” |
| 3 | Judges 12:5 | The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a fugitive from Ephraim would say, “Let me cross over,” the Gileadites would ask him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he answered, “No,” |
| 4 | Acts 5:23 | “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards posted at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” |
Joshua 2:7 Summary
[This verse tells us that the king's men went out to chase the spies, but as soon as they left, the city gate was closed. This shows how God was working to protect the spies and bring about the events that would lead to the conquest of Jericho, as seen in Joshua 6:1-27. We can learn from this that God is always in control, even when things seem uncertain or scary, as stated in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king's men pursue the spies along the road to the fords of the Jordan?
The king's men pursued the spies because Rahab told them the spies had left the city, and they wanted to catch them, as seen in Joshua 2:5. This pursuit was a result of the king's concern about the impending invasion, as hinted in Joshua 2:9-10.
What happened as soon as the king's men had gone out of the city?
As soon as the king's men had gone out, the gate was shut, as stated in Joshua 2:7. This was likely a normal procedure for the city's security, similar to how cities were guarded in Deuteronomy 3:5.
How does this event relate to the larger story of the conquest of Canaan?
This event is a crucial part of the story of the conquest of Canaan, as it shows how God was working through various people, including Rahab, to bring about the downfall of Jericho, as seen in Joshua 6:1-27. It also highlights the faithfulness of Rahab, who risked her life to protect the spies, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:31.
What can we learn from the king's men's pursuit of the spies?
We can learn that God is in control, even when it seems like His plans are being thwarted, as seen in Joshua 2:7. The king's men's pursuit of the spies ultimately did not succeed, because God had other plans, as stated in Proverbs 19:21 and Isaiah 46:10.
Reflection Questions
- What would I have done if I were in Rahab's position, and how can I apply her courage and faith to my own life?
- How does this verse remind me of God's sovereignty and control over all events, and what comfort can I draw from this?
- What are some ways I can be like the spies, trusting in God's plan and provision, even when the situation seems uncertain or dangerous, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 43:2?
- How can I, like Rahab, use my circumstances and position to further God's plans and bring glory to Him, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 2:7
And the men pursued after them,.... As they thought: the way to Jordan; on the other side of which the people of Israel lay encamped, to which they supposed, according to Rahab's account, these two
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 2:7
And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. The men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 2:7
Fords, or passages, i.e. the usual places where people used to pass over Jordan, whether by boats or bridges; or rather, because of the shallowness of the river, which a little after this swelled higher, as the history will tell us, and as it is very usual for rivers to do. They shut the gate of the city, partly for their security against their approaching enemies; and partly to prevent the escape of the spies, if peradventure Rahab was mistaken, and they yet lurked in the city.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 2:7
Joshua 2:7 And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.Ver. 7. And the men pursued.] Not once searching the house. Thus God "maketh the wisdom of the wise to perish." See Matthew 2:8. Herod went not himself, or sent some assassin to despatch the child Jesus; but sent the wise men to Bethlehem with charge to search, and bring him word. The Dutch have a proverb, Where God intendeth to blind any man, he first closeth up his eyes.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 2:7
The sense is, that “they pursued along the way which leads to Jordan and across the fords;” probably those described in Judges 3:28.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 2:7
7. The men pursued after them — That is, the men of Jericho pursued, as they thought, after the spies.
Sermons on Joshua 2:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Acts) Obeying God Rather Than Man by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of how certain activities and habits can dominate and waste our precious time. He gives examples such as excessive television watchi |