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Joshua 5:5

Joshua 5:5 in Multiple Translations

Though all who had come out were circumcised, none of those born in the wilderness on the journey from Egypt had been circumcised.

Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised.

For all the people that came out were circumcised; but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, they had not circumcised.

All the people who came out had undergone circumcision; but all the people whose birth had taken place in the waste land on their journey from Egypt had not.

They had all been circumcised when they left Egypt, but those born on the journey since then had not.

For all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were borne in the wildernes by the way after they came out of Egypt, were not circumcised.

for all the people who are coming out were circumcised, and all the people who [are] born in the wilderness, in the way, in their coming out from Egypt, they have not circumcised;

For all the people who came out were circumcised; but all the people who were born in the wilderness along the way as they came out of Egypt had not been circumcised.

Now all the people that came out were circumcised; but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth from Egypt, them they had not circumcised.

Now these were all circumcised. But the people that were born in the desert,

They had been circumcised in Egypt, but the baby boys who had been born while their parents were camping in the desert after they left Egypt had not been circumcised.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 5:5

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 5:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּֽי מֻלִ֣ים הָי֔וּ כָּל הָ/עָ֖ם הַ/יֹּֽצְאִ֑ים וְ/כָל הָ֠/עָם הַ/יִּלֹּדִ֨ים בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֥ר בַּ/דֶּ֛רֶךְ בְּ/צֵאתָ֥/ם מִ/מִּצְרַ֖יִם לֹא מָֽלוּ
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
מֻלִ֣ים mûwl H4135 to circumcise V-Qal-Inf-c
הָי֔וּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
הַ/יֹּֽצְאִ֑ים yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Art | V-Qal
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms
הָ֠/עָם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
הַ/יִּלֹּדִ֨ים yillôwd H3209 born Art | Adj
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֥ר midbâr H4057 mouth Prep | N-ms
בַּ/דֶּ֛רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs
בְּ/צֵאתָ֥/ם yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
מִ/מִּצְרַ֖יִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt Prep | N-proper
לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part
מָֽלוּ mûwl H4135 to circumcise V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 5:5

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מֻלִ֣ים mûwl H4135 "to circumcise" V-Qal-Inf-c
Circumcision is the literal meaning of this word, but it can also imply destruction or cutting off. In Genesis 17:10, God commands Abraham to circumcise all males as a sign of covenant. It represents a physical and spiritual separation.
Definition: 1) to circumcise, let oneself be circumcised, cut, be cut off 1a) (Qal) to circumcise 1b) (Niphal) to be circumcised, circumcise oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be circumcised 1c1) of destruction (fig.) 1d) (Hithpolel) to be cut off 1e) (Polel) cut down
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: circumcise(-ing), selves), cut down (in pieces), destroy, [idiom] must needs. See also: Genesis 17:10; Leviticus 12:3; Psalms 58:8.
הָי֔וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הַ/יֹּֽצְאִ֑ים yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Art | V-Qal
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.
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ֠/עָם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הַ/יִּלֹּדִ֨ים yillôwd H3209 "born" Art | Adj
This Hebrew word simply means born or to be born, like when Jesus was born in Matthew 2:1. It is often used in KJV translations to describe someone's birth or origin.
Definition: born
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: born. See also: Exodus 1:22; 2 Samuel 5:14; 2 Samuel 12:14.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֥ר midbâr H4057 "mouth" Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
בַּ/דֶּ֛רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | 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.
בְּ/צֵאתָ֥/ם yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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.
מִ/מִּצְרַ֖יִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" Prep | N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" 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.
מָֽלוּ mûwl H4135 "to circumcise" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Circumcision is the literal meaning of this word, but it can also imply destruction or cutting off. In Genesis 17:10, God commands Abraham to circumcise all males as a sign of covenant. It represents a physical and spiritual separation.
Definition: 1) to circumcise, let oneself be circumcised, cut, be cut off 1a) (Qal) to circumcise 1b) (Niphal) to be circumcised, circumcise oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be circumcised 1c1) of destruction (fig.) 1d) (Hithpolel) to be cut off 1e) (Polel) cut down
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: circumcise(-ing), selves), cut down (in pieces), destroy, [idiom] must needs. See also: Genesis 17:10; Leviticus 12:3; Psalms 58:8.

Study Notes — Joshua 5:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 12:8–9 You are not to do as we are doing here today, where everyone does what seems right in his own eyes. For you have not yet come to the resting place and the inheritance that the LORD your God is giving you.
2 Hosea 6:6–7 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. But they, like Adam, have transgressed the covenant; there they were unfaithful to Me.
3 Matthew 12:7 If only you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.
4 Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love.
5 Romans 2:26 If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?
6 Galatians 6:15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.
7 1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.

Joshua 5:5 Summary

This verse tells us that the Israelites who were born in the wilderness after leaving Egypt were not circumcised, which was a important covenant sign given by God to Abraham in Genesis 17:10-14. This shows that the Israelites had not been following God's commands during their time in the wilderness, and it highlights the need for a new generation to follow God and obey His commands, as seen in Joshua 5:7 and Psalm 78:1-8. Just like the Israelites needed to be circumcised to show their commitment to God, we need to repent and seek to follow God's commands in our own lives, as taught in Romans 2:25-29 and 1 Corinthians 7:19. By doing so, we can demonstrate our faith and commitment to God's covenant promises, just as the Israelites did when they obeyed God's command to circumcise their sons in Joshua 5:3-7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it significant that the Israelites born in the wilderness were not circumcised?

This is significant because circumcision was a covenant sign given by God to Abraham in Genesis 17:10-14, and it was essential for the Israelites to obey this command to demonstrate their faith and commitment to God's covenant, as seen in Joshua 5:5 and Romans 4:11.

What does the fact that the Israelites born in the wilderness were not circumcised reveal about their spiritual state?

The fact that they were not circumcised reveals a lack of spiritual obedience and a disconnection from God's covenant promises, which is also evident in the Israelites' rebellion against God in Numbers 14:1-4 and Deuteronomy 1:26-40.

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual regeneration and the need for a new generation to follow God?

This verse highlights the need for a new generation to follow God and obey His commands, just as Joshua raised up a new generation of leaders in Joshua 5:7, and as seen in Psalm 78:1-8, where the importance of teaching the next generation about God's works is emphasized.

What can we learn from the Israelites' experience in the wilderness regarding the importance of spiritual leadership and obedience?

We can learn that spiritual leadership and obedience are crucial for the health and well-being of God's people, as seen in the examples of Moses and Joshua, who led the Israelites with faith and obedience, and as taught in Hebrews 13:7 and 1 Corinthians 11:1.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be neglecting to obey God's commands in my own life, and how can I repent and seek to follow Him more closely?
  2. How can I ensure that I am passing on the importance of spiritual obedience and covenant faithfulness to the next generation, as seen in Psalm 78:1-8 and Deuteronomy 6:4-9?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be 'wandering in the wilderness' and needing to seek God's guidance and direction, as the Israelites did in Numbers 14:1-4 and Deuteronomy 1:26-40?
  4. How can I seek to be a spiritual leader and example to others, as Joshua was to the Israelites, and as taught in 1 Timothy 4:12 and Titus 2:7-8?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 5:5

Now all the people that came out were circumcised,.... All that came out of Egypt, and males, were circumcised, whether under or above twenty years of age; for though it is possible all were

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 5:5

Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 5:5

They; either their parents, or the rulers of Israel, whose omission hereof was not through neglect; for then God, who had ordered the neglecter of circumcision to be cut off, , would not have left so gross a fault unpunished; but by Divine permission and indulgence; partly because they were now in a journey, in which case the passover also might be neglected, ,13, and in that journey the passover was but once observed; and partly because there was not so great a necessity of this note of circumcision to distinguish them from other nations, whilst they dwelt alone and unmixed in the wilderness, as there was afterwards.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 5:5

Joshua 5:5 Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people [that were] born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, [them] they had not circumcised.Ver. 5. Now all the people that came out were circumcised,] i.e., As many as feared the Lord and believed Moses: for a great sort of them, by their long abode in Egypt, were much infected with idolatry and profaneness.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 5:5

5. All the people that came out were circumcised — That is, had been circumcised in infancy. Leviticus 12:3.

Sermons on Joshua 5:5

SermonDescription
Martin Luther Starts Discussion of Second Commandment (Not to Take the Name of the Lord in Vain) by Martin Luther Martin Luther delves into the importance of honoring God's Name and the Second Commandment, emphasizing that all works must be done in faith to truly honor and magnify God's glory.
Carter Conlon A Message for America and Its Cultural Religion by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding the times we live in and the need for spiritual discernment. He mentions a gathering of churches in New York
Alan Redpath God's Problem With a Soul by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher discusses the struggle of God for the soul of a nation, using the book of Hosea as a reference. He emphasizes the importance of turning to the Lord and
Alistair Begg All the Lonely People by Alistair Begg In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own sinfulness and the greatness of Christ as our Savior. He uses the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar,
Devern Fromke How to Be Fruitful by Devern Fromke In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of dissipation, which refers to getting caught up in worldly distractions and losing focus on what is truly important. The speaker e
Bob Phillips An Acceptable Sacrifice by Bob Phillips In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the kindness, forbearance, and patience of God. He explains that these attributes of God shou
Alan Redpath Southland Keswick Convention Gods Problem With a Soul by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher discusses the rebellion in the hearts of people against God. He emphasizes that God's answer to this rebellion is for people to return to Him. The prea

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