Joshua 7:8
Joshua 7:8 in Multiple Translations
O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies?
O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies!
Oh, Lord, what shall I say, after that Israel hath turned their backs before their enemies!
O Lord, what am I to say now that Israel have given way before their attackers?
Excuse me, Lord, but what can I say now that Israel has turned tail and run away from its enemies?
Oh Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turne their backes before their enemies?
Oh, Lord, what do I say, after that Israel hath turned the neck before its enemies?
Oh, Lord, what shall I say, after Israel has turned their backs before their enemies?
O LORD, what shall I say, when Israel turn their backs before their enemies!
My Lord God, what shall I say, seeing Israel turning their backs to their enemies?
Lord, we Israelis have been defeated by our enemies, so I do not know what to say now [RHQ].
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 7:8
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 7:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּ֖י
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
מָ֣ה
אֹמַ֔ר
אַ֠חֲרֵי
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
הָפַ֧ךְ
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
עֹ֖רֶף
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
אֹיְבָֽי/ו
בִּ֖י
bîy
H994
please
Part
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
אֹמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אַ֠חֲרֵי
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הָפַ֧ךְ
hâphak
H2015
to overturn
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
עֹ֖רֶף
ʻôreph
H6203
neck
N-ms
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
אֹיְבָֽי/ו
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 7:8
בִּ֖י
bîy
H994
"please"
Part
This phrase means please or oh that, used to introduce a request or entreaty, like saying excuse me or if it please you.
Definition: 1) if it please, pray excuse me, excuse me please 1a) used to introduce an entreaty or request
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: alas, O, oh. See also: Genesis 43:20; Judges 6:13; 1 Kings 3:26.
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אֹמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
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.
אַ֠חֲרֵי
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.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
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.
הָפַ֧ךְ
hâphak
H2015
"to overturn"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.
Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
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.
עֹ֖רֶף
ʻôreph
H6203
"neck"
N-ms
The neck or back of the neck represents a turning point, like the back of a fleeing enemy or a stubborn person with a stiff neck.
Definition: 1) neck, back of the neck, back 1a) back of the neck 1a1) of fleeing foe 1a2) of apostasy (fig.) 1b) stiff of neck, obstinate (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: back ((stiff-) neck((-ed). See also: Genesis 49:8; 2 Chronicles 30:8; Psalms 18:41.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֹיְבָֽי/ו
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
Study Notes — Joshua 7:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Defeat at Ai
6Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads.
7“O, Lord GOD,” Joshua said, “why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to be destroyed? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan!
8O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies?
9When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?” 10But the LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why have you fallen on your face?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 3:5–6 | But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms. Certainly not! In that case, how could God judge the world? |
| 2 | Ezra 9:10 | And now, our God, what can we say after this? For we have forsaken the commandments |
| 3 | Habakkuk 2:1 | I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected. |
Joshua 7:8 Summary
In this verse, Joshua is feeling overwhelmed and defeated because the people of Israel have run away from their enemies, and he doesn't know what to say to God about it. He is worried that this defeat will bring shame to God's name, as seen in Ezekiel 36:23. But even in the midst of his concerns, Joshua is still talking to God and seeking His help, which is an example to us of how to trust in God's power and goodness, even when things seem to be going wrong, as seen in Romans 8:28. We can learn from Joshua's example to bring our fears and concerns to God in prayer, and to trust in His sovereignty over all things, as seen in Psalm 23:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Joshua so upset in this verse?
Joshua is upset because Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies, which is a defeat for the people of God, as seen in Joshua 7:8, and he is wondering what to say to God about this situation, perhaps recalling the promises of God in Deuteronomy 31:6.
What is Joshua afraid of in this verse?
Joshua is afraid that when the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about Israel's defeat, they will surround them and wipe out their name from the earth, as mentioned in Joshua 7:9, which would bring shame to God's great name, as seen in Ezekiel 36:23.
How does Joshua's prayer in this verse compare to other prayers in the Bible?
Joshua's prayer in this verse is similar to other prayers in the Bible, such as Moses' prayer in Numbers 14:13-19, where Moses intercedes for the people of Israel, and Jeremiah's prayer in Jeremiah 32:17-25, where Jeremiah expresses his trust in God's power and goodness.
What can we learn from Joshua's honesty with God in this verse?
We can learn that it is okay to be honest with God about our feelings and concerns, as seen in Psalm 42:1-5, where the psalmist expresses his sadness and longing for God, and in Philippians 4:6, where we are encouraged to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like Israel, turning my back and running from my enemies, and how can I apply the lessons from this verse to those situations?
- How can I, like Joshua, bring my concerns and fears to God in prayer, and what can I learn from his example of humility and trust?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's power and goodness, even when things seem to be going wrong, as seen in Joshua 7:8 and Romans 8:28?
- How can I, like Joshua, prioritize God's glory and reputation, even in the face of defeat or difficulty, as seen in Isaiah 48:9-11?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God, like Joshua, and trust in His sovereignty over all things, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 7:8
O Lord, what shall I say,.... For the comfort and encouragement of the people of Israel, in vindication of thy power and faithfulness, and against the charge of weakness in thyself, unfaithfulness to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 7:8
And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 7:8
What shall I say, in answer to the reproaches cast by our insulting enemies upon us, and upon thy name? Israel; God’ s own people, which he hath singled out of all nations for his own peculiar. See Poole "", See Poole ""
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 7:8
Joshua 7:8 O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies!Ver. 8. O Lord! what shall I say? &c.] How shall I stop the open mouths of our reproachers? Thus he filleth his mouth with arguments; rousing up himself and wrestling with God.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 7:8
8. What shall I say — Joshua, as the Lord’s agent and captain, is perplexed to show a reason for the unexpected defeat. When Israel turneth — Or, inasmuch as Israel has turned.
Sermons on Joshua 7:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Of the Hatred of God. by John Gill | John Gill addresses the concept of God's hatred, clarifying that while God does not hate His creatures, He does hate sin and the actions of sinners. He emphasizes that God's hatred |
|
The Narrow Road to Salvation (Part 3) by Robert Wurtz II | Robert Wurtz II delves into the Book of Romans, emphasizing that circumcision in the flesh is not a guarantee of salvation, but rather a transformed heart through a born-again expe |
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Israel's Unfaithfulness by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith addresses the issue of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. He begins by expressing his frustration and lack of words in response to their repeated di |
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Revival in the Book of Ezra - Part 4 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of Ezra and a group of 4,000 people who returned to Jerusalem with him. They faced the vulnerability of carrying a large amount of |
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What It Means to Live by Faith by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living by faith, drawing from the prophet Habakkuk's experience of seeking God's word amidst difficult times. It highlights the need for be |
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Why Does God Permit Evil in the World? by Charles E. Fuller | In this sermon, Dr. Charles E. discusses the book of Habakkuk in the Bible. He begins by referencing the familiar song "Jesus Saves" and asks the audience if they have heard it. He |
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Woe Is Me, I Am Undone - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a criminal named Charlie Peace who committed heinous crimes and was eventually sentenced to death. Despite his impending execution, |