Joshua 8:11
Joshua 8:11 in Multiple Translations
Then all the troops who were with him marched up and approached the city. They arrived in front of Ai and camped to the north of it, with the valley between them and the city.
And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.
And all the people, even the men of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and encamped on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between him and Ai.
And all the fighting-men who were with him went up and came near the town, and took up a position on the north side of Ai facing the town, with a valley between him and the town.
All the fighting men who were with him approached the front of the town, and camped there on the north side, with a valley between them and Ai.
Also all the men of warre that were with him went vp and drewe neere, and came against the citie, and pitched on the Northside of Ai: and there was a valley betweene them and Ai.
and all the people of war who [are] with him have gone up, and draw nigh and come in over-against the city, and encamp on the north of Ai; and the valley [is] between him and Ai.
All the people, even the men of war who were with him, went up and came near, and came before the city and encamped on the north side of Ai. Now there was a valley between him and Ai.
And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.
And when they were come, and were gone up over against the city, they stood on the north side of the city, between which and them there was a valley in the midst.
They all set up their tents close to Ai, just to the north of the city, where all the people of the city could see them. There was a valley between them and the city.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 8:11
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 8:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כָל
הָ/עָ֨ם
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֜ה
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אִתּ֗/וֹ
עָלוּ֙
וַֽ/יִּגְּשׁ֔וּ
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
נֶ֣גֶד
הָ/עִ֑יר
וַֽ/יַּחֲנוּ֙
מִ/צְּפ֣וֹן
לָ/עַ֔י
וְ/הַ/גַּ֖י
בינ/ו
בֵּינָ֥י/ו
וּ/בֵין
הָ/עָֽי
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הָ/עָ֨ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֜ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אִתּ֗/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
עָלוּ֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וַֽ/יִּגְּשׁ֔וּ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
נֶ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
וַֽ/יַּחֲנוּ֙
chânâh
H2583
to camp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִ/צְּפ֣וֹן
tsâphôwn
H6828
Zaphon
Prep | N-fs
לָ/עַ֔י
ʻAy
H5857
Ai
Prep | N-proper
וְ/הַ/גַּ֖י
gayʼ
H1516
Valley
Conj | Art | N-cs
בינ/ו
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
בֵּינָ֥י/ו
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וּ/בֵין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
הָ/עָֽי
ʻAy
H5857
Ai
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 8:11
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.
הָ/עָ֨ם
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/מִּלְחָמָ֜ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Art | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
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.
אִתּ֗/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
עָלוּ֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
וַֽ/יִּגְּשׁ֔וּ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
נֶ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וַֽ/יַּחֲנוּ֙
chânâh
H2583
"to camp"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
מִ/צְּפ֣וֹן
tsâphôwn
H6828
"Zaphon"
Prep | N-fs
This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.
Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.
לָ/עַ֔י
ʻAy
H5857
"Ai"
Prep | N-proper
Ai means 'heap of ruins', a city in Palestine east of the Jordan River, mentioned in the Bible as part of the Ammonites' territory. It appears in the book of Joshua and is associated with Heshbon. The city's name reflects its history of destruction.
Definition: § Ai or Aija or Aiath or Hai = "heap of ruins" a city of the Ammonites on the east of the Jordan and apparently attached to Heshbon
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Ai, Aija, Aijath, Hai. See also: Genesis 12:8; Joshua 8:20; Isaiah 10:28.
וְ/הַ/גַּ֖י
gayʼ
H1516
"Valley"
Conj | Art | N-cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a deep, narrow valley or gorge. It is also another name for Topheth, a place of child sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom. The word describes a steep and dramatic landscape.
Definition: valley, a steep valley, narrow gorge Another name of to.phet (תֹּ֫פֶת "Topheth" H8612)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: valley. See also: Numbers 21:20; Nehemiah 11:30; Psalms 23:4.
בינ/ו
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
בֵּינָ֥י/ו
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וּ/בֵין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הָ/עָֽי
ʻAy
H5857
"Ai"
Art | N-proper
Ai means 'heap of ruins', a city in Palestine east of the Jordan River, mentioned in the Bible as part of the Ammonites' territory. It appears in the book of Joshua and is associated with Heshbon. The city's name reflects its history of destruction.
Definition: § Ai or Aija or Aiath or Hai = "heap of ruins" a city of the Ammonites on the east of the Jordan and apparently attached to Heshbon
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Ai, Aija, Aijath, Hai. See also: Genesis 12:8; Joshua 8:20; Isaiah 10:28.
Study Notes — Joshua 8:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Conquest of Ai
9So Joshua sent them out, and they went to the place of ambush and lay in wait between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai. But Joshua spent that night among the people.
10Joshua got up early the next morning and mobilized his men, and he and the elders of Israel marched before them up to Ai.
11Then all the troops who were with him marched up and approached the city. They arrived in front of Ai and camped to the north of it, with the valley between them and the city.
12Now Joshua had taken about five thousand men and set up an ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city. 13So the forces were stationed with the main camp to the north of the city and the rear guard to the west of the city. And that night Joshua went into the valley.Joshua 8:11 Summary
Joshua 8:11 tells us that Joshua and his troops marched up to the city of Ai and camped to the north of it, with a valley in between. This was a strategic move, showing that Joshua was thinking carefully about how to defeat the city, just as God had instructed him to be strong and courageous in Joshua 1:6-9. By trusting in God's power and following His instructions, Joshua was able to lead his people to victory, demonstrating the importance of faith and obedience, as seen in Hebrews 11:6 and Romans 1:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joshua and his troops camp to the north of Ai?
According to Joshua 8:11, they camped to the north of Ai with the valley between them and the city, likely to position themselves for a strategic attack, as seen in the overall battle plan described in Joshua 8:9-13 and supported by the principles of warfare found in Deuteronomy 20:1-4.
How many troops were with Joshua in this battle?
The exact number of troops with Joshua is not specified in Joshua 8:11, but it is mentioned in Joshua 8:12 that about five thousand men were set up in an ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city, indicating a significant but not overwhelming force, trusting in God's power as emphasized in Proverbs 21:31.
What was the significance of the valley between the troops and the city?
The valley between the troops and the city, as mentioned in Joshua 8:11, likely served as a natural barrier or a tactical position, allowing the Israelites to approach the city from a protected location, similar to how God often uses natural elements to aid His people, as seen in Exodus 14:13-14.
How does this verse relate to the overall conquest of Canaan?
Joshua 8:11 is part of the larger narrative of the conquest of Canaan, as promised by God in Genesis 12:7 and reiterated in Joshua 1:1-9, demonstrating how God fulfills His promises through the obedience of His people, such as Joshua, who trusted in God's power and guidance as instructed in Deuteronomy 31:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from Joshua's strategic planning and trust in God's power in this verse, and how can we apply it to our own lives?
- How does the positioning of the troops in relation to the city reflect the balance between human effort and divine intervention in achieving victory?
- In what ways does this verse encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when the outcome is uncertain?
- What role does patience and waiting play in this verse, and how can we cultivate these qualities in our own spiritual journeys?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 8:11
And all the people, [even the people] of war that [were] with him, and went up, and drew nigh,.... To the city of Ai: and came before the city; as if they intended to besiege it, storm it, or force
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 8:11
And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai. All the people.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 8:11
The people of war that were with him, to wit, the thirty thousand mentioned , or the most of them.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 8:11
Joshua 8:11 And all the people, [even the people] of war that [were] with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now [there was] a valley between them and Ai.Ver. 11. And all the people, even the people of war.] Not two or three thousand only, as when they first went against Ai, and were discomfited, but all the chief of the soldiery; lest some man should say to him, as once Archidamus did to his son, rashly conflicting with the Athenians, but wanting strength to make his party good with them, Aut viribus adde, aut animis adime: Either add to your forces, or abate of your valour.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 8:11
(11) On the north side.—The lurking-place of the thirty thousand was on the west side, between Bethel and Ai. There is a ravine called the Wady Maheesin which runs nearly east and west, on the north of et-Tel, and probably Joshua’s main body took up a position on the rising ground to the north of this ravine, for it is added, “the ravine (or Gai) was between them and Ai.”
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 8:11
11. A valley between them and Ai — The Hebrew reads the valley, the article intimating that it was well known. It was the main valley, of which the ravine in which the ambush was laid was a branch. See note on Joshua 8:9.