Joshua 8:19
Joshua 8:19 in Multiple Translations
and as soon as he did so, the men in ambush rose quickly from their position. They rushed forward, entered the city, captured it, and immediately set it on fire.
And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hasted and set the city on fire.
And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and entered into the city, and took it; and they hasted and set the city on fire.
Then the secret force came quickly from their place, and running forward when they saw his hand stretched out, went into the town and took it, and put fire to it straight away.
As soon as they saw this signal the men lying in ambush got up and rushed into the town. They captured it, and quickly set it on fire.
And they that lay in wait, arose quickly out of their place, and ranne as soone as he had stretched out his hand, and they entred into the citie, and tooke it, and hasted, and set the citie on fire.
and the ambush hath risen [with] haste, out of its place, and they run at the stretching out of his hand, and go into the city, and capture it, and hasten, and burn the city with fire.
The ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand and entered into the city and took it. They hurried and set the city on fire.
And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hasted, and set the city on fire.
And when he had lifted up his shield towards the city, the ambush that lay hid, rose up immediately: and going to the city, took it and set it on fire.
When the Israeli men who were hiding saw that, they rushed out from the places where they were hiding and ran into the city. They quickly captured it and set it on fire.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 8:19
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 8:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָ/אוֹרֵ֡ב
קָם֩
מְהֵרָ֨ה
מִ/מְּקוֹמ֤/וֹ
וַ/יָּר֨וּצוּ֙
כִּ/נְט֣וֹת
יָד֔/וֹ
וַ/יָּבֹ֥אוּ
הָ/עִ֖יר
וַֽ/יִּלְכְּד֑וּ/הָ
וַֽ/יְמַהֲר֔וּ
וַ/יַּצִּ֥יתוּ
אֶת
הָ/עִ֖יר
בָּ/אֵֽשׁ
וְ/הָ/אוֹרֵ֡ב
ʼârab
H693
to ambush
Conj | Art | V-Qal
קָם֩
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מְהֵרָ֨ה
mᵉhêrâh
H4120
haste
N-fs
מִ/מְּקוֹמ֤/וֹ
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ/יָּר֨וּצוּ֙
rûwts
H7323
to run
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כִּ/נְט֣וֹת
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יָד֔/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
וַ/יָּבֹ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
וַֽ/יִּלְכְּד֑וּ/הָ
lâkad
H3920
to capture
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
וַֽ/יְמַהֲר֔וּ
mâhar
H4116
to hasten
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יַּצִּ֥יתוּ
yâtsath
H3341
to kindle
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
בָּ/אֵֽשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 8:19
וְ/הָ/אוֹרֵ֡ב
ʼârab
H693
"to ambush"
Conj | Art | V-Qal
This verb means to lie in wait or ambush someone, often used to describe a surprise attack. It is used in the Bible to talk about people who are hiding and waiting to attack. The word can also mean to lay a trap for someone.
Definition: 1) to lie in wait, ambush, lurk 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie in wait 1a2) ambush (participle as subst) 1b) (Piel) ambushers, liers-in-wait (pl. participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to lay an ambush
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lie in) ambush(-ment), lay (lie in) wait. See also: Deuteronomy 19:11; Judges 20:38; Psalms 10:9.
קָם֩
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
מְהֵרָ֨ה
mᵉhêrâh
H4120
"haste"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for haste or speed, often used to describe doing something quickly. It appears in the Old Testament, such as when David acted hastily in 1 Samuel.
Definition: 1) haste, speed 1a) hastily, speedily (as adverb) 1b) in haste (with prep)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hastily, quickly, shortly, soon, make (with) speed(-ily), swiftly. See also: Numbers 17:11; 2 Kings 1:11; Psalms 31:3.
מִ/מְּקוֹמ֤/וֹ
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
וַ/יָּר֨וּצוּ֙
rûwts
H7323
"to run"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Definition: : run/runner/messenger 1) to run 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to run 1a2) runners (participle as subst) 1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry 1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. See also: Genesis 18:2; 2 Kings 11:6; Psalms 18:30.
כִּ/נְט֣וֹת
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
יָד֔/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וַ/יָּבֹ֥אוּ
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.
הָ/עִ֖יר
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/יִּלְכְּד֑וּ/הָ
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
וַֽ/יְמַהֲר֔וּ
mâhar
H4116
"to hasten"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to hurry or do something quickly, like when someone is in a rush. It can also mean to buy something by paying a price. The Bible uses it in Genesis.
Definition: 1)(Qal) to hasten 1a) (Niphal) to be hurried, be anxious 1a) hasty, precipitate, impetuous 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to hasten, make haste 1b2) hasten (used as adverb with another verb) 1b3) to hasten, prepare quickly, do quickly, bring quickly
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: be carried headlong, fearful, (cause to make, in, make) haste(-n, -ily), (be) hasty, (fetch, make ready) [idiom] quickly, rash, [idiom] shortly, (be so) [idiom] soon, make speed, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] straightway, [idiom] suddenly, swift. See also: Genesis 18:6; 1 Samuel 28:24; Psalms 16:4.
וַ/יַּצִּ֥יתוּ
yâtsath
H3341
"to kindle"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To kindle means to start a fire or burn something, and can also mean to leave something desolate. It appears in various forms, including being kindled or setting something on fire.
Definition: 1) to kindle, burn, set on fire 1a) (Qal) to kindle 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be kindled 1b2) to be left desolate 1c) (Hiphil) to set on fire, kindle
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: burn (up), be desolate, set (on) fire (fire), kindle. See also: Joshua 8:8; Jeremiah 11:16; Isaiah 9:17.
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.
הָ/עִ֖יר
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.
בָּ/אֵֽשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
Study Notes — Joshua 8:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Conquest of Ai
17Not a man was left in Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel, leaving the city wide open while they pursued Israel.
18Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Hold out your battle lance toward Ai, for into your hand I will deliver the city.” So Joshua held out his battle lance toward Ai,
19and as soon as he did so, the men in ambush rose quickly from their position. They rushed forward, entered the city, captured it, and immediately set it on fire.
20When the men of Ai turned and looked back, the smoke of the city was rising into the sky. They could not escape in any direction, and the troops who had fled to the wilderness now turned against their pursuers. 21When Joshua and all Israel saw that the men in ambush had captured the city and that smoke was rising from it, they turned around and struck down the men of Ai.Joshua 8:19 Summary
In Joshua 8:19, we see the men in ambush rising quickly to capture the city of Ai, which was a key part of God's plan to defeat the city, as instructed in Joshua 8:2 and Joshua 8:18. This verse shows us the importance of trusting in God's plan and timing, and being brave and obedient to His commands, just like it is written in Deuteronomy 31:6 to be strong and courageous. By following God's plan, the Israelites were able to defeat their enemies and achieve victory, which is a reminder to us today to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalm 23:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of Joshua holding out his battle lance toward Ai?
This action was a sign of obedience to God's command, as seen in Joshua 8:18, and it marked the beginning of the battle plan to capture the city, which ultimately led to the men in ambush rising to take the city as described in Joshua 8:19.
How did the men in ambush know when to rise and attack the city?
The men in ambush were waiting for Joshua to hold out his battle lance toward Ai, as instructed by the Lord in Joshua 8:18, which served as a signal for them to rise and attack the city, as recorded in Joshua 8:19.
What was the outcome of the men in ambush capturing the city?
The men in ambush quickly captured the city of Ai and set it on fire, as stated in Joshua 8:19, which led to the defeat of the men of Ai and the turning point in the battle, as described in Joshua 8:20-21.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of trusting in God's plan?
This verse illustrates the importance of trusting in God's plan, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it is written to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, and in Joshua 8:19, where the men in ambush trusted in God's plan and were victorious.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's plan and timing, just like Joshua and the men in ambush did?
- How can I apply the principle of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Joshua 8:18-19, to my own life and decisions?
- What are some ways that God is calling me to be brave and take action, like the men in ambush who rose quickly to capture the city?
- How can I remember to give God the glory for any successes or victories in my life, just like Joshua and the Israelites did after their victory over Ai?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 8:19
And the ambush arose quickly out of their place,.... As soon as the sentinels set in proper places observed the signal, and gave them notice of it, which was the stretching out of the spear, as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 8:19
And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hasted and set the city on fire. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 8:19
i.e. Not all of it, as appears both from , and because then they had lost that prey which God had allowed them; but some part of it, enough to raise a smoke, and give notice to their brethren of their success.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 8:19
Joshua 8:19 And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hasted and set the city on fire.Ver. 19. And the ambush arose quickly, and they ran, and hasted.] For they knew that opportunities are headlong, and once past they cannot be recovered. Armies as well as courts have their cito, cito Alexander being asked how in so short a time he had overrun so great a part of the habitable world, answered, Mηδεναναβαλλομενος, by making no delays.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 8:19
Verse 19. Set the city on fire.] See Clarke on Joshua 8:8.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 8:19
19. And set the city on fire — Not only for its destruction, but also for a signal to the army which was feigning a retreat to turn upon their pursuers, whose place of safety was now cut off.