Joshua 9:26
Joshua 9:26 in Multiple Translations
So Joshua did this and delivered them from the hands of the Israelites, and they did not kill the Gibeonites.
And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not.
And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not.
So he kept them safe from the children of Israel, and did not let them be put to death.
Joshua did as he had said. He saved them from the Israelites, so that they did not kill them.
Euen so did he vnto them, and deliuered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slewe them not.
And he doth to them so, and delivereth them from the hand of the sons of Israel, and they have not slain them;
He did so to them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, so that they didn’t kill them.
And so did he to them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not.
So Josue did as he had said, and delivered them from the hand of the children of Israel, that they should not be slain.
So Joshua saved the lives of the people of Gibeon by not allowing the Israelis to kill them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 9:26
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 9:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ
לָ/הֶ֖ם
כֵּ֑ן
וַ/יַּצֵּ֥ל
אוֹתָ֛/ם
מִ/יַּ֥ד
בְּנֵֽי
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
וְ/לֹ֥א
הֲרָגֽוּ/ם
וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
כֵּ֑ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
וַ/יַּצֵּ֥ל
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אוֹתָ֛/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מִ/יַּ֥ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
בְּנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הֲרָגֽוּ/ם
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 9:26
וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
כֵּ֑ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
וַ/יַּצֵּ֥ל
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
אוֹתָ֛/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
מִ/יַּ֥ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
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.
בְּנֵֽי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
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.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
הֲרָגֽוּ/ם
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
Study Notes — Joshua 9:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Deceit of the Gibeonites
24The Gibeonites answered, “Your servants were told clearly that the LORD your God had commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land and wipe out all its inhabitants before you. So we greatly feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we have done this.
25Now we are in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.”
26So Joshua did this and delivered them from the hands of the Israelites, and they did not kill the Gibeonites.
27On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD and for the altar at the place He would choose.Joshua 9:26 Summary
[Joshua 9:26 shows us that Joshua chose to spare the lives of the Gibeonites, even though they had deceived the Israelites, because he wanted to keep his promise to them and show them mercy. This is similar to how God shows us mercy and kindness, as seen in Psalm 103:8. By sparing the Gibeonites, Joshua was also following God's command to love our neighbors and show them compassion, as taught in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joshua spare the Gibeonites' lives?
Joshua spared the Gibeonites' lives because they had deceived the Israelites into making a treaty with them, and now the Israelites were obligated to protect them, as seen in Joshua 9:26, and also because of the importance of keeping promises and treaties, as emphasized in Psalm 15:4.
What can we learn from the Gibeonites' actions?
The Gibeonites' actions teach us about the importance of humility and seeking mercy, as they acknowledged their fear and surrendered to the Israelites, saying 'we are in your hands' in Joshua 9:25, which is similar to the humility shown by the prodigal son in Luke 15:21.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse shows God's mercy and compassion, as He allowed the Gibeonites to be spared, and also highlights the importance of showing mercy and kindness to others, as taught in Matthew 5:7 and Micah 6:8.
What is the significance of the Gibeonites becoming woodcutters and water carriers?
The Gibeonites becoming woodcutters and water carriers, as seen in Joshua 9:27, signifies their new role as servants of the Israelites and the Lord, and also serves as a reminder of the importance of serving others and using our talents for the glory of God, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.
Reflection Questions
- What would I have done if I were in Joshua's shoes, and how can I apply this situation to my own life?
- In what ways can I show mercy and compassion to those around me, just as Joshua showed to the Gibeonites?
- How can I balance keeping promises and treaties with making wise decisions, as seen in this verse?
- What can I learn from the Gibeonites' humility and willingness to surrender, and how can I apply this to my own relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 9:26
And so did he unto them,.... What was good and right, he showed them favour, and did them justice: and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not; who were so
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 9:26
So as was said , and so as here follows.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 9:26
Joshua 9:26 And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not.Ver. 26. And delivered them out of the hands of the children of Israel.] Whose fingers even itched, as they say, after the pillage of those great cities: but Joshua staved them off.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 9:26
Verse 26. And so did he unto them] That is, he acted according to justice and mercy: he delivered them out of the hands of the people, so that they slew them not - here was mercy; and he made them hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and to the altar of God - here was justice. Thus Joshua did nothing but what was good and right, not only in his own eyes, but also in the eyes of the Lord. How long the Gibeonites were preserved as a distinct people after this, we know not. That they existed in the time of David, is evident from the circumstance mentioned on Joshua 9:19. They are not mentioned after the captivity; and it is probable that they were nearly annihilated by the persecution raised up against them by Saul. Some suppose that the Gibeonites existed under the appellation of Nethinim; but of this there is no decisive proof; the Nethinim were probably slaves of a different race. ON what we meet with in this chapter, we may make the following observations. 1. The Gibeonites told lies, in order to save their lives. No expediency can justify this, nor are we called to attempt it.
The Gibeonites were heathens, and we can expect nothing better from them. See Clarke on Joshua 2:24. 2. They did not profit by their falsity: had they come in fairly, sought peace, and renounced their idolatry, they would have had life on honourable terms. As it was, they barely escaped with their lives, and were utterly deprived of their political liberty. Even the good that is sought by unlawful means has God's curse on it. 3. We need not be solicitous for the character of the Gibeonites here; they are neither our models, nor believers in the true God, and therefore pure religion is not concerned in their prevarication and falsity. 4. We see here of what solemn importance an oath was considered among the people of God; they swore to their own hurt, and changed not. When once they had bound themselves to their Maker, they did not believe that any changing circumstances could justify a departure from so awful an obligation. Thus, reader, shouldst thou fear a lie, and tremble at an oath.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 9:26
26. delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel] who would have certainly been glad to destroy them.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 9:26
26. And delivered them — The people were clamorous for their blood.