Joshua 9:8
Joshua 9:8 in Multiple Translations
“We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. Then Joshua asked them, “Who are you and where have you come from?”
And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye?
And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye?
And they said to Joshua, We are your servants. Then Joshua said to them, Who are you and where do you come from?
“We are your servants,” they replied. “But who are you? Where do you come from?” Joshua asked.
And they said vnto Ioshua, We are thy seruants. Then Ioshua saide vnto them, Who are ye? and whence come ye?
and they say unto Joshua, 'Thy servants we [are].' And Joshua saith unto them, 'Who [are] ye? and whence come ye?'
They said to Joshua, “We are your servants.” Joshua said to them, “Who are you? Where do you come from?”
And they said to Joshua, we are thy servants. And Joshua said to them, Who are ye? and whence come ye?
But they said to Josue: We are thy servants. Josue said to them: Who are you? and whence came you?
They replied to Joshua, “If you make a peace agreement with us, we will be your servants.” But Joshua answered, “What people-group are you? Where do you come from?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 9:8
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 9:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
אֶל
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
עֲבָדֶ֣י/ךָ
אֲנָ֑חְנוּ
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
אֲלֵ/הֶ֧ם
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
מִ֥י
אַתֶּ֖ם
וּ/מֵ/אַ֥יִן
תָּבֹֽאוּ
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
עֲבָדֶ֣י/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
אֲנָ֑חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵ/הֶ֧ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
אַתֶּ֖ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וּ/מֵ/אַ֥יִן
ʼayin
H370
where?
Conj | Prep | Part
תָּבֹֽאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 9:8
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
"Joshua"
N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
עֲבָדֶ֣י/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אֲנָ֑חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אֲלֵ/הֶ֧ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
"Joshua"
N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
אַתֶּ֖ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וּ/מֵ/אַ֥יִן
ʼayin
H370
"where?"
Conj | Prep | Part
Ayin is a Hebrew word that means 'where' or 'whence'. It's used in many Bible verses, including Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13, to ask about a location or origin.
Definition: where?, whence?
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: whence, where. See also: Genesis 29:4; 2 Kings 20:14; Psalms 121:1.
תָּבֹֽאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
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.
Study Notes — Joshua 9:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 9:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 9:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 9:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 9:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 9:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 9:8
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 9:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 9:8
- Sermons on Joshua 9:8
Context — The Deceit of the Gibeonites
6They went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant land; please make a treaty with us.”
7But the men of Israel said to the Hivites, “Perhaps you dwell near us. How can we make a treaty with you?”
8“We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. Then Joshua asked them, “Who are you and where have you come from?”
9“Your servants have come from a very distant land,” they replied, “because of the fame of the LORD your God. For we have heard the reports about Him: all that He did in Egypt, 10and all that He did to the two kings of the Amorites beyond the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 20:11 | If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 10:5 | So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.” |
| 3 | Joshua 9:11 | So the elders and inhabitants of our land told us, ‘Take provisions for your journey; go to meet them and say to them: We are your servants. Please make a treaty with us.’ |
| 4 | Joshua 9:25 | Now we are in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.” |
| 5 | Genesis 9:25–26 | he said, “Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.” He also declared: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem. |
| 6 | Joshua 9:27 | On 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. |
| 7 | Joshua 9:23 | Now therefore you are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.” |
| 8 | 1 Kings 9:20–21 | As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)— their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction —Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. |
Joshua 9:8 Summary
In this verse, Joshua is being cautious and asking questions to understand who the Hivites are and where they come from, as seen in Joshua 9:8. This shows that Joshua is a wise and discerning leader, similar to the wisdom demonstrated by Solomon in 1 Kings 3:9. He wants to make sure he understands the situation before making any decisions, which is an important lesson for us to learn in our own lives (see Proverbs 4:7). By being careful and asking questions, we can avoid potential problems and make better choices, as encouraged by the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Hivites claim to be servants of Joshua?
The Hivites likely claimed to be servants of Joshua in an attempt to deceive him and gain favor, as seen in Joshua 9:8, similar to the tactics used by Jacob in Genesis 33:5 when he met Esau.
What was Joshua's response to the Hivites' claim?
Joshua asked the Hivites to identify themselves and their place of origin, as recorded in Joshua 9:8, demonstrating his cautious and discerning leadership, reminiscent of the wisdom shown by Solomon in 1 Kings 3:9.
How does this interaction reflect Joshua's character?
This interaction highlights Joshua's prudent and inquiring nature, as he seeks to understand the Hivites' intentions and identity before making any decisions, much like the apostle Paul's approach in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, where he encourages the Thessalonians to test everything and hold fast to what is good.
What can we learn from Joshua's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of discernment and careful consideration in our interactions with others, as seen in Joshua 9:8, and as encouraged by the apostle John in 1 John 4:1, where he warns believers to test the spirits to see if they are from God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply Joshua's discerning approach to my own relationships and decision-making processes?
- How can I balance being hospitable and open to others with the need to be cautious and discerning, as seen in Joshua 9:8?
- What are some potential consequences of failing to ask questions and seek clarity in my interactions with others, as Joshua does in this verse?
- In what ways can I cultivate a spirit of wisdom and discernment in my own life, as demonstrated by Joshua in this passage?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 9:8
And they said unto Joshua, we [are] thy servants,.... Not that they meant to be subjects of his, and tributaries to him; but this they said in great humility and lowliness of mind, being willing to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 9:8
And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 9:8
We are thy servants; we desire a league with you upon your own terms; we are ready to accept of any conditions. Who are ye? and from whence come ye? for this free and general concession of theirs gave Joshua just cause to suspect that they were of the cursed Canaanites.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 9:8
Joshua 9:8 And they said unto Joshua, We [are] thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who [are] ye? and from whence come ye?Ver. 8. We are thy servants.] We come not to capitulate with thee, but to receive conditions from thee; and to be wholly at thine appointment. A servant is υπηρετηςκαιοργανον, saith Aristotle, the master’ s underling and instrument.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 9:8
Verse 8. We are thy servants.] This appears to have been the only answer they gave to the question of the Israelitish elders, and this they gave to Joshua, not to them, as they saw that Joshua was commander-in-chief of the host. Who are ye? and from whence come ye?] To these questions, from such an authority, they felt themselves obliged to give an explicit answer; and they do it very artfully by a mixture of truth, falsehood, and hypocrisy.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 9:8
8. Who are ye?] To this is to be noticed that they made no direct reply. They adroitly evaded the question by dwelling on the fact that they were Joshua’s “servants” (comp. Genesis 32:4; Genesis 50:18).
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 9:8
8. We are thy servants — This expression hardly implies that these Gibeonites anticipated their destiny of serfdom, as some suppose; it is rather a common oriental mode of speech by which inferiors becomingly address a superior.
Sermons on Joshua 9:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Revelation) Part 1 the Scarlet Womans Future Judgement by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation Chapter 17 and the woman mentioned in the text. The woman is described as sitting upon many waters, representing peoples, nations |
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Come Over Into Macedonia by Charles Alexander | In this sermon, the speaker begins by mentioning that he is under orders to confine his remarks to ten minutes. He expresses his gratitude for being in Canada for the first time an |
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Answers for Modern Science Questions by Ken Ham | This sermon emphasizes the biblical perspective on race, explaining that all humans belong to one biological race but can be divided into two spiritual races based on their relatio |
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The Abrahamic Covenant by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink explores the significance of the Abrahamic Covenant, emphasizing Abraham's unique role as 'the friend of God' and the father of all believers. He highlights how the coven |
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Studies in Joshua 03 - Conquering the Land by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the preparation and conquest of Joshua as he leads the Israelites into the land of Canaan. The sermon begins by discussing Joshua's encounte |
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Joshua - Gibeon: Spiritual Warfare by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the children of Israel being deceived by the Gibeonites. The enemy sometimes tries to hinder our relationship with Christ by bui |