Joshua 11:9
Joshua 11:9 in Multiple Translations
Joshua treated them as the LORD had told him; he hamstrung their horses and burned up their chariots.
And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.
And Joshua did unto them as Jehovah bade him: he hocked their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.
And Joshua did to them as the Lord had said to him; he had the leg-muscles of their horses cut and their war-carriages burned with fire.
Afterwards Joshua did what the Lord had ordered: he crippled the horses and burned the chariots.
And Ioshua did vnto them as the Lord bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their charets with fire.
and Joshua doth to them as Jehovah said to him; their horses he hath houghed, and their chariots burnt with fire.
Joshua did to them as the LORD told him. He hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire.
And Joshua did to them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.
And he did as the Lord had commanded him, he hamstringed their horses and burned their chariots.
Then Joshua and his men did what Yahweh told them to do: They crippled their enemies’ horses and burned their chariots.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 11:9
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 11:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֤עַשׂ
לָ/הֶם֙
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
אָֽמַר
ל֖/וֹ
יְהוָ֑ה
אֶת
סוּסֵי/הֶ֣ם
עִקֵּ֔ר
וְ/אֶת
מַרְכְּבֹתֵי/הֶ֖ם
שָׂרַ֥ף
בָּ/אֵֽשׁ
וַ/יַּ֤עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶם֙
Prep | Suff
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
אָֽמַר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
סוּסֵי/הֶ֣ם
çûwç
H5483
swallow
N-mp | Suff
עִקֵּ֔ר
ʻâqar
H6131
to uproot
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מַרְכְּבֹתֵי/הֶ֖ם
merkâbâh
H4818
chariot
N-fp | Suff
שָׂרַ֥ף
sâraph
H8313
to burn
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בָּ/אֵֽשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 11:9
וַ/יַּ֤עַשׂ
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/הֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ
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.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | 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.
אָֽמַר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
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.
סוּסֵי/הֶ֣ם
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
עִקֵּ֔ר
ʻâqar
H6131
"to uproot"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To hamstring means to cut or pluck up something, especially by the roots. In the Bible, it can also mean to exterminate or destroy something completely, like in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to pluck up, root up 1a) (Qal) to pluck up, root up 1b) (Niphal) to be plucked up Aramaic equivalent: a.qar (עֲקַר "be uprooted" H6132)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: dig down, hough, pluck up, root up. See also: Genesis 49:6; 2 Samuel 8:4; Zephaniah 2:4.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
מַרְכְּבֹתֵי/הֶ֖ם
merkâbâh
H4818
"chariot"
N-fp | Suff
This word is also used for a chariot, a vehicle used for transportation or warfare in ancient times. It is similar to H4817 and appears in stories about the prophet Ezekiel's visions, like in Ezekiel 1:15. The word is usually translated as 'chariot' in English Bibles.
Definition: chariot
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: chariot. See also H1024 (בֵּית הַמַּרְכָּבוֹת). See also: Genesis 41:43; 1 Chronicles 28:18; Isaiah 2:7.
שָׂרַ֥ף
sâraph
H8313
"to burn"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
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 11:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 11:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 11:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 11:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 11:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 11:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 11:9
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 11:9
Context — Conquest of the Northern Cities
7So by the waters of Merom, Joshua and his whole army came upon them suddenly and attacked them,
8and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who struck them down and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon and Misrephoth-maim, and eastward as far as the Valley of Mizpeh. They struck them down, leaving no survivors.
9Joshua treated them as the LORD had told him; he hamstrung their horses and burned up their chariots.
10At that time Joshua turned back and captured Hazor and put its king to the sword, because Hazor was formerly the head of all these kingdoms. 11The Israelites put everyone in Hazor to the sword, devoting them to destruction. Nothing that breathed remained, and Joshua burned down Hazor itself.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 11:6 | Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for by this time tomorrow I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn up their chariots.” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 39:9–10 | Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out, kindle fires, and burn up the weapons—the bucklers and shields, the bows and arrows, the clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel. They will not gather wood from the countryside or cut it from the forests, for they will use the weapons for fuel. They will loot those who looted them and plunder those who plundered them, declares the Lord GOD. |
Joshua 11:9 Summary
In Joshua 11:9, we see Joshua obeying God's instructions to hamstring the horses and burn the chariots, as a way of trusting and relying on God's power and provision. This act of obedience demonstrates Joshua's faith in God's promises and His ability to give them victory over their enemies, as seen in Joshua 1:3. Just like Joshua, we can trust in God's power and provision in our own lives, and obey His commands, even when it's difficult or unclear, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can experience God's blessings and victory in our lives, just like the Israelites did in the book of Joshua.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joshua hamstring the horses and burn the chariots?
Joshua did this because the LORD had told him to, as a way of trusting and obeying God's commands, similar to how God instructed the Israelites to destroy the idols and images of the nations they conquered, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:5 and Deuteronomy 12:3.
What is the significance of hamstringing horses in this context?
Hamstringing horses made them useless for military purposes, which was a way for Joshua to ensure that these horses would not be used against the Israelites in the future, and to demonstrate his trust in God's power and provision, as seen in Psalm 20:7-8.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Joshua's conquests?
This verse is part of a larger narrative of Joshua's military campaigns, in which God is fulfilling His promises to the Israelites and giving them victory over their enemies, as seen in Joshua 1:3 and Joshua 23:14.
What can we learn from Joshua's obedience to God's instructions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of trusting and obeying God's commands, even when they may seem difficult or unclear, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Hebrews 11:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust and obey God's commands, even if it's difficult or unclear?
- How can I demonstrate my trust in God's power and provision, like Joshua did in this verse?
- What are some 'chariots' or 'horses' in my life that I need to 'burn' or 'hamstring' in order to trust God more fully?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty and provision in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 11:9
And Joshua did unto them as the Lord bade him,.... Namely, in the following instances: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire; not consulting his own worldly interest or that of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 11:9
And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire. Joshua did ... as the Lord (Joshua 11:6) bade him.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 11:9
Joshua 11:9 And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire. Ver. 9. See Joshua 11:6.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 11:9
(9) He houghed their horses.—In what particular way this was done we are not informed; we cannot, therefore, be certain whether it was done so as to destroy the lives of the horses, or merely to make them useless for purposes of warfare.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 11:9
Verse 9. He houghed their horses] The Hebrew word עקר akar, which we render to hough or hamstring, signifies to wound, cut, or lop off. It is very likely that it means here, not only an act by which they were rendered useless, but by which they were destroyed; as God had purposed that his people should not possess any cattle of this kind, that a warlike and enterprising spirit might not be cultivated among them; and that, when obliged to defend themselves and their country, they might be led to depend upon God for protection and victory. On the same ground, God had forbidden the kings of Israel to multiply horses, Deuteronomy 17:16. See the note there containing the reasons on which this prohibition was founded. Burnt their chariots] As these could have been of no use without the horses.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 11:9
9. he houghed their horses] “he kuttide the sinewis at the knee,” Wyclif. The command, to render the horses useless, was intended to lead Israel not to place its confidence in horses and chariots (Psalms 20:7; Psalms 147:10), and wisely incapacitated them from extending their conquests beyond the borders of Canaan. See Deuteronomy 17:16.