Joshua 2:17
Joshua 2:17 in Multiple Translations
The men said to her, “We will not be bound by this oath you made us swear
And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.
And the men said unto her, We will be guiltless of this thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
And the men said to her, We will only be responsible for this oath which you have made us take,
The men had told her, “We will be freed from the promise you made us swear,
And the men said vnto her, We will be blamelesse of this thine othe, which thou hast made vs sweare.
And the men say unto her, 'We are acquitted of this thine oath which thou hast caused us to swear:
The men said to her, “We will be guiltless of this your oath which you’ve made us to swear.
And the men said to her, We will be blameless of this thy oath which thou hast made us swear.
And they said to her: We shall be blameless of this oath, which thou hast made us swear:
The two men gave her a red cord, and said to her, “This is what you must do; if you do not do this, we will not be required to do what we have vowed to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 2:17
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 2:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
אֵלֶ֖י/הָ
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
נְקִיִּ֣ם
אֲנַ֔חְנוּ
מִ/שְּׁבֻעָתֵ֥/ךְ
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
הִשְׁבַּעְתָּֽ/נוּ
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵלֶ֖י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-mp
נְקִיִּ֣ם
nâqîy
H5355
innocent
Adj
אֲנַ֔חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
מִ/שְּׁבֻעָתֵ֥/ךְ
shᵉbûwʻâh
H7621
oath
Prep | N-fs | Suff
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הִשְׁבַּעְתָּֽ/נוּ
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
V-Hiphil-Perf-2fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 2:17
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.
אֵלֶ֖י/הָ
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.
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
נְקִיִּ֣ם
nâqîy
H5355
"innocent"
Adj
Innocent or guiltless, this word is used to describe someone who is morally clean or free from blame, such as Noah in Genesis 6:9. It emphasizes a person's integrity and moral purity.
Definition: 1) clean, free from, exempt, clear, innocent 1a) free from guilt, clean, innocent 1b) free from punishment 1c) free or exempt from obligations Also means: na.qi (נָקִיא "innocent" H5355B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blameless, clean, clear, exempted, free, guiltless, innocent, quit. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 9:23; Psalms 10:8.
אֲנַ֔חְנוּ
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.
מִ/שְּׁבֻעָתֵ֥/ךְ
shᵉbûwʻâh
H7621
"oath"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word means an oath or curse, like a promise or vow. In the Bible, it appears in Numbers 5:21 and Deuteronomy 29:12, referring to God's oath. The KJV translates it as 'oath' or 'curse'.
Definition: 1) oath, curse 1a) oath 1a1) attesting of innocence 1a2) curse 1b) oath (of Jehovah)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: curse, oath, [idiom] sworn. See also: Genesis 24:8; 2 Samuel 21:7; Psalms 105:9.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
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.
הִשְׁבַּעְתָּֽ/נוּ
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
Study Notes — Joshua 2:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 2:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 2:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 2:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 2:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 2:17
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 2:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 2:17
- Sermons on Joshua 2:17
Context — The Promise to Rahab
15Then Rahab let them down by a rope through the window, since the house where she lived was built into the wall of the city.
16“Go to the hill country,” she said, “so that your pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there for three days until they have returned; then go on your way.”
17The men said to her, “We will not be bound by this oath you made us swear
18unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother and brothers and all your family into your house. 19If anyone goes out the door of your house into the street, his blood will be on his own head, and we will be innocent. But if a hand is laid on anyone with you in the house, his blood will be on our heads.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 30:2 | If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 21:7 | Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul. |
| 3 | Genesis 24:3–8 | and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.” The servant asked him, “What if the woman is unwilling to follow me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the land from which you came?” Abraham replied, “Make sure that you do not take my son back there. The LORD, the God of heaven, who brought me from my father’s house and my native land, who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’—He will send His angel before you so that you can take a wife for my son from there. And if the woman is unwilling to follow you, then you are released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.” |
| 4 | Leviticus 19:11–12 | You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another. You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 21:1–2 | During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.” At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.) |
| 6 | Joshua 2:20 | And if you report our mission, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.” |
| 7 | Exodus 20:7 | You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain. |
Joshua 2:17 Summary
In this verse, the men are telling Rahab that they will only keep their promise to her if she does what they say. This means that their promise is not absolute, but conditional. This teaches us about the importance of keeping our promises and being people of our word, as seen in Psalm 15:4. Just as the men were willing to keep their promise to Rahab if she fulfilled certain conditions, we should strive to be trustworthy and faithful in our own relationships, just as God is faithful to us (1 Corinthians 1:9). By being people of our word, we can build strong relationships and demonstrate our trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the men to say they will not be bound by their oath?
The men are indicating that their promise to Rahab is conditional, and they will only be held to it if she fulfills certain requirements, as outlined in Joshua 2:18-19, similar to the conditional promises found in Genesis 28:20-22 and 1 Samuel 1:11.
Why did the men make an oath to Rahab in the first place?
The men made an oath to Rahab as a way of promising to protect her and her family when the Israelites conquered Jericho, demonstrating the importance of keeping one's word as seen in Psalm 15:4 and Matthew 5:33-37.
Is it okay to make conditions on our promises like the men did with Rahab?
While the men's actions may seem practical, the Bible teaches us to be people of our word and to keep our promises, as seen in Numbers 30:2 and Deuteronomy 23:21-23, emphasizing the importance of integrity and trustworthiness.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, as Rahab did in Joshua 2:9-13, and demonstrates how our actions and promises should be guided by our faith, as seen in Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my trust in God's promises, just as Rahab demonstrated her trust in the Israelites' promise?
- How can I balance being a person of my word with the need to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances, as the men did in this verse?
- What are some conditions or expectations that I have placed on my relationships with others, and are they similar to the conditions the men placed on their promise to Rahab?
- In what ways can I show hospitality and kindness to others, just as Rahab showed to the Israelite spies, and how can I trust that God will reward my actions, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46?
- How can I apply the principles of integrity and trustworthiness from this verse to my own life and relationships, and what does it mean to be a person of my word in a world that often values expediency over commitment?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 2:17
And the men said unto her,.... Some think that this discourse, which passed between the spies and her, was while in the house before she let them down, or otherwise they would have been in danger of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 2:17
And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 2:17
The men said, or, had said; namely, before she let them down; it being very improbable, either that she would dismiss them before the condition was expressed and agreed; or that she would discourse with them, or they with her, about such secret and weighty things after they were let down, when others might overhear them; or that she should begin her discourse in her chamber, and not finish it till they were gone out of her house. Object. They spoke this after they were let down; for it follows, , this-thread which thou didst let us down by. Answ. Those words may be thus rendered, which thou dost let us down by, i.e. art about to do it; it being frequent for the pretertense to be used of a thing about to be done, by an enallage of tenses, as . Blameless of this thine oath, i.e. free from guilt or reproach if it be violated, namely, if the following condition be not observed.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 2:17
Joshua 2:17 And the men said unto her, We [will be] blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.Ver. 17. We will be blameless of this thine oath,] q.d, Great haste though we have, yet will we clear up the terms whereunto we have sworn, to prevent the danger or rebut the suspicion of perjury. An oath is not to be taken but with a great deal of caution and circumspection, not in jest, but in judgment, not rashly and unadvisedly, as those that swear in heat and choler, when they should with fear, discerning the nature of an oath, the necessity, the conditions and circumstances.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 2:17
17. We will be blameless] Or, “We are blameless.” We must supply “unless you do what we shall now say unto you.” Comp. Genesis 24:41, “Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.” Wyclif renders it “we schulen be giltles of this oath.”
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 2:17
17. We will be blameless of this thine oath — That is, released from the oath which we have taken, provided you do not fulfil the following conditions.
Sermons on Joshua 2:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ungodly Practice of Dating by Tim Conway | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on the strength of the Lord to conquer the challenges and obstacles in life. He specifically mentions children as |
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Sermon on the Mount: Deceptive Speech by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in the lives of believers. He highlights that as subjects of Christ's rule and kingdom, Christians s |
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Grave Warnings! by David Daniel | David Daniel emphasizes the sacredness of entering the house of the Lord, warning against the dangers of familiarity that can lead to contempt. He urges believers to approach worsh |
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Swearing Under the Gospel by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches about the controversy of whether it is lawful for Christians to swear under the gospel, examining the nature, purpose, and cases of oaths under the law. He |
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"When Thou Vowest a Vow, Defer Not to Pay It" by Timothy Tow | Timothy Tow preaches about the seriousness of making vows to God, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling them once spoken, as seen in the stories of Jephthah and Hannah. He share |
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(Genesis) Genesis 33:18-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sad and sordid chapter in the life of Jacob, who is now known as Israel. Jacob's life reflects a growth and development in his relationshi |
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Favouritism - Part 2 by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on James chapter 2 and the instruction to believers not to show favoritism. He begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding the descri |