Joshua 2:18

Joshua 2:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

unless, 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.

King James Version KJV

Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee.

American Standard Version ASV

Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt gather unto thee into the house thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household.

Bible in Basic English BBE

If, when we come into the land, you put this cord of bright red thread in the window from which you let us down; and get your father and mother and your brothers and all your family into the house;

Free Bible Version FBV

unless when we enter this land, you hang a scarlet cord in the window through which you lowered us. You must gather together in the house your father and mother and brothers—all the family.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this cord of red threde in the window, whereby thou lettest vs downe, and thou shalt bring thy father and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy fathers houshold home to thee.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

lo, we are coming into the land, this line of scarlet thread thou dost bind to the window by which thou hast caused us to go down, and thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all the house of thy father thou dost gather unto thee, to the house;

World English Bible WEB

Behold, when we come into the land, tie this line of scarlet thread in the window which you used to let us down. Gather to yourself into the house your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window by which thou didst let us down: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household home to thee.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

If when we come into the land, this scarlet cord be a sign, and thou tie it in the window, by which thou hast let us down: and gather together thy father and mother, and brethren and all thy kindred into thy house.

Translation for Translators T4T

You must tie this red cord in the window that has the rope by which we will climb down. You must let the cord hang there. And you must bring your father and your mother and your brothers and all the others in your family inside the house. Then, when our army enters your land, we will see the cord, and we will not kill the people in your house.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 2:18

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 2:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הִנֵּ֛ה אֲנַ֥חְנוּ בָאִ֖ים בָּ/אָ֑רֶץ אֶת תִּקְוַ֡ת חוּט֩ הַ/שָּׁנִ֨י הַ/זֶּ֜ה תִּקְשְׁרִ֗י בַּֽ/חַלּוֹן֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הוֹרַדְתֵּ֣/נוּ ב֔/וֹ וְ/אֶת אָבִ֨י/ךְ וְ/אֶת אִמֵּ֜/ךְ וְ/אֶת אַחַ֗יִ/ךְ וְ/אֵת֙ כָּל בֵּ֣ית אָבִ֔י/ךְ תַּאַסְפִ֥י אֵלַ֖יִ/ךְ הַ/בָּֽיְתָ/ה

הִנֵּ֛ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part

אֲנַ֥חְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 we Pron

בָאִ֖ים bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal

בָּ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

תִּקְוַ֡ת tiqvâh H8615 cord N-fs

חוּט֩ chûwṭ H2339 thread N-ms

הַ/שָּׁנִ֨י shânîy H8144 scarlet Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֜ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

תִּקְשְׁרִ֗י qâshar H7194 to conspire V-Qal-Imperf-2fs

בַּֽ/חַלּוֹן֙ challôwn H2474 window Prep | N-cs

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

הוֹרַדְתֵּ֣/נוּ yârad H3381 to go down V-Hiphil-Perf-2fs | Suff

ב֔/וֹ Prep | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

אָבִ֨י/ךְ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

אִמֵּ֜/ךְ ʼêm H517 mother N-fs | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

אַחַ֗יִ/ךְ ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff

וְ/אֵת֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 place N-ms

אָבִ֔י/ךְ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

תַּאַסְפִ֥י ʼâçaph H622 to gather V-Qal-Imperf-2fs

אֵלַ֖יִ/ךְ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

הַ/בָּֽיְתָ/ה bayith H1004 place Art | N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 2:18

הִנֵּ֛ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

אֲנַ֥חְנוּ 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.

בָאִ֖ים bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal

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.

בָּ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

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.

תִּקְוַ֡ת tiqvâh H8615 "cord" N-fs

In Hebrew, this word for hope means a cord that attaches or expectancy, like waiting for something to happen. It appears in the Bible as a feeling of expectation or a thing someone longs for. The KJV translates it as hope or expectation.

Definition: cord

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: expectation(-ted), hope, live, thing that I long for. See also: Joshua 2:18; Psalms 62:6; Psalms 9:19.

חוּט֩ chûwṭ H2339 "thread" N-ms

A thread or string, also used as a measuring tape, mentioned in biblical descriptions of clothing and construction.

Definition: a thread, cord, line, string

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: cord, fillet, line, thread. See also: Genesis 14:23; 1 Kings 7:15; Jeremiah 52:21.

הַ/שָּׁנִ֨י shânîy H8144 "scarlet" Art | N-ms

This Hebrew word describes the deep red color of the coccus ilicis insect, used to dye fabric scarlet or crimson, like the scarlet thread in Joshua 2:18. It symbolizes wealth and importance.

Definition: 1) scarlet, crimson 1a) properly, the insect 'coccus ilicis', the dried body of the female yielding colouring matter from which is made the dye used for cloth to colour it scarlet or crimson

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet (thread). See also: Genesis 38:28; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:21.

הַ/זֶּ֜ה 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.

תִּקְשְׁרִ֗י qâshar H7194 "to conspire" V-Qal-Imperf-2fs

In the Bible, this verb means to tie or bind something, like when God bound Isaac in Genesis 22:9. It can also mean to conspire or make an alliance, as in 2 Samuel 15:31. The KJV translates it as bind or conspire.

Definition: 1) to bind, tie, bind together, league together, conspire 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind, confine 1a2) to league together, conspire 1b) (Niphal) to be bound, be bound up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to bind on 1c2) to bind fast 1c3) to bind, tie 1c4) to bind to oneself 1d) (Pual) robust, vigorous (participle) 1e) (Hithpael) to conspire

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bind (up), (make a) conspire(-acy, -ator), join together, knit, stronger, work (treason). See also: Genesis 30:41; 2 Kings 15:25; Proverbs 3:3.

בַּֽ/חַלּוֹן֙ challôwn H2474 "window" Prep | N-cs

A window in ancient times was a hole in the wall, as described in the Bible. The Hebrew word for window is used in the story of Jezebel's death in 2 Kings 9:30-33. Windows were also mentioned in the Song of Solomon.

Definition: window (piercing of the wall)

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: window. See also: Genesis 8:6; Proverbs 7:6; Jeremiah 9:20.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר 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.

הוֹרַדְתֵּ֣/נוּ yârad H3381 "to go down" V-Hiphil-Perf-2fs | Suff

To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.

Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.

ב֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

אָבִ֨י/ךְ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

אִמֵּ֜/ךְ ʼêm H517 "mother" N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.

Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division

Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

אַחַ֗יִ/ךְ ʼâch H251 "brother" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.

Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

וְ/אֵת֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

אָבִ֔י/ךְ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

תַּאַסְפִ֥י ʼâçaph H622 "to gather" V-Qal-Imperf-2fs

To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves

Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.

אֵלַ֖יִ/ךְ 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.

הַ/בָּֽיְתָ/ה bayith H1004 "place" Art | N-ms | Suff

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Study Notes — Joshua 2:18

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Context
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Joshua 2:18 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Joshua 2:18
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 2:18
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 2:18
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 2:18
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Sermons on Joshua 2:18

Context — The Promise to Rahab

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. 20And if you report our mission, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Joshua 6:23	So the young spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother and brothers, and all who belonged to her. They brought out her whole family and settled them outside the camp of Israel.
2	Joshua 2:21	“Let it be as you say,” she replied, and she sent them away. And when they had gone, she tied the scarlet cord in the window.
3	Joshua 2:12–13	Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will deliver us from death.”
4	Acts 10:33	So I sent for you immediately, and you were kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has instructed you to tell us.”
5	Leviticus 14:4	the priest shall order that two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed.
6	Hebrews 9:19	For when Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people,
7	Genesis 19:12–17	Then the two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—a son-in-law, your sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, because we are about to destroy this place. For the outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that He has sent us to destroy it.” So Lot went out and spoke to the sons-in-law who were pledged in marriage to his daughters. “Get up,” he said. “Get out of this place, for the LORD is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying, “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.” But when Lot hesitated, the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters. And they led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them. As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!”
8	Acts 11:14	He will convey to you a message by which you and all your household will be saved.’
9	Numbers 4:8	And they shall spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with fine leather, and insert the poles.
10	Numbers 19:6	The priest is to take cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet wool and throw them onto the burning heifer.

Joshua 2:18 Summary

This verse is about the conditions under which the Israelite spies would protect Rahab and her family when they conquered Jericho. The spies told Rahab to tie a scarlet cord in her window and bring her family into her house to ensure their safety, similar to how God instructed the Israelites to mark their doors with blood in Exodus 12:13. This story shows how faith and obedience go hand in hand, as Rahab's actions demonstrated her trust in the Israelites' God. By following the spies' instructions, Rahab was able to save her family and find protection in God's plan, just as we can find protection and salvation in God's plan when we put our faith in Him and obey His commands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the scarlet cord in Joshua 2:18?

The scarlet cord is a symbol of salvation and protection, as seen in the context of Rahab's house being spared when the Israelites conquered Jericho, similar to the blood on the doorposts in Exodus 12:13, which saved the Israelites from the angel of death.

Why did the spies require Rahab to bring her family into her house for protection?

The spies required Rahab to bring her family into her house to ensure their safety, as anyone outside the house would be responsible for their own actions and fate, similar to the principle in Ezekiel 18:4, where each person is responsible for their own sins.

What would happen if Rahab failed to tie the scarlet cord in the window or bring her family into the house?

If Rahab failed to tie the scarlet cord in the window or bring her family into the house, the Israelites would not be bound by their oath to protect her and her family, as specified in Joshua 2:18-20, highlighting the importance of obedience and faithfulness in God's plan.

How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and works in the Bible?

This verse illustrates the relationship between faith and works, as Rahab's faith in the Israelites' God is demonstrated by her actions, such as hiding the spies and following their instructions, similar to the teaching in James 2:26, which states that faith without works is dead.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can demonstrate my faith in God, like Rahab did, in my everyday life?
How can I apply the principle of obedience and faithfulness, as seen in Rahab's story, to my own walk with God?
What are some 'scarlet cords' in my life that symbolize my trust in God's protection and salvation?
In what ways can I show hospitality and kindness to others, like Rahab showed to the Israelite spies, and how can this reflect God's love to those around me?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 2:18

Behold, [when] we come into the land,.... The land of Canaan, and into this city, into that part of it, as the Septuagint, where her house was, meaning not themselves only, but the people of Israel

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 2:18

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 2:18

Into the land, i.e. over Jordan, and near the city. Bind this line of scarlet thread in the window, that it may be easily discerned by our soldiers.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 2:18

Joshua 2:18 Behold, [when] we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’ s household, home unto thee.Ver. 18. And thou shalt bring thy father, &c.] Who, if not there found when we storm the town, shall perish at their own peril. So shall all not found to be of the family of faith, and within God’ s doors. The devil sweeps all that are out of the covenant.

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 2:18

(18) The window which thou didst let us down by.—It seems almost needless to observe that the scarlet line and the cord by which the men were lowered are not the same thing, but described by different words in the original. It would have been preposterous to require Rahab to display in her window the means by which the spies had escaped. It would at once have declared the tale to all beholders—the very thing Rahab was pledged not to do. The “line of scarlet thread” and the “stalks of flax” on the roof were probably parts of the same business, and thus there would be nothing unusual in what was exhibited at the window, although it would be a sufficient token to those who were in the secret, to enable them to identify the house.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 2:18

Verse 18. This line of scarlet thread] תקות חוט השני tikvath chut hashshani. Probably this may mean, this piece of scarlet cloth, or, this cloth (made) of scarlet thread. When the Israelites took the city this piece of red cloth seems to have been hung out of the window by way of flag; and this was the sign on which she and the spies had agreed.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 2:18

18. this line of scarlet thread] The line was spun out of crimson thread, the crimson colour produced by the coccus ilicis, Linn., a cochineal insect, living on the holm oak, the larvæ of which yield the crimson dye.

Barnes' Notes on Joshua 2:18

The “line” or cord was spun of threads dyed with cochineal: i. e., of a deep and bright scarlet color. The color would catch the eye at once, and supplied an obvious token by which the house of Rahab might be distinguished.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 2:18

18. Thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window — A small rope or cord composed of crimson threads. The English version conveys the idea that this cord was used in letting down the spies.

Sermons on Joshua 2:18

	Sermon	Description
	Christ, God Manifest in the Flesh, Died for Sinners by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, Dr. Gordon shares a story about a little boy he encounters while walking in Boston. The boy has a cage with scared little birds inside, unable to fly out. Dr. Gordo
	Rahab the Harlot by Ken Baird	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Rahab and how her faith saved her and her family. He emphasizes the importance of having faith in God's promises and the assuran
	Rahab - Example of Faith by Billy Strachan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses various aspects of faith and action in the context of biblical stories. He emphasizes the importance of not just hearing and believing the me
	Rahab: Holy or Hypocrite - Hebrews 11:31 by Jon Courson	Jon Courson delves into Hebrews 11, known as God's Hall of Faith, highlighting the surprising inclusions and exclusions. He focuses on Rahab, the only woman in the Hall of Faith be
	She Bound the Scarlet Line in the Window by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the faith and obedience of Rahab, who tied a scarlet line in her window as a sign of her trust in the spies and, ultimately, in God. This seemingly trivial
	K-198 the Anatomy of Sin Part Two by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker recounts a personal experience of encountering a man with an artificial limb. Despite not speaking the same language, the speaker felt compelled to help
	Our Anchor Within the Veil by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having an anchor in life. He shares his personal experience of being converted and how his priorities shifted from sports