Joshua 7:4

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Joshua 7:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai.

King James Version KJV

So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.

American Standard Version ASV

So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So about three thousand of the people went up, and were sent in flight by the men of Ai.

Free Bible Version FBV

So around three thousand men went to fight, but they were beaten by the men of Ai and they ran away.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So there went vp thither of the people about three thousande men, and they fledde before the men of Ai.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And there go up of the people thither about three thousand men, and they flee before the men of Ai,

World English Bible WEB

So about three thousand men of the people went up there, and they fled before the men of Ai.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

There went up therefore three thousand fighting men: who immediately turned their backs,

Translation for Translators T4T

So about 3,000 Israeli men went to attack Ai. But the men of Ai defeated them badly.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 7:4

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 7:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יַּעֲל֤וּ מִן הָ/עָם֙ שָׁ֔מָּ/ה כִּ/שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת אֲלָפִ֖ים אִ֑ישׁ וַ/יָּנֻ֕סוּ לִ/פְנֵ֖י אַנְשֵׁ֥י הָ/עָֽי

וַ/יַּעֲל֤וּ ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הָ/עָם֙ ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

שָׁ֔מָּ/ה shâm H8033 there Adv | Suff

כִּ/שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 three Prep | Adj

אֲלָפִ֖ים ʼeleph H505 thousand Adj

אִ֑ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

וַ/יָּנֻ֕סוּ nûwç H5127 to flee Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

אַנְשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

הָ/עָֽי ʻAy H5857 Ai Art | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 7:4

וַ/יַּעֲל֤וּ ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הָ/עָם֙ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

שָׁ֔מָּ/ה shâm H8033 "there" Adv | Suff

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

כִּ/שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Prep | Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

אֲלָפִ֖ים ʼeleph H505 "thousand" Adj

A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.

Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.

אִ֑ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

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.

וַ/יָּנֻ֕סוּ nûwç H5127 "to flee" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.

Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)

Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.

לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

אַנְשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp

הָ/עָֽי ʻAy H5857 "Ai" Art | N-proper

Ai means 'heap of ruins', a city in Palestine east of the Jordan River, mentioned in the Bible as part of the Ammonites' territory. It appears in the book of Joshua and is associated with Heshbon. The city's name reflects its history of destruction.

Definition: § Ai or Aija or Aiath or Hai = "heap of ruins" a city of the Ammonites on the east of the Jordan and apparently attached to Heshbon

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Ai, Aija, Aijath, Hai. See also: Genesis 12:8; Joshua 8:20; Isaiah 10:28.

Study Notes — Joshua 7:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Joshua 7:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 7:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 7:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 7:4
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 7:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 7:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 7:4
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 7:4
Sermons on Joshua 7:4

Context — The Defeat at Ai

2Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. 3On returning to Joshua, they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.”

4So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai.

5And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water. 6Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 28:25	The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies. You will march out against them in one direction but flee from them in seven. You will be an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.
2	Leviticus 26:17	And I will set My face against you, so that you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one pursues you.
3	Deuteronomy 32:30	How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up?
4	Isaiah 59:2	But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.
5	Isaiah 30:17	A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill.

Joshua 7:4 Summary

[This verse tells us that about three thousand Israelite men went up to attack the city of Ai, but they were defeated and ran away. This happened because they did not seek God's guidance and power, but instead relied on their own strength and judgment. As seen in Psalm 20:7, we should trust in God's power and guidance, rather than our own abilities. By seeking God's guidance and power, we can avoid the trap of self-reliance and pride, and trust in His power to overcome any challenge or enemy.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Israelites underestimate the strength of the men of Ai?

The Israelites underestimated the strength of the men of Ai because they relied on their own judgment and did not seek God's guidance, as seen in Joshua 7:3 where they decided to send only a few thousand men to attack Ai, instead of seeking God's plan as they did in Joshua 6:1-27 when they conquered Jericho.

What can we learn from the Israelites' defeat at Ai?

We can learn that pride and self-reliance can lead to defeat, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, which says that pride goes before destruction, and that we should always seek God's guidance and trust in His power, as seen in Psalm 20:7.

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?

This verse relates to the concept of spiritual warfare because it shows that even though the Israelites were physically strong, they were no match for the enemy without God's power and guidance, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, which talks about putting on the full armor of God to stand against the enemy.

What is the significance of the number of men who went up to attack Ai?

The number of men who went up to attack Ai, about three thousand, is significant because it shows that even a large number of men are no match for the enemy without God's power and guidance, as seen in 2 Chronicles 32:8, which says that we should not trust in the number of our armies, but in the power of God.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am relying on my own strength and wisdom, rather than seeking God's guidance and power?
How can I apply the lesson of Joshua 7:4 to my own life, and trust in God's power and guidance in the face of challenges and enemies?
What are some ways that I can seek God's guidance and power in my daily life, and avoid the trap of self-reliance and pride?
How can I learn to trust in God's power and guidance, even when the circumstances seem overwhelming or impossible?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 7:4

So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men,.... Joshua detached from the army the largest number proposed, that there might be strength enough to take the place; and those he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 7:4

So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. They fled before the men of Ai.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 7:4

Not having their usual courage to strike a stroke, which was a plain evidence that God had forsaken them; and a useful instruction, to show them what weak and inconsiderable creatures they were when God left them; and that it was God, not their own valour, that gave the Canaanites and their land into their hands.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 7:4

Joshua 7:4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.Ver. 4. And they fled before the men of Ai.] Their sins having betrayed them into the hands of divine justice, the victory was abandoned, and sent away to the enemy; as that noble General Trajan told Valens, the Arrian emperor, when he had been defeated by the Goths in the very first battle, as these Israelites also were. Niceph., lib. xiii. cap. 40.

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 7:4

(4) They fled before the men of Ai.—A very natural reaction from overweening confidence to utter dismay is exhibited in this incident and its effect (Joshua 7:5), “the heart of the people melted and became as water.” The demoralisation of Israel was a suitable penalty for their assumption, quite apart from its supernatural cause. It was absolutely necessary that the character of the conquest of Canaan should be vindicated, at whatever cost.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 7:4

Verse 4. About three thousand men] The spies sent to reconnoitre the place (Joshua 7:3) reported that the town was meanly garrisoned, and that two or three thousand men would be sufficient to take it. These were accordingly sent up, and were repulsed by the Amorites.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 7:4

4. They fled before the men of Ai — Having made their assault in perfect confidence of success, and having met an unexpected repulse, they became panic-stricken, and fled in disorder.

Sermons on Joshua 7:4

	Sermon	Description
	Praise by Hans R. Waldvogel	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and his servant when they saw the mountains full of chariots, representing the enemy. The preacher emphasizes that when w
	America's Greatest Need by B.R. Lakin	Dr. B. R. Lakin delivers a powerful sermon titled 'America’s Greatest Need,' emphasizing the importance of patriotism, gratitude, responsibility, and faith in God for the nation's
	"Stronger Than he." by Watchman Nee	Watchman Nee emphasizes that Christ, the 'Stronger than he,' empowers believers to overcome sin and Satan through the Holy Spirit. He stresses the necessity of maintaining our posi
	Strengthen Me Just Once by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher starts by talking about the distractions and temptations of the world, comparing them to different varieties of ice cream and donuts. He then refers to
	"America Rejecting the Light" by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon delves into the concept of God's potential withdrawal of protection from a nation that has been abundantly blessed but has turned away from Him. It explores the idea th
	Sin in the Camp by Duncan Campbell	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing both the goodness and severity of God. He points out that while the goodness of God is often preached and celeb
	God Seeks a Man of Prayer by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of justice and salvation in the world, drawing parallels to historical events such as the Vietnam War, the tragedy of the boat peop