Joshua 8:16
Joshua 8:16 in Multiple Translations
Then all the men of Ai were summoned to pursue them, and they followed Joshua and were drawn away from the city.
And all the people that were in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.
And all the people that were in the city were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.
And all the people in Ai came together to go after them; and they went after Joshua, moving away from the town.
All the men of the town were called out to chase after them, and as they pursued Joshua they were drawn father from the town.
And all the people of the citie were called together, to pursue after them: and they pursued after Ioshua, and were drawen away out of the city,
and all the people who [are] in the city are called to pursue after them, and they pursue after Joshua, and are drawn away out of the city,
All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.
And all the people that were in Ai were called together to pursue them: and they pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.
But they shouting together, and encouraging one another, pursued them. And when they were come from the city,
The men in Ai were ordered to chase after Joshua and his men. So they left the city and started to pursue the Israelis.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 8:16
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 8:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּזָּעֲק֗וּ
כָּל
הָ/עָם֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ב/עיר
בָּ/עַ֔י
לִ/רְדֹּ֖ף
אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֑ם
וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפוּ֙
אַחֲרֵ֣י
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ
וַ/יִּנָּתְק֖וּ
מִן
הָ/עִֽיר
וַ/יִּזָּעֲק֗וּ
zâʻaq
H2199
to cry out
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
ב/עיר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fs
בָּ/עַ֔י
ʻAy
H5857
Ai
Prep | N-proper
לִ/רְדֹּ֖ף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפוּ֙
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
וַ/יִּנָּתְק֖וּ
nâthaq
H5423
to tear
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הָ/עִֽיר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 8:16
וַ/יִּזָּעֲק֗וּ
zâʻaq
H2199
"to cry out"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to cry out for help or announce something publicly, often in a loud voice, like a herald calling people together. It is used in the Bible to describe people crying out to God for aid. It can also mean to summon or assemble people.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, call for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call (to one's aid) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in need) 1b) (Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to call, call out, call together, summon 1c2) to make a crying, proclaim 1c3) to have a proclamation made 1c4) to call out to, call out at Aramaic equivalent: ze.iq (זְעִ֑ק "to cry out" H2200)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed. See also: Exodus 2:23; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 22:6.
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.
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.
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.
ב/עיר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
בָּ/עַ֔י
ʻAy
H5857
"Ai"
Prep | 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.
לִ/רְדֹּ֖ף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אַחֲרֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
וַֽ/יִּרְדְּפוּ֙
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
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.
וַ/יִּנָּתְק֖וּ
nâthaq
H5423
"to tear"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To tear or pull something away from something else, like pulling a plant out of the ground or separating two things, is what this word means, and it can also describe being separated or torn apart.
Definition: 1) to pull or tear or draw off or away or apart, draw out, pluck up, break, lift, root out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw away 1a2) to draw or pull off 1a3) to pull or tear away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be drawn away, be drawn out 1b2) to be torn apart or in two, be snapped 1b3) to be separated 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to tear apart, snap 1c2) to tear out, tear up, tear away 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to draw away 1d2) to drag away 1e) (Hophal) to be drawn away
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: break (off), burst, draw (away), lift up, pluck (away, off), pull (out), root out. See also: Leviticus 22:24; Isaiah 5:27; Psalms 2:3.
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/עִֽיר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
Study Notes — Joshua 8:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Conquest of Ai
14When the king of Ai saw the Israelites, he hurried out early in the morning with the men of the city to engage them in battle at an appointed place overlooking the Arabah. But he did not know that an ambush had been set up against him behind the city.
15Joshua and all Israel let themselves be beaten back before them, and they fled toward the wilderness.
16Then all the men of Ai were summoned to pursue them, and they followed Joshua and were drawn away from the city.
17Not a man was left in Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel, leaving the city wide open while they pursued Israel. 18Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Hold out your battle lance toward Ai, for into your hand I will deliver the city.” So Joshua held out his battle lance toward Ai,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 20:31 | The Benjamites came out against them and were drawn away from the city. They began to attack the people as before, killing about thirty men of Israel in the fields and on the roads, one of which led up to Bethel and the other to Gibeah. |
| 2 | Judges 20:36–39 | Then the Benjamites realized they had been defeated. Now the men of Israel had retreated before Benjamin because they were relying on the ambush they had set against Gibeah. The men in ambush rushed suddenly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword. The men of Israel had arranged a signal with the men in ambush: When they sent up a great cloud of smoke from the city, the men of Israel would turn in the battle. When the Benjamites had begun to strike them down, killing about thirty men of Israel, they said, “They are defeated before us as in the first battle.” |
| 3 | Joshua 8:5–6 | Then I and all the troops with me will advance on the city. When they come out against us as they did the first time, we will flee from them. They will pursue us until we have drawn them away from the city, for they will say, ‘The Israelites are running away from us as they did before.’ So as we flee from them, |
| 4 | Psalms 9:16 | The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah |
| 5 | Ezekiel 38:11–22 | You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a tranquil people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates— in order to seize the spoil and carry off the plunder, to turn a hand against the desolate places now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and possessions and who live at the center of the land.’ Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will ask, ‘Have you come to capture the plunder? Have you assembled your hordes to carry away loot, to make off with silver and gold, to take cattle and goods, to seize great spoil?’ Therefore prophesy, son of man, and tell Gog that this is what the Lord GOD says: On that day when My people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not take notice of this? And you will come from your place out of the far north—you and many peoples with you, all riding horses—a mighty horde, a huge army. You will advance against My people Israel like a cloud covering the land. It will happen in the latter days, O Gog, that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me when I show Myself holy in you before their eyes. This is what the Lord GOD says: Are you the one of whom I have spoken in former days through My servants, the prophets of Israel, who in those times prophesied for years that I would bring you against them? Now on that day when Gog comes against the land of Israel, declares the Lord GOD, My wrath will flare up. In My zeal and fiery rage I proclaim that on that day there will be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that crawls upon the ground, and all mankind on the face of the earth will tremble at My presence. The mountains will be thrown down, the cliffs will collapse, and every wall will fall to the ground. And I will summon a sword against Gog on all My mountains, declares the Lord GOD, and every man’s sword will be against his brother. I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed. I will pour out torrents of rain, hailstones, fire, and sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. |
| 6 | Revelation 16:14 | These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. |
| 7 | Revelation 19:19–21 | Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army. But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. And the rest were killed with the sword that proceeded from the mouth of the One seated on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh. |
Joshua 8:16 Summary
In Joshua 8:16, the men of Ai followed Joshua and the Israelites, thinking they were winning the battle, but really they were walking into a trap. This shows how easily we can be deceived into doing something that seems right, but is actually wrong, as warned in Proverbs 14:12. We must trust in God's plan and timing, and not rely on our own understanding, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can avoid falling into the enemy's trap and instead achieve spiritual victory, as demonstrated in this verse and supported by 2 Corinthians 2:14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the men of Ai follow Joshua and leave their city?
The men of Ai followed Joshua because they were deceived into thinking they were winning the battle, as stated in Joshua 8:16, and they wanted to finish off the Israelites, not realizing that Joshua had set an ambush behind the city, as seen in Joshua 8:14.
What was the result of the men of Ai pursuing the Israelites?
The result was that the city of Ai was left wide open and vulnerable to attack, as stated in Joshua 8:17, which ultimately led to its defeat, as seen in Joshua 8:18-28.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?
This verse illustrates how Satan can deceive us into pursuing worldly victories, leaving us vulnerable to spiritual attack, as warned in 1 Peter 5:8, and reminds us to trust in God's plan and timing, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
What can we learn from Joshua's strategy in this verse?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's plan and being willing to take risks in obedience to Him, as seen in Joshua 8:18, and the value of clever strategy and cunning in achieving victory, as demonstrated in this verse and supported by Psalm 24:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- How have I been deceived into pursuing worldly victories, leaving my spiritual life vulnerable to attack?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of clever strategy and cunning in my own spiritual battles?
- How can I trust in God's plan and timing, even when the outcome is uncertain, as seen in this verse and supported by Jeremiah 29:11?
- What are some ways that I can use my unique gifts and abilities to outmaneuver the enemy and achieve spiritual victory, as demonstrated in this verse and supported by 1 Corinthians 12:4-11?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 8:16
And all the people that were in Ai [were] called together to pursue after them,.... Because the host of Israel was very numerous, it was judged proper that all the people in Ai should assist in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 8:16
And all the people that were in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 8:16
All the people, to wit, all that were able to bear arms, for old men and children were unfit for the pursuit or fight; and that they were yet left, may seem from ,25.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 8:16
Joshua 8:16 And all the people that [were] in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.Ver. 16. And were drawn away from the city.] In hope of like success as before; but it proved otherwise. So wicked men praesumendo sperant, et sperando pereunt, presume and perish.
Sermons on Joshua 8:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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I Will Never Draw Back My Hand by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the audience to raise their hands to God and remind Him of His promises. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's word a |
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Memoirs of the Revivalist by Robert Wurtz II | In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful testimony of a man who was transformed by God. The man had previously come with a gun to harm the preacher, but after encountering Go |
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The Terror of the Lord by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the duality of God's nature, highlighting that while He is rich in mercy, He is equally terrible in wrath. The sermon underscores the importance of |
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Homily 12 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the story of Ananias and Sapphira, highlighting the severity of their sin of sacrilege and deception, leading to their tragic deaths as a result of thei |
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Turning the Tide of Lawlessness by Derek Melton | Derek Melton emphasizes the importance of the 'fear of the Lord' in combating the darkness and sin prevalent in society, highlighting how fear leads to obedience and ultimately wis |
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Questions/answers on the Interpretation of Old Testament Scriptures by James Blaine Chapman | James Blaine Chapman addresses various questions from the Bible, shedding light on misunderstood passages and providing insightful explanations. From Noah's unintentional vice to t |
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Ezekiel 37 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the prophetic significance of Ezekiel 37, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the latter days and the return of Israel to its land as a sign |