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Joshua 8:27

Joshua 8:27 in Multiple Translations

Israel took for themselves only the cattle and plunder of that city, as the LORD had commanded Joshua.

Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.

Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for prey unto themselves, according unto the word of Jehovah which he commanded Joshua.

But the cattle and the goods from that town, Israel took for themselves, as the Lord had given orders to Joshua.

Only the livestock and plunder were taken from the town by the Israelites, as the Lord had instructed Joshua.

Onely the cattell and the spoyle of this citie, Israel tooke for a praye vnto themselues, according vnto the worde of the Lord, which hee commanded Ioshua.

only, the cattle and the spoil of that city have Israel spoiled for themselves, according to the word of Jehovah which He commanded Joshua.

Israel took for themselves only the livestock and the goods of that city, according to the LORD’s word which he commanded Joshua.

Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey to themselves, according to the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.

And the children of Israel divided among them the cattle and the prey of the city, as the Lord had commanded Josue.

The Israeli soldiers took for themselves the animals and the other things that had belonged to the people of Ai, just like Yahweh had told Joshua that they should do.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 8:27

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 8:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB רַ֣ק הַ/בְּהֵמָ֗ה וּ/שְׁלַל֙ הָ/עִ֣יר הַ/הִ֔יא בָּזְז֥וּ לָ/הֶ֖ם יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כִּ/דְבַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֖ה אֶת יְהוֹשֻֽׁעַ
רַ֣ק raq H7535 except DirObjM
הַ/בְּהֵמָ֗ה bᵉhêmâh H929 animal Art | N-fs
וּ/שְׁלַל֙ shâlâl H7998 spoil Conj | N-ms
הָ/עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs
הַ/הִ֔יא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron
בָּזְז֥וּ bâzaz H962 to plunder V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לָ/הֶ֖ם Prep | Suff
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
כִּ/דְבַ֣ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
צִוָּ֖ה tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
יְהוֹשֻֽׁעַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 8:27

רַ֣ק raq H7535 "except" DirObjM
This Hebrew word means 'except' or 'only', used to limit or emphasize something, like in Exodus 12:11 where it says to eat the Passover meal in haste, with nothing but your clothes on. It can also mean 'but' or 'nevertheless'.
Definition: 1) only, altogether, surely 1a) only 1b) only, nought but, altogether (in limitation) 1c) save, except (after a negative) 1d) only, altogether, surely (with an affirmative) 1e) if only, provided only (prefixed for emphasis) 1f) only, exclusively (for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise. See also: Genesis 6:5; Joshua 13:14; Psalms 32:6.
הַ/בְּהֵמָ֗ה bᵉhêmâh H929 "animal" Art | N-fs
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
וּ/שְׁלַל֙ shâlâl H7998 "spoil" Conj | N-ms
Shâlâl refers to the spoils of war, or the booty taken from enemies. It is used in the Bible to describe the plunder or prey taken in battle. In the KJV, it is translated as 'prey' or 'spoil'.
Definition: 1) prey, plunder, spoil, booty 1a) prey 1b) booty, spoil, plunder (of war) 1c) plunder (private) 1d) gain (meaning uncertain)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: prey, spoil. See also: Genesis 49:27; 2 Chronicles 15:11; Psalms 68:13.
הָ/עִ֣יר 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.
הַ/הִ֔יא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בָּזְז֥וּ bâzaz H962 "to plunder" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to violently take something, like plundering or seizing, often used to describe war and conquest in books like Joshua and Ezekiel. It can also mean to be robbed or taken advantage of.
Definition: 1) to spoil, plunder, prey upon, seize 1a) (Qal) to spoil, plunder, despoil 1b) (Niphal) to be spoiled, plundered 1c) (Pual) to be taken as spoil
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: catch, gather, (take) for a prey, rob(-ber), spoil, take (away, spoil), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:27; Psalms 109:11; Isaiah 10:2.
לָ/הֶ֖ם "" Prep | Suff
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
כִּ/דְבַ֣ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
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.
צִוָּ֖ה tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
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.
יְהוֹשֻֽׁעַ 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.

Study Notes — Joshua 8:27

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 8:2 And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set up an ambush behind the city.”
2 Numbers 31:26 “You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the congregation are to take a count of what was captured, both of man and beast.
3 Psalms 50:10 for every beast of the forest is Mine— the cattle on a thousand hills.
4 Numbers 31:22 Only the gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead—
5 Joshua 11:4 So these kings came out with all their armies, a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore, along with a great number of horses and chariots.
6 Matthew 20:15 Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

Joshua 8:27 Summary

[This verse shows that the Israelites trusted God's provision and obeyed His commands by taking only the cattle and plunder from the city of Ai, as the Lord had instructed Joshua. This demonstrates their faith and commitment to following God's instructions, similar to what we see in Deuteronomy 8:18, where God provides for His people. By doing so, they were able to experience God's blessing and provision, as promised in Psalm 37:3-4. We can learn from their example by trusting God's sovereignty and provision in our own lives, as encouraged in Romans 8:28.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Israelites take only the cattle and plunder from the city of Ai?

The Israelites took only the cattle and plunder from Ai because the Lord had commanded Joshua to do so, as seen in Joshua 8:27, which emphasizes obedience to God's commands, similar to the instructions given in Deuteronomy 20:14 and 1 Samuel 15:3.

What is the significance of the Israelites not taking anything else from the city?

By not taking anything else, the Israelites demonstrated their trust in God's provision and their commitment to following His instructions, as highlighted in Joshua 8:27 and also seen in the example of Abraham's faith in Genesis 12:4 and 22:3.

How does this verse relate to the concept of consecration in the Bible?

This verse shows that the Israelites were consecrating the city and its inhabitants to the Lord, as seen in Joshua 8:27, which is a concept also discussed in Leviticus 27:28-29 and Numbers 18:14, where things devoted to the Lord were considered holy and set apart for His use.

What can we learn from the Israelites' obedience in this verse?

We can learn the importance of trusting and obeying God's commands, even when they may not make sense to us, as seen in the example of the Israelites in Joshua 8:27, and also emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 8:28, which encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's provision and obey His commands, even when it's difficult?
  2. How can I demonstrate my commitment to following God's instructions, just like the Israelites did in this verse?
  3. What are some things in my life that I need to 'consecrate' to the Lord, setting them apart for His use and purposes?
  4. In what ways can I apply the principle of obedience and trust seen in this verse to my daily life and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 8:27

Only the cattle, and the spoil of the city, Israel took for a prey unto themselves,.... Even all their substance, as besides their cattle, also their gold, silver, household goods, merchandise, &c.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 8:27

Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 8:27

Joshua 8:27 Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.Ver. 27. Only the cattle and the spoil.] For encouragement of the soldiers: so at the sack of Constantinople, Mohammed, the great Turk, caused proclamation to be made through his camp that he would freely give all the spoil of the city for three days unto his soldiers, if they could win it, which also they soon did, and were so enriched therewith, that it is a proverb amongst them at this day, if any grow suddenly rich, to say, He hath been at the sacking of Constantinople. Turk. Hist., 347.

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 8:27

(27) The spoil of that city Israel took.—The spoil of Ai was assigned to Israel, the spoil of Jericho had been claimed for Jehovah alone.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 8:27

Verse 27. Only the cattle and the spoil] In the case of Jericho these were all consigned to destruction, and therefore it was criminal to take any thing pertaining to the city, as we have already seen; but in the case before us the cattle and spoils were expressly given to the conquerors by the order of God. See Joshua 8:2.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 8:27

27. which he commanded Joshua] See Joshua 8:2, and comp. Numbers 31:22-26.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 8:27

27. A prey unto themselves — Joshua’s army was now, like Sherman’s on his grand march to the sea, a moving column cut off from its base of supplies. Hence it must live upon spoils.

Sermons on Joshua 8:27

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 24:32-35 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the relationship between Christ and the Church, using the analogy of the Church becoming the bride of Christ. He explains that the Father and
Chuck Smith God Is a Righteous Judge by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes that God is a righteous judge who does not require our sacrifices, as everything belongs to Him. He highlights the importance of genuine praise and thanksgiv
Jim Cymbala There Is Still a Song by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prophet Habakkuk and his cry to God about the evil and oppression he sees in the world. Habakkuk questions why God allows such injustice
Ernest O'Neill Reconciled (Romans 5.7b) by Ernest O'Neill In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of overpopulation and genetic engineering as a proposed solution. He reflects on how humanity has strayed from God's original plan f
Rolfe Barnard Lordship Salvation, Free Grace & the Sovereignty of God by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus Christ as Lord. He quotes 1 Corinthians 12:3, which states that no one can declare Jesus as Lord without
T. Austin-Sparks God's Everlasting, Unchanging Love by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes God's everlasting and unchanging love, as declared in Jeremiah 31:3, highlighting that this profound love is extended even in the face of human rebellio
David Wilkerson Jesus Wants the Best for His Bride by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that it breaks the Lord's heart when we doubt His ability and desire to provide the best for us, as illustrated through the story of Ruth. Ruth's unwaver

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