Joshua 8:28
Joshua 8:28 in Multiple Translations
So Joshua burned Ai and made it a permanent heap of ruins, a desolation to this day.
And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, even a desolation unto this day.
So Joshua burnt Ai, and made it a heap for ever, even a desolation, unto this day.
So Joshua gave Ai to the flames, and made it a waste mass of stones for ever, as it is to this day.
So Joshua burned the town of Ai, making it permanently into a heap of ruins where no one lives to this very day.
And Ioshua burnt Ai, and made it an heape for euer, and a wildernes vnto this day.
And Joshua burneth Ai, and maketh it a heap age-during — a desolation unto this day;
So Joshua burned Ai and made it a heap forever, even a desolation, to this day.
And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it a heap for ever, even a desolation to this day.
And he burned the city, and made it a heap for ever:
Joshua and his soldiers burned Ai city and caused it to become a pile of ruins. It is still like that today.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 8:28
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 8:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׂרֹ֥ף
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
אֶת
הָ/עָ֑י
וַ/יְשִׂימֶ֤/הָ
תֵּל
עוֹלָם֙
שְׁמָמָ֔ה
עַ֖ד
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
הַ/זֶּֽה
וַ/יִּשְׂרֹ֥ף
sâraph
H8313
to burn
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עָ֑י
ʻAy
H5857
Ai
Art | N-proper
וַ/יְשִׂימֶ֤/הָ
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
תֵּל
têl
H8510
mound
N-ms
עוֹלָם֙
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
שְׁמָמָ֔ה
shᵉmâmâh
H8077
Desolate
N-fs
עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 8:28
וַ/יִּשְׂרֹ֥ף
sâraph
H8313
"to burn"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
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.
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.
הָ/עָ֑י
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.
וַ/יְשִׂימֶ֤/הָ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
תֵּל
têl
H8510
"mound"
N-ms
A tel is a mound or heap of ruins, often the remains of an old city. It can also refer to a hill or elevated area where a city was built.
Definition: 1) mound, heap, heap of ruins 1a) mound (of ruin-heap of city) 1b) mound, hill (of elevation on which city stood)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: heap, [idiom] strength. See also: Deuteronomy 13:17; Joshua 11:13; Jeremiah 30:18.
עוֹלָם֙
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
שְׁמָמָ֔ה
shᵉmâmâh
H8077
"Desolate"
N-fs
This word refers to the state of being devastated or wasted, often used to describe the results of war or God's judgment. In Ezekiel 33:28, it describes the desolation of Israel. It's about a place being left empty and destroyed.
Definition: devastation, waste, desolation Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: (laid, [idiom] most) desolate(-ion), waste. See also: Exodus 23:29; Ezekiel 14:16; Isaiah 1:7.
עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/זֶּֽה
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.
Study Notes — Joshua 8:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 8:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 8:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 8:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 8:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 8:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 8:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 8:28
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 8:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 8:28
- Sermons on Joshua 8:28
Context — The Conquest of Ai
26Joshua did not draw back the hand that held his battle lance until he had devoted to destruction all who lived in Ai.
27Israel took for themselves only the cattle and plunder of that city, as the LORD had commanded Joshua.
28So Joshua burned Ai and made it a permanent heap of ruins, a desolation to this day.
29He hung the king of Ai on a tree until evening, and at sunset Joshua commanded that they take down the body from the tree and throw it down at the entrance of the city gate. And over it they raised a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. 30At that time Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal to the LORD, the God of Israel,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 13:16 | And you are to gather all its plunder in the middle of the public square, and completely burn the city and all its plunder as a whole burnt offering to the LORD your God. The city must remain a mound of ruins forever, never to be rebuilt. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 49:2 | Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will sound the battle cry against Rabbah of the Ammonites. It will become a heap of ruins, and its villages will be burned. Then Israel will drive out their dispossessors, says the LORD. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 19:25 | Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; in days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble. |
| 4 | Isaiah 17:1 | This is the burden against Damascus: “Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins. |
| 5 | Joshua 4:9 | Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, in the place where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant stood. And the stones are there to this day. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 50:26 | Come against her from the farthest border. Break open her granaries; pile her up like mounds of grain. Devote her to destruction; leave her no survivors. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 9:11 | “And I will make Jerusalem a heap of rubble, a haunt for jackals; and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant.” |
| 8 | Isaiah 25:2 | Indeed, You have made the city a heap of rubble, the fortified town a ruin. The fortress of strangers is a city no more; it will never be rebuilt. |
| 9 | Micah 3:12 | Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, and the temple mount a wooded ridge. |
Joshua 8:28 Summary
This verse shows us that Joshua followed God's instructions to destroy the city of Ai, burning it to the ground and leaving it in ruins. This act was a sign of God's judgment on the wicked city, but also a reminder of His mercy towards the Israelites, who were spared and blessed (as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-8). Just like Joshua, we are called to trust and obey God's commands, even when they seem difficult or harsh, knowing that He is sovereign and just (Proverbs 3:5-6). By trusting in God's goodness and wisdom, we can demonstrate our faith and obedience, just like Joshua did in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joshua burn the city of Ai and make it a permanent heap of ruins?
Joshua burned the city of Ai as an act of obedience to the Lord, who had commanded him to devote the city to destruction, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:16-18, and also as a symbol of God's judgment on the wicked, as mentioned in Leviticus 27:28-29 and Joshua 8:26
What does it mean for Ai to be 'a desolation to this day'?
The phrase 'a desolation to this day' indicates that the city of Ai was left in a state of ruins and abandonment, serving as a reminder of God's judgment and power, much like the examples of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24-25 and the prophecy in Isaiah 13:19-22
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's judgment and mercy?
This verse demonstrates God's judgment on the wicked city of Ai, while also highlighting His mercy towards the Israelites, who were spared and blessed, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-8 and Romans 11:22
What can we learn from Joshua's actions in this verse?
We can learn about the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they seem difficult or harsh, as Joshua's actions demonstrate his trust and faith in the Lord, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Hebrews 11:6
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond to God's instructions in my life, even when they are difficult to understand or obey?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's sovereignty and judgment, rather than my own understanding?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my faith and obedience to God, like Joshua did in this verse?
- How can I balance the concepts of God's judgment and mercy in my own life and relationships, as seen in Psalm 103:8-14 and Matthew 5:7
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 8:28
And Joshua burnt Ai,.... The whole city, fire being only set before to a few houses, to make a smoke as a signal; he did with it as he had done with Jericho, for so he was ordered, Joshua 8:2; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 8:28
And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, even a desolation unto this day. Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever , [ teel (H8510), heap of ruins]. "For ever" often signifies a long time (Genesis 6:3).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 8:28
For ever, or, for a long time, as that word oft signifies, as ; for that it was after some ages rebuilt, may seem from , unless that were another city built near the former, there being some little difference in the name also.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 8:28
Joshua 8:28 And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, [even] a desolation unto this day.Ver. 28. And Joshua burnt Ai.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 8:28
(28) An heap for ever.—Heb., Tel-ôlam; modern name, Et-tel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 8:28
Verse 28. Unto this day.] This last clause was probably added by a later hand.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 8:28
28. a heap] “an everlasting toumbe,” Wyclif. Heb. a “Tel,” always with the article, The Tel, or Heap. “For a long time modern explorers in vain sought for the site of Ai, where they knew it must have stood. “The inhabitants of the neighbouring villages,” writes Canon Williams, “declared repeatedly and emphatically that this was Tel and nothing else. I was satisfied that it should be so when, on subsequent reference to the original text of Jos 8:28, I found it written that ‘Joshua burnt Ai, and made it a Tel for ever, even a desolation unto this day.’ There are many Tels in modern Palestine, that land of Tels, even Tel with some other name attached to it to mark the former site. But the site of Ai has no other name ‘unto this day.’ It is simply et-Tel = the Heap, ‘par excellence’.”
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 8:28
28. A heap for ever — [The word translated heap is úì, Tel, and strikingly confirms Capt. Wilson’s identification of the site of Ai with the mound still bearing, after the lapse of ages, the name Et-Tel, the ruined heap.
Sermons on Joshua 8:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 17:1 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He emphasizes the need for young adults to abstain from the immorali |
|
On Eagles' Wings Pt 505 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering God's wonderful works through memorials. He uses the example of the rainbow as a memorial of God's covenant wi |