Joshua 9:19
Joshua 9:19 in Multiple Translations
All the leaders answered, “We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them.
But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.
But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by Jehovah, the God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.
But all the chiefs said to the people, We have taken an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel, and so we may not put our hands on them.
But the leaders replied to the people, “We swore to them by the Lord, the God of Israel, so we cannot lay a hand on them now.
Then all the Princes said vnto all the Congregation, We haue sworne vnto them by the Lord God of Israel: nowe therefore we may not touch them.
And all the princes say unto all the company, 'We — we have sworn to them by Jehovah, God of Israel; and now, we are not able to come against them;
But all the princes said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. Now therefore we may not touch them.
But all the princes said to all the congregation, We have sworn to them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.
And they answered them: We have sworn to them in the name of the Lord the God of Israel, and therefore we may not touch them.
But the leaders answered, “We promised to live peacefully with them, and Yahweh, the God whom we Israelis worship, heard us promise to do that. So now we cannot attack [EUP] them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 9:19
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 9:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ
כָל
הַ/נְּשִׂיאִים֙
אֶל
כָּל
הָ֣/עֵדָ֔ה
אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙
נִשְׁבַּ֣עְנוּ
לָ/הֶ֔ם
בַּֽ/יהוָ֖ה
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
לֹ֥א
נוּכַ֖ל
לִ/נְגֹּ֥עַ
בָּ/הֶֽם
וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כָל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/נְּשִׂיאִים֙
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
Art | N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ֣/עֵדָ֔ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
Art | N-fs
אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
נִשְׁבַּ֣עְנוּ
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
V-Niphal-Perf-1cp
לָ/הֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
בַּֽ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נוּכַ֖ל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
לִ/נְגֹּ֥עַ
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בָּ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
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 9:19
וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
כָל
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.
הַ/נְּשִׂיאִים֙
nâsîyʼ
H5387
"leader"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.
Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
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.
הָ֣/עֵדָ֔ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.
אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙
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.
נִשְׁבַּ֣עְנוּ
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
V-Niphal-Perf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
לָ/הֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
בַּֽ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | 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.
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
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.
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נוּכַ֖ל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לִ/נְגֹּ֥עַ
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
בָּ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Joshua 9:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 9:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 9:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 9:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 9:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 9:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 9:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 9:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 9:19
- Sermons on Joshua 9:19
Context — The Deceit of the Gibeonites
17So the Israelites set out and on the third day arrived at their cities—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim.
18But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. And the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders.
19All the leaders answered, “We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them.
20This is how we will treat them: We will let them live, so that no wrath will fall on us because of the oath we swore to them.” 21They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation.” So the leaders kept their promise.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 8:2 | Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. |
| 2 | Joshua 9:20 | This is how we will treat them: We will let them live, so that no wrath will fall on us because of the oath we swore to them.” |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 9:2 | It is the same for all: There is a common fate for the righteous and the wicked, for the good and the bad, for the clean and the unclean, for the one who sacrifices and the one who does not. As it is for the good, so it is for the sinner; as it is for the one who makes a vow, so it is for the one who refuses to take a vow. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 4:2 | and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.” |
Joshua 9:19 Summary
[This verse shows that the leaders of the Israelites felt bound by their oath to the Gibeonites because they had sworn it by the LORD, the God of Israel. They chose to honor their oath, even though it was made under false pretenses, demonstrating a commitment to honesty and faithfulness (as seen in Psalm 15:4). By keeping their oath, the Israelites avoided God's wrath and showed mercy to the Gibeonites. This teaches us the importance of integrity and keeping our word, even when it's difficult, and reminds us that God expects faithfulness to our commitments, as discussed in Deuteronomy 23:21-23.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the leaders of the Israelites feel bound by their oath to the Gibeonites?
The leaders felt bound by their oath because they had sworn it by the LORD, the God of Israel, as stated in Joshua 9:19. This is similar to the concept of oaths and vows discussed in Deuteronomy 23:21-23 and Numbers 30:2, where God takes oaths and vows very seriously.
What would have happened if the Israelites had broken their oath to the Gibeonites?
If the Israelites had broken their oath, they would have faced God's wrath, as mentioned in Joshua 9:20. This is consistent with the biblical principle that God expects faithfulness to one's commitments, as seen in Psalm 15:4.
How does this verse relate to the concept of integrity and keeping one's word?
This verse highlights the importance of integrity and keeping one's word, even when it's difficult. The leaders of the Israelites chose to honor their oath, even though it was made under false pretenses, demonstrating a commitment to honesty and faithfulness, as encouraged in Proverbs 12:22.
What can we learn from the Israelites' decision to let the Gibeonites live?
We can learn that sometimes, keeping our commitments and showing mercy can be a powerful witness to others, as seen in Matthew 5:7, where it is written that the merciful will be shown mercy.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to demonstrate integrity and keep my word, even when it's challenging?
- How can I balance being faithful to my commitments with being wise and discerning in the decisions I make?
- What are some ways that I can show mercy and kindness to others, just as the Israelites showed to the Gibeonites?
- How can I trust God to guide me in making difficult decisions and to provide the wisdom I need to navigate complex situations?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 9:19
But all the princes said to all the congregation,.... That is, all the princes that went to Gibeon addressed all the Israelites that were there: we have sworn unto them by the Lord God of Israel; by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 9:19
But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 9:19
They plead not the lawfulness or the prudence of the action, but only the obligation of an oath; of which, though it was procured by fraud, they perceived the people sufficiently sensible. We may not touch them, i.e. not hurt them, as that word is oft used, as ; or not smite them, as is said, .
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 9:19
Joshua 9:19 But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.Ver. 19. Now therefore we may not touch them.] Unless we will run upon the pikes of God’ s displeasure, as Saul did four hundred years after this.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 9:19
(19) We have sworn unto them . . . therefore we may not touch them.—Although the covenant was obtained from the Israelites by false pretences, yet, being made in the name of Jehovah, it could not be broken; it was His covenant. “He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not,” is commended in Psalms 15:4. We should notice that the law of Jehovah had raised the tone of morality in this particular. There are many Christians who would not hesitate to repudiate an agreement concluded under false pretences.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 9:19
Verse 19. We have sworn unto them] Although the Israelites were deceived in this business, and the covenant was made on a certain supposition which was afterwards proved to have had no foundation in truth, and consequently the whole engagement on the part of the deceived was hereby vitiated and rendered null and void; yet, because the elders had eaten with them, offered a covenant sacrifice, and sworn by Jehovah, they did not consider themselves at liberty to break the terms of the agreement, as far as the lives of the Gibeonites were concerned. That their conduct in this respect was highly pleasing to God is evident from this, that Joshua is nowhere reprehended for making this covenant, and sparing the Gibeonites; and that Saul, who four hundred years after this thought himself and the Israelites loosed from this obligation, and in consequence oppressed and destroyed the Gibeonites, was punished for the breach of this treaty, being considered as the violator of a most solemn oath and covenant engagement. See 2 Samuel 21:2-9, and Ezekiel 17:18-19. All these circumstances laid together, prove that the command to destroy the Canaanites was not so absolute as is generally supposed: and should be understood as rather referring to the destruction of the political existence of the Canaanitish nations, than to the destruction of their lives. See the notes on Deuteronomy 20:10; Deuteronomy 20:17.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 9:19
19. Now therefore we may not touch them — So strong was their respect for their oath that they would hold as valid a contract made on fraudulent representations.
Sermons on Joshua 9:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Prayer for Rulers. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches on the importance of praying for those in authority, emphasizing the need to intercede for rulers and leaders as they face unique challenges and temptations |
|
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 |