Joshua 9:21
Joshua 9:21 in Multiple Translations
They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation.” So the leaders kept their promise.
And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.
And the princes said unto them, Let them live: so they became hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation, as the princes had spoken unto them.
Keep them living, and let them be servants, cutting wood and getting water for all the people. And all the people did as the chiefs had said to them.
The leaders concluded, “Let them live.” So the Gibeonites became woodcutters and water-carriers in service to the entire assembly, as the Israelite leaders had ordered.
And the Princes sayd vnto them againe, Let them liue, but they shall hewe wood, and drawe water vnto all the Congregation, as the Princes appoint them.
And the princes say unto them, 'They live, and are hewers of wood and drawers of water for all the company, as the princes spake to them.'
The princes said to them, “Let them live.” So they became wood cutters and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to them.
And the princes said to them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood, and drawers of water to all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.
But so let them live, as to serve the whole multitude in hewing wood, and bringing in water. As they were speaking these things,
So we must allow them to live. But they will cut wood for us, and they will carry water for us.” So the Israeli leaders did what they had promised.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 9:21
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 9:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֧וּ
אֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
הַ/נְּשִׂיאִ֖ים
יִֽחְי֑וּ
וַ֠/יִּֽהְיוּ
חֹטְבֵ֨י
עֵצִ֤ים
וְ/שֹֽׁאֲבֵי
מַ֨יִם֙
לְ/כָל
הָ֣/עֵדָ֔ה
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
דִּבְּר֥וּ
לָ/הֶ֖ם
הַ/נְּשִׂיאִֽים
וַ/יֹּאמְר֧וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
הַ/נְּשִׂיאִ֖ים
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
Art | N-mp
יִֽחְי֑וּ
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וַ֠/יִּֽהְיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
חֹטְבֵ֨י
châṭab
H2404
to chop
V-Qal
עֵצִ֤ים
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-mp
וְ/שֹֽׁאֲבֵי
shâʼab
H7579
to draw
Conj | V-Qal
מַ֨יִם֙
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הָ֣/עֵדָ֔ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
Art | N-fs
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
דִּבְּר֥וּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
הַ/נְּשִׂיאִֽים
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
Art | N-mp
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 9:21
וַ/יֹּאמְר֧וּ
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.
אֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
הַ/נְּשִׂיאִ֖ים
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.
יִֽחְי֑וּ
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
וַ֠/יִּֽהְיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
חֹטְבֵ֨י
châṭab
H2404
"to chop"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to chop or carve wood, like a carpenter shaping a tree. It appears in the Bible as cutting down trees or polishing wood. In the book of Isaiah, it describes preparing wood for a fire.
Definition: 1) to cut, gather 1a) (Qal) to cut, gather (wood) 1b) (Pual) to cut, carve
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: cut down, hew(-er), polish. See also: Deuteronomy 19:5; Joshua 9:27; Psalms 144:12.
עֵצִ֤ים
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
N-mp
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
וְ/שֹֽׁאֲבֵי
shâʼab
H7579
"to draw"
Conj | V-Qal
To draw water from a well is what this Hebrew word means, and it is often used to describe the daily task of women in the Bible. In the book of Genesis, it describes the women of the town gathering at the well to draw water and socialize.
Definition: 1) to draw (water) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw (water) 1a2) water-drawing women (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (woman to) draw(-er, water). See also: Genesis 24:11; Joshua 9:23; Isaiah 12:3.
מַ֨יִם֙
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | 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.
דִּבְּר֥וּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/נְּשִׂיאִֽים
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.
Study Notes — Joshua 9:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 9:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 9:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 9:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 9:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 9:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 9:21
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 9:21
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 9:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 9:21
- Sermons on Joshua 9:21
Context — The Deceit of the Gibeonites
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.
22Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you deceive us by telling us you live far away from us, when in fact you live among us? 23Now therefore you are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 29:11 | your children and wives, and the foreigners in your camps who cut your wood and draw your water— |
| 2 | Joshua 9:27 | On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD and for the altar at the place He would choose. |
| 3 | Joshua 9:23 | Now therefore you are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.” |
| 4 | Joshua 9:15 | And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 2:17–18 | Solomon numbered all the foreign men in the land of Israel following the census his father David had conducted, and there were found to be 153,600 in all. Solomon made 70,000 of them porters, 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, and 3,600 supervisors. |
Joshua 9:21 Summary
This verse shows that the leaders of Israel decided to let the Gibeonites live, but they would have to serve the Israelites as woodcutters and water carriers. This was a way of showing mercy to the Gibeonites, while also making sure they didn't forget their deception (as seen in Joshua 9:22-23). The leaders kept their promise to the Gibeonites, even when it was hard, because they had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel (Joshua 9:19). This reminds us that keeping our promises is important, even when it's difficult, and that God is a God of mercy and justice (Micah 6:8).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the leaders decide to let the Gibeonites live, despite their deception?
The leaders decided to let the Gibeonites live because they had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel, as stated in Joshua 9:19, and they feared God's wrath if they broke their promise, as seen in Joshua 9:20.
What tasks were assigned to the Gibeonites as a result of their deception?
The Gibeonites were assigned to be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation, as stated in Joshua 9:21, a role they would fulfill perpetually, as stated in Joshua 9:23.
Did the leaders' decision to spare the Gibeonites' lives set a precedent for future interactions with other nations?
The leaders' decision to spare the Gibeonites' lives, as seen in Joshua 9:21, demonstrates the importance of keeping promises, even to those who have deceived us, and is consistent with God's character, as seen in Psalm 15:4, which says that a righteous person keeps their promises even when it hurts.
How does this verse relate to the concept of mercy and justice in the Bible?
This verse shows that mercy and justice can coexist, as the leaders showed mercy to the Gibeonites by sparing their lives, but also administered justice by assigning them a role that would remind them of their deception, as seen in Joshua 9:22-23, and is consistent with God's character, as seen in Micah 6:8, which says that God requires us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from the leaders' decision to keep their promise to the Gibeonites, even when it was difficult?
- How can I balance mercy and justice in my own life, as seen in this verse?
- What role does deception play in this verse, and how can I avoid deceiving others in my own life?
- How can I trust God to work out situations, even when they seem uncertain or difficult, like the situation with the Gibeonites?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 9:21
And the princes said to them, let them live,.... They were very pressing upon them, and importunate with them, to save their lives, because of the oath they had taken: (but let them be hewers of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 9:21
And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 9:21
i.e. Let them be public servants, and employed in the meanest offices and drudgeries, for the use and benefit of the congregation; to do this partly for the sacrifices and services of the house of God, as it is expressed, , which otherwise the Israelites themselves must have done, partly for the service of the camp or body of the people, and sometimes upon occasion even to particular Israelites; whence they are made bondmen, which is mentioned as a filing distinct from their service in the house of God, . And so they are in effect stripped of all their possessions, whereby the main ground of the people’ s quarrel was taken away. As the princes had promised them; or, because or seeing that (as the Hebrew word sometimes signifies) the princes (i.e. we ourselves; they speak of themselves in the third person, which is very frequent in the Hebrew language) had promised it to them, to wit, that they should live, and confirmed their promise by an oath. So the princes speaking here to the people allege the promise or oath of the princes when they met among themselves, and apart from the people. And this change of persons may possibly arise from hence, because some of the princes who were present in the assembly of the princes might now be absent upon some occasion. And this clause relates not to the next words, which are fitly enclosed within a parenthesis, but to the foregoing clause, let them live, because the princes have promised them their lives.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 9:21
Joshua 9:21 And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.Ver. 21. But let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water.] Lignatores et lixae: so they are freed from a natural death, because of the princes’ oath, but condemned to a civil death (slavery) by the princes’ sentence. Unto all the congregation.] That they, in the meantime, as a royal nation might be privileged and exempted from such servile drudgery. A great mercy to the one, and, as it proved, no less to the other. See Ezra 2:43, These Gibeonites were afterwards called Nethinims, that is, Dedititii, or rather Deodati, men given to God, and to the public service of the sanctuary and people.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 9:21
Verse 21. Hewers of wood and drawers of water] Perhaps this is a sort of proverbial expression, signifying the lowest state of servitude, though it may also be understood literally. See below.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 9:21
21. hewers of wood and drawers of water] “trees thei kutten and watris thei beren,” Wyclif. They were devoted to the sanctuary, called at a later period Nethinims = Deo dati, donati, and were bound to discharge menial duties which usually devolved upon the lowest classes. Comp. Deuteronomy 29:10-11, “Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, with all the men of Israel, your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that is in thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water” Compare also 1 Chronicles 9:2; Ezra 2:43; Ezra 2:70; Nehemiah 7:46; Nehemiah 7:60.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 9:21
Render “they shall be hewers of wood and drawers of water:” menial duties belonging to the lowest classes only (compare the marginal reference).
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 9:21
21. Hewers of wood and drawers of water — We will keep our oath to the letter: they shall live, but live as slaves.
Sermons on Joshua 9:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Studies in Joshua 03 - Conquering the Land by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the preparation and conquest of Joshua as he leads the Israelites into the land of Canaan. The sermon begins by discussing Joshua's encounte |
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Joshua - Gibeon: Spiritual Warfare by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the children of Israel being deceived by the Gibeonites. The enemy sometimes tries to hinder our relationship with Christ by bui |