Joshua 2:14 kjv

And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.

Joshua 2:14 nkjv

So the men answered her, "Our lives for yours, if none of you tell this business of ours. And it shall be, when the LORD has given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you."

Joshua 2:14 niv

"Our lives for your lives!" the men assured her. "If you don't tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the LORD gives us the land."

Joshua 2:14 esv

And the men said to her, "Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the LORD gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you."

Joshua 2:14 nlt

"We offer our own lives as a guarantee for your safety," the men agreed. "If you don't betray us, we will keep our promise and be kind to you when the LORD gives us the land."

Joshua 2 verses

Joshua 2 14 Meaning

This verse records the solemn pledge made by the two Israelite spies to Rahab. In return for her protection and secrecy regarding their mission, they vow their own lives for hers and promise that when the LORD grants them the land of Canaan, they will extend loyal kindness and truthfulness (hesed v'emet) to her and her household, ensuring their safety and well-being amidst the conquest of Jericho.

Joshua 2 14 Context

This verse is positioned critically within Joshua chapter 2, which details the covert mission of two Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout Jericho. Their presence is discovered, and they are harbored by Rahab, a harlot residing in the city wall. Rahab, demonstrating a remarkable act of faith in YHWH, the God of Israel (verses 9-11), protects the spies at personal risk and bargains for the salvation of her family. Verse 14 is the spies' binding reply to Rahab's plea, establishing the crucial conditions for her and her family's deliverance during the impending Israelite conquest of Jericho. It forms the covenantal basis for Rahab's salvation, contrasting starkly with the imminent destruction awaiting the rest of Jericho. Historically, Jericho was the first strategic stronghold in Canaan to be taken by Israel, representing the gateway to the promised land. The events thus underscore the impending divine judgment on Canaanite inhabitants while simultaneously showcasing divine grace toward an unexpected convert.

Joshua 2 14 Word analysis

• "And the men said unto her,": Identifies the speakers, the two Israelite spies, and frames their following words as a direct and solemn response to Rahab's plea. This sets up a reciprocal agreement.
• "Our life for yours," (nafshēnu takhtêkem lamut - literally, "our soul/life under you to die"): This is a strong and sacrificial oath, essentially a self-imprecation. The spies are swearing on their own lives that Rahab and her family will be safe. It indicates a willingness to bear the penalty of death if they fail to uphold their end of the bargain, though the primary sense is to pledge full protection for her safety even if it meant risking their own. It signifies a profound and personal commitment.
• "if ye utter not this our business.": The primary condition for the spies' oath. "Utter" (taggidu) means to tell, reveal, or report. "Business" (ha-davar) refers to the entire clandestine mission, their presence, and their objectives. Rahab's complete discretion and absolute secrecy are paramount for their survival and the success of their reconnaissance mission. Breaching this condition would void the oath and lead to immediate peril for all involved.
• "And it shall be," (vehaya): A common Hebrew literary marker, often signifying a certain future event that follows from a preceding condition or divine decree. Here, it transitions from the condition of Rahab's secrecy to the spies' guaranteed future action.
• "when the LORD hath given us the land,": A critical theological affirmation. The spies acknowledge that the conquest of Canaan is not merely by Israelite military might, but a divine bestowal (tet - "giving"). YHWH (the covenant name of God) is the active agent in fulfilling His promise to Israel. This recognition grounds their oath in divine certainty, strengthening their word.
• "that we will deal kindly" (‘asinu ‘immach chesed - "we will do with you hesed"): Chesed (חֶסֶד) is a profound Hebrew theological term. It denotes loyal, covenantal love; steadfast affection; enduring kindness; mercy; and faithfulness. It signifies a loyal attachment within a relationship, a deep and enduring commitment that goes beyond mere politeness or temporary goodwill. In this context, it promises an unwavering, benevolent loyalty towards Rahab and her family.
• "and truly" (ve’emet - "and truth"): Emet (אֱמֶת) means truth, firmness, fidelity, reliability, and integrity. Paired with chesed, it forms a compound expression (chesed v'emet) indicating comprehensive loyalty, trustworthiness, and unwavering adherence to promises made. This pairing assures Rahab that the spies' promise is utterly dependable and will be executed with integrity, reflecting the character often ascribed to God Himself.

Joshua 2 14 Bonus section

• Substitutional Principle: The phrase "our life for yours" can be seen as an early foreshadowing of the broader biblical theme of substitution, where one's life is offered or given for another's deliverance.
• Sign of the Covenant: This verbal oath led directly to the request for and provision of the scarlet cord (Josh 2:18), which serves as the physical, visual sign of this binding agreement, much like blood on the doorposts in Exodus provided a sign for deliverance during the Passover.
• God's Sovereignty and Human Agency: The verse perfectly balances God's active role in "giving" the land with the human agents' responsibility to honor their word and show grace to those who respond in faith. The spies acknowledge that the land's possession is a divine act, not solely a human military endeavor.
• Ethical Complexity: While Rahab's deceptive actions benefited the spies, the verse's emphasis is not on the morality of her lie but on the spies' reciprocal oath and God's plan working through imperfect individuals and complex circumstances to bring about salvation. The Bible sometimes records actions without explicitly endorsing their moral validity, focusing instead on their consequence within God's larger narrative of redemption.
• Theological Inclusion: Rahab, a Gentile and a harlot, through faith, becomes not just a survivor but an integrated part of the covenant community, demonstrating God's grace for outsiders and His intention to bless "all the families of the earth" (Gen 12:3). This inclusiveness is later confirmed by her inclusion in the lineage of David and, ultimately, the Messiah, Jesus.

Joshua 2 14 Commentary

Joshua 2:14 articulates the conditional covenant made between the Israelite spies and Rahab, reflecting the intersecting themes of divine judgment, human faith, and the inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan. The spies' "life for yours" pledge signifies a profound commitment, paralleling God's own unwavering faithfulness. Their promise to show chesed v'emet underscores the enduring and reliable nature of their covenantal pledge, mirroring God's character frequently depicted by this phrase. This oath, contingent on Rahab's unwavering secrecy, extends salvation beyond the chosen nation to an outsider, based on her radical act of faith in YHWH. Her act serves as a foundational example that salvation is offered not on ethnic lines or moral perfection, but through faith that is demonstrated by actions of allegiance to God and His people, enabling her family's miraculous deliverance during Jericho's downfall.