Joshua 2:18 kjv

Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.

Joshua 2:18 nkjv

unless, when we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you bring your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father's household to your own home.

Joshua 2:18 niv

unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house.

Joshua 2:18 esv

Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you shall gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father's household.

Joshua 2:18 nlt

When we come into the land, you must leave this scarlet rope hanging from the window through which you let us down. And all your family members ? your father, mother, brothers, and all your relatives ? must be here inside the house.

Joshua 2 verses

Joshua 2 18 Meaning

This verse conveys the precise instructions given by the Israelite spies to Rahab, a harlot from Jericho, concerning the conditions for her and her family's deliverance when the Israelites invade the city. It stipulates two critical requirements for their salvation: first, Rahab must visibly bind a specific "line of scarlet thread" in the window through which she aided their escape; second, she must actively gather her entire extended family—father, mother, brothers, and all her father’s household—within the safety of her house. These actions are the non-negotiable prerequisites for their protection from the imminent destruction of Jericho.

Joshua 2 18 Context

Joshua chapter 2 sets the scene for Israel's entry into the Promised Land, beginning with Joshua dispatching two spies to reconnoiter Jericho. This fortified city stood as the first major obstacle. The spies seek refuge in Rahab’s house, where she hides them from the pursuing Jerichonian authorities, expressing her faith in the Lord, the God of Israel, whom she recognizes as "God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath" (Josh 2:11). In exchange for her protection and in anticipation of Jericho's impending doom under the cherem (devotion to destruction) command, the spies swear an oath to preserve her and her family. Verse 18 outlines the critical instructions that specify how this salvation will be enacted: a clear, identifiable sign (the scarlet cord) and the condition of her family being gathered safely inside her dwelling. This particular narrative highlights God's grace extending beyond Israel, foreshadowing Gentile inclusion, and establishes a precedent for specific acts of obedience required for salvation during times of judgment. Culturally, the emphasis on the "father's household" underscores the importance of the extended family unit in ancient societies, and the house as a collective sanctuary.

Joshua 2 18 Word analysis

• Behold (וְהִנֵּה - v'hinneh): This common Hebrew interjection introduces a crucial declaration or command, acting like "Listen!" or "Indeed!" It underscores the vital importance of the following instructions, signaling to Rahab that these terms are paramount for her safety.
• when we come (בָּאֲנוּ - ba'anu): Meaning "we enter" or "we arrive." This indicates the certain future event of Israel's return and conquest, emphasizing the imminence and inevitability of the judgment on Jericho.
• into the land (אֶל־הָאָרֶץ - el-ha'aretz): Refers specifically to the land of Canaan, the promised inheritance of Israel. It contextualizes the impending arrival as the fulfillment of God's covenant with His people.
• you shall bind (תִּקְשְׁרִי - tiqsh'ri): A direct, imperative verb meaning "to tie" or "to fasten." It places an immediate, active responsibility on Rahab to perform this specific, observable action as a prerequisite for safety.
• this line (אֶת־תִּקְוַת - et-tiqvat): The Hebrew word tiqvah means both "cord" or "line," and significantly, "hope." This profound double meaning imbues the physical object with deep spiritual resonance; it is not just a visible marker but literally the cord of hope for Rahab and her family, secured by her faith and the spies' promise.
• of scarlet (הַשָּׁנִי - hash-shani): Denotes a vivid, crimson red color. In biblical context, scarlet is associated with life (blood), sin (Isa 1:18), ritual purification (Lev 14), and precious materials in the Tabernacle (Exod 26). Its distinct visibility against the city's backdrop, coupled with its symbolic connotations, strongly foreshadows concepts of atonement, redemption, and protection by a distinct sign.
• thread (חוּט - khuṭ): Refers to a thin strand or string, emphasizing the simple, yet profound, nature of the physical sign.
• in the window (בַּחַלּוֹן - ba-ḥallon): This specifies the exact location for the sign. It is the same window (as confirmed by the following phrase) that became the conduit for the spies' escape, thereby linking Rahab's prior act of faith and assistance directly to her promised salvation. This precise placement ensures the sign's visibility and identity.
• through which you let us down (אֲשֶׁר הוֹרַדְתֵּנוּ בָהּ - asher hôradtēnu bah): This phrase clarifies which window is to bear the sign, removing any ambiguity and further solidifying the connection between Rahab’s earlier action and the spies' reciprocal commitment to her.
• and you shall gather (וְאֶת־תַּאַסְפִי - v'et-ta'asfi): An active imperative meaning "and you shall collect" or "assemble." This command emphasizes Rahab's active role in uniting and protecting her extended family members within the designated place of safety. Her obedience is not passive, but a deliberate effort.
• into your house (אֵלַיִךְ הַבָּיְתָה - elayikh habbaytah): Specifies the secure and unified refuge—Rahab's own dwelling. This underscores the principle of corporate salvation for the family unit. Protection is conditional upon being inside the marked household, much like Noah's ark or the houses marked by Passover blood.
• your father and your mother and your brothers and all your father’s household: This comprehensive list defines the scope of Rahab's family unit to be spared. "All your father's household" (kol beit avikh) signifies the full patriarchal clan, which often included all relatives and even servants living under the father's authority. This highlights God's grace extending to the entire familial network united by Rahab's faith and obedience.

Joshua 2 18 Bonus section

The symbolism of the scarlet color in the Bible extends beyond its association with sin; it also heavily appears in purification rites (e.g., for cleansing from leprosy in Lev 14:4,6) and in the elaborate construction of the Tabernacle and its priestly garments (Exod 26:1; 28:5-8). These usages often point to atonement and holiness, providing a richer backdrop to the "scarlet thread" in Rahab's story. It implicitly links Rahab’s unique salvation to broader divine principles of redemption and covenant. Furthermore, the precise instructions given by the spies ensure that their oath is met with the utmost fidelity, setting a strong example for how divine promises operate – contingent on human faith and specific acts of obedience, all within God’s sovereign plan for redemption. Rahab's story powerfully counteracts any ethnocentric bias, emphasizing that God's plan embraces those from outside His chosen nation who demonstrate genuine faith.

Joshua 2 18 Commentary

Joshua 2:18 serves as a pivotal verse, detailing the covenant terms for Rahab's deliverance amidst the sweeping judgment upon Jericho. The "scarlet thread" is far more than a simple marker; its Hebrew root tiqvah connects it intrinsically with "hope," directly tying it to Rahab's declared faith (Josh 2:9-11). This visible, distinct sign functions as an ancient covenant token, akin to the blood on the doorposts during the Passover, serving as God’s prearranged sign for immunity from judgment.

Rahab’s obedience to both facets of the instruction – displaying the scarlet cord and actively gathering her household within her home – transforms her initial act of faith into demonstrative works. This reciprocal dynamic is lauded in the New Testament (Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25). The command to gather her entire father’s household underscores the communal aspect of salvation within ancient society and foreshadows the biblical pattern of household salvation (Acts 16:31).

Theologically, this event is a powerful early illustration of God’s redemptive plan that extends beyond the boundaries of Israel. A Canaanite woman, a harlot no less, becomes an ancestor of the Messiah (Matt 1:5), demonstrating that God's grace knows no ethnic or social barriers. Her rescue represents God's active hand in selecting and preserving those who exercise faith in Him, even when surrounded by the chaos of judgment. The scarlet cord can be seen as a type pointing to the atoning blood of Christ, which grants deliverance and salvation to all who believe and are "covered" by it, securing them within the safe confines of God's eternal household.

• Practical Examples:
  • Visibility of Faith: Just as the scarlet cord was visible, our faith should be evident in our actions, drawing a clear distinction between us and the world.
  • Household Impact: Our commitment to God often brings an opportunity for our families to be drawn into His protection and blessing through our influence and active sharing of the Gospel.
  • Active Obedience: God provides clear means for salvation and protection, but it requires our active and specific obedience to His commands.