Joshua 2:21 kjv

And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.

Joshua 2:21 nkjv

Then she said, "According to your words, so be it." And she sent them away, and they departed. And she bound the scarlet cord in the window.

Joshua 2:21 niv

"Agreed," she replied. "Let it be as you say." So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.

Joshua 2:21 esv

And she said, "According to your words, so be it." Then she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.

Joshua 2:21 nlt

"I accept your terms," she replied. And she sent them on their way, leaving the scarlet rope hanging from the window.

Joshua 2 verses

Joshua 2 21 Meaning

Joshua 2:21 describes Rahab's immediate and unequivocal acceptance of the spies' terms for her household's salvation. It details her two crucial actions: sending the spies away to ensure their safe departure, and immediately binding the scarlet cord in her window. This verse highlights Rahab's demonstrable faith through her rapid and public obedience, securing the sign that would lead to her family's deliverance during the destruction of Jericho.

Joshua 2 21 Context

Joshua chapter 2 details the first strategic reconnaissance mission into the land of Canaan, specifically to Jericho. Joshua sent two spies to gather intelligence. They found refuge in Rahab's house, a resident of Jericho. When discovered by the king, Rahab bravely concealed the spies, demonstrating an understanding and belief in the Lord's power, having heard of the Exodus and the recent victories over the Amorite kings (Josh 2:9-11).

In return for her protection, the spies promised to spare Rahab and her family during the impending Israelite conquest, provided she kept their presence a secret and, critically, hung a scarlet cord in her window as a distinctive sign. This verse marks Rahab's full compliance and proactive faith. Historically, Jericho was a heavily fortified Canaanite city, destined for complete destruction (cherem), making Rahab's decision to defect and align with the God of Israel an act of remarkable courage and profound faith. Her actions are set against a backdrop of imminent divine judgment on a pagan land.

Joshua 2 21 Word analysis

Word-by-word analysis:

• And she said: Implies Rahab's immediate and verbal consent. Her response indicates acceptance and resolve without hesitation or negotiation.
• According unto your words: Heb. כְּדִבְרֵיכֶם (ke'divreichem). This phrase indicates full agreement. Rahab did not try to alter the terms; she accepted them completely as stipulated by the spies. This reflects her commitment to the agreement.
• so be it: Heb. כֵּן־הוּא (ken hu). This phrase is an affirmative statement, a solemn "It is so" or "Let it be done." It seals her verbal promise, signifying her personal commitment to uphold her part of the agreement.
• And she sent them away: A tangible act of assistance, fulfilling the initial part of her agreement. This demonstrated her immediate trust and active cooperation with the spies for their escape and the success of their mission.
• and they departed: Confirms the success of the spies' escape from the city, enabled by Rahab. This highlights her role as a faithful agent.
• and she bound: Heb. וַתִּקְשֹׁר (va'tiqshor). This verb denotes an immediate, decisive, and physical action. It illustrates that her faith was not merely passive belief but resulted in active obedience and a visible demonstration of commitment.
• the scarlet cord: Heb. תִּקְוַת הַשָּׁנִי (tiqvat ha'shani).
  • תִּקְוָה (tiqvah): Can mean both "cord" or "line," and also "hope" or "expectation." This semantic range is profoundly significant here. It's not just a physical rope, but a symbol of her expectation of deliverance. This connection between the physical sign and the spiritual reality of hope for salvation is pivotal.
  • שָׁנִי (shani): Means "scarlet" or "crimson." This color holds immense symbolic weight in the Bible, frequently associated with blood (life, sacrifice, atonement), sin, and royalty. In this context, it often evokes the idea of purification, redemption, and life. Its presence anticipates deliverance by a shed blood, a recurring theme throughout biblical history, particularly in the Passover.
• in the window: This specified location made the sign publicly visible. It served as a clear marker for the Israelite army when they would assault Jericho, allowing them to identify Rahab's house for protection as per the agreement.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "According unto your words, so be it.": This entire phrase conveys Rahab's complete surrender and commitment to the conditions set by the spies. It's an affirmation of her readiness to act precisely as instructed, signifying a covenant acceptance on her part. This spoken affirmation immediately precedes her decisive actions.
• "she bound the scarlet cord in the window.": This phrase captures the immediate, tangible act of obedience and faith. The hanging of the scarlet cord was the physical manifestation of her verbal commitment and the public sign of the covenant. It transforms her private understanding into a visible deed, signifying both her hope and the unique mark of protection for her household against divine judgment. This specific detail echoes future acts of divine deliverance where a visual sign signifies salvation.

Joshua 2 21 Bonus section

• Rahab, a Gentile and a harlot, being a central figure in Israel's entry into the land and her subsequent inclusion in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus (Matt 1:5), powerfully demonstrates God's sovereign grace and His redemptive plan reaching beyond ethnic and social boundaries. Her story is a testament to the inclusive nature of salvation by faith.
• The Hebrew word for "cord" (תִּקְוָה - tiqvah) also meaning "hope" or "expectation," is a profound divine wordplay. It elevates the scarlet cord from a mere physical object to a potent symbol of the hope of salvation anchored in the promise of God, a hope secured through Rahab’s action and God's faithfulness.
• The concept of a visual "sign" for protection finds parallels in other biblical events, most notably the blood on the doorposts during the Passover in Egypt (Ex 12), where a distinct visible marker led to deliverance from divine judgment. This prefigures the blood of Christ as the ultimate sign of redemption for all who believe.

Joshua 2 21 Commentary

Joshua 2:21 showcases the operational aspect of Rahab's faith previously expressed in her declaration (Josh 2:9-11). It moves beyond verbal acknowledgment to immediate, decisive action. Her prompt execution of the spies' instructions—sending them away and immediately hanging the scarlet cord—is the visible proof of her internal belief. The scarlet cord itself is more than just a marker; it is pregnant with symbolism. Its color "scarlet" often points to the concept of blood sacrifice, atonement, and redemption throughout biblical narratives, providing an early foreshadowing of the profound saving work to come through the shedding of blood. Her hanging it in the window was a public declaration of her allegiance to the God of Israel and a physical marker of her family's promised protection amidst an impending judgment. Rahab’s active obedience and implementation of this sign ultimately secured her household's salvation, underscoring that genuine faith is often evidenced by responsive works. Her actions serve as a powerful example that God's mercy extends to those who, like Rahab, respond in faith, regardless of their past or origin.