Old Testament
Joshua 11:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The Israelites took all the plunder and livestock from these cities for themselves, but they killed every person with the sword until no one was left alive. They did not leave anyone breathing.
Compare translations
And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe.
What Joshua 11:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites are depicted as taking complete control over the cities they conquered. They seized all the valuable items and livestock, which indicates the spoils of war were significant. However, the verse also highlights the severity of their military actions, as they killed every person in those cities without sparing anyone. This reflects the harsh realities of ancient warfare and the totality of their victory. The Israelites were following God's command to eliminate the inhabitants of these cities, which was part of their mission to claim the Promised Land. This act raises complex questions about morality in warfare and the nature of divine commands. The complete destruction of the enemy was seen as necessary to prevent future threats to Israel's existence and faithfulness to God. This passage serves as a reminder of the seriousness of obedience to divine instructions, even when they lead to difficult and troubling outcomes.
How to apply Joshua 11:14 to your life
This verse challenges us to consider the implications of obedience to difficult commands in our lives. While we may not face physical battles, we encounter moral and ethical dilemmas that require us to act decisively. Reflecting on our choices can help us align with our values and beliefs, even when the path is challenging.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Joshua 11:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Joshua 11:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 11:14 teach about warfare in the Bible?
Joshua 11:14 illustrates the totality of Israel's military victory over their enemies, emphasizing the harsh realities of ancient warfare. The verse shows that the Israelites took all the plunder and livestock while killing every person in the conquered cities. This reflects the seriousness of their mission to claim the Promised Land as commanded by God, raising complex questions about the morality of such actions in the context of divine commands.
Why did the Israelites kill everyone in the conquered cities?
The Israelites killed everyone in the conquered cities as part of their divine mandate to eliminate the inhabitants who posed a threat to their existence and faithfulness to God. This act was seen as necessary to prevent future conflicts and ensure the purity of their worship. It highlights the extreme measures taken in ancient warfare and the belief that obedience to God's commands was paramount, even when the outcomes were troubling.
How can we apply Joshua 11:14 to modern life?
Joshua 11:14 challenges us to reflect on the implications of obedience to difficult commands in our lives. While we may not face physical battles, we encounter moral and ethical dilemmas that require decisive action. This verse encourages us to align our choices with our values and beliefs, even when faced with challenging situations, reminding us of the importance of integrity and commitment to our principles.
What are the themes present in Joshua 11:14?
The themes present in Joshua 11:14 include Divine Command, Warfare, Obedience, Conquest, Judgment, and Spoils of War. These themes highlight the seriousness of Israel's mission to conquer the Promised Land, the moral complexities of warfare, and the importance of following divine instructions, even when they lead to difficult and troubling outcomes.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.