Old Testament
Joshua 2:20
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But if you reveal our mission, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.
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And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
What Joshua 2:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the spies sent by Joshua to scout the land of Jericho are speaking to Rahab, a woman who has hidden them from the authorities. They are making it clear that if she discloses their mission to anyone, they will no longer be bound by the promise they made to protect her and her family. This highlights the importance of trust and confidentiality in their agreement. The spies are emphasizing that their safety and the safety of Rahab's family are contingent upon her discretion. This moment underscores the tension between loyalty and survival, as well as the consequences of breaking trust. The spies are relying on Rahab's commitment to keep their secret, which is crucial for the success of their mission and for her own protection. It also reflects the broader theme of faith and obedience, as Rahab's actions will ultimately lead to her and her family's salvation when the Israelites conquer Jericho.
How to apply Joshua 2:20 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of keeping our promises and maintaining trust in our relationships. Just as the spies relied on Rahab's discretion, we should be mindful of the commitments we make to others. Upholding confidentiality can strengthen bonds and ensure mutual respect in our interactions.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: Two Spies and Rahab (Joshua 2:1–24)
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Joshua
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Joshua 2:20
Related Bible verses
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 2:20 mean?
Joshua 2:20 means that the spies are telling Rahab that if she reveals their mission, they will no longer be bound by their promise to protect her and her family. This emphasizes the need for trust and confidentiality in their agreement.
What is the significance of trust in Joshua 2:20?
The significance of trust in Joshua 2:20 is highlighted by the spies' reliance on Rahab to keep their mission secret. Their safety and the safety of her family depend on her discretion, illustrating how trust is essential in critical situations.
What does the phrase 'we will be quit of thine oath' mean in Joshua 2:20?
The phrase 'we will be quit of thine oath' means that if Rahab discloses their mission, the spies will no longer feel obligated to uphold their promise to protect her. It underscores the conditional nature of their agreement.
How does Joshua 2:20 relate to the theme of loyalty?
Joshua 2:20 relates to the theme of loyalty by showing how the spies depend on Rahab's loyalty to keep their secret. Her commitment to their agreement is crucial for both her safety and the success of their mission.
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