Old Testament
Joshua 6:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But be sure to keep yourselves from the accursed thing, or you will make yourselves accursed by taking it, and you will make the camp of Israel a curse and trouble it.
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And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.
What Joshua 6:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God warns the Israelites about the dangers of taking items that have been devoted to destruction. The term "accursed thing" refers to objects that are set apart for God's judgment. If any Israelite were to take these items, they would not only bring a curse upon themselves but also affect the entire community negatively. This warning emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. The Israelites were to remain pure and separate from anything that could lead them away from their covenant with God. The verse serves as a reminder that individual actions can have broader implications for the community, highlighting the need for collective responsibility in following God's directives.
How to apply Joshua 6:18 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of avoiding temptation and staying true to our values. Just as the Israelites were warned, we must be mindful of our choices and how they can impact those around us. Staying away from harmful influences helps maintain our integrity and the well-being of our community.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: The Walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:1–27)
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Joshua
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Joshua 6:18
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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 6:18 mean?
Joshua 6:18 warns the Israelites to avoid taking items that are devoted to destruction, known as the 'accursed thing.' Taking these items would bring a curse upon themselves and negatively affect the entire community.
What is the meaning of 'accursed thing' in Joshua 6:18?
The 'accursed thing' refers to objects that have been set apart for God's judgment and destruction. These items are considered dangerous to the Israelites' spiritual purity and their covenant with God.
How does Joshua 6:18 apply to our lives today?
Joshua 6:18 teaches us to avoid temptation and be mindful of our choices, as they can affect those around us. Staying away from harmful influences helps us maintain our integrity and supports the well-being of our community.
What are the consequences mentioned in Joshua 6:18?
The consequences mentioned in Joshua 6:18 include becoming accursed oneself and bringing trouble to the entire camp of Israel. This underscores the serious impact of individual disobedience on the broader community.
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