Old Testament
Joshua 9:24
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They answered Joshua, saying, "We did this because we were clearly told that the LORD your God commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land and to destroy all the inhabitants before you. We were very afraid for our lives because of you, so we acted as we did."
Compare translations
And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing.
What Joshua 9:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Gibeonites explain to Joshua why they deceived the Israelites into believing they were from a distant land. They reveal that they were aware of God's command to Moses to conquer the land and destroy its inhabitants. This knowledge instilled great fear in them, prompting their actions to save their lives. The Gibeonites' fear of the Israelites' power and their understanding of God's intentions led them to resort to trickery, highlighting the lengths people will go to for self-preservation. Their response illustrates the impact of God's commands on surrounding nations and the fear they instilled. This moment also sets the stage for the Gibeonites' future relationship with Israel, as they sought to align themselves with the Israelites rather than face destruction. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of fear and the importance of honesty in relationships.
How to apply Joshua 9:24 to your life
This verse teaches us about the importance of honesty and integrity in our actions. While fear can drive us to make questionable choices, we should strive to trust in God's plan and act with transparency. Building relationships based on truth fosters trust and respect.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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 Joshua's story: The Gibeonites' Trick (Joshua 9:1–27)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
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 9:24
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 9:24
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 9:24 mean?
Joshua 9:24 explains why the Gibeonites deceived the Israelites. They were aware of God's command to conquer the land and destroy its inhabitants, which made them fearful for their lives, leading them to trick Joshua into believing they were from a distant land.
What is the significance of fear in Joshua 9:24?
In Joshua 9:24, fear drives the Gibeonites to deceive the Israelites. Their fear of the Israelites' power and God's commands illustrates how fear can influence decisions and actions, often leading to desperate measures for self-preservation.
What does the Gibeonites' response reveal in Joshua 9:24?
The Gibeonites' response in Joshua 9:24 reveals their awareness of God's commands and their fear of the Israelites. It highlights the lengths they would go to survive and the impact of God's intentions on surrounding nations.
How does Joshua 9:24 relate to honesty?
Joshua 9:24 serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deception. The Gibeonites' choice to lie out of fear emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in relationships, as trust is essential for meaningful connections.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.