And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

JOSHUA 2:11KJV
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Joshua 2:11 (KJV)

What does Joshua 2:11 mean?

Joshua 2:11 describes how the people of Jericho lost all courage and hope when they heard about the powerful acts of Israel’s God, recognizing that the LORD is truly God over everything in heaven and on earth. This verse shows the deep fear and respect the people felt, acknowledging the supremacy of Israel’s God.

In this verse, Rahab is speaking to the Israelite spies she is hiding in Jericho. She explains that the news of Israel’s victories has completely demoralized her people, leaving them without any spirit or bravery to resist. Rahab’s words highlight both the fear that has spread through Jericho and her own recognition of the LORD’s unique authority over all creation.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 2:11

  • The word "hearts" (לֵבָב, levav) refers to the inner self or courage of the people, showing that their emotional strength was completely gone.
  • "Melt" (מוּג, mug) means to dissolve or lose resolve, painting a vivid picture of how the people’s confidence disappeared.
  • "Courage" (רוּחַ, ruach) literally means "spirit" or "breath," suggesting that the people’s very will to resist had left them.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) and "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) are both used, emphasizing that Rahab is not just talking about any god, but specifically naming Israel’s God as the true God over all.

Why Joshua 2:11 matters

  • This verse shows that even Israel’s enemies recognized the power and authority of the LORD, which sets the stage for Rahab’s later actions and faith.
  • The language highlights how fear and awe of God can affect entire communities, not just individuals.
  • Rahab’s confession connects to the larger theme of God’s reputation spreading ahead of Israel, preparing the way for their entry into the land.

Where else these words appear

“melt” Hebrew H4549 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 16:21 And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.
  • 1 Samuel 15:9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.
  • Isaiah 10:18 And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standardbearer fainteth.

“above” Hebrew H4605 · used in 134 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.