Joshua 2:17 (KJV)

What does Joshua 2:17 mean?

Joshua 2:17 means that the men who were sent by Joshua told Rahab they would not be held responsible for the promise she made them swear to, under certain conditions. They are making it clear that their oath to protect her will only stand if she follows their instructions.

In this verse, the two Israelite spies are speaking directly to Rahab, the woman who hid them in Jericho. They are responding to her request for protection for her and her family when the Israelites attack the city. The men are clarifying that their oath (promise) is conditional, setting up the terms that will be explained in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 2:17

• "blameless" (נָקִי, naqiy): This word means to be free from guilt or obligation. Here, it shows the spies are making sure Rahab understands they will not be at fault if she does not keep her part of the agreement.
• "oath" (שְׁבוּעָה, shevuah): This word means a solemn promise or vow. The use of this word emphasizes the seriousness of the agreement between Rahab and the spies.
• "swear" (שָׁבַע, shava): This verb means to take an oath or make a sworn promise. It highlights that Rahab required the men to bind themselves by a strong commitment, not just a casual promise.

Why Joshua 2:17 matters

• This verse clarifies that the promise of protection is not unconditional; Rahab must follow specific instructions for the oath to be valid, which prevents misunderstanding about the nature of their agreement.
• The emphasis on the oath and being "blameless" shows the seriousness with which promises and responsibilities were treated in ancient Israelite culture.
• This sets up the next part of the story, where the conditions for Rahab’s safety are spelled out, helping the reader understand the unfolding relationship between Rahab and the Israelite spies.