And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.

JOSHUA 2:21KJV
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Joshua 2:21 (KJV)

What does Joshua 2:21 mean?

Joshua 2:21 describes Rahab agreeing to the spies’ instructions, sending them away safely, and tying a scarlet cord in her window as a sign. This act shows Rahab’s commitment to the agreement that would protect her and her family during the coming attack on Jericho.

Rahab, a resident of Jericho, is speaking to the Israelite spies she has hidden in her house. She promises to do exactly as they have said, lets them leave, and immediately marks her window with the scarlet line as they instructed. This moment marks Rahab’s trust in the spies’ word and her active role in ensuring her family’s safety.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 2:21

  • scarlet (שָׁנִי, shaniy): This word refers to a bright red color. The use of a scarlet cord is a vivid, memorable sign, making it easy for the Israelites to identify Rahab’s house.
  • line (תִּקְוָה, tiqvah): While often translated as “cord” or “line,” this word can also mean “hope” or “expectation” in Hebrew. Here, it is a literal cord, but the double meaning adds depth, as Rahab’s hope for rescue is tied to this very sign.
  • bound (קָשַׁר, qashar): This word means to tie or bind. Rahab’s action is deliberate and careful, showing her immediate obedience and the seriousness with which she takes the agreement.

Why Joshua 2:21 matters

  • Joshua 2:21 clarifies that Rahab did not delay or hesitate—she acted right away, showing her faith in the spies’ promise and her desire to protect her family.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of the scarlet cord as both a practical sign for the Israelites and a symbol of Rahab’s hope and trust.
  • This moment connects Rahab’s personal story to the larger narrative of Israel’s conquest, highlighting her unique role in the unfolding events.

Where else these words appear

“window” Hebrew H2474 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 8:6 And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:
  • 2 Kings 9:30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.
  • Ezekiel 40:22 And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east; and they went up unto it by seven steps; and the arches thereof were before them.

“line” Hebrew H8615 · used in 33 verses

  • Joshua 2:18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.
  • Job 14:19 The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow out of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man.
  • Proverbs 23:18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

“scarlet” Hebrew H8144 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 38:28 And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first.
  • Exodus 35:23 And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them.
  • Exodus 39:29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“bound” Hebrew H7194 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 30:41 And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.
  • 1 Kings 16:20 Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and his treason that he wrought, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
  • 2 Chronicles 25:27 Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.