Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you:

JOSHUA 23:12KJV
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Joshua 23:12 (KJV)

What does Joshua 23:12 mean?

Joshua 23:12 warns the Israelites that if they turn away from their commitment to God and instead form close ties—including marriages—with the remaining people of the surrounding nations, they will be going against what God has commanded. The verse highlights the danger of becoming entangled with those who do not share their faith and values.

In this passage, Joshua is speaking to the leaders of Israel near the end of his life, urging them to remain faithful to God after entering the Promised Land. He cautions them about the influence of the remaining local nations, specifically warning against forming alliances or intermarrying, which could lead them away from their covenant with God.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 23:12

  • "Cleave" (דָּבַק, dāvaq): This word means to cling or stick closely, suggesting a deep attachment or loyalty. Joshua is not just warning against casual contact, but against forming strong, binding relationships that could shift the Israelites’ loyalties.
  • "Remnant" (יֶתֶר, yether): This refers to those people from other nations who still live among the Israelites. The focus is on those who remain after Israel’s initial conquests, showing that the threat is ongoing, not just from outsiders but from those still present within their borders.
  • "Nations" (גּוֹיִם, goyim): This is a general term for peoples or ethnic groups other than Israel. The emphasis is on cultural and religious differences that could influence Israel.
  • "Marriages" (חָתַן, chāthan): This word is about entering into marriage alliances. The concern is that such unions would lead to adopting foreign customs and beliefs, undermining Israel’s distinct identity.

Why Joshua 23:12 matters

  • Joshua 23:12 clarifies that the main concern is not just military or political alliances, but the deep personal and cultural bonds—especially marriage—that could lead Israel away from their faith.
  • This verse highlights the ongoing risk even after initial victories, reminding readers that spiritual compromise often comes through everyday relationships, not just dramatic events.
  • Understanding this warning helps explain the strict boundaries set for Israel in the surrounding chapters, showing the leaders’ responsibility to protect the community’s faithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“marriages” Hebrew H2859 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 34:9 And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.
  • Exodus 18:14 And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
  • Judges 19:4 And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.

“cleave” Hebrew H1692 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
  • Judges 20:45 And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.
  • Job 31:7 If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;

“remnant” Hebrew H3499 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
  • 1 Kings 22:45 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he shewed, and how he warred, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
  • 2 Chronicles 28:26 Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

“remain” Hebrew H7604 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
  • Joshua 13:1 Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.
  • Nehemiah 1:2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.