And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.

JOSHUA 5:1KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 5:1 (KJV)

What does Joshua 5:1 mean?

Joshua 5:1 describes how the kings of the Amorites and Canaanites became terrified when they heard that the LORD had dried up the Jordan River, allowing the Israelites to cross over safely. Their courage failed, and they lost all will to resist because of what God had done for Israel.

This verse is set just after Israel’s miraculous crossing of the Jordan River into Canaan. The narrative explains the psychological impact on the local rulers—specifically the Amorite and Canaanite kings—who realized that Israel’s God was powerful and actively helping them. The phrase “their heart melted” shows total loss of morale, setting the stage for Israel’s further movements into the land.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 5:1

  • “Heart” (לֵבָב, levav): In Hebrew, this word often refers to inner courage or resolve, not just emotions. The verse uses it to show that the local kings’ determination completely collapsed.
  • “Melted” (מָסַס, masas): This word paints a vivid picture of courage dissolving away, like something solid turning to liquid. It emphasizes just how deeply afraid the kings were.
  • “Spirit” (רוּחַ, ruach): Here, “spirit” means inner strength or willpower. The text says there was no spirit left in them, highlighting their total despair.

Why Joshua 5:1 matters

  • Joshua 5:1 clarifies that the fear among the Canaanite peoples was not just rumor or anxiety, but a complete loss of confidence, directly tied to what they heard about Israel’s God.
  • The verse connects the miracle at the Jordan to its immediate effect on Israel’s enemies, showing that God’s actions had both physical and psychological consequences.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain why the Israelites faced less resistance in the early stages of entering Canaan, as their reputation had already weakened their opponents’ resolve.

Where else these words appear

“melted” 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.

“up” Hebrew H3001 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 8:7 And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.
  • Isaiah 19:5 And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up.
  • Jeremiah 51:36 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.

“Canaanites” Hebrew H3669 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 10:18 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.
  • Numbers 14:45 Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.
  • Judges 1:4 And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.

“side” Hebrew H5676 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 50:10 And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.
  • Joshua 9:1 And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof;
  • 2 Samuel 10:16 And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.