Joshua 6:14 (KJV)

What does Joshua 6:14 mean?

Joshua 6:14 describes how, on the second day of the siege of Jericho, the Israelites marched around the city one time and then returned to their camp, repeating this same action for six days in total. The verse highlights the careful, repeated obedience to the instructions given for conquering Jericho.

In this part of the story, Joshua is leading the Israelites as they follow God's unusual command for taking the city. Instead of attacking, the people silently circle Jericho once each day for six days, showing patience and trust. This verse sets up the pattern that will be broken on the seventh day, when the instructions change.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 6:14

• The word for "compassed" is סָבַב (savav), which means to go around or surround. This word emphasizes the physical act of circling the city, not attacking or engaging, but simply moving in obedience.
• The word for "once" is פַּעַם (pa‘am), meaning a single time or occurrence. This detail makes it clear that the Israelites did not increase their activity until the seventh day, underlining the deliberate pace of their obedience.
• The word for "camp" is מַחֲנֶה (machaneh), referring to the place where the Israelites stayed. This shows that after each march, they returned to their base, not lingering or attempting to breach the city walls.

Why Joshua 6:14 matters

• Joshua 6:14 clears up any idea that the Israelites attacked Jericho immediately; instead, it shows a period of waiting and repeated obedience before any action was taken.
• The verse emphasizes the importance of following instructions exactly, even when the command seems unusual or slow-moving.
• This verse connects to the larger story by building suspense and anticipation, highlighting the contrast between the quiet, repetitive days and the dramatic events that follow on the seventh day.