And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.

JOSHUA 6:16KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 6:16 (KJV)

What does Joshua 6:16 mean?

Joshua 6:16 describes the moment when, after circling Jericho seven times, the priests blow their trumpets and Joshua commands the people to shout because God has given them the city. This verse marks the turning point where the Israelites are told to act in faith, trusting that victory has already been granted by the LORD.

In this scene, Joshua is speaking to the Israelites as they surround Jericho, following God’s unusual instructions for taking the city. The priests, carrying trumpets, have just completed the seventh circuit around the city walls. Joshua’s command to shout is both an act of obedience and a signal that God’s promise is about to be fulfilled in a dramatic way.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 6:16

  • “Shout” (רִיעוּ, rî‘û): This word means to raise a loud cry, often used for a battle cry or a shout of triumph. Here, it signals both faith and celebration, not just noise.
  • “Given” (נָתַן, nathan): This verb means “to give” or “to hand over.” Joshua uses it in the past tense, showing that God’s promise is so certain, it’s as if the city is already theirs.
  • “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that it is Israel’s covenant God who is acting, not just any deity or force.

Why Joshua 6:16 matters

  • Joshua 6:16 clarifies that the victory over Jericho is not due to military strength or clever tactics, but because the LORD has already decided the outcome.
  • The verse highlights the importance of faith and obedience, as the people are called to shout before seeing any physical evidence of the city’s fall.
  • This moment connects to the larger story of God’s faithfulness to Israel, showing that God keeps promises in unexpected ways and invites His people to trust Him fully.

Where else these words appear

“Shout” Hebrew H7321 · used in 42 verses

  • Numbers 10:7 But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.
  • Ezra 3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
  • Psalms 100:1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

“blew” Hebrew H8628 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 31:25 Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.
  • Judges 7:20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
  • Proverbs 6:1 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

“trumpets” Hebrew H7782 · used in 63 verses

  • Exodus 19:16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
  • 2 Samuel 2:28 So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
  • Isaiah 27:13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

“seventh” Hebrew H7637 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Leviticus 23:16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.
  • 1 Kings 18:44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.