And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.

JOSHUA 6:21KJV
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Joshua 6:21 (KJV)

What does Joshua 6:21 mean?

Joshua 6:21 describes how the Israelites, following God’s command, destroyed everyone and everything in the city of Jericho—men, women, children, and all the animals—using their swords. This verse shows the total destruction carried out as part of the conquest of Jericho.

Joshua is leading the Israelites after the walls of Jericho have fallen, and this action happens as part of the first major battle in their entry into the promised land. The verse emphasizes the completeness of the destruction, which was a specific instruction for this city, setting it apart as a unique event in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 6:21

  • The word for "destroyed" is הַחֲרִים (ḥāram), which means to devote to destruction or to set something apart for God by completely destroying it. This word signals that the destruction was seen as an act of obedience, not just warfare.
  • "Edge" in "edge of the sword" is פִּי (pi), literally meaning "mouth." In Hebrew, the "mouth of the sword" is a vivid way to describe the sharp, deadly part of the weapon.
  • The word for "city" is עִיר (ʿîr), which refers to a fortified settlement. This highlights that Jericho was not just a village, but a significant, walled city.

Why Joshua 6:21 matters

  • This verse can clear up the misunderstanding that the destruction was random or excessive; the language and context show it was a specific, commanded act tied to the unique situation at Jericho.
  • The verse’s emphasis on total destruction sets Jericho apart from other battles in the book of Joshua, where not every city was treated the same way.
  • Understanding the original words and the context helps explain why the Israelites acted so decisively and why this event is remembered as a turning point in their conquest of Canaan.

Where else these words appear

“sheep” Hebrew H7716 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
  • Exodus 34:20 But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.
  • 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

“destroyed” Hebrew H2763 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 22:20 He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
  • Joshua 10:28 And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.
  • 1 Samuel 15:20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

“ox” Hebrew H7794 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • Leviticus 17:3 What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,
  • Judges 6:25 And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:

“ass” Hebrew H2543 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 31:28 And levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war which went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep:
  • 1 Samuel 25:42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.