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.