And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

JOSHUA 6:25KJV
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Joshua 6:25 (KJV)

What does Joshua 6:25 mean?

Joshua 6:25 says that Joshua spared Rahab, who had been a prostitute, along with her family and everything she owned, allowing them to live among the people of Israel because she had hidden the Israelite spies he sent to scout Jericho. The verse notes that Rahab continued to live in Israel up to the time this account was written, highlighting her lasting acceptance among the Israelites.

In the story, Joshua is leading the Israelites as they conquer Jericho, and Rahab had previously protected the Israelite messengers from the city’s authorities. This verse wraps up her story by showing that her actions led to her rescue and inclusion in Israelite society, not just for herself but for her whole family. The verse also points out that Rahab’s protection of the spies was the reason for her deliverance.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 6:25

  • The word "harlot" is זֹנָה (zonah), which means prostitute. The verse openly acknowledges Rahab’s past, making her rescue and new place in Israel even more striking.
  • The verb "saved" is חָיָה (chayah), meaning to keep alive or preserve life. The text uses this word twice, emphasizing both Rahab’s survival and that of her family.
  • "Hid" is טָמַן (tamán), which means to conceal or hide. The verse credits Rahab’s act of hiding the messengers as the direct reason for her rescue, underlining the importance of her choice.
  • "Dwelleth" is יָשַׁב (yashav), meaning to settle or remain. The verse uses this word to show that Rahab didn’t just survive the fall of Jericho but became a lasting part of Israel’s community.

Why Joshua 6:25 matters

  • Joshua 6:25 clarifies that Rahab’s rescue was not a temporary act of mercy but a lasting acceptance into Israel, which would have been unusual for someone with her background.
  • The verse highlights that Rahab’s actions—protecting the spies—were the reason for her deliverance, not her status or background, emphasizing the value of her choice.
  • By noting that Rahab "dwelleth in Israel even unto this day," the verse connects her story to the ongoing life of Israel, showing her lasting legacy and the fulfillment of the promise made to her.

Where else these words appear

“Rahab” Hebrew H7343 · used in 5 verses

  • Joshua 2:1 And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
  • Joshua 2:3 And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.
  • Joshua 6:17 And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.

“out” Hebrew H7270 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 42:9 And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.
  • Numbers 21:32 And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.
  • Judges 18:14 Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said unto their brethren, Do ye know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what ye have to do.

“hid” Hebrew H2244 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
  • 1 Samuel 14:11 And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:9 And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him,(for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.

“Jericho” Hebrew H3405 · used in 53 verses

  • Numbers 22:1 And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
  • Joshua 4:19 And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
  • Joshua 18:21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,