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Joshua 2:20

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Joshua 2:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But if thou utter this our business, then we shall be guiltless of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But if thou utter this our business, then we shall be guiltless of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
Joshua 2:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Joshua 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17And the men said unto her, We will be guiltless of this thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
18Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt gather unto thee into the house thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father`s household.
19And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we shall be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.
20But if thou utter this our business, then we shall be guiltless of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
21And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
22And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not.
23Then the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun; and they told him all that had befallen them.
← Joshua 2:19Joshua 2:21 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And if thou utter this our business, etc.] So that others would either hang out scarlet threads or get into her house for shelter, (see Gill on “<060214>Joshua 2:14”); then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear; be under no obligation to make it good, by saving her and her father’s house.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“And if thou: Pro 11:13 we will be quit: Jos 2:17 Joshua 2:21”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification