Joshua 8:4 cpdv — And he instructed them, saying: “Set an ambush behind the city. You shall withdraw not far away, and let everyone be pr…

Catholic Public Domain Version

"And he instructed them, saying: “Set an ambush behind the city. You shall withdraw not far away, and let everyone be prepared. "

— Joshua 8:4, Catholic Public Domain Version

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Joshua 8:4 in Other Translations

7 versions All translations

Joshua 8 — Context

1

Then the Lord said to Joshua: “You should not fear, and you should not dread. Take with you the entire multitude of fighters, and rising up, ascend to the town of Ai. Behold, I have delivered into your hand its king and people, and the city and the land.

2

And you shall do to the city of Ai, and to its king, just as you did to Jericho, and to its king. Yet truly, the spoils, and all the living things, you shall plunder for yourselves. Set an ambush against the city behind it.”

3

And Joshua rose up, and the entire army of warriors with him, so that they might ascend against Ai. And he sent thirty thousand elect strong men in the night.

4

And he instructed them, saying: “Set an ambush behind the city. You shall withdraw not far away, and let everyone be prepared.

5

But I and the remainder of the multitude that is with me will approach from the opposite side of the city. And when they come out against us, we will flee and turn our backs, just as we did before,

6

until, pursuing us, they are drawn away from the city. For they will think that we are fleeing as before.

7

Then, while we are fleeing and they are pursuing, you shall rise up from the ambush, and you shall lay waste to the city. And the Lord your God will deliver it into your hands.

Joshua 8:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Joshua 8:4 say?
Joshua 8:4 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “And he instructed them, saying: “Set an ambush behind the city. You shall withdraw not far away, and let everyone be prepared. ”
Where is Joshua 8:4 in the Bible?
Joshua 8:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Joshua, chapter 8, verse 4.
Who wrote Joshua?
Joshua is traditionally attributed to Joshua (traditional). Traditionally written by Joshua with later additions noting his death and burial. It was written c. 1405–1380 BC.
What is the book of Joshua about?
Joshua is the account of Israel's entry into Canaan under Moses' successor — the crossing of the Jordan, the fall of Jericho, the conquest of the land, and its division among the twelve tribes. It is a record of God's faithfulness to his covenant promise to Abraham.
What are the major themes of Joshua?
Joshua explores themes including Conquest, Faithfulness, Inheritance, Courage, Holy War. These themes shape the meaning and context of Joshua 8:4.
What translation should I read Joshua 8:4 in?
Joshua 8:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Joshua 8:4?
Joshua 8:4 reads (CPDV): “And he instructed them, saying: “Set an ambush behind the city. You shall withdraw not far away, and let everyone be prepared. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2