Joshua 9:20 bbe — This is what we will do to them: we will not put them to death, for fear that wrath may come on us because of our oath…

Bible in Basic English

"This is what we will do to them: we will not put them to death, for fear that wrath may come on us because of our oath to them."

— Joshua 9:20, Bible in Basic English

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Joshua 9:20 in Other Translations

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Joshua 9 — Context

17

And the children of Israel went forward on their journey, and on the third day came to their towns. Now their towns were Gibeon and Chephirah and Beeroth and Kiriath-jearim.

18

And the children of Israel did not put them to death, because the chiefs of the people had taken an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel. And all the people made an outcry against the chiefs.

19

But all the chiefs said to the people, We have taken an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel, and so we may not put our hands on them.

20

This is what we will do to them: we will not put them to death, for fear that wrath may come on us because of our oath to them.

21

Keep them living, and let them be servants, cutting wood and getting water for all the people. And all the people did as the chiefs had said to them.

22

Then Joshua sent for them, and said to them, Why have you been false to us, saying, We are very far from you, when you are living among us?

23

Now because of this you are cursed, and you will for ever be our servants, cutting wood and getting water for the house of my God.

Joshua 9:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Joshua 9:20 say?
Joshua 9:20 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “This is what we will do to them: we will not put them to death, for fear that wrath may come on us because of our oath to them.”
Where is Joshua 9:20 in the Bible?
Joshua 9:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Joshua, chapter 9, verse 20.
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 9:20.
What translation should I read Joshua 9:20 in?
Joshua 9:20 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 9:20?
Joshua 9:20 reads (BBE): “This is what we will do to them: we will not put them to death, for fear that wrath may come on us because of our oath to them.” 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.
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