Joshua 9:20 nasb — "This we will do to them, even let them live, so that wrath will not be upon us for the oath which we swore to them."

NASB

""This we will do to them, even let them live, so that wrath will not be upon us for the oath which we swore to them.""

— Joshua 9:20, NASB

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Joshua 9:20 in Other Translations

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Joshua 9 — Context

17

Then the sons of Israel set out and came to their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon and Chephirah and Beeroth and Kiriath-jearim.

18

The sons of Israel did not strike them because the leaders of the congregation had sworn to them by the LORD the God of Israel. And the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders.

19

But all the leaders said to the whole congregation, "We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them.

20

"This we will do to them, even let them live, so that wrath will not be upon us for the oath which we swore to them."

21

The leaders said to them, "Let them live." So they became hewers of wood and drawers of water for the whole congregation, just as the leaders had spoken to them.

22

Then Joshua called for them and spoke to them, saying, "Why have you deceived us, saying, 'We are very far from you,' when you are living within our land?

23

"Now therefore, you are cursed, and you shall never cease being slaves, both hewers of wood and drawers of 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 NASB reads: “"This we will do to them, even let them live, so that wrath will not be upon us for the oath which we swore 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 (NASB): “"This we will do to them, even let them live, so that wrath will not be upon us for the oath which we swore 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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