Joshua 9:20 web — This we will do to them, and let them live; lest wrath be on us, because of the oath which we swore to them."

World English Bible

"This we will do to them, and let them live; lest wrath be on us, because of the oath which we swore to them.""

— Joshua 9:20, World English Bible

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Joshua 9:20 in Other Translations

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Joshua 9 — Context

17

The children of Israel traveled and came to their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath Jearim.

18

The children of Israel didn't strike them, because the princes of the congregation had sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel. All the congregation murmured against the princes.

19

But all the princes said to all the congregation, "We have sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.

20

This we will do to them, and let them live; lest wrath be on us, because of the oath which we swore to them."

21

The princes said to them, "Let them live, so they became wood cutters and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to them."

22

Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, "Why have you deceived us, saying, 'We are very far from you,' when you live among us?

23

Now therefore you are cursed, and some of you will never fail to be bondservants, both wood cutters 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 World English Bible reads: “This we will do to them, and let them live; lest wrath be on us, because of 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 (WEB): “This we will do to them, and let them live; lest wrath be on us, because of 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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