OET interlinear JOS 2:18

2:18a

The Hebrew word that begins this verse is usually translated as “Behold” and calls attention to the next statement. Languages have a variety of ways to direct the listener’s attention to the next statement. Some languages may have a word that has this function. In other languages it may be better to use a sentence. For example:

This is what you must do. (GNT)

In some English versions, including the BSB, this Hebrew word is omitted, but the implicit information from verse 17b is included here instead. For example:

unless you do what we say (NIRV)

when we enter the land: The spies spoke about the time when they will return with their army to invade the land. You may need to make this explicit, for example:

when our^(excl) people come to invade the land

the land: The phrase the land indicates the land of Canaan where Jericho was. If this is not clear you can say:

this land

your land

Here are some other ways to translate this part of the verse:

when we attack this land

when we Israelites invade your land

2:18b

you have tied this scarlet cord: The clause you have tied this scarlet cord is a command. It indicates that Rahab must tie a length of red cord, or rope, to the window.

It is not clear whether the men gave Rahab the rope, or whether it was a rope that Rahab already had in her house.2:18 Hess, p. 103–104; Bratcher, p. 34.

scarlet: The term scarlet is another word for red.

in the window through which you let us down: The clause in the window through which you let us down indicates that Rahab must tie the red rope so that it can be seen in the window that the men climb through.

Here are some other ways to translate this part of the verse:

you must tie this red rope so that we can see it in the window where you let us down

tie this red rope in the window that you let us down from

2:18c

and unless you have brought your father and mother and brothers and all your family into your house: The BSB has reversed the order of the parts of the Hebrew sentence. The Hebrew is more literally, “and your father and your mother and your brothers and all the house of your father you shall gather to you, to the house.” This is a way of emphasizing the members of Rahab’s family.

In verse 13a, the phrase “my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them” is used. In this verse Rahab’s sisters are not mentioned. However, this does not mean that they are no longer included. If this is likely to be misunderstood, you may wish to include the word “sisters” in this verse.

all your family: The phrase all your family refers to Rahab’s family, including her brothers and sisters and their families. In verse 13a this group of people was referred to as “all who belong to them.”

Here are some other ways to translate this part of the verse:

You must bring your father, your mother, your brothers and all who belong to your father’s household into the house with you

All your family members must come inside the house with you. Bring your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your relatives.