Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version At dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, they left. I don’t know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them.” New Living Translation They left the town at dusk, as the gates were about to close. I don’t know where they went. If you hurry, you can probably catch up with them.” English Standard Version And when the gate was about to be closed at dark, the men went out. I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” Berean Standard Bible At dusk, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I do not know which way they went. Pursue them quickly, and you may catch them!” Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass, when the gate was about to be shut in the darkness, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you⁺ may overtake them.” King James Bible And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them. New King James Version And it happened as the gate was being shut, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went I do not know; pursue them quickly, for you may overtake them.” New American Standard Bible It came about, when it was time to shut the gate at dark, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” NASB 1995 “It came about when it was time to shut the gate at dark, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” NASB 1977 “And it came about when it was time to shut the gate, at dark, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” Legacy Standard Bible Now it happened when it was time to shut the gate at dark, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you may overtake them.” Amplified Bible When it was time to close the [city] gate at dark, the men left; I do not know where they went. Pursue them quickly, for [if you do] you will overtake them.” Berean Annotated Bible At dusk, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I do not know which way they went. Pursue them quickly, and you⁺ may catch them! Christian Standard Bible At nightfall, when the city gate was about to close, the men went out, and I don’t know where they were going. Chase after them quickly, and you can catch up with them! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible At nightfall, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I don’t know where they were going. Chase after them quickly, and you can catch up with them!” American Standard Version and it came to pass about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out; whither the men went I know not: pursue after them quickly; for ye will overtake them. English Revised Version and it came to pass about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them. GOD'S WORD® Translation When it was dark and the gate was just about to close, they left. I don't know where they went. If you hurry, you'll catch up with them." International Standard Version At dusk, when it was time to close the city gates, the men left. I don't know where the men went. Go after them quickly, and you might overtake them." NET Bible When it was time to shut the city gate for the night, the men left. I don't know where they were heading. Chase after them quickly, for you have time to catch them!" New Heart English Bible It happened about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went, I do not know. Pursue them quickly; for you will overtake them." Webster's Bible Translation And it came to pass about the time of shutting the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went, I know not: pursue after them quickly; for ye will overtake them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAt dusk, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I do not know which way they went. Pursue them quickly, and you may catch them!” World English Bible About the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, the men went out. Where the men went, I don’t know. Pursue them quickly. You may catch up with them.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand it comes to pass—the gate is to [be] shut—in the dark, and the men have gone out; I have not known to where the men have gone; pursue, hurry after them, for you overtake them”; Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass, when the gate was about to be shut in the darkness, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you⁺ may overtake them.” Young's Literal Translation and it cometh to pass -- the gate is to be shut -- in the dark, and the men have gone out; I have not known whither the men have gone; pursue ye, hasten after them, for ye overtake them;' Smith's Literal Translation And it will be for the shutting the gate in darkness, and the men went forth, and I knew not whither the men went; pursue quickly after them, for ye shall overtake them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd at the time of shutting the gate in the dark, they also went out together. I know not whither they are gone: pursue after them quickly, and you will overtake them. Catholic Public Domain Version And when the gate was closed, they went out together in the darkness. I do not know where they have gone. Pursue them quickly, and you will overtake them.” New American Bible At dark, when it was time to close the gate, they left, and I do not know where they went. You will have to pursue them quickly to overtake them.” New Revised Standard Version And when it was time to close the gate at dark, the men went out. Where the men went I do not know. Pursue them quickly, for you can overtake them.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd it came to pass about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, they went out; and I did not know where they went. Pursue them quickly; for you will overtake them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And when it was time when the gate is shut in the evening, they went out by themselves and I do not know where they went. Go out quickly after them because you will overtake them.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and it came to pass about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out; whither the men went I know not; pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.' Brenton Septuagint Translation but when the gate was shut in the evening, the men went out; I know not whither they are gone: follow after them, if ye may overtake them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Rahab Welcomes the Spies…4But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, “Yes, the men did come to me, but I did not know where they had come from. 5At dusk, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I do not know which way they went. Pursue them quickly, and you may catch them!” 6(But Rahab had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had laid out there.)… Cross References At dusk, 2 Kings 7:5 So they arose at twilight and went to the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the outskirts of the camp, there was not a man to be found. Genesis 24:63 Early in the evening, Isaac went out to the field to meditate, and looking up, he saw the camels approaching. Judges 19:11 When they were near Jebus and the day was almost gone, the servant said to his master, “Please, let us stop at this Jebusite city and spend the night here.” when the gate was about to close, Nehemiah 13:19 When the evening shadows began to fall on the gates of Jerusalem, just before the Sabbath, I ordered that the gates be shut and not opened until after the Sabbath. I posted some of my servants at the gates so that no load could enter on the Sabbath day. Judges 19:10-13 But the man was unwilling to spend the night. He got up and departed, and arrived opposite Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), with his two saddled donkeys and his concubine. / When they were near Jebus and the day was almost gone, the servant said to his master, “Please, let us stop at this Jebusite city and spend the night here.” / But his master replied, “We will not turn aside to the city of foreigners, where there are no Israelites. We will go on to Gibeah.” … Genesis 19:1-3 Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, / and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” / But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. the men went out, Joshua 8:3-4 So Joshua and the whole army set out to attack Ai. Joshua chose 30,000 mighty men of valor and sent them out at night / with these orders: “Pay attention. You are to lie in ambush behind the city, not too far from it. All of you must be ready. Joshua 6:22-23 Meanwhile, Joshua told the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the house of the prostitute and bring out the woman and all who are with her, just as you promised her.” / So the young spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother and brothers, and all who belonged to her. They brought out her whole family and settled them outside the camp of Israel. Judges 18:2 So the Danites sent out five men from their clans, men of valor from Zorah and Eshtaol, to spy out the land and explore it. “Go and explore the land,” they told them. The men entered the hill country of Ephraim and came to the house of Micah, where they spent the night. and I do not know which way they went. 2 Kings 6:19-20 And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria. / When they had entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O LORD, open the eyes of these men that they may see.” Then the LORD opened their eyes, and they looked around and discovered that they were in Samaria. Proverbs 4:19 But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. Pursue them quickly, 2 Samuel 17:1-3 Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” Exodus 14:8-9 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out defiantly. / The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops—pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi-hahiroth, opposite Baal-zephon. 1 Samuel 23:26-28 Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. / Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!” / So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth. and you may catch them!” 1 Samuel 30:8 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” Treasury of Scripture And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: where the men went I know not: pursue after them quickly; for you shall overtake them. of shutting Joshua 2:7 And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. Nehemiah 13:19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. Isaiah 60:11 Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. the men went out Jeremiah 50:20 In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve. Romans 3:7,8 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? … Jump to Previous Catch City Close Closed Dark Doors Dusk Hasten Overtake Pursue Quickly Shut Shutting Time Way Whither WotJump to Next Catch City Close Closed Dark Doors Dusk Hasten Overtake Pursue Quickly Shut Shutting Time Way Whither WotJoshua 2 1. Rahab receives and conceals the two spies sent from Shittim8. The covenant between her and them 23. Their return and description of events At dusk This phrase indicates the time of day when the events occurred. Dusk, or twilight, was a significant time in ancient cultures, often associated with transitions and the closing of city gates for security. In biblical symbolism, dusk can represent a time of decision or change, as seen in other scriptures like Genesis 24:63, where Isaac went out to meditate in the field at evening. when the gate was about to close the men went out and I do not know which way they went Pursue them quickly and you may catch them! Persons / Places / Events 1. RahabA Canaanite woman living in Jericho, known for her role in hiding the Israelite spies. Her actions demonstrate faith and courage, and she is later mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. 2. Israelite Spies Sent by Joshua to scout the land of Jericho. Their mission was crucial for the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land. 3. Jericho A fortified city in Canaan, significant for its strategic location and the miraculous victory that God would later provide to the Israelites. 4. City Gate The main entrance to Jericho, which was closed at dusk for security. The gate symbolizes both physical and spiritual barriers. 5. Pursuers The men of Jericho who were sent to capture the spies. Their pursuit represents the opposition faced by God's people. Teaching Points Faith in ActionRahab's decision to hide the spies was a bold act of faith. Believers are called to act on their faith, even when it involves risk or sacrifice. God's Sovereignty The events in Jericho demonstrate God's control over circumstances. Trusting in God's plan is essential, even when the outcome is uncertain. Courage in the Face of Danger Rahab's courage is a model for Christians facing opposition. Standing firm in faith requires bravery and reliance on God's strength. The Importance of Timing The closing of the city gate at dusk signifies the importance of timing in God's plan. Believers should be attentive to God's timing in their lives. Redemption and Inclusion Rahab's inclusion in the lineage of Christ shows that God's grace extends to all, regardless of past sins or background. This encourages believers to embrace and share the gospel with everyone. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 2:5?2. How does Joshua 2:5 demonstrate God's providence in protecting His people? 3. What can we learn from Rahab's actions about faith and courage? 4. How does Rahab's story connect with Hebrews 11:31 about faith? 5. How can we apply Rahab's example of risk-taking for God's purposes today? 6. What does Joshua 2:5 teach about God's use of unexpected individuals for His plans? 7. How does Joshua 2:5 align with historical and archaeological evidence of Jericho's existence? 8. What does Joshua 2:5 reveal about God's use of unexpected people in His plans? 9. How does Rahab's lie in Joshua 2:5 fit with biblical teachings on truthfulness? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 2? 11. How did Rahab help the Israelite spies in Jericho? 12. What is Ai's significance in the Bible? 13. How many fighting men were in Israel? (2 Samuel 24:9 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:5) 14. In that count how many fighting men were found in Israel? Eight hundred thousand (2 Samuel 24:9) One million, one hundred thousand (I Chronicles 21:5) What Does Joshua 2:5 Mean At dusk• The moment the sunlight fades often serves as a decisive turning point in Scripture (Genesis 24:11; Luke 24:29). • Here, dusk provides the perfect cover for Rahab’s plan, underscoring how God can work in the shadows to protect His purposes (Psalm 91:5–6). • By mentioning the time of day, the narrative affirms its historical realism; we are reading an eyewitness‐style account, not a legend. when the gate was about to close • Ancient city gates shut at night for safety (Nehemiah 13:19; Judges 9:35). • The imminent closing heightens urgency, reminding us that timing in God’s providence is precise (Ecclesiastes 3:1). • Jericho’s formidable walls and gate only make the Lord’s coming victory more striking (Joshua 6:1–2). the men went out • Rahab states the spies have already departed, diverting attention from her roof (cf. 2 Samuel 17:20, where a similar ruse hides David’s men). • Her words protect the covenant people—an act God later honors (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). • The statement also anticipates the eventual exodus of Israel into the land, linking these spies to the broader conquest narrative. and I do not know which way they went • Though Rahab is concealing the truth, Scripture records her words accurately; the narrative distinguishes between what is reported and what is endorsed (Exodus 20:16). • This clause adds plausibility to her story, steering the pursuers away from her house. • God uses even imperfect human actions to advance His redemptive plan (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). Pursue them quickly • The verbs intensify the scene—“pursue… quickly”—mirroring moments when swift obedience is required (1 Samuel 17:48; Acts 8:30). • Rahab guides the king’s men toward the fords of the Jordan (Joshua 2:7), buying the spies precious time. • The urgency reinforces God’s sovereign orchestration; every second counts in fulfilling His promise to Israel (Deuteronomy 7:1–2). and you may catch them! • Rahab offers hope of success to the pursuers, making her lie more convincing. • Ironically, her suggestion of capture actually secures the spies’ escape—highlighting divine irony similar to Haman’s downfall in Esther 6–7. • The phrase accentuates human responsibility contrasted with God’s overruling will: men chase, yet God delivers (Proverbs 21:30–31). summary Joshua 2:5 records Rahab’s shrewd, time‐sensitive explanation to Jericho’s officials. Each phrase underscores God’s meticulous control over circumstances, from dusk’s concealment to the gate’s closing, from the false lead given to the guards to the urgency of their futile pursuit. While Rahab’s methods are imperfect, her faith aligns her with Israel, and the Lord employs her actions to preserve His spies, setting the stage for Jericho’s fall and affirming that nothing—walls, gates, or human schemes—can thwart His covenant plan. Verse 5. - I wot not. Much has Been said about Rahab's falsehood which is little to the point. The sacred historian simply narrates the fact, and makes no comment whatever upon it. But the fact that Rahab afterwards became the wife of Salmon, a prince of the tribe of Judah, as the genealogy in St. Matthew informs us (though Knobel denies this, asserting that between Joshua and David there were more than three generations, forgetting that Boaz, when he married Ruth, was an old man, see Ruth 3:10), shows that neither her falsehood nor her mode of life excited much disapprobation among the Jews. Nor need this surprise us. There is no need, with Keil, to repudiate energetically the assertion of Hauff that the author of this Book regarded Rahab's deception as not only allowable, but praiseworthy, any more than we need scruple to confess that Jael's base treachery met with the approval of Deborah and Barak. The tone of feeling in Jewish society in Rahab's day must have differed enormously in many respects from what obtains in our own time, in the light of the dispensation of the Spirit. We may take, as an instance of what that tone of feeling was, even before Israel had been corrupted by their sojourn in Egypt, the narrative in Genesis 38. And we may be sure that in a Phoenician city the tone was many degrees lower still. Rahab, therefore, was no doubt absolutely ignorant that there was any sin, either in her mode of living or in the lie she told to save the men's lives. She acted from a twofold motive, and her course, both of thought and action, was a most surprising instance of faith and insight, in one brought up as she had been. She not only followed an instinct of humanity, at a time when human life was thought of little value, in preserving the lives of the men who had sought shelter under her roof, but she could discern in the wonderful successes of Israel the hand of a higher power than that of the gods whom she had been brought up to worship. In her subsequent conduct she betrayed an affection for her kindred somewhat uncommon in persons situated similarly to herself. And we may be sure, from the fact that she was chosen to be a "mother in Israel," that she forsook the sins of her country and her education as soon as she came within the range of a higher light (see Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25). From what has been said we may learn that, though Rahab's faith was "as a grain of mustard seed," her conduct showed that she possessed it; and in hers, as in every case, to walk by the light she had was a sure prelude to the possession of more. And as regards her departure from truth here, it must be shown, before she can be blamed, that she had any idea that truthfulness was a duty. Such a duty does not appear to have been clearly recognised until He who was Himself the truth came among men. "However the guilt of Rahab's falsehood may be extenuated, it seems best to admit nothing which may tend to explain it away. We are sure that God discriminated between what was good in her conduct and what was bad; rewarding the former, and pardoning the latter. Her views of the Divine law must have been exceedingly dim and contracted. A similar falsehood, told by those who enjoy the light of revelation, however laudable the motive, would of course deserve a much heavier censure" (Matthew Henry). So also Calvin in loc.," Vitium virtuti admistum non imputatur."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew At dusk,בַּחֹ֙שֶׁךְ֙ (ba·ḥō·šeḵ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2822: The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness when the gate הַשַּׁ֜עַר (haš·ša·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate was וַיְהִ֨י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be about to close, לִסְגּ֗וֹר (lis·gō·wr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5462: To shut up, to surrender the men וְהָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים (wə·hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person went out, יָצָ֔אוּ (yā·ṣā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim and I do not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no know יָדַ֔עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 3045: To know which way אָ֥נָה (’ā·nāh) Interrogative Strong's 575: Where?, whither?, when?, hither and thither they הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֑ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person went. הָלְכ֖וּ (hā·lə·ḵū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk Pursue רִדְפ֥וּ (riḏ·p̄ū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute them אַחֲרֵיהֶ֖ם (’a·ḥă·rê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 310: The hind or following part quickly, מַהֵ֛ר (ma·hêr) Adverb Strong's 4118: Hastening, speedy, swift and כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction you may catch them!” תַשִּׂיגֽוּם׃ (ṯaś·śî·ḡūm) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | third person masculine plural Strong's 5381: To reach, overtake Links Joshua 2:5 NIVJoshua 2:5 NLT Joshua 2:5 ESV Joshua 2:5 NASB Joshua 2:5 KJV Joshua 2:5 BibleApps.com Joshua 2:5 Biblia Paralela Joshua 2:5 Chinese Bible Joshua 2:5 French Bible Joshua 2:5 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 2:5 It happened about the time (Josh. 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