Joshua 2:5 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!"

◄ Joshua 2:5 ►

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!”

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.”

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."

Majority 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!”

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.

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 Version
and 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”;

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 Bible
And 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 Bible
And 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 1917
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 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.)…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Hebrews 11:31
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.

James 2:25
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route?

Exodus 1:19
The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives.”

1 Kings 2:42-43
the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the LORD and warn you, ‘On the day you leave and go elsewhere, know for sure that you will die’? And you told me, ‘The sentence is fair; I will comply.’ / So why have you not kept your oath to the LORD and the command that I gave you?”

2 Samuel 17:20
When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem.

Matthew 21:31-32
Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. / For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

Acts 9:25
One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall.

1 Samuel 19:11-12
Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped.

2 Corinthians 11:32-33
In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me. / But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp.

Judges 4:17-21
Meanwhile, Sisera had fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there was peace between Jabin king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. / Jael went out to greet Sisera and said to him, “Come in, my lord. Come in with me. Do not be afraid.” So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. / Sisera said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she opened a container of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him again. ...

1 Kings 20:33-34
Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot. / Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” “By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away.

Genesis 19:5-8
They called out to Lot, saying, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Send them out to us so we can have relations with them!” / Lot went outside to meet them, shutting the door behind him. / “Please, my brothers,” he pleaded, “don’t do such a wicked thing! ...

Acts 17:10
As soon as night had fallen, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went into the Jewish synagogue.

Matthew 10:23
When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

1 Kings 18:4
for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.)

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? …

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Joshua 2

1. Rahab receives and conceals the two spies sent from Shittim
8. The covenant between her and them
23. Their return and description of events

Berean Study Bible

At dusk
The phrase "at dusk" refers to the time of day when the sun is setting, marking the transition from day to night. In the Hebrew context, this time was significant as it often symbolized a period of change or transition. Biblically, dusk can represent a time of uncertainty or danger, as the cover of darkness can provide both protection and risk. In the narrative of Joshua, this time is crucial as it sets the stage for the spies' escape, highlighting God's providence in using even the natural order to fulfill His purposes.

when it was time to shut the gate
The shutting of the city gates at dusk was a common practice in ancient cities for security reasons. This phrase underscores the urgency and tension in the narrative. Historically, city gates were vital for protection against invaders and were typically closed at night. The timing of the spies' arrival and departure is critical, emphasizing God's perfect timing and the importance of obedience to His guidance.

the men went out
This phrase refers to the spies sent by Joshua to scout the land of Jericho. The Hebrew word for "went out" can imply a purposeful departure, suggesting that the spies were on a divinely appointed mission. Their going out signifies a step of faith and obedience to God's command, trusting in His protection and guidance despite the risks involved.

I do not know
Rahab's statement, "I do not know," is a pivotal moment in the narrative. It reflects her decision to protect the spies, aligning herself with the God of Israel rather than her own people. This phrase can be seen as an act of faith, as Rahab chooses to trust in the God she has heard about, despite the potential consequences. Her declaration is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the courage to stand with God's people.

where the men went
The phrase "where the men went" highlights the uncertainty and mystery surrounding the spies' mission. It underscores the theme of divine guidance and protection, as the exact path of the spies is known only to God. This phrase invites readers to reflect on the unseen hand of God at work in the lives of those who trust Him, guiding them even when the way is unclear.

Pursue them quickly
Rahab's instruction to "pursue them quickly" is a strategic move to mislead the king's men. The urgency in her words reflects the high stakes of the situation and her quick thinking. This phrase also illustrates the theme of divine intervention, as God uses Rahab's actions to protect the spies and further His plan for Israel. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acting swiftly and decisively in obedience to God's leading.

you may overtake them
The phrase "you may overtake them" is part of Rahab's deception, intended to divert the pursuers away from the spies. It highlights the tension and drama of the narrative, as well as the cleverness and bravery of Rahab. This phrase also points to the broader theme of God's sovereignty, as He orchestrates events to ensure the success of His purposes, often using unexpected means and people to accomplish His will.

Pulpit Commentary

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

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OT History: Joshua 2:5 It happened about the time (Josh. Jos)