Joshua 10:21
New International Version
The whole army then returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one uttered a word against the Israelites.

New Living Translation
Then the Israelites returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah. After that, no one dared to speak even a word against Israel.

English Standard Version
then all the people returned safe to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah. Not a man moved his tongue against any of the people of Israel.

Berean Standard Bible
The whole army returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one dared to utter a word against the Israelites.

King James Bible
And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

New King James Version
And all the people returned to the camp, to Joshua at Makkedah, in peace. No one moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

New American Standard Bible
that all the people returned to the camp, to Joshua at Makkedah in peace. No one uttered a word against any of the sons of Israel.

NASB 1995
that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace. No one uttered a word against any of the sons of Israel.

NASB 1977
that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace. No one uttered a word against any of the sons of Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace. No one so much as lifted his tongue against any of the sons of Israel.

Amplified Bible
all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace. No one uttered a [threatening] word against any of the sons of Israel.

Christian Standard Bible
The people returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah. And no one dared to threaten the Israelites.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The people returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah. And no one dared to threaten the Israelites.

American Standard Version
that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

Contemporary English Version
The Israelite army returned to their camp at Makkedah, where Joshua was waiting for them. No one around there dared say anything bad about the Israelites.

English Revised Version
that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the whole army returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah. Not a single person dared to speak against any of the Israelites.

Good News Translation
Then all of Joshua's men came back safe to him at the camp at Makkedah. No one in the land dared even to speak against the Israelites.

International Standard Version
the entire army returned safely to Joshua's encampment at Makkedah. No one could speak so much as a single word against any of the Israelis.

Majority Standard Bible
The whole army returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one dared to utter a word against the Israelites.

NET Bible
Then the whole army safely returned to Joshua at the camp in Makkedah. No one dared threaten the Israelites.

New Heart English Bible
that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace. None moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

World English Bible
all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace. None moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
that all the people return to the camp, to Joshua, [at] Makkedah, in peace; none moved his tongue sharply against the sons of Israel.

Young's Literal Translation
that all the people turn back to the camp, unto Joshua, at Makkedah, in peace; none moved sharply his tongue against the sons of Israel.

Smith's Literal Translation
And all the people will turn back to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: and none sharpened his tongue against a man to the sons of Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And all the army returned to Josue in Maceda, where the camp then was, in good health and without the loss of any one: and no man durst move his tongue against the children of Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the entire army returned to Joshua at Makkedah, where they were then encamped, in good health and in their full numbers. And no one dared to move his tongue against the sons of Israel.

New American Bible
all the army returned to Joshua and the camp at Makkedah in victory; no one uttered a sound against the Israelites.

New Revised Standard Version
all the people returned safe to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah; no one dared to speak against any of the Israelites.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And all the people returned in peace to the camp to Joshua at Makkar; and no man moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Then all the people returned to the encampment to Yeshua at Maqar in peace, and none of the house of Israel harmed a man with his tongue
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace; none whetted his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And all the people returned safe to Joshua to Makeda; and no one of the children of Israel murmured with his tongue.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Victory at Makkedah
20So Joshua and the Israelites continued to inflict a terrible slaughter until they had finished them off, and the remaining survivors retreated to the fortified cities. 21The whole army returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one dared to utter a word against the Israelites. 22Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me.”…

Cross References
Exodus 14:30-31
That day the LORD saved Israel from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the shore. / When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses.

Deuteronomy 1:30
The LORD your God, who goes before you, will fight for you, just as you saw Him do for you in Egypt

Judges 2:18
Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for the Israelites, He was with that judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies while the judge was still alive; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed them and afflicted them.

1 Samuel 17:47
And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

2 Samuel 22:31-33
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. / For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? / God is my strong fortress, and He makes my way clear.

Psalm 44:3
For it was not by their sword that they took the land; their arm did not bring them victory. It was by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, because You favored them.

Psalm 91:7-8
Though a thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, no harm will come near you. / You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.

Ephesians 6:10-11
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Philippians 1:28
without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God.

Colossians 2:15
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.


Treasury of Scripture

And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

to the camp

Joshua 10:15-17
And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal…

none

Exodus 11:7
But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 57:4
Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,

Jump to Previous
Army Camp Children Israel Israelites Joshua Makkedah Makke'dah Moved Peace Safe Safely Sharply Tongue Turn Uttered Whetted Whole Word
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Army Camp Children Israel Israelites Joshua Makkedah Makke'dah Moved Peace Safe Safely Sharply Tongue Turn Uttered Whetted Whole Word
Joshua 10
1. Five kings war against Gibeon
6. Joshua rescues it
10. God fights against them with hailstones
12. The sun and moon stand still at the word of Joshua
16. The five kings are murdered in a cave
22. They are brought forth
24. scornfully used
26. and hanged
28. Seven kings more are conquered
43. Joshua returns to Gilgal














The whole army
This phrase emphasizes the unity and completeness of the Israelite forces. In Hebrew, the word for "army" is "חַיִל" (chayil), which can also mean strength or valor. This reflects the collective might and courage of the Israelites, who were not just a group of individuals but a cohesive unit under God's command. The unity of the army is a testament to their faith and obedience to God's directives, which is a recurring theme throughout the book of Joshua.

returned safely
The Hebrew root for "returned" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to turn back or return. This word often carries a connotation of restoration or repentance in the Old Testament. The safety of their return signifies God's protection and faithfulness to His promises. It highlights the divine assurance that accompanies obedience to God's will, as the Israelites were engaged in a divinely sanctioned conquest.

to Joshua
Joshua, whose name in Hebrew is "יְהוֹשֻׁעַ" (Yehoshua), meaning "The LORD is salvation," is a central figure in this narrative. His leadership is pivotal, and his name itself is a reminder of God's saving power. Joshua is a type of Christ, leading his people into the Promised Land, just as Jesus leads believers into eternal life. The army's return to Joshua symbolizes their allegiance and trust in God's appointed leader.

in the camp at Makkedah
Makkedah is a location of strategic importance in the conquest of Canaan. Archaeologically, it is identified with a site that has evidence of ancient fortifications, underscoring its role as a military stronghold. The camp at Makkedah represents a place of refuge and regrouping for the Israelites, a temporary home where they could rest and prepare for future battles. It signifies God's provision of safe havens amidst the challenges of conquest.

and no one dared to utter a word against the Israelites
This phrase highlights the fear and respect that the surrounding nations had for Israel. The Hebrew word for "dared" is "חָרַץ" (charatz), which implies a decision or determination. The silence of Israel's enemies is a testament to the awe and dread inspired by God's mighty acts on behalf of His people. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a formidable force, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:25, where God declares He will put the fear and dread of Israel upon the nations.

Verse 21. - Makkedah. Because Joshua, in his resolute pursuit of the enemy, had not forgotten the important intelligence reported to him concerning the kings. Most likely the pursuit lasted one or two days. After the return to Makkedah the execution of the kings was carried out with much ceremony (ver. 24), and their bodies hung up before all Israel, not so much as a memorial of the victory, as to impress upon the Israelites the duty of exterminating their enemies, a duty which the after history of the twelve tribes shows them to have been very prone to forget. None moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel. Literally, He did not sharpen against the children of Israel, against a man, his tongue. The Hebrew construction here is somewhat unusual. Houbigant and Maurer suppose that לֵis a mistake of the copyist and that אִישׁ is the subject of the sentence. They would translate as the LXX., "no man muttered with his tongue against the children of Israel." But Keil and Rosenmuller prefer a rendering agreeing with that of the Authorised Version, node moved (or sharpened) his tongue against the children of Israel, not against a single man of them. And this is a far more forcible way of expressing the awe in which they were held. A still stronger expression is to be found in Exodus 11:7; cf. Judith 11:19.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The whole
כָל־ (ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

army
הָעָ֨ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

returned
וַיָּשֻׁבוּ֩ (way·yā·šu·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

safely
בְּשָׁל֑וֹם (bə·šā·lō·wm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Joshua
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites

in
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the camp
הַמַּחֲנֶ֧ה (ham·ma·ḥă·neh)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army

at Makkedah;
מַקֵּדָ֖ה (maq·qê·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4719: Makkedah -- a place in Judah

no one
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

dared to utter
חָרַ֞ץ (ḥā·raṣ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2782: To point sharply, to wound, to be alert, to decide

a word
לְשֹׁנֽוֹ׃ (lə·šō·nōw)
Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3956: The tongue

against
לְאִ֖ישׁ (lə·’îš)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

the Israelites.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT History: Joshua 10:21 That all the people returned to (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 10:20
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