Joshua 2:12 Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign

◄ Joshua 2:12 ►

New International Version
“Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign

New Living Translation
“Now swear to me by the LORD that you will be kind to me and my family since I have helped you. Give me some guarantee that

English Standard Version
Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a sure sign

Berean Standard Bible
Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign

King James Bible
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:

New King James Version
Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the LORD, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s house, and give me a true token,

New American Standard Bible
Now then, please swear to me by the LORD, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s household, and give me a pledge of truth,

NASB 1995
“Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s household, and give me a pledge of truth,

NASB 1977
“Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s household, and give me a pledge of truth,

Legacy Standard Bible
So now, please swear to me by Yahweh, since I have shown lovingkindness to you, that you also will show lovingkindness to my father’s household and give me a pledge of truth,

Amplified Bible
And now, please swear [an oath] to me by the LORD, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s household (family), and give me a pledge of truth and faithfulness,

Christian Standard Bible
Now please swear to me by the LORD that you will also show kindness to my father’s family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now please swear to me by the LORD that you will also show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign

American Standard Version
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by Jehovah, since I have dealt kindly with you, that ye also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a true token;

Contemporary English Version
Please promise me in the LORD's name that you will be as kind to my family as I have been to you. Do something to show

English Revised Version
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have dealt kindly with you, that ye also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a true token:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Please swear by the LORD that you'll be as kind to my father's family as I've been to you. Also give me some proof

Good News Translation
Now swear by him that you will treat my family as kindly as I have treated you, and give me some sign that I can trust you.

International Standard Version
Now therefore, since I've treated you so kindly, please swear in the name of the LORD that you'll also be kind to my father's household by giving me this sure sign:

Majority Standard Bible
Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign

NET Bible
So now, promise me this with an oath sworn in the LORD's name. Because I have shown allegiance to you, show allegiance to my family. Give me a solemn pledge

New Heart English Bible
Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a true token;

Webster's Bible Translation
Now therefore, I pray you, swear to me by the LORD, since I have showed you kindness, that ye will also show kindness to my father's house, and give me a true token:

World English Bible
Now therefore, please swear to me by Yahweh, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a true sign;

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And now, please swear to me by YHWH—because I have done kindness with you—that you have done, even you, kindness with the house of my father, and have given a true token to me,

Young's Literal Translation
'And now, swear ye, I pray you, to me by Jehovah -- because I have done with you kindness -- that ye have done, even ye, kindness with the house of my father, and have given to me a true token,

Smith's Literal Translation
And now, swear now to me by Jehovah, as I did with you mercy, and do ye also mercy with the house of my father, and give to me a true sign.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Now therefore swear ye to me by the Lord, that as I have shewn mercy to you, so you also will shew mercy to my father's house: and give me a true token,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now, therefore, swear to me by the Lord that in the same way that I have acted with mercy toward you, so also shall you act toward the house of my father. And may you give me a true sign

New American Bible
Now then, swear to me by the LORD that, since I am showing kindness to you, you in turn will show kindness to my family. Give me a reliable sign

New Revised Standard Version
Now then, since I have dealt kindly with you, swear to me by the LORD that you in turn will deal kindly with my family. Give me a sign of good faith

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Now therefore, swear to me by the LORD, because I have showed you kindness, that you also will show kindness to me and to my father's household, and give me a true sign;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Therefore swear to me by LORD JEHOVAH, because I have performed kindness among you, and perform also kindness with me and in the house of my father, and give me a sign of truth

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have dealt kindly with you, that ye also will deal kindly with my father's house--and give me a true token--

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And now swear to me by the Lord God; since I deal mercifully with you, so do ye also deal mercifully with the house of my father:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Promise to Rahab
…11When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. 12Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign 13that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will deliver us from death.”…

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?

Matthew 1:5
Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,

Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Matthew 7:12
In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.

1 Timothy 5:8
If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Proverbs 3:3-4
Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. / Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.

Genesis 21:23
Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.”

Genesis 24:49
Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; but if not, let me know, so that I may go elsewhere.”

1 Samuel 20:14-17
And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, / and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” / So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” ...

1 Samuel 20:42
And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.

Treasury of Scripture

Now therefore, I pray you, swear to me by the LORD, since I have showed you kindness, that you will also show kindness to my father's house, and give me a true token:

swear

Joshua 9:15,18-20
And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them…

1 Samuel 20:14,15,17
And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not: …

1 Samuel 30:15
And David said to him, Canst thou bring me down to this company? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this company.

that ye will

1 Samuel 20:14-17
And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not: …

1 Samuel 24:21,22
Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house…

Esther 8:6
For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

my father's

Joshua 2:13
And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.

Genesis 24:3,9
And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: …

Romans 1:31
Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

give me

Joshua 2:18
Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.

Exodus 12:13
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 9:4-6
And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof…

Jump to Previous

Deal Dealt House Household Kind Kindly Kindness Oath Please Pledge Show Showed Sure Swear Token True. Truth

Jump to Next

Deal Dealt House Household Kind Kindly Kindness Oath Please Pledge Show Showed Sure Swear Token True. Truth

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

Now therefore
This phrase indicates a transition from Rahab's previous actions to her request. It suggests a logical conclusion based on the events that have transpired. Rahab has hidden the spies and now seeks assurance for her family's safety. The Hebrew word "וְעַתָּה" (ve'atah) implies a sense of urgency and immediacy, highlighting Rahab's understanding of the gravity of the situation and her need to act decisively.

please swear to me
The act of swearing an oath was a solemn and binding commitment in ancient cultures. The Hebrew word "הִשָּׁבְעוּ" (hishavu) conveys a deep sense of obligation and trust. Rahab is not merely asking for a promise; she is invoking a sacred commitment that would be recognized and respected by both parties. This reflects the seriousness with which oaths were regarded in biblical times, often involving the name of God to underscore their inviolability.

by the LORD
Rahab invokes the name of the LORD, "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal and unchanging nature. By doing so, she acknowledges the God of Israel as the ultimate authority and witness to the oath. This is significant because it shows Rahab's recognition of the power and sovereignty of the God of the Israelites, despite her Canaanite background. It also indicates her faith and trust in the God of Israel, which is a pivotal moment in her spiritual journey.

that you will show kindness
The Hebrew word for kindness, "חֶסֶד" (chesed), is rich with meaning, encompassing mercy, loyalty, and steadfast love. It is a covenantal term often used to describe God's faithful love towards His people. Rahab is appealing to the spies to reciprocate the loyalty and protection she has shown them. This request for "chesed" underscores the biblical principle of reciprocity and the importance of covenant relationships, reflecting God's own covenantal faithfulness.

to my family
Rahab's concern extends beyond herself to her entire family, indicating the communal nature of ancient societies where family units were integral to one's identity and survival. The Hebrew term "בֵּית אָבִי" (beit avi) refers to her father's household, encompassing all her relatives. This highlights the biblical value placed on family and the responsibility to protect and provide for one's kin, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

because I have shown kindness to you
Rahab's appeal is based on the principle of reciprocity, a common ethical standard in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Her use of "חֶסֶד" (chesed) again emphasizes the mutual obligation created by her previous actions. By hiding the spies, she has demonstrated loyalty and protection, and she now seeks the same in return. This reflects the biblical teaching that acts of kindness and mercy should be reciprocated, fostering a community of trust and mutual support.

Give me a sure sign
The request for a "sure sign" indicates Rahab's desire for tangible assurance of the spies' promise. The Hebrew word "אוֹת" (oth) can mean a sign, token, or pledge. In biblical narratives, signs often serve as divine confirmations of promises or covenants. Rahab's request underscores her need for certainty and security in the face of impending danger. It also reflects the human desire for assurance and the biblical theme of God providing signs to confirm His promises to His people.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 12. ? Kindness. The original is perhaps a little stronger, and involves usually the idea of mercy and pity. This, however, is not always the case (see Genesis 21:23; 2 Samuel 10:2). "It had been an ill nature in Rahab if she had been content to be saved alone: that her love might be a match to her faith, she covenants for all her family, and so returns life to those of whom she received it," (Bp. Hall). A true token. Literally, a token of truth. The construction is that in which the latter noun often stands in Hebrew for an adjective. Here, however, it would seem to be a little more, a token of truth - a pledge, that is, of sincerity. Rahab wanted some guarantee that her life and the lives of her kindred would be saved. The bare word of the spies would not suffice, for how could she and her kindred be identified in the confusion attending the sack of the city? But if the spies would agree upon some sign by which she could be recognised, it would at once be a pledge that they intended to keep their word, and a means of protection in the approaching downfall of the city.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Now therefore,
וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

please
נָ֥א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

swear
הִשָּֽׁבְעוּ־ (hiš·šā·ḇə·‘ū-)
Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear

to me
לִי֙ (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

by the LORD
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

that you
אַתֶּ֜ם (’at·tem)
Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

will indeed
גַּם־ (gam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

show
עָשִׂ֥יתִי (‘ā·śî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

kindness
חָ֑סֶד (ḥā·seḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

to
עִמָּכֶ֖ם (‘im·mā·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

my family
בֵּ֤ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

because
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I showed
וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם (wa·‘ă·śî·ṯem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

kindness
חֶ֔סֶד (ḥe·seḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

to you.
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

Give
וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם (ū·nə·ṯat·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

me a sure
אֱמֶֽת׃ (’ĕ·meṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness

sign
א֥וֹת (’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 226: A signal, as a, flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence

Links

Joshua 2:12 NIV
Joshua 2:12 NLT
Joshua 2:12 ESV
Joshua 2:12 NASB
Joshua 2:12 KJV

Joshua 2:12 BibleApps.com
Joshua 2:12 Biblia Paralela
Joshua 2:12 Chinese Bible
Joshua 2:12 French Bible
Joshua 2:12 Catholic Bible

OT History: Joshua 2:12 Now therefore please swear to me (Josh. Jos)