Online Bible

Book of Joshua, Chapter 8

Twitter · Facebook
Joshua 8 NWT - New World TranslationJoshua 8 NWT - New World Translation

Chapter 8 of Joshua—New World Translation (NWT)

  1. ¶ Then Jehovah said to Joshua: “Do not be afraid or be terrified.1 Take with you all the people of war and get up, go up to Aʹi. See, I have given into your hand the king of Aʹi and his people and his city and his land.2
  2. And you must do to Aʹi and to its king just as you did to Jerʹi·cho and its king.3 Only YOU people may plunder its spoil and its domestic animals for yourselves.4 Set an ambush of yours against the city at its rear.”5
  3. ¶ Accordingly Joshua and all the people6 of war rose to go up to Aʹi, and Joshua proceeded to choose thirty thousand men, valiant mighty ones,7 and to send them off by night.
  4. And he went on to command them, saying: “See, YOU are lying in ambush8 against the city to the rear of the city. Do not go very far away from the city, and YOU must all of YOU hold yourselves in readiness.
  5. As for me and all the people who are with me, we shall go close to the city. And it must occur that, in case they should come out to meet us just as at the first,9 we must then flee before them.
  6. And they must come out after us until we have drawn them away from the city, for they will say, ‘They are fleeing before us just as at the first.’10 And we must flee before them.
  7. Then YOU—YOU will rise up from the ambush, and YOU must take possession of the city; and Jehovah YOUR God will certainly give it into YOUR hands.11
  8. And it must occur that as soon as YOU have seized the city, YOU should set the city on fire.12 According to Jehovah’s word YOU should do. See, I have commanded YOU.”13
  9. ¶ After that Joshua sent them out and they marched to the place of ambush and took up quarters between Bethʹel and Aʹi to the west of Aʹi, while Joshua kept lodging on that night in the midst of the people.
  10. ¶ Then Joshua rose up early in the morning14 and reviewed the people and went up, he and the older men of Israel, before the people to Aʹi.
  11. And all the people of war15 who were with him went up, that they might approach and get in front of the city, and they proceeded to camp to the north of Aʹi, with the valley between them and Aʹi.
  12. In the meantime he took about five thousand men and set them as an ambush16 between Bethʹel17 and Aʹi, to the west of the city.
  13. So the people set the main camp that was to the north of the city18 and the extreme rear of it that was to the west of the city,19 and Joshua proceeded to go during that night into the middle of the low plain.[a]
  14. ¶ And it came about that, as soon as the king of Aʹi saw it, then the men of the city got in a hurry and rose up early and went out to meet Israel in battle, he and all his people, at the appointed time, before the desert plain. As for him, he did not know that there was an ambush against him to the rear of the city.20
  15. When Joshua and all Israel suffered a blow before them,21 then they took to flight by the way of the wilderness.22
  16. At that all the people who were in the city were called out to chase after them, and they went chasing after Joshua and got to be drawn away from the city.23
  17. And there was not a man remaining in Aʹi and Bethʹel[b] that did not go out after Israel, so that they left the city wide open and went chasing after Israel.
  18. ¶ Jehovah now said to Joshua: “Stretch out the javelin[c] that is in your hand toward Aʹi,24 for into your hand I shall give it.”25 Accordingly Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city.
  19. And the ambush rose up quickly from its place, and they began to run at the instant that he stretched out his hand, and they proceeded to enter the city and capture it.26 Then they hurried and set the city on fire.27
  20. ¶ And the men of Aʹi began to turn back and look, and there the smoke of the city ascended to the heavens, and there proved to be no ability[d] in them to flee this way or that. And the people that were fleeing to the wilderness turned upon the pursuers.
  21. And Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush28 had captured the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, and so they turned around and went striking the men of Aʹi down.
  22. And these others came out of the city to meet them, so that they got to be in between Israel, these on this side and those on that, and they went striking them down until there did not remain of them either a survivor or an escapee.29
  23. And the king30 of Aʹi they caught alive and proceeded to bring him near to Joshua.
  24. ¶ And it came about that while Israel was finishing the killing of all the inhabitants of Aʹi in the field, in the wilderness in which they had pursued them, they kept falling, all of them, by the edge of the sword until they came to their end. After that all Israel returned to Aʹi and struck it with the edge of the sword.
  25. And all those who fell on that day, from man to woman, amounted to twelve thousand, all the people[e] of Aʹi.
  26. And Joshua did not draw back his hand with which he stretched out the javelin31 until he had devoted all the inhabitants of Aʹi to destruction.32
  27. Only the domestic animals and the spoil of that city Israel plundered for themselves, according to Jehovah’s word that he had laid in command upon Joshua.33
  28. ¶ Then Joshua burned Aʹi and reduced it to an indefinitely lasting mound,34 as a desolation down to this day.
  29. And he hanged the king of Aʹi35 upon a stake until the evening time;36 and as the sun was about to set Joshua gave the command, and then they took his dead body down37 from the stake[f] and pitched it at the entrance of the gate of the city and raised up a great pile of stones over him, down to this day.
  30. ¶ It was then that Joshua proceeded to build an altar38 to Jehovah the God of Israel, in Mount Eʹbal,39
  31. just as Moses the servant of Jehovah had commanded the sons of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law40 of Moses: “An altar of whole stones, upon which no iron tool has been wielded”;41 and they went offering up burnt offerings upon it to Jehovah and sacrificing communion sacrifices.42
  32. ¶ Then he wrote there upon the stones a copy[g]43 of the law of Moses that he had written before the sons of Israel.44
  33. And all Israel and their older men45 and the officers and their judges were standing on this side and on that side of the Ark in front of the priests,46 the Levites, carrying the ark of the covenant of Jehovah,47 the alien resident as well as the native,48 one half of them in front of Mount Gerʹi·zim49 and the other half of them in front of Mount Eʹbal,50 (just as Moses the servant of Jehovah had commanded,)51 to bless52 the people of Israel first of all.
  34. And after this he read aloud all the words of the law,53 the blessing54 and the malediction,55 according to all that is written in the book of the law.
  35. There proved to be not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read aloud in front of all the congregation[h] of Israel,56 together with the women57 and the little ones58 and the alien residents59 who walked in their midst.

FOOTNOTES

  1. ^ Or, “of the valley.”
  2. ^ LXX ­omits “and Bethel.”
  3. ^ Or, “dart.”
  4. ^ Lit., “two hands.”
  5. ^ Lit., “men,” M; LXX, “inhabitants.”
  6. ^ “The stake.” Lit., “the tree (wood).” Heb., ha·ʽetsʹ; Gr., xyʹlou; Lat., cruʹce.
  7. ^ “A copy of.” Heb., mish·nehʹ; Gr., deu·te·ro·noʹmi·on. See De 1:1 ftn, “Words.”
  8. ^ “The congregation of.” Heb., qehalʹ; Gr., ek·kle·siʹas.

REFERENCES

  1. ^ De 1:21; 7:18; 31:8; Jos 1:9; Ps 27:1; Is 12:2; Ro 8:31
  2. ^ Jos 2:24; Ps 44:3; Ac 7:45
  3. ^ Jos 6:21
  4. ^ Jb 27:17; Pr 13:22; Ec 2:26
  5. ^ Pr 20:18
  6. ^ Jos 8:11
  7. ^ De 3:18; 20:8; Heb 11:34
  8. ^ Jg 20:29; 2Ch 13:13
  9. ^ Jos 7:5
  10. ^ Ex 15:9; Jos 8:16
  11. ^ Jos 2:24; Pr 21:31
  12. ^ Jos 8:19, 28
  13. ^ Jos 1:9, 16
  14. ^ Jos 3:1; 6:12
  15. ^ Jos 8:1, 3
  16. ^ Jos 8:2; Jg 20:29
  17. ^ Ge 28:19
  18. ^ Jos 8:5
  19. ^ Jos 8:4
  20. ^ Jg 20:34; Pr 14:15
  21. ^ Jg 20:36
  22. ^ Jos 8:6; 16:1; 18:12
  23. ^ Ex 15:9; Jg 20:31; Ps 9:16
  24. ^ Ex 17:11; Jos 8:7, 26
  25. ^ De 7:24; Jos 1:5
  26. ^ Jos 8:7
  27. ^ Jos 8:8, 28
  28. ^ Jos 8:2; Jg 20:29
  29. ^ Le 27:29; De 7:2
  30. ^ Jos 8:29; 12:9
  31. ^ Ex 17:11; Jos 8:18
  32. ^ Le 27:29
  33. ^ Nu 31:26; Jos 8:2; Jb 27:17; Pr 13:22; Ec 2:26
  34. ^ Jos 8:8
  35. ^ Jos 12:9
  36. ^ De 21:22
  37. ^ De 21:23; Jos 10:27
  38. ^ Ex 20:24
  39. ^ De 11:29; 27:5
  40. ^ De 31:9; Jos 1:8; 2Ch 34:14; Da 9:13; Ml 4:4
  41. ^ Ex 20:25; De 27:6
  42. ^ Ex 20:24; De 27:7
  43. ^ De 27:3, 8; 2Co 3:3
  44. ^ Ex 24:4; 34:27
  45. ^ De 29:10
  46. ^ De 31:9
  47. ^ De 31:25
  48. ^ Le 24:22; Nu 15:16
  49. ^ De 27:12
  50. ^ De 27:13
  51. ^ De 11:29
  52. ^ Pr 10:6
  53. ^ De 31:9; Ne 8:3
  54. ^ Le 26:3; De 28:2
  55. ^ De 27:15; 28:15; 29:21
  56. ^ De 4:2; 12:32
  57. ^ De 31:12; Ne 8:2
  58. ^ De 29:11
  59. ^ Le 24:22; Nu 15:16

Read Joshua Chapter 8 in other Bible versions:

Comments

  1. Kiamia DoelKiamia Doel
    Jan 9, 2025 23:00 GMT

    The NWT adds words to the text that are not in the greek Manuscripts to fit it's own doctrinal position for example

    Compare the wording of the NWT and the NKJV at Colossians 1:15-17

    NKJV says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

    NWT says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn OF all creation;16 because by means of him all OTHER things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible,whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All OTHER things have been created through him and for him. 17 Also, he is before all OTHER things,and by means of him all OTHER things were made to exist,

    The word “other” is not in the Greek but they add it Why? So they can decieve their followers into thinking that Christ was created by the Father and that he then created other things, that is not what the Greek says.

    1. SmeSme
      Feb 27, 2025 11:17 GMT

      Truth is from God and those that follow him. As for lies? John8:44

      Kiamia, I noticed you used a modern version of kjv to make your point about the nwt.

      Why didn’t you use the original kjv of col1:15?

      Is it because it disproves your point? It proves the opposite of what you wrote?

      Here is kjv col1:15 ¶” Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn OF every creature:“

      Now I appeal to your Christian nature to correct your mistake as God is watching each of us, and let us bless the God of Jesus his father.

      Kjv 1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ….

  2. YanekYanek
    Dec 24, 2024 22:18 GMT

    Joshua, Jehovah’s Witnesses have never denied the deity of the Messiah in his prehuman existence. While on Earth he was fully 100% human. I do not mean he was a mere human, he was not affected by Adam’s unfaithful behavior, he was sinless.

  3. David yakubuDavid yakubu
    Oct 29, 2022 08:05 GMT

    When i do read some comments and seeing that its the same people that are supposed to be called believers but are talking ill of other denominations, it hurts. Let us all remember that We should judge not

    1. jonas smithjonas smith
      Apr 23, 2023 02:57 GMT

      The bible tells us to test the spirits. Satan disguises himself as angel of light. So yes some denomination are not teaching the truth. You are responsible for judging which ones are not. You have to judge the truth at all times. this is what the bible teaches

  4. THTH
    Apr 7, 2021 00:20 GMT

    The NWT is a very good translation. Dr. Jason David BeDuhn PhD attests to that in his book Truth in Translation. drive.google.com/...5p16melHzg8/view

    1. James LernerJames Lerner
      Jul 20, 2024 09:48 GMT

      The NWT is Satanic filth to its very core.

      The JW Cult is Satanic to its very core.

      Praise Yahweh I will never be a victim of JW brainwashing. If I burn in Hell for eternity or I am ultimately annihilated so be it

      May Yahweh's curse rest on the Watchtower Society and its Satanic leadership

    2. jim mcleodjim mcleod
      Aug 22, 2021 06:16 GMT

      NWT is a false translation that takes away from the deity of Jesus !

  5. SlightlyChaoticSlightlyChaotic
    Jan 30, 2021 16:33 GMT

    Thank you for taking the time to provide this service. I like seeing the NASB on your web page in the same format as I read on paper. On other sites, the text area is smaller, and so I have to keep scrolling down to read and sometimes I lose the context. So I really appreciate the format.

    As far as the NWT, you are certainly free to do whatever you think best with your own web pages. I'd suggest that you make a note anytime you have a translation that is associated with only one denomination or church, for example:
    New World Translation (Jehovah's Witness version).

    In Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares. the main idea seems to be that you can't easily distinguish between God's people and not-God's people on this earth, so our Lord's response is to wait until they are shown to be the kind of people they are inside. But the NWT seems like false teaching to me. So I think the warning passages from Jesus' apostles are more applicable, as in 2 Peter 3:15-16, when he talks about Paul's writings:
    "There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures."
    And we also have the positive exhortations, as in 2 Timothy 2:15:
    "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

    1. BroderickBroderick
      Jan 31, 2021 00:57 GMT

      Your suggestion regarding the denominational flagging is duly noted. But I can’t help but wonder, wouldn’t a Catholic also want “Protestant versions” marked as well?

      As for the parable, I’m pretty sure the slaves were convinced in their own minds that they could tell the tares from the wheat. After all, aren’t they the ones who identified the problem in the first place? But the master obviously thought otherwise.

      Furthermore, even at the time when Jesus himself was walking the earth, not everybody who claimed fellowship actually followed him causing John to inquire at Mark 9:39, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him . . . for he who is not against us is for us.”

  6. Joshua HarderJoshua Harder
    Dec 11, 2020 17:48 GMT

    Hello, question.. why have you included the NWT with other legitimate bible translations? Or why have you not atleast included a warning to readers? Don't you fear that someone could be influenced by the Watchtower's intentional heresies? Thank you.

    1. KevinKevin
      Jul 11, 2021 17:45 GMT

      en.m.wikipedia.org/..._Holy_Scriptures

      See the section critical review

    2. ChrisChris
      Jan 8, 2021 07:15 GMT

      Please site these intentional heresies. I am well versed in the watch tower outline and agree they are in many ways incorrect but i also bet i can point many out from EVERY established or main denomination. There is much to learn from them all as one who drinks milk?

      Judge not lest ye be judged, that is not to pass judgement on you either brother.

      I debate with scripture. I don't hold it to be true that Michael is Y'Shua HaMeshiach but I also firmly hold it to be true that our G-d and Heavenly Father are not the word encarnate and only begotten son.

      I love not seeing "lord" which i relate to baal. I feel the catholic church is a satanic establishment and I am aware a freemason started the hovies but there are evil in high places and our fight is also with principalities.

      What i'm saying is that in my darkest hours, those two were some of if not the only ones who would bring a Bible and eucharist and pray with me.

      We all fall short of the glory of G-d.

      Don't forget the NWT was recognized as the most accurate translation on Jeopardy.

      Lastly, this is different I noted than the NWT i have read and am very familiar with. Pull up the watchtower page and compare. I truly look forward to getting this one!

  7. julietjuliet
    Aug 17, 2022 09:36 GMT

    the sky is blue

  8. mercymercy
    Aug 12, 2022 21:23 GMT

    i am Mercy, the sky is blue what else do you need

    1. mercymercy
      Aug 12, 2022 21:25 GMT

      i am so sorry, it was a big mistake

  9. God is able to do all thingsGod is able to do all things
    May 17, 2021 17:59 GMT

    Jesus how much love calling yo name

  10. EmpiralEmpiral
    Jul 4, 2025 19:06 GMT

    I live in Dover, Delaware. My boyfriend Juan Tover and I have been dating for the past 4 yrs we were to get married in September of this year but it never happened..he constantly messes around with his ex's and other females every time he got caught he apologized and tell me to forgive him and I keep taking him back because I'm truly in love with this man but after a while he started messing around again...what can I do to make this man to love me and stop the messing around so we could get married and start our family? I am very happy I contacted Priest Salami regarding my problem. My boyfriend is now my HUSBAND. We got married 2 weeks ago in the United Church in Dover. My problem was solved. I am extremely happy to put his email purenaturalhealer@gmail.com  to anyone out there looking to solve his/her relationship problem. You can also WhatsApp him with his mobile number +2348105150446
    Visit his Facebook page facebook.com/priestsalami

  • Showing 1 - 10 of 10
NOTE: You are replying to 's comment. [Cancel]