Joshua 6:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jericho is sealed tight behind its gates, paralyzed by fear of Israel, with no traffic in or out.
What Does Joshua 6:1 Mean?
The chapter opens with a still image of the great walled city. Israel has crossed the Jordan and camped on the plains; word of their coming has reached Jericho, and the city has barred itself completely. "Straitly shut up" means firmly, tightly closed, locked down against the danger outside.
Behind those walls is fear, and the silence of a city that has chosen to trust its defenses. The picture sets up everything that follows: human strength gathered behind stone, about to meet the purposes of God. What looks impenetrable to the eye is already named as something the Lord will hand over. Before a single trumpet sounds, the outcome rests not on the height of the wall but on the will of God.
Joshua 6:1 in the Original Language
sagar (סָגַר), 'shut' -- to close fast or imprison, here a city sealed completely shut.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 6:1
What does Joshua 6:1 mean?
Jericho is sealed tight behind its gates, paralyzed by fear of Israel, with no traffic in or out.