Joshua 9:5 Meaning and Explanation
“And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Worn shoes, patched clothing, and moldy bread complete the Gibeonites' disguise.
What Does Joshua 9:5 Mean?
The description of the disguise continues down to the smallest detail. Their sandals are patched and mended, their clothing threadbare, and even their bread has gone dry and crumbled with mold. The props are chosen to prove an impossibly long road behind them.
There is something both clever and pitiable in this careful staging. The Gibeonites stake everything on appearances, trusting that the evidence will speak louder than the truth. It is a sober reminder that what looks convincing to the eye is not always what is real, and that surfaces can be arranged to mislead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 9:5
What does Joshua 9:5 mean?
Worn shoes, patched clothing, and moldy bread complete the Gibeonites' disguise.