Joshua 7:5 And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

◄ Joshua 7:5 ►

New International Version
who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted in fear and became like water.

New Living Translation
chased the Israelites from the town gate as far as the quarries, and they killed about thirty-six who were retreating down the slope. The Israelites were paralyzed with fear at this turn of events, and their courage melted away.

English Standard Version
and the men of Ai killed about thirty-six of their men and chased them before the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them at the descent. And the hearts of the people melted and became as water.

Berean Standard Bible
And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

King James Bible
And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

New King James Version
And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six men, for they chased them from before the gate as far as Shebarim, and struck them down on the descent; therefore the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

New American Standard Bible
And the men of Ai struck and killed about thirty-six of their men, and pursued them from the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them on the mountainside; and the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

NASB 1995
The men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of their men, and pursued them from the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them down on the descent, so the hearts of the people melted and became as water.

NASB 1977
And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of their men, and pursued them from the gate as far as Shebarim, and struck them down on the descent, so the hearts of the people melted and became as water.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of their men and pursued them from the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them down on the descent, so the hearts of the people melted and became as water.

Amplified Bible
The men of Ai killed about thirty-six of Israel’s men, and chased them from the gate as far as [the bluffs of] Shebarim and struck them down as they descended [the steep pass], so the hearts of the people melted [in despair and began to doubt God’s promise] and became like water (disheartened).

Christian Standard Bible
The men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them and chased them from outside the city gate to the quarries, striking them down on the descent. As a result, the people lost heart.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The men of Ai struck down about 36 of them and chased them from outside the gate to the quarries, striking them down on the descent. As a result, the people’s hearts melted and became like water.

American Standard Version
And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men; and they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them at the descent; and the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

English Revised Version
And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: and they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them at the going down: and the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The men of Ai killed about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the city gate to the slope of the stone quarries. Israel's troops lost heart and were scared stiff.

Good News Translation
The men of Ai chased them from the city gate as far as some quarries and killed about thirty-six of them on the way down the hill. Then the Israelites lost their courage and were afraid.

International Standard Version
The men of Ai killed about 36 of them, pursuing them outside the city gates as far as Shebarim, killing them as they descended. As a result, the army became terrified and lost their confidence.

Majority Standard Bible
And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

NET Bible
The men of Ai killed about thirty-six of them and chased them from in front of the city gate all the way to the fissures and defeated them on the steep slope. The people's courage melted away like water.

New Heart English Bible
The men of Ai struck about thirty-six men of them, and they chased them from before the gate even to the Shebarim, and struck them at the descent. The hearts of the people melted, and became like water.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

World English Bible
The men of Ai struck about thirty-six men of them. They chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim, and struck them at the descent. The hearts of the people melted, and became like water.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and the men of Ai strike about thirty-six men from them, and pursue them before the gate to Shebarim, and they strike them in Morad; and the heart of the people is melted, and becomes water.

Young's Literal Translation
and the men of Ai smite of them about thirty and six men, and pursue them before the gate unto Shebarim, and they smite them in Morad; and the heart of the people is melted, and becometh water.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the men of Ai will smite of them about thirty and six men; and they will pursue them before the gate, even to Shebarim; and they will smite them in going down, and the heart of the people will melt and will be as water.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And were defeated by the men of the city of Hai, and there fell of them six and thirty men : and the enemies pursued them from the gate as far as Sabarim, and they slew them as they fled by the descent: and the heart of the people was struck with fear, and melted like water.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and were struck down by the men of the city of Ai. And thirty-six men of them fell. And the adversaries pursued them from the gate, even as far as Shebarim. And they felled them as they were fleeing downward. And the heart of the people was struck with fear, and it melted like water.

New American Bible
who killed some thirty-six of them. They pursued them from the city gate to the Shebarim, and defeated them on the descent, so that the confidence of the people melted away like water.

New Revised Standard Version
The men of Ai killed about thirty-six of them, chasing them from outside the gate as far as Shebarim and killing them on the slope. The hearts of the people melted and turned to water.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the men of Ai smote thirty-six of the Israelites; and they chased them from before the gate until they were defeated, and they smote them with a great slaughter; wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the men of Ai killed with the sword thirty and six men of Israel and pursued them before the gates until they were defeated and they struck them with slaughter, and the heart of the people trembled and they were like water

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men; and they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them at the descent; and the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the men of Gai slew of them to the number of thirty-six men, and they pursued them from the gate, and destroyed them from the steep hill; and the heart of the people was alarmed and became as water.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Israel Defeated at Ai
…4So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai. 5And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water. 6Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Deuteronomy 1:44
Then the Amorites who lived in the hills came out against you and chased you like a swarm of bees. They routed you from Seir all the way to Hormah.

Leviticus 26:17
And I will set My face against you, so that you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one pursues you.

Judges 2:14
Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of those who plundered them. He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist.

Judges 20:32
“We are defeating them as before,” said the Benjamites. But the Israelites said, “Let us retreat and draw them away from the city onto the roads.”

1 Samuel 4:10
So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and each man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great—thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell.

Isaiah 30:17
A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill.

Isaiah 59:2
But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.

Jeremiah 19:7
And in this place I will ruin the plans of Judah and Jerusalem. I will make them fall by the sword before their enemies, by the hands of those who seek their lives, and I will give their carcasses as food to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth.

Lamentations 1:5
Her foes have become her masters; her enemies are at ease. For the LORD has brought her grief because of her many transgressions. Her children have gone away as captives before the enemy.

Hosea 4:7
The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; they exchanged their Glory for a thing of disgrace.

Matthew 26:56
But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.

Mark 14:50
Then everyone deserted Him and fled.

Luke 21:24
They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

John 16:32
“Look, an hour is coming and has already come when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and you will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

Acts 5:39
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”

Treasury of Scripture

And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: why the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

for they

Deuteronomy 1:44
And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah.

the going down.

Joshua 2:9,11
And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you…

Joshua 5:1
And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.

Leviticus 26:36
And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

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Ai Chased City Descent Hearts Israelites Melted Pursued Quarries Six Slew Slopes Smote Stone Struck Thirty Thirty-Six Water Wherefore

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Joshua 7

1. The Israelites are smitten at Ai
6. Joshua's complaint
10. God instructs him what to do
16. Achan is taken by the lot
19. His confession
24. He and all he had are destroyed in the valley of Achor

Berean Study Bible

And the men of Ai
The city of Ai, whose name means "ruin" in Hebrew, was a small Canaanite city. The men of Ai, though fewer in number, were able to defeat the Israelites due to Israel's disobedience. This highlights the importance of spiritual readiness and obedience to God over mere military might.

struck down about thirty-six of them
The number thirty-six, though seemingly small, was significant in the context of Israel's previous victories. This loss was a stark contrast to the miraculous victory at Jericho, emphasizing that even a small defeat can have a profound impact when it is a result of sin and disobedience.

and they chased them from the gate
The gate of a city was a place of strength and security. Being chased from the gate symbolizes a complete reversal of fortune and a loss of protection. It serves as a reminder that without God's favor, even the strongest defenses are vulnerable.

as far as the quarries
The quarries, or "Shebarim" in Hebrew, were likely a place of stone extraction. This detail provides a geographical marker, indicating the extent of the Israelites' retreat. It underscores the thoroughness of their defeat and the shame of being pursued by a smaller force.

and struck them down on the slopes
The slopes, or "descent," suggest a downward path, both physically and spiritually. This imagery of descent highlights the Israelites' fall from grace due to their sin. It serves as a metaphor for the consequences of turning away from God's commands.

So the hearts of the people melted
The phrase "hearts melted" is a vivid expression of fear and despair. In Hebrew, the heart is the center of emotion and will. This melting signifies a complete loss of courage and resolve, showing how sin can lead to spiritual and emotional paralysis.

and became like water
Water, in this context, symbolizes instability and weakness. Just as water lacks form and strength, the Israelites' confidence and faith were shattered. This serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of human strength without divine support.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5) Shebarim--i.e., the crevices, or ravines. A short distance below Ai the road passes the head of steep glens, which open into the plain of Jordan.

In the going down--i.e., until they escaped into these ravines.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 5. Unto Shebarim. LXX., κかっぱαあるふぁὶ ἕως σしぐまυうぷしろんνにゅーέτριψαν αあるふぁὐτたうοおみくろんύς, as though we had שְׁבָרוּם (or, as Masius suggests, הַשְׁבִירִים) from שָׁבַר to break in pieces. So the Syriac and Chaldee versions. But this is quite out of the question. The Israelites were not annihilated, for they only lost about 36 men. Nor is Shebarim a proper name, as the Vulgate renders it. It has the article, and must be rendered either with Keil, the stone quarries (literally, the crushings or breakings), or with Gesenius, the ruins, which, however, is less probable, since Ai (see above)has a similar signification. Munsterus mentions a view that it was so called in consequence of the slaughter of the Israelites. But this is very improbable. In the going down. Ai stood in a strong position on the mountains. The margin "in Morad "is therefore not to be preferred. It means, as the Israelites and their antagonists descended from the gates. The hearts of the people melted and became as water. This was not cowardice, but awe. The people had relied upon the strong hand of the Lord, which had been so wonderfully stretched out for them. From Joshua downwards, every one felt that, for some unknown reason, that support had been withdrawn.

CHAPTER 7:6-15. JOSHUA'S PRAYER AND GOD'S ANSWER. -

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And the men
אִ֔ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of Ai
הָעַ֗י (hā·‘ay)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5857: Ai -- a Canaanite city

struck down
וַיַּכּ֨וּ (way·yak·kū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5221: To strike

about thirty-six of them
כִּשְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים (kiš·lō·šîm)
Preposition-k | Number - common plural
Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth

and chased
וַֽיִּרְדְּפ֞וּם (way·yir·də·p̄ūm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute

them from
לִפְנֵ֤י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the gate
הַשַּׁ֙עַר֙ (haš·ša·‘ar)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

as far as
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the quarries,
הַשְּׁבָרִ֔ים (haš·šə·ḇā·rîm)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7671: Shebarim -- perhaps 'quarries', a place near Ai

striking them down
וַיַּכּ֖וּם (way·yak·kūm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5221: To strike

on the slopes.
בַּמּוֹרָ֑ד (bam·mō·w·rāḏ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4174: A descent, an ornamental appendage, a festoon

So the hearts
לְבַב־ (lə·ḇaḇ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

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

melted
וַיִּמַּ֥ס (way·yim·mas)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4549: To liquefy, to waste, to faint

and became
וַיְהִ֥י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

like water.
לְמָֽיִם׃ (lə·mā·yim)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

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OT History: Joshua 7:5 The men of Ai struck about thirty-six (Josh. Jos)