Lectionary Calendar
the First Sunday, December 28th, 2025
the Sunday after Christmas
the Sunday after Christmas
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Easy-to-Read Version
Joshua 9:21
So let them live, but they will be our servants. They will cut wood for us and carry water for all our people." So the leaders did not break their promise of peace to them.
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Christian Standard Bible®
They also said, “Let them live.” So the Gibeonites became woodcutters and water carriers for the whole community, as the leaders had promised them.
They also said, “Let them live.” So the Gibeonites became woodcutters and water carriers for the whole community, as the leaders had promised them.
Hebrew Names Version
The princes said to them, Let them live: so they became wood cutters and drawers of water to all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to them.
The princes said to them, Let them live: so they became wood cutters and drawers of water to all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to them.
King James Version
And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.
And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.
Lexham English Bible
And the leaders said to them, "Let them live." So they became woodcutters and water carriers for all the congregation, just as the leaders had said to them.
And the leaders said to them, "Let them live." So they became woodcutters and water carriers for all the congregation, just as the leaders had said to them.
English Standard Version
And the leaders said to them, "Let them live." So they became cutters of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation, just as the leaders had said of them.
And the leaders said to them, "Let them live." So they became cutters of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation, just as the leaders had said of them.
New Century Version
So let them live, but they will cut wood and carry water for our people." So the leaders kept their promise to them.
So let them live, but they will cut wood and carry water for our people." So the leaders kept their promise to them.
New English Translation
The leaders then added, "Let them live." So they became woodcutters and water carriers for the whole community, as the leaders had decided.
The leaders then added, "Let them live." So they became woodcutters and water carriers for the whole community, as the leaders had decided.
Amplified Bible
The leaders said to them, "Let them live [as our slaves]." So they became the cutters and gatherers of firewood and water carriers for the entire congregation, just as the leaders had said of them.
The leaders said to them, "Let them live [as our slaves]." So they became the cutters and gatherers of firewood and water carriers for the entire congregation, just as the leaders had said of them.
New American Standard Bible
So the leaders said to them, "Let them live." And they became gatherers of firewood and labor to draw water for the whole congregation, just as the leaders had spoken to them.
So the leaders said to them, "Let them live." And they became gatherers of firewood and labor to draw water for the whole congregation, just as the leaders had spoken to them.
Geneva Bible (1587)
And the Princes sayd vnto them againe, Let them liue, but they shall hewe wood, and drawe water vnto all the Congregation, as the Princes appoint them.
And the Princes sayd vnto them againe, Let them liue, but they shall hewe wood, and drawe water vnto all the Congregation, as the Princes appoint them.
Legacy Standard Bible
So the leaders said to them, "Let them live." Thus they became hewers of wood and drawers of water for the whole congregation, just as the leaders had spoken to them.
So the leaders said to them, "Let them live." Thus they became hewers of wood and drawers of water for the whole congregation, just as the leaders had spoken to them.
Complete Jewish Bible
Yes, let them live," the leaders continued, "but let them chop wood and draw water for the whole community." This is what the leaders said.
Yes, let them live," the leaders continued, "but let them chop wood and draw water for the whole community." This is what the leaders said.
Darby Translation
And the princes said to them, Let them live. And they were hewers of wood and drawers of water for all the assembly; as the princes had said to them.
And the princes said to them, Let them live. And they were hewers of wood and drawers of water for all the assembly; as the princes had said to them.
George Lamsa Translation
And the princes said to the children of Israel, Let them live; but let them become gatherers of wood and drawers of water to all the congregation; so they became gatherers of wood and drawers of water to all the congregation of the land; as the princes had promised them.
And the princes said to the children of Israel, Let them live; but let them become gatherers of wood and drawers of water to all the congregation; so they became gatherers of wood and drawers of water to all the congregation of the land; as the princes had promised them.
Good News Translation
Let them live, but they will have to cut wood and carry water for us." This was what the leaders suggested.
Let them live, but they will have to cut wood and carry water for us." This was what the leaders suggested.
Literal Translation
And the leaders said to them, They shall live and be woodcutters, and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the leaders spoke to them.
And the leaders said to them, They shall live and be woodcutters, and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the leaders spoke to them.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
And the rulers sayde vnto them: Let them lyue, that they maye be hewers of wodd and bearers of water for the whole congregacion, as the rulers haue sayde vnto them.
And the rulers sayde vnto them: Let them lyue, that they maye be hewers of wodd and bearers of water for the whole congregacion, as the rulers haue sayde vnto them.
American Standard Version
And the princes said unto them, Let them live: so they became hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation, as the princes had spoken unto them.
And the princes said unto them, Let them live: so they became hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation, as the princes had spoken unto them.
Bible in Basic English
Keep them living, and let them be servants, cutting wood and getting water for all the people. And all the people did as the chiefs had said to them.
Keep them living, and let them be servants, cutting wood and getting water for all the people. And all the people did as the chiefs had said to them.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
And the princes said vnto them againe, Let them liue, and hewe wood, & drawe water vnto all the congregation, [and they dyd] as the princes sayde vnto them.
And the princes said vnto them againe, Let them liue, and hewe wood, & drawe water vnto all the congregation, [and they dyd] as the princes sayde vnto them.
JPS Old Testament (1917)
And the princes said concerning them: 'Let them live'; so they became hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation, as the princes had spoken concerning them.
And the princes said concerning them: 'Let them live'; so they became hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation, as the princes had spoken concerning them.
King James Version (1611)
And the Princes said vnto them, Let them liue, (but let them bee hewers of wood, and drawers of water, vnto all the Congregation,) as the Princes had promised them.
And the Princes said vnto them, Let them liue, (but let them bee hewers of wood, and drawers of water, vnto all the Congregation,) as the Princes had promised them.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
They shall live, and shall be hewers of wood and drawers of water to all the congregation, as the princes said to them.
They shall live, and shall be hewers of wood and drawers of water to all the congregation, as the princes said to them.
English Revised Version
And the princes said unto them, Let them live: so they became hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had spoken unto them.
And the princes said unto them, Let them live: so they became hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had spoken unto them.
Berean Standard Bible
They continued, "Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation." So the leaders kept their promise.
They continued, "Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation." So the leaders kept their promise.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
but so lyue thei, that thei hewe trees, and bere watris, in to the vsis of al the multitude. And while thei spaken these thingis,
but so lyue thei, that thei hewe trees, and bere watris, in to the vsis of al the multitude. And while thei spaken these thingis,
Young's Literal Translation
And the princes say unto them, `They live, and are hewers of wood and drawers of water for all the company, as the princes spake to them.'
And the princes say unto them, `They live, and are hewers of wood and drawers of water for all the company, as the princes spake to them.'
Update Bible Version
And the princes said to them, Let them live and become cutters of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation. So they became cutters of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to them.
And the princes said to them, Let them live and become cutters of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation. So they became cutters of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to them.
Webster's Bible Translation
And the princes said to them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood, and drawers of water to all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.
And the princes said to them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood, and drawers of water to all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.
World English Bible
The princes said to them, Let them live: so they became wood cutters and drawers of water to all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to them.
The princes said to them, Let them live: so they became wood cutters and drawers of water to all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to them.
New King James Version
And the rulers said to them, "Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for all the congregation, as the rulers had promised them."
And the rulers said to them, "Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for all the congregation, as the rulers had promised them."
New Living Translation
Let them live." So they made them woodcutters and water carriers for the entire community, as the Israelite leaders directed.
Let them live." So they made them woodcutters and water carriers for the entire community, as the Israelite leaders directed.
New Life Bible
And the leaders said to them, "Let them live." So they cut wood and brought water for all the people, as the leaders had told them.
And the leaders said to them, "Let them live." So they cut wood and brought water for all the people, as the leaders had told them.
New Revised Standard
The leaders said to them, "Let them live." So they became hewers of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the leaders had decided concerning them.
The leaders said to them, "Let them live." So they became hewers of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the leaders had decided concerning them.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
And the princes said unto them - Let them live. So they became hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the assembly, as the princes spake unto them.
And the princes said unto them - Let them live. So they became hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the assembly, as the princes spake unto them.
Douay-Rheims Bible
But so let them live, as to serve the whole multitude in hewing wood, and bringing in water. As they were speaking these things,
But so let them live, as to serve the whole multitude in hewing wood, and bringing in water. As they were speaking these things,
Revised Standard Version
And the leaders said to them, "Let them live." So they became hewers of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the leaders had said of them.
And the leaders said to them, "Let them live." So they became hewers of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the leaders had said of them.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
The leaders said to them, "Let them live." So they became hewers of wood and drawers of water for the whole congregation, just as the leaders had spoken to them.
The leaders said to them, "Let them live." So they became hewers of wood and drawers of water for the whole congregation, just as the leaders had spoken to them.
Contextual Overview
15 Joshua agreed to make peace with them. He agreed to let them live. The leaders of Israel agreed with this promise of Joshua. 16 Three days later the Israelites learned that these men lived very near their camp. 17 So the Israelites went to the place where they lived. On the third day the Israelites came to the cities of Gibeon, Kephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath Jearim. 18 But the army of Israel did not try to fight against those cities. They had made a peace agreement with them. They had made a promise to them before the Lord , the God of Israel. All the people complained against the leaders who made the agreement. 19 But the leaders answered, "We have given our promise. We promised before the Lord , the God of Israel. We cannot fight against them now. 20 This is what we must do. We must let them live. We cannot hurt them or God will be angry with us because we broke the promise we made to them. 21 So let them live, but they will be our servants. They will cut wood for us and carry water for all our people." So the leaders did not break their promise of peace to them.
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
let them: Joshua 9:23, Joshua 9:27, Deuteronomy 29:11, 2 Chronicles 2:17, 2 Chronicles 2:18
as the princes: Joshua 9:15
Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 9:2 - the Nethinims Ezra 2:58 - Nethinims
Cross-References
Genesis 6:9
This is the history of Noah's family. He was a good man all his life, and he always followed God.
This is the history of Noah's family. He was a good man all his life, and he always followed God.
Genesis 9:3
In the past, I gave you the green plants to eat. Now every animal will also be food for you. I give you everything on earth—it is yours.
In the past, I gave you the green plants to eat. Now every animal will also be food for you. I give you everything on earth—it is yours.
Genesis 9:4
But I give you one command. You must not eat meat that still has its life (blood) in it.
But I give you one command. You must not eat meat that still has its life (blood) in it.
Genesis 9:15
When I see this rainbow, I will remember the agreement between me and you and every living thing on the earth. This agreement says that a flood will never again destroy all life on the earth.
When I see this rainbow, I will remember the agreement between me and you and every living thing on the earth. This agreement says that a flood will never again destroy all life on the earth.
Genesis 9:16
When I look and see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the agreement that continues forever. I will remember the agreement between me and every living thing on the earth."
When I look and see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the agreement that continues forever. I will remember the agreement between me and every living thing on the earth."
Proverbs 20:1
Wine and beer make people lose control; they get loud and stumble around. And that is foolish.
Wine and beer make people lose control; they get loud and stumble around. And that is foolish.
Romans 13:13
We should live in a right way, like people who belong to the day. We should not have wild parties or be drunk. We should not be involved in sexual sin or any kind of immoral behavior. We should not cause arguments and trouble or be jealous.
We should live in a right way, like people who belong to the day. We should not have wild parties or be drunk. We should not be involved in sexual sin or any kind of immoral behavior. We should not cause arguments and trouble or be jealous.
1 Corinthians 10:12
So anyone who thinks they are standing strong should be careful that they don't fall.
So anyone who thinks they are standing strong should be careful that they don't fall.
Galatians 5:21
being filled with envy, getting drunk, having wild parties, and doing other things like this. I warn you now as I warned you before: The people who do these things will not have a part in God's kingdom.
being filled with envy, getting drunk, having wild parties, and doing other things like this. I warn you now as I warned you before: The people who do these things will not have a part in God's kingdom.
Titus 2:2
Teach the older men to have self-control, to be serious, and to be wise. They must be strong in faith, in love, and in patience.
Teach the older men to have self-control, to be serious, and to be wise. They must be strong in faith, in love, and in patience.
Gill's Notes on the Bible
And the princes said to them, let them live,.... They were very pressing upon them, and importunate with them, to save their lives, because of the oath they had taken:
(but let them be hewers of wood, and drawers of water, unto all the congregation): which was a very low and mean employment, Deuteronomy 29:11; as well as wearisome; and this being a yoke of servitude on the Gibeonites, and a punishment of them for their fraud, and of service, profit, and advantage to the people of Israel, the princess proposed it in hopes of pacifying them, and that they would yield to spare the lives of the Gibeonites; what they proposed was, not that they should hew wood and draw water for all the Israelites for their private use, but what was necessary for the service of the sanctuary, which the congregation was obliged to furnish them with; and now these men should do that work for them, which before was incumbent on them; for Joshua afterwards imposed this upon them, to be hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of God, Joshua 9:23; though Kimchi thinks that while the people of Israel were in camp, and before the land was divided, they were hewers of wood and drawers of water to the congregation; but after the land was divided, and they were settled in their cities and inheritances, then they only hewed wood and drew water for the sanctuary at Gilgal, Shiloh, Nob, Gibeon, and the temple; the Jewish writers say s, the Nethinim and the Gibeonites were the same, who became proselytes in the times of Joshua, see 1 Chronicles 9:2;
as the princes promised them; which is to be connected, not with their being hewers of wood and drawers of water, this the princes had said nothing of before, and which is rightly included in a parenthesis, but with their being let to live; this they had promised and sworn to, even all the princes, not only all that were now at Gibeon, and were persuading the people to let the Gibeonites live, but all the princes, even those that were not present, but in the camp at Gilgal.
s Maimon. & Bartenora in Misn. Kiddushin, c. 4. sect. 1.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Render “they shall be hewers of wood and drawers of water:” menial duties belonging to the lowest classes only (compare the marginal reference). The curse of Noah Genesis 9:25 on the children of Ham was thus fulfilled to the letter in the case of these Hivites.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse Joshua 9:21. Hewers of wood and drawers of water — Perhaps this is a sort of proverbial expression, signifying the lowest state of servitude, though it may also be understood literally. See below.
