Joshua 7:3 On returning to Joshua, they reported, "There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there."

◄ Joshua 7:3 ►

New International Version
When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the army will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary the whole army, for only a few people live there.”

New Living Translation
When they returned, they told Joshua, “There’s no need for all of us to go up there; it won’t take more than two or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since there are so few of them, don’t make all our people struggle to go up there.”

English Standard Version
And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not have all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not make the whole people toil up there, for they are few.”

Berean Standard Bible
On returning to Joshua, they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.”

King James Bible
And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few.

New King James Version
And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not weary all the people there, for the people of Ai are few.”

New American Standard Bible
Then they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not have all the people go up; have only about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai; do not trouble all the people there, for they are few.”

NASB 1995
They returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up; only about two or three thousand men need go up to Ai; do not make all the people toil up there, for they are few.”

NASB 1977
And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up; only about two or three thousand men need go up to Ai; do not make all the people toil up there, for they are few.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not have all the people go up; only about two or three thousand men need go up to strike down Ai; do not have all the people toil up there, for they are few.”

Amplified Bible
Then they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not make all the people go up [to fight]; have only about two thousand or three thousand men go up and attack Ai; do not make the entire army go up there, for they [of Ai] are few.”

Christian Standard Bible
After returning to Joshua they reported to him, “Don’t send all the people, but send about two thousand or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, don’t wear out all our people there.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After returning to Joshua they reported to him, “Don’t send all the people, but send about 2,000 or 3,000 men to attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, don’t wear out all our people there.”

American Standard Version
And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; make not all the people to toil thither; for they are but few.

Contemporary English Version
They went back to Joshua and reported, "You don't need to send the whole army to attack Ai--2,000 or 3,000 troops will be enough. Why bother the whole army for a town that small?"

English Revised Version
And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; make not all the people to toil thither; for they are but few.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They came back to Joshua and told him, "You don't need to send all the troops. Only about two or three thousand men are needed to destroy Ai. Don't tire the troops out by sending all of them. There are only a few troops in Ai."

Good News Translation
they reported back to Joshua: "There is no need for everyone to attack Ai. Send only about two or three thousand men. Don't send the whole army up there to fight; it is not a large city."

International Standard Version
returned to Joshua. "Not all of the people need to go up," they reported. "Only about two or three thousand men should attack Ai. Since they are so few, don't make all of the army work hard up there."

Majority Standard Bible
On returning to Joshua, they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.”

NET Bible
They returned and reported to Joshua, "Don't send the whole army. About two or three thousand men are adequate to defeat Ai. Don't tire out the whole army, for Ai is small."

New Heart English Bible
They returned to Joshua, and said to him, "Do not let all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and strike Ai. Do not make all the people to toil there, for there are only a few of them."

Webster's Bible Translation
And they returned to Joshua, and said to him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labor thither; for they are but few.

World English Bible
They returned to Joshua, and said to him, “Don’t let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and strike Ai. Don’t make all the people to toil there, for there are only a few of them.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and they return to Joshua, and say to him, “Do not let all the people go up; let about two thousand men, or about three thousand men, go up, and they strike Ai; do not cause all the people to labor there; for they [are] few.”

Young's Literal Translation
and they turn back unto Joshua, and say unto him, 'Let not all the people go up; let about two thousand men, or about three thousand men, go up, and they smite Ai; cause not all the people to labour thither; for they are few.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will turn back to Joshua, and will say to him, All the people shall not go up; about two thousand men or about three thousand men shall go up and smite Ai: thou shalt not weary there all the people for they few.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And returning they said to him: Let not all the people go up, but let two or three thousand men go and destroy the city: why should all the people be troubled in vain against enemies that are very few?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And returning, they said to him: “Let not the entire people go up. Instead, let two or three thousand men go out and destroy the city. Why should all the people be troubled without cause against enemies that are so very few?”

New American Bible
they returned to Joshua and advised, “Do not send all the people up; if only about two or three thousand go up, they can attack and overcome Ai. You need not tire all the people: the enemy there are few.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Not all the people need go up; about two or three thousand men should go up and attack Ai. Since they are so few, do not make the whole people toil up there.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And they returned to Joshua, and said to him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up, and destroy Ai; and do not send all the people there, for the men of Ai are but few.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they returned to Yeshua and they were saying to him: “Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up. They will destroy Ai. Do not send all the people, because they are few”,

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him: 'Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; make not all the people to toil thither; for they are but few.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they returned to Joshua, and said to him, Let not all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and take the city by siege: carry not up thither the whole people, for the enemy are few.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Israel Defeated at Ai
…2Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. 3On returning to Joshua, they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.” 4So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Numbers 13:31
But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!”

Deuteronomy 1:28
Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’”

Judges 7:2-3
Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ / Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the men: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained.

1 Samuel 14:6
Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”

1 Samuel 17:33
But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”

2 Samuel 10:11-12
“If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue. / Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

2 Kings 6:16
“Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

2 Chronicles 14:11
Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.”

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 33:16-17
No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.

Isaiah 30:15-17
For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence—but you were not willing.” / “No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster. / 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 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Zechariah 4:6
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.

Matthew 17:20
“Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 26:33
Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.”

Treasury of Scripture

And they returned to Joshua, and said to him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labor thither; for they are but few.

about two [heb] about

Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 21:25
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

Luke 13:24
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Jump to Previous

Ai Attack Joshua Labor Need Smite Strike Thither Thousand Three Toil Weary Whole

Jump to Next

Ai Attack Joshua Labor Need Smite Strike Thither Thousand Three Toil Weary Whole

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

When they returned to Joshua
This phrase indicates a report being brought back to the leader, Joshua, after a reconnaissance mission. The Hebrew root for "returned" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which often implies a turning back or a change in direction. This suggests a moment of decision and reflection, where the spies are bringing crucial information to Joshua. Historically, Joshua was a leader who sought divine guidance, and this return signifies a pivotal moment where human judgment is about to be weighed against divine will.

they said
The act of speaking here is significant. The Hebrew word "אָמַר" (amar) is used, which is a common verb for speaking or saying. In the biblical context, what is spoken often carries weight and authority. The spies' words are not just casual observations but are intended to influence Joshua's decision-making. This reflects the importance of counsel and the responsibility of leaders to discern the truth and wisdom in the words of their advisors.

Not all the people need to go up
This phrase suggests a strategy based on perceived strength and necessity. The Hebrew word for "all" is "כֹּל" (kol), indicating totality or completeness. The spies are advising against mobilizing the entire Israelite force, implying confidence in their own strength and underestimating the enemy. This reflects a human tendency to rely on visible strength rather than seeking divine guidance, a recurring theme in Scripture where reliance on God is paramount.

Let two or three thousand men go up
The specific numbers "two or three thousand" indicate a calculated military strategy. In the ancient Near Eastern context, numbers often had symbolic significance. The choice of a small contingent suggests overconfidence and a lack of understanding of the true nature of the battle. This decision contrasts with earlier victories where God's guidance was sought, highlighting the danger of self-reliance.

and attack Ai
The city of Ai, whose name means "ruin" in Hebrew, represents a seemingly minor obstacle. The directive to "attack" (Hebrew "נָכָה", nakah) implies a straightforward military engagement. However, the historical and scriptural context reveals that battles in the Promised Land were not merely physical but spiritual, requiring obedience to God's commands. The failure to recognize this leads to the subsequent defeat, underscoring the need for spiritual discernment.

Do not weary all the people
The concern for not "wearying" the people reflects a pragmatic approach to warfare. The Hebrew root "יָגַע" (yaga) means to toil or become weary. This phrase suggests a desire to conserve resources and maintain morale. However, it also reveals a lack of spiritual insight, as the true strength of Israel lay not in numbers or physical rest but in their covenant relationship with God.

for only a few men are there
This underestimation of Ai's defenses is a critical error. The phrase "only a few" (Hebrew "מְעַט", me'at) indicates a dismissive attitude towards the enemy. Historically, this reflects a common military miscalculation where the visible strength of the enemy is underestimated. Scripturally, it serves as a reminder that victory is not determined by human assessment but by divine will. The subsequent defeat at Ai serves as a humbling lesson in the necessity of seeking God's guidance in all endeavors.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(3) Make not all the people to labour thither.--In these words we see, by a sort of side-glance, the (not unnatural) comment of Israel on the seven days' march round Jericho. They thought it useless labour, and were unable to appreciate the lesson which it taught. Again our attention is directed to the peculiar character of the warfare. It was not that kind of war which men would naturally have been disposed to wage. But the narrative is consistent throughout. (See Note on Joshua 2:1.)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 3. - Make not all the people to labour thither; or, weary not the people with the journey thither. "Good successe lifts up the heart with too much confidence" (Bp. Hall).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

On returning
וַיָּשֻׁ֣בוּ (way·yā·šu·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Joshua,
יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites

they reported,
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“There is no need
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

to send all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

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

two
כְּאַלְפַּ֣יִם (kə·’al·pa·yim)
Preposition-k | Number - md
Strong's 505: A thousand

or
א֚וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

three
כִּשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת (kiš·lō·šeṯ)
Preposition-k | Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

thousand
אֲלָפִ֣ים (’ă·lā·p̄îm)
Number - masculine plural
Strong's 505: A thousand

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

to go up
יַעֲל֖וּ (ya·‘ă·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

and attack
וְיַכּ֣וּ (wə·yak·kū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5221: To strike

Ai.
הָעָ֑י (hā·‘āy)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5857: Ai -- a Canaanite city

Since
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the people of Ai
הֵֽמָּה׃ (hêm·māh)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

are so few,
מְעַ֖ט (mə·‘aṭ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 4592: A little, fewness, a few

you need not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

wear out
תְּיַגַּע־ (tə·yag·ga‘-)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3021: To gasp, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

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

there.”
שָׁ֙מָּה֙ (šām·māh)
Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

Links

Joshua 7:3 NIV
Joshua 7:3 NLT
Joshua 7:3 ESV
Joshua 7:3 NASB
Joshua 7:3 KJV

Joshua 7:3 BibleApps.com
Joshua 7:3 Biblia Paralela
Joshua 7:3 Chinese Bible
Joshua 7:3 French Bible
Joshua 7:3 Catholic Bible

OT History: Joshua 7:3 They returned to Joshua and said (Josh. Jos)