Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version That day he made the Gibeonites woodcutters and water carriers for the assembly, to provide for the needs of the altar of the LORD at the place the LORD would choose. And that is what they are to this day. New Living Translation But that day he made the Gibeonites the woodcutters and water carriers for the community of Israel and for the altar of the LORD—wherever the LORD would choose to build it. And that is what they do to this day. English Standard Version But Joshua made them that day cutters of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, to this day, in the place that he should choose. Berean Standard Bible On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD and for the altar at the place He would choose. Berean Literal Bible And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of YHWH, even to this day, in the place that He would choose. King James Bible And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose. New King James Version And that day Joshua made them woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, in the place which He would choose, even to this day. New American Standard Bible But on that day Joshua made them gatherers of firewood and labor to draw water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, to this day, in the place which He would choose. NASB 1995 But Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, to this day, in the place which He would choose. NASB 1977 But Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, to this day, in the place which He would choose. Legacy Standard Bible But Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of Yahweh, to this day, in the place which He would choose. Amplified Bible Now on that day Joshua made them cutters and gatherers of firewood and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, to this day, in the place which He would choose. Berean Annotated Bible On that day he (YHWH saves) made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD {YHWH} and for the altar at the place He would choose. Christian Standard Bible On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers—as they are today—for the community and for the LORD’s altar at the place he would choose. Holman Christian Standard Bible On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers—as they are today—for the community and for the LORD’s altar at the place He would choose. American Standard Version And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of Jehovah, unto this day, in the place which he should choose. Contemporary English Version but he did tell the Gibeonites that they would have to be servants of the nation of Israel. They would have to cut firewood and bring it for the priests to use for burning sacrifices on the LORD's altar, wherever the LORD decided the altar would be. The Gibeonites would also have to carry water for the priests. And that is still the work of the Gibeonites. English Revised Version And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, unto this day, in the place which he should choose. GOD'S WORD® Translation But that day Joshua made them woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation. They served the LORD's altar, wherever he chose to put it. They still serve today. Good News Translation But at the same time he made them slaves, to cut wood and carry water for the people of Israel and for the LORD's altar. To this day they have continued to do this work in the place where the LORD has chosen to be worshiped. International Standard Version However, on that very day Joshua made them become wood cutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the LORD's altar in the place that he should choose, and this tradition continues to this day. NET Bible and that day made them woodcutters and water carriers for the community and for the altar of the LORD at the divinely chosen site. (They continue in that capacity to this very day.) New Heart English Bible That day Joshua made them wood cutters and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, to this day, in the place which he should choose. Webster's Bible Translation And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even to this day, in the place which he should choose. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOn that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD and for the altar at the place He would choose. World English Bible That day Joshua made them wood cutters and drawers of water for the congregation and for Yahweh’s altar to this day, in the place which he should choose. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand on that day Joshua makes them hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of YHWH, to this day, at the place which He chooses. Berean Literal Bible And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of YHWH, even to this day, in the place that He would choose. Young's Literal Translation and Joshua maketh them on that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the company, and for the altar of Jehovah, unto this day, at the place which He doth choose. Smith's Literal Translation And Joshua will give them in that day hewing wood and drawing water for the assembly and for the altar of Jehovah till this day, to the place which he shall choose. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he gave orders in that day that they should be in the service of all the people, and of the altar of the Lord, hewing wood and carrying water, until this present time, in the place which the Lord hath chosen. Catholic Public Domain Version And he decreed on that day, that they would be in the ministry of all the people and of the altar of the Lord, cutting wood and carrying water, even until this present time, in the place which the Lord had chosen. New American Bible on that day he made them, as they still are, hewers of wood and drawers of water for the community and for the altar of the LORD, in the place the LORD would choose. New Revised Standard Version But on that day Joshua made them hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, to continue to this day, in the place that he should choose. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Joshua made them that day gatherers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, even to this day, in the place which he should choose. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And that day Yeshua made them gatherers of wood and they filled the water for the assembly and for the altar of LORD JEHOVAH until today, in the place that LORD JEHOVAH pleased OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, unto this day, in the place which He should choose. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Joshua made them in that day hewers of wood and drawers of water to the whole congregation, and for the altar of God: therefore the inhabitants of Gabaon became hewers of wood and drawers of water for the altar of God until this day, even for the place which the Lord should choose. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Deceit of the Gibeonites…26So Joshua did this and delivered them from the hands of the Israelites, and they did not kill the Gibeonites. 27On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD and for the altar at the place He would choose. Cross References On that day Deuteronomy 27:2-3 And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, set up large stones and coat them with plaster. / Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over to enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you. Joshua 24:25-27 On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he established for them a statute and ordinance. / Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was near the sanctuary of the LORD. / And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.” he made them woodcutters and water carriers, Deuteronomy 29:11 your children and wives, and the foreigners in your camps who cut your wood and draw your water— Ezra 8:20 They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites. as they are to this day 1 Kings 9:20-21 As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)— / their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. 2 Chronicles 8:7-8 As for all the people who remained of the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (these people were not Israelites)— / their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites had not destroyed—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. for the congregation of the LORD Numbers 3:7-8 They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. / They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle. Numbers 8:19 And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites, to perform the service for the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting and to make atonement on their behalf, so that no plague will come against the Israelites when they approach the sanctuary.” and for the altar Leviticus 6:12-13 The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. / The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished. Numbers 28:1-2 Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Command the Israelites and say to them: See that you present to Me at its appointed time the food for My food offerings, as a pleasing aroma to Me. at the place He would choose. Deuteronomy 12:5 Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go. Deuteronomy 12:11 then the LORD your God will choose a dwelling for His Name. And there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice offerings you vow to the LORD. 1 Kings 9:21 their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. Exodus 27:19 All the utensils of the tabernacle for every use, including all its tent pegs and the tent pegs of the courtyard, shall be made of bronze. Exodus 30:17-21 And the LORD said to Moses, / “You are to make a bronze basin with a bronze stand for washing. Set it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it, / with which Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet. … Leviticus 24:1-4 Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. / Outside the veil of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps continually before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the generations to come. … Treasury of Scripture And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even to this day, in the place which he should choose. Joshua 9:21,23 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… 1 Chronicles 9:2 Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims. Ezra 2:43 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, Nethinim Joshua 18:1 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them. Deuteronomy 12:5 But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: Deuteronomy 16:2,6,16 Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there… Jump to Previous Altar Assembly Carriers Choose Community Company Congregation Continue Cutters Cutting Drawers Hewers Joshua Maketh Marked Servants Water Wood WoodcuttersJump to Next Altar Assembly Carriers Choose Community Company Congregation Continue Cutters Cutting Drawers Hewers Joshua Maketh Marked Servants Water Wood WoodcuttersJoshua 9 1. The kings combine against Israel3. The Gibeonites by craft obtain a league 22. They are condemned to perpetual bondage On that day This phrase indicates a specific moment in time, highlighting the immediate consequences of the covenant made between the Israelites and the Gibeonites. It reflects the swift implementation of the decision made by Joshua and the leaders of Israel. he made them woodcutters and water carriers as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD and for the altar at the place He would choose Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of Israel who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is responsible for making the Gibeonites servants. 2. Gibeonites A group of people from Gibeon who deceived the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them. They became woodcutters and water carriers for the Israelites. 3. Israelites The people of God who are entering and taking possession of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. 4. The Altar of the LORD The place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites, where the Gibeonites served as woodcutters and water carriers. 5. The Place He Would Choose Refers to the future location of the central place of worship, which would eventually be Jerusalem. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite the Gibeonites' deception, God used their service for His purposes. This teaches us that God can use even our mistakes for His glory. The Importance of Keeping Covenants Joshua honored the treaty with the Gibeonites, reminding us of the importance of keeping our promises, even when made under less-than-ideal circumstances. Service in God's Kingdom The Gibeonites' roles as woodcutters and water carriers highlight that every role in God's kingdom is valuable and necessary for worship and community life. The Consequences of Deception The Gibeonites' deception led to a life of servitude, illustrating that deceit can have long-lasting consequences. God's Grace and Inclusion Despite their deception, the Gibeonites were incorporated into the life of Israel, showing God's grace and the possibility of inclusion for all who seek Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 9:27?2. How does Joshua 9:27 demonstrate God's sovereignty in Israel's leadership decisions? 3. What lessons on discernment can we learn from Joshua 9:27? 4. How does Joshua 9:27 connect with God's covenant promises to Israel? 5. How can we apply the principle of servitude in Joshua 9:27 today? 6. What does Joshua 9:27 teach about consequences of decisions without seeking God's guidance? 7. Why did Joshua make the Gibeonites woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and altar? 8. How does Joshua 9:27 reflect on the theme of deception and its consequences? 9. What does Joshua 9:27 reveal about the Israelites' covenant obligations? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 9? 11. Why would an omniscient God allow His leaders to be misled in such a strategic event (Joshua 9)? 12. What is the identity of the Gibeonites? 13. Nehemiah 11:21 – What archaeological proof exists for the Nethinim and their service near the Temple, as described in this passage? 14. Why was there a famine during David's reign? What Does Joshua 9:27 Mean On that day“On that day” (Joshua 9:27) anchors the outcome in a real moment, immediately after Joshua discovered the Gibeonites’ deception (Joshua 9:16–23). • Scripture consistently records decisive “days” when God’s people take covenant action—think of Exodus 14:30 and 1 Samuel 7:12. • By stating the date so plainly, the text reminds us that obedience or disobedience always happens in real time, not in theory. he made them Joshua, as God-appointed leader (Joshua 1:5–9), formally assigns the Gibeonites their role. • The decision fulfills his sworn oath (Joshua 9:19) yet restrains future harm by limiting their influence. • Compare Nehemiah 10:28–29, where foreign servants accept covenantal responsibilities without sharing Israel’s inheritance. woodcutters and water carriers Two humble, repetitive tasks become lifelong callings. • Cutting wood supplied sacrificial fires (Leviticus 6:12–13). • Carrying water ensured ritual purity (Numbers 19:17). • God often uses lowly service to bless His house; see 1 Chronicles 9:2, 19–27 for gatekeepers and temple servants. as they are to this day The phrase stamps the arrangement with long-term validity. • “Until this day” also appears in Joshua 4:9 and 2 Kings 17:23, underlining the endurance of God-governed outcomes. • Centuries later, in 2 Samuel 21:1–2, the Gibeonites still dwell in Israel, confirming Scripture’s historical reliability. for the congregation of the LORD Their service directly benefits Israel’s worshiping community. • Just as the Levites assisted priests (Numbers 3:5–9), the Gibeonites aid the larger congregation, illustrating that God can repurpose even deceptive outsiders for communal good (Genesis 50:20). • Acts 6:1–4 echoes the pattern—assigning practical tasks to support spiritual ministry. and for the altar at the place He would choose The final clause ties their labor to God’s future dwelling. • Deuteronomy 12:5–11 foretells a single “place the LORD will choose.” Eventually that becomes Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 6:5–6). • By serving the altar, the Gibeonites participate—under strict boundaries—in God’s redemptive plan that culminates at the ultimate altar, the cross (Hebrews 13:10–12). summary Joshua turns a potentially disastrous treaty into enduring service that safeguards Israel’s worship. The Gibeonites’ menial tasks supply constant fuel and cleansing water for sacrifice, blessing the congregation and foreshadowing the central altar God would later choose. Their story reminds us that God redeems even flawed situations, invites humble service, and faithfully preserves His word across generations. Verse 27. - And for the altar (see note on ver. 21). In the place which he should choose. This phrase, and especially the use of the imperfect tense, implies that Solomon's temple was not yet built. The ark of God, and the tabernacle which contained it, had several resting places before its final deposition in the temple (see note on Joshua 24:1). And the grammatical construction just referred to also implies that there was more than one place. It is also clear, from the language of 2 Samuel 21:1-6, that this narrative was already in existence when that chapter was penned. It is equally clear that the author of this passage knew nothing of that (see Introduction).
Hebrew On thatהַה֗וּא (ha·hū) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are day בַּיּ֣וֹם (bay·yō·wm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day he יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ (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 made וַיִּתְּנֵ֨ם (way·yit·tə·nêm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 5414: To give, put, set them woodcutters חֹטְבֵ֥י (ḥō·ṭə·ḇê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 2404: To cut or gather wood and water מַ֖יִם (ma·yim) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen carriers, וְשֹׁ֥אֲבֵי (wə·šō·’ă·ḇê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 7579: To bale up water as they are to this day, עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while for the congregation לָֽעֵדָ֑ה (lā·‘ê·ḏāh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage of the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and for the altar וּלְמִזְבַּ֤ח (ū·lə·miz·baḥ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4196: An altar at אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the place הַמָּק֖וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition He would choose. יִבְחָֽר׃ (yiḇ·ḥār) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 977: To try, select Links Joshua 9:27 NIVJoshua 9:27 NLT Joshua 9:27 ESV Joshua 9:27 NASB Joshua 9:27 KJV Joshua 9:27 BibleApps.com Joshua 9:27 Biblia Paralela Joshua 9:27 Chinese Bible Joshua 9:27 French Bible Joshua 9:27 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 9:27 That day Joshua made them wood cutters (Josh. Jos) |
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