Joshua 2:20

20 But if you tell anyone of our business here, the oath you made us swear is canceled - we're no longer responsible."

Joshua 2:20 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 2:20

And if thou utter this our business
So that others would either hang out scarlet threads or get into her house for shelter, (See Gill on Joshua 2:14);

then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear;
be under no obligation to make it good, by saving her and her father's house.

Joshua 2:20 In-Context

18 here is what you must do: Hang this red rope out the window through which you let us down and gather your entire family with you in your house - father, mother, brothers, and sisters.
19 Anyone who goes out the doors of your house into the street and is killed, it's his own fault - we aren't responsible. But for everyone within the house we take full responsibility. If anyone lays a hand on one of them, it's our fault.
20 But if you tell anyone of our business here, the oath you made us swear is canceled - we're no longer responsible."
21 She said, "If that's what you say, that's the way it is," and sent them off. They left and she hung the red rope out the window.
22 They headed for the hills and stayed there for three days until the pursuers had returned. The pursuers had looked high and low but found nothing.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.