This verse makes a second reference to the death of Joshua (see verse 1.1).

And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died … is literally “And he died Joshua the son of Nun the servant of the LORD….” The word order and the initial long noun phrase seem to carry a solemn tone. Though this clause begins with the Hebrew waw conjunction (rendered And), several versions omit it (New International Version, NET Bible). Since a new unit is beginning here, a word such as “So” or “Now” might also be appropriate.

Joshua the son of Nun gives the full name of Joshua. In the Old Testament, when introducing famous or important persons, it is common to give their father’s or their ancestor’s name (see verse 1.13; verse 1.1). The same is true when they die (see verse 24.29). Many languages are similar. Contemporary English Version omits the phrase the son of Nun, but it should be included. In Hebrew, expressions such as Joshua ben Nun are actually proper names, where ben (“son of”) is part of the name, but most languages will prefer a phrase similar to the one in Revised Standard Version. Another way of expressing it is “Joshua, whose father was Nun.”

The servant of the LORD describes the way Joshua is remembered at his death. Here the nominal form of the Hebrew root meaning “serve” is connected to Joshua. While this leader was alive, the people served the LORD. Thus it is not surprising that Joshua is characterized as the servant of the LORD. It is noteworthy, however, that though many heroes are presented in this book, none is given this title. Joshua was faithful to the LORD throughout his entire life. In other contexts the same Hebrew word means “slave,” and translators will need to reflect on how to render this term (see discussion on “served” at verse 2.7). Some languages will have a term for someone who voluntarily “serves” another.

At the age of one hundred and ten years renders a Hebrew idiom, literally, “son of 110 years.” But of course translators should use a natural expression in their language. In some languages there may be a special formula for citing ages, especially when a person is very old, for example, “He was full of 110 years.” As in most cultures in the world, in a biblical context, living a long life is a sign of God’s blessing.

Models for translating this verse are:

• Joshua, the son of Nun, died at 110 years of age. He had served the LORD all his life.

• So the servant of Yahweh, Joshua, son of Nun, died at [the ripe old age of] 110.

Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .