TG
Everything TrueGospel offers, in one place.

Study

Bible Reader Scripture Search Word Study & Lexicon Bible Study Builder Reading Plans Verse Chains

Reference

The Reference Library Topical Index

Learn

True Gospel Institute

Grow & Share

Blog Q&A Sermon Notes Bible Studies Podcast

Community

Community Student Dashboard

About

About Us Support Us Contact Log In Create Free Account
BSB
← Prev Next →

Joshua 4

BSB·24 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Whenכַּאֲשֶׁר־ka·’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the wholeכָל־ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → nationהַגּ֔וֹיhag·gō·w — Nation; a people or ethnic groupH1471 — Full Word Study → had finishedתַּ֣מּוּtam·mū — to finish, complete, bring to an endH8552 — Full Word Study → crossingלַעֲב֖וֹרla·‘ă·ḇō·wr — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן פhay·yar·dēn p̄ — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study →, the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study →, 2Chooseקְח֤וּqə·ḥū — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → twelveשְׁנֵ֥יםšə·nêm — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → menאִישׁ־’îš- — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → from amongמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָ֔םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, oneאֶחָ֥ד’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → from each tribeמִשָּֽׁבֶט׃miš·šā·ḇeṭ — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study →, 3and command themוְצַוּ֣וּwə·ṣaw·wū — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study →: ‘Take upשְׂאֽוּ־śə·’ū- — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → for yourselves twelveשְׁתֵּים־šə·têm- — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → stonesאֲבָנִ֑ים’ă·ḇā·nîm — Stone; rock; precious stoneH68 — Full Word Study → fromמִזֶּ֜הmiz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → the middleמִתּ֣וֹךְmit·tō·wḵ — midst, among, between, throughH8432 — Full Word Study → of the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּ֗ןhay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study → where the priestsהַכֹּהֲנִ֔יםhak·kō·hă·nîm — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → were standingהָכִ֖יןhā·ḵîn — to establish, prepare, or make firmH3559 — Full Word Study →, carryוְהַעֲבַרְתֶּ֤םwə·ha·‘ă·ḇar·tem — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → themאוֹתָם֙’ō·w·ṯām — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → with youעִמָּכֶ֔ם‘im·mā·ḵem — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study →, and set them downוְהִנַּחְתֶּ֣םwə·hin·naḥ·tem — To rest, cease, or remain in a state of quietnessH5117 — Full Word Study → in the placeבַּמָּל֕וֹןbam·mā·lō·wn — lodging place, inn, or encampmentH4411 — Full Word Study → whereאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → you spendתָּלִ֥ינוּtā·lî·nū — to lodge, dwell, or remain (overnight or permanently)H3885 — Full Word Study → the nightהַלָּֽיְלָה׃סhal·lā·yə·lāh — Night, darkness, the period of darknessH3915 — Full Word Study →.’” 4So Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study → summonedוַיִּקְרָ֣אway·yiq·rā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → the twelveשְׁנֵ֤יםšə·nêm — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → menאִ֔ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → he had appointedהֵכִ֖יןhê·ḵîn — to establish, prepare, or make firmH3559 — Full Word Study → from the Israelitesמִבְּנֵ֣יmib·bə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, oneאֶחָ֥ד’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → from each tribe, 5and saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to them, “Cross overעִ֠בְרוּ‘iḇ·rū — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → beforeלִפְנֵ֨יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → the arkאֲר֧וֹן’ă·rō·wn — A wooden box or container, often sacredH727 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָ֛הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → your Godאֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → intoאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the middleתּ֣וֹךְtō·wḵ — midst, among, between, throughH8432 — Full Word Study → of the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּ֑ןhay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study →. Eachאִ֣ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → of you is to takeוְהָרִ֨ימוּwə·hā·rî·mū — To raise, lift up, exalt; to be highH7311 — Full Word Study → aאַחַת֙’a·ḥaṯ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → stoneאֶ֤בֶן’e·ḇen — Stone; rock; precious stoneH68 — Full Word Study → uponעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → his shoulderשִׁכְמ֔וֹšiḵ·mōw — Shoulder; burden; responsibility; willingnessH7926 — Full Word Study →, according to the numberלְמִסְפַּ֖רlə·mis·par — number, count, enumerationH4557 — Full Word Study → of the tribesשִׁבְטֵ֥יšiḇ·ṭê — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, 6toלְמַ֗עַןlə·ma·‘an — because of, for the sake of, in order thatH4616 — Full Word Study → serve asתִּֽהְיֶ֛הtih·yeh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → a signא֖וֹת’ō·wṯ — A sign or miraculous wonder that authenticates God's powerH226 — Full Word Study → among youבְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑םbə·qir·bə·ḵem — midst, inner part, heart, inward beingH7130 — Full Word Study →. In the futureמָחָר֙mā·ḥār — tomorrow, the next dayH4279 — Full Word Study →, whenכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → your childrenבְּנֵיכֶ֤םbə·nê·ḵem — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → askיִשְׁאָל֨וּןyiš·’ā·lūn — to ask, request, inquire, or demandH7592 — Full Word Study →, ‘Whatמָ֛הmāh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → do theseהָאֵ֖לֶּהhā·’êl·leh — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study → stonesהָאֲבָנִ֥יםhā·’ă·ḇā·nîm — Stone; rock; precious stoneH68 — Full Word Study → mean to you?’ 7you are to tellוַאֲמַרְתֶּ֣םwa·’ă·mar·tem — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → them, ‘The watersמֵימֵ֤יmê·mê — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study → of the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּן֙hay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study → were cut offנִכְרְת֜וּniḵ·rə·ṯū — To cut; to make a covenantH3772 — Full Word Study → beforeמִפְּנֵי֙mip·pə·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → the arkאֲר֣וֹן’ă·rō·wn — A wooden box or container, often sacredH727 — Full Word Study → of the covenantבְּרִית־bə·rîṯ- — A binding agreement or covenant between partiesH1285 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →. When it crossedבְּעָבְרוֹ֙bə·‘ā·ḇə·rōw — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → the Jordanבַּיַּרְדֵּ֔ןbay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study →, the watersמֵ֣יmê — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study → were cut offנִכְרְת֖וּniḵ·rə·ṯū — To cut; to make a covenantH3772 — Full Word Study →.’ Therefore theseהָאֵ֧לֶּהhā·’êl·leh — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study → stonesהָאֲבָנִ֨יםhā·’ă·ḇā·nîm — Stone; rock; precious stoneH68 — Full Word Study → will beוְ֠הָיוּwə·hā·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → a memorialלְזִכָּר֛וֹןlə·zik·kā·rō·wn — Memorial, remembrance, record of significanceH2146 — Full Word Study → to the Israelitesלִבְנֵ֥יliḇ·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → foreverעוֹלָֽם׃‘ō·w·lām — forever, eternity, perpetual durationH5769 — Full Word Study →.” 8Thus the Israelitesבְּנֵי־bə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → didוַיַּעֲשׂוּ־way·ya·‘ă·śū- — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → asכַּאֲשֶׁ֣רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁעַ֒yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study → had commanded themצִוָּ֣הṣiw·wāh — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study →. They took upוַיִּשְׂא֡וּway·yiś·’ū — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → twelveשְׁתֵּֽי־šə·tê- — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → stonesאֲבָנִ֜ים’ă·ḇā·nîm — Stone; rock; precious stoneH68 — Full Word Study → from the middleמִתּ֣וֹךְmit·tō·wḵ — midst, among, between, throughH8432 — Full Word Study → of the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּ֗ןhay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study →, one for eachלְמִסְפַּ֖רlə·mis·par — number, count, enumerationH4557 — Full Word Study → tribeשִׁבְטֵ֣יšiḇ·ṭê — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, just asכַּאֲשֶׁ֨רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → had toldדִּבֶּ֤רdib·ber — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study →; and they carriedוַיַּעֲבִר֤וּםway·ya·‘ă·ḇi·rūm — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → themעִמָּם֙‘im·mām — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the campהַמָּל֔וֹןham·mā·lō·wn — lodging place, inn, or encampmentH4411 — Full Word Study →, where they set them downוַיַּנִּח֖וּםway·yan·ni·ḥūm — To rest, cease, or remain in a state of quietnessH5117 — Full Word Study →. 9Joshua alsoיְהוֹשֻׁעַ֮yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study → set upהֵקִ֣יםhê·qîm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → twelveוּשְׁתֵּ֧יםū·šə·têm — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → stonesאֲבָנִ֗ים’ă·ḇā·nîm — Stone; rock; precious stoneH68 — Full Word Study → in the middleבְּת֣וֹךְbə·ṯō·wḵ — midst, among, between, throughH8432 — Full Word Study → of the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּן֒hay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study →, in the placeתַּ֗חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → where the priestsהַכֹּהֲנִ֔יםhak·kō·hă·nîm — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → who carriedנֹשְׂאֵ֖יnō·śə·’ê — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → the arkאֲר֣וֹן’ă·rō·wn — A wooden box or container, often sacredH727 — Full Word Study → of the covenantהַבְּרִ֑יתhab·bə·rîṯ — A binding agreement or covenant between partiesH1285 — Full Word Study → stoodמַצַּב֙maṣ·ṣaḇ — garrison, military post, fortified stationH4673 — Full Word Study →. And the stones are thereשָׁ֔םšām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → toעַ֖ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּֽה׃haz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → dayהַיּ֥וֹםhay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →. 10Now the priestsוְהַכֹּהֲנִ֞יםwə·hak·kō·hă·nîm — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → who carriedנֹשְׂאֵ֣יnō·śə·’ê — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → the arkהָאָר֗וֹןhā·’ā·rō·wn — A wooden box or container, often sacredH727 — Full Word Study → remained standingעֹמְדִים֮‘ō·mə·ḏîm — to stand, take a stand, be establishedH5975 — Full Word Study → in the middleבְּת֣וֹךְbə·ṯō·wḵ — midst, among, between, throughH8432 — Full Word Study → of the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּן֒hay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study → untilעַ֣ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָ֔םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → had completedתֹּ֣םtōm — to finish, complete, bring to an endH8552 — Full Word Study → everythingכָּֽל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֤הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → had commandedצִוָּ֨הṣiw·wāh — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study → to tellלְדַבֵּ֣רlə·ḏab·bêr — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → themאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, just asכְּכֹ֛לkə·ḵōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → Mosesמֹשֶׁ֖הmō·šeh — Drawn outH4872 — Full Word Study → had directedצִוָּ֥הṣiw·wāh — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֑עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study →. The peopleהָעָ֖םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → hurriedוַיְמַהֲר֥וּway·ma·hă·rū — to hurry, hasten, make hasteH4116 — Full Word Study → acrossוַֽיַּעֲבֹֽרוּ׃way·ya·‘ă·ḇō·rū — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study →, 11and afterכַּֽאֲשֶׁר־ka·’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → everyoneכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → had finishedתַּ֥םtam — to finish, complete, bring to an endH8552 — Full Word Study → crossingלַֽעֲב֑וֹרla·‘ă·ḇō·wr — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study →, the priestsוְהַכֹּהֲנִ֖יםwə·hak·kō·hă·nîm — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → with the arkאֲרוֹן־’ă·rō·wn- — A wooden box or container, often sacredH727 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָ֛הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → crossedוַיַּעֲבֹ֧רway·ya·‘ă·ḇōr — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → in the sight ofלִפְנֵ֥יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָֽם׃hā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →. 12The Reubenitesבְּנֵי־bə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, the Gaditesוּבְנֵי־ū·ḇə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, and the half-tribeוַחֲצִ֨יwa·ḥă·ṣî — half, middle, midstH2677 — Full Word Study → of Manassehהַֽמְנַשֶּׁה֙ham·naš·šeh — God has made me forgetH4519 — Full Word Study → crossed overוַ֠יַּעַבְרוּway·ya·‘aḇ·rū — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → beforeלִפְנֵ֖יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → the Israelitesבְּנֵ֣יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, armed for battleחֲמֻשִׁ֔יםḥă·mu·šîm — Armed, equipped for battle; marshaled in military formationH2571 — Full Word Study → asכַּאֲשֶׁ֛רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Mosesמֹשֶֽׁה׃mō·šeh — Drawn outH4872 — Full Word Study → had instructed themדִּבֶּ֥רdib·ber — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study →. 13About 40,000כְּאַרְבָּעִ֥יםkə·’ar·bā·‘îm — the number forty; a period of testing or judgmentH705 — Full Word Study → troops armedחֲלוּצֵ֣יḥă·lū·ṣê — to strip off; to arm; to deliverH2502 — Full Word Study → for battleלַמִּלְחָמָ֔הlam·mil·ḥā·māh — Battle, warfare, combat, military conflictH4421 — Full Word Study → crossed overעָבְר֞וּ‘ā·ḇə·rū — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → beforeלִפְנֵ֤יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → intoאֶ֖ל’el — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the plainsעַֽרְב֥וֹת‘ar·ḇō·wṯ — The Rift ValleyH6160 — Full Word Study → of Jerichoיְרִיחֽוֹ׃סyə·rî·ḥōw — City of palmsH3405 — Full Word Study →. 14On thatהַה֗וּאha·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → dayבַּיּ֣וֹםbay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → exaltedגִּדַּ֤לgid·dal — to grow, become great, magnifyH1431 — Full Word Study → Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study → in the sightבְּעֵינֵ֖יbə·‘ê·nê — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → of allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, and they reveredוַיִּֽרְא֣וּway·yir·’ū — to fear, revere, or be afraidH3372 — Full Word Study → himאֹת֔וֹ’ō·ṯōw — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the daysיְמֵ֥יyə·mê — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → of his lifeחַיָּֽיו׃פḥay·yāw — alive, living, lifeH2416 — Full Word Study →, just asכַּאֲשֶׁ֛רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → they had reveredיָרְא֥וּyā·rə·’ū — to fear, revere, or be afraidH3372 — Full Word Study → Mosesמֹשֶׁ֖הmō·šeh — Drawn outH4872 — Full Word Study →. 15Then the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → said toוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study →, 16Commandצַוֵּה֙ṣaw·wêh — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → the priestsהַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔יםhak·kō·hă·nîm — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → who carryנֹשְׂאֵ֖יnō·śə·’ê — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → the arkאֲר֣וֹן’ă·rō·wn — A wooden box or container, often sacredH727 — Full Word Study → of the Testimonyהָעֵד֑וּתhā·‘ê·ḏūṯ — Testimony, witness, or decreeH5715 — Full Word Study → to come upוְיַעֲל֖וּwə·ya·‘ă·lū — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → fromמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃hay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study →.” 17So Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study → commandedוַיְצַ֣וway·ṣaw — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → the priestsהַכֹּהֲנִ֖יםhak·kō·hă·nîm — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study →, “Come upעֲל֖וּ‘ă·lū — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → fromמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃hay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study →.” 18When the priestsהַכֹּהֲנִ֜יםhak·kō·hă·nîm — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → carryingנֹשְׂאֵ֨יnō·śə·’ê — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → the arkאֲר֤וֹן’ă·rō·wn — A wooden box or container, often sacredH727 — Full Word Study → of the covenantבְּרִית־bə·rîṯ- — A binding agreement or covenant between partiesH1285 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → came upבַּעֲלוֹתba·ʿă·lōṯ — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → outמִתּ֣וֹךְmit·tō·wḵ — midst, among, between, throughH8432 — Full Word Study → of the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּ֔ןhay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study → and theirהַכֹּהֲנִ֔יםhak·kō·hă·nîm — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → feetכַּפּוֹת֙kap·pō·wṯ — Palm of the hand; hollow of anything; power or controlH3709 — Full Word Study → touchedנִתְּק֗וּnit·tə·qū — To tear away, pull out, or uproot violentlyH5423 — Full Word Study → the dry landהֶחָרָבָ֑הhe·ḥā·rā·ḇāh — Dry ground or parched landH2724 — Full Word Study →, the watersמֵֽי־mê- — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study → of the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּן֙hay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study → returnedוַיָּשֻׁ֤בוּway·yā·šu·ḇū — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → to their courseלִמְקוֹמָ֔םlim·qō·w·mām — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study → and overflowedוַיֵּלְכ֥וּway·yê·lə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the banksגְּדוֹתָֽיו׃gə·ḏō·w·ṯāw — bank of a river or streamH1415 — Full Word Study → as beforeכִתְמוֹל־ḵiṯ·mō·wl- — Yesterday; time past; formerlyH8543 — Full Word Study →. 19On the tenthבֶּעָשׂ֖וֹרbe·‘ā·śō·wr — ten; a ten-stringed instrumentH6218 — Full Word Study → day of the firstהָרִאשׁ֑וֹןhā·ri·šō·wn — First, foremost, or former; earliest in time or orderH7223 — Full Word Study → monthלַחֹ֣דֶשׁla·ḥō·ḏeš — A month; lunar period; new moonH2320 — Full Word Study → the peopleוְהָעָ֗םwə·hā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → went upעָלוּ֙‘ā·lū — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → fromמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּ֔ןhay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study → and campedוַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙way·ya·ḥă·nū — to pitch a tent; to camp; to dwellH2583 — Full Word Study → at Gilgalבַּגִּלְגָּ֔לbag·gil·gāl — Circle or rollingH1537 — Full Word Study → on the easternמִזְרַ֥חmiz·raḥ — east; direction of the sunrise; eastern regionH4217 — Full Word Study → borderבִּקְצֵ֖הbiq·ṣêh — edge, border, extremity, endH7097 — Full Word Study → of Jerichoיְרִיחֽוֹ׃yə·rî·ḥōw — City of palmsH3405 — Full Word Study →. 20Andוְאֵת֩wə·’êṯ — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → there at Gilgalבַּגִּלְגָּֽל׃bag·gil·gāl — Circle or rollingH1537 — Full Word Study → Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study → set upהֵקִ֥יםhê·qîm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → theהָאֵ֔לֶּהhā·’êl·leh — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study → twelveשְׁתֵּ֨יםšə·têm — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → stonesהָֽאֲבָנִים֙hā·’ă·ḇā·nîm — Stone; rock; precious stoneH68 — Full Word Study → they had takenלָקְח֖וּlā·qə·ḥū — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → fromמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּ֑ןhay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study →. 21Then Joshua said toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the Israelitesבְּנֵ֥יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, “In the futureמָחָר֙mā·ḥār — tomorrow, the next dayH4279 — Full Word Study →, whenאֲשֶׁר֩’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → your childrenבְּנֵיכֶ֤םbə·nê·ḵem — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → askיִשְׁאָל֨וּןyiš·’ā·lūn — to ask, request, inquire, or demandH7592 — Full Word Study → their fathersאֲבוֹתָ֣ם’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām — H1 — Full Word Study →, ‘Whatמָ֖הmāh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → is the meaning of theseהָאֵֽלֶּה׃hā·’êl·leh — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study → stonesהָאֲבָנִ֥יםhā·’ă·ḇā·nîm — Stone; rock; precious stoneH68 — Full Word Study →?’ 22you are to tellוְהוֹדַעְתֶּ֖םwə·hō·w·ḏa‘·tem — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → them, ‘Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → crossedעָבַ֣ר‘ā·ḇar — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → theהַזֶּֽה׃haz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּ֖ןhay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study → on dry groundבַּיַּבָּשָׁה֙bay·yab·bā·šāh — Dry land; the earth or ground as opposed to waterH3004 — Full Word Study →.’ 23Forאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֨הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → your Godאֱלֹהֵיכֶ֜ם’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → dried upהוֹבִישׁ֩hō·w·ḇîš — to wither, dry up, or be ashamedH3001 — Full Word Study → the watersמֵ֧יmê — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study → of the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּ֛ןhay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study → before youמִפְּנֵיכֶ֖םmip·pə·nê·ḵem — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → untilעַֽד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → you had crossed overעָבְרְכֶ֑ם‘ā·ḇə·rə·ḵem — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study →, just asכַּאֲשֶׁ֣רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → He didעָשָׂה֩‘ā·śāh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → to the Redס֛וּףsūp̄ — Red Sea; seaweed, aquatic plantsH5488 — Full Word Study → Seaלְיַם־lə·yam- — Sea, body of water; also directional (west, south)H3220 — Full Word Study →, whichאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → He dried upהוֹבִ֥ישׁhō·w·ḇîš — to wither, dry up, or be ashamedH3001 — Full Word Study → before usמִפָּנֵ֖ינוּmip·pā·nê·nū — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → untilעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → we had crossed overעָבְרֵֽנוּ׃‘ā·ḇə·rê·nū — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study →. 24He did this so that allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the peoplesעַמֵּ֤י‘am·mê — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → of the earthהָאָ֙רֶץ֙hā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → may knowדַּ֜עַתda·‘aṯ — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → thatכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the handיַ֣דyaḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → is mightyחֲזָקָ֖הḥă·zā·qāh — Strong, mighty, firm, courageousH2389 — Full Word Study →, and so thatלְמַ֧עַןlə·ma·‘an — because of, for the sake of, in order thatH4616 — Full Word Study → you may alwaysכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → fearיְרָאתֶ֛םyə·rā·ṯem — to fear, revere, or be afraidH3372 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֥הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → your Godאֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →.”
Scripture Explorer
Original Language
Notes & Doctrine
Chapter Commentary
Cross-Refs
Highlight
My Note
Original Hebrew / Greek
Loading…
Translation Notes & Doctrine — This Verse
Loading…
Chapter Commentary — Joshua 4
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Joshua 4 records one of Scripture's most beautiful memorials to God's faithfulness. Immediately after the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, the Lord instructs Joshua to have twelve men gather stones from the riverbed—one for each tribe of Israel. These stones are set up at Gilgal as a permanent sign so that future generations will remember and testify to God's mighty deliverance. The chapter emphasizes the importance of passing faith and God's works down to our children, and it demonstrates how the Lord magnified Joshua's leadership in the sight of all Israel.

The Lord's Command and Joshua's Obedience (Verses 1–5)

The moment all Israel has safely crossed the Jordan, the Lord speaks to Joshua with a specific assignment: select twelve men—one from each tribe—to return into the middle of the riverbed and retrieve twelve stones from the exact spot where the priests had stood with the ark of the covenant (verses 1–3). Joshua immediately obeys, calling the twelve men and commanding them to pass before the ark and carry these stones on their shoulders to their lodging place at Gilgal (verses 4–5). This swift obedience models leadership that seeks first to understand God's will and then acts decisively. Notice that the men are to carry the stones before the ark—a beautiful picture of faith preceding us as we trust in God's presence and power.

The Memorial's Purpose: Teaching Future Generations (Verses 6–9)

The Lord reveals the deeper purpose of this memorial (verses 6–7): when children in future generations ask their fathers what these twelve stones mean, the fathers are to explain that the waters of Jordan were miraculously cut off before the ark of the covenant. These stones serve as a perpetual sign and memorial of God's faithfulness. Verse 9 adds that Joshua also set up twelve additional stones in the midst of Jordan itself, in the very place where the priests stood—a hidden memorial only God could see. This teaches us something profound: God cares not only that we remember His works, but that our children remember them. The stones become a visual catechism, an object lesson in faith that sparks conversation and testimony across generations.

Crossing Complete and Joshua Magnified (Verses 10–14)

Verse 10 explains that the priests remained standing in the riverbed until all of Joshua's commands were fully carried out and all the people had completely crossed over. Only then did the ark pass over, with the priests, in the presence of the watching nation (verse 11). The armed men of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh—approximately forty thousand warriors—crossed first before the people, ready for battle in the plains of Jericho (verses 12–13). The result was remarkable: on that very day, the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel (verse 14). The people feared and respected him as they had feared Moses. Faithful obedience to God's word produces spiritual authority and honor.

The Waters Return and Camp at Gilgal (Verses 15–24)

After all is complete, the Lord commands Joshua to tell the priests to come up out of the Jordan (verses 15–17). The moment their feet touched dry land, the waters returned and flowed over the banks as before (verse 18)—a dramatic punctuation mark on God's miracle. The people arrived at Gilgal on the tenth day of the first month and erected the stones there (verses 19–20). Joshua then addresses the people, explaining that these stones commemorate how God dried up the Jordan just as He had dried up the Red Sea (verses 22–23). The ultimate purpose, stated in verse 24, is that all people on earth might know the hand of the Lord is mighty, and that Israel might fear—revere and trust—the Lord their God forever.

Application for Today

God still calls us to build memorials of His faithfulness and to tell the next generation what He has done. Whether through testimony, journaling, family traditions, or simple conversation, we have a sacred responsibility to pass on the story of God's grace and power. What "stones" can you gather today—what testimonies of God's work can you lift up and lay before your children and community—so that faith is strengthened and God's name is magnified for generations to come?

Cross References
Loading…
Highlight This Verse
My Note