Joshua 3:9
Joshua 3:9 in Multiple Translations
So Joshua told the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God.”
¶ And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.
And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of Jehovah your God.
And Joshua said to the children of Israel, Come to me here: and give ear to the words of the Lord your God.
So Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to what the Lord your God has to say to you.
Then Ioshua said vnto the children of Israel, Come hither, and heare the wordes of the Lord your God.
And Joshua saith unto the sons of Israel, 'Come nigh hither, and hear the words of Jehovah your God;
Joshua said to the children of Israel, “Come here, and hear the words of the LORD your God.”
And Joshua said to the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.
And Josue said to the children of Israel: Come hither and hear the word of the Lord your God.
Then Joshua said to the Israeli people, “Come close to me in order that you can listen to what Yahweh, your God, is saying.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 3:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 3:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
אֶל
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
גֹּ֣שׁוּ
הֵ֔נָּה
וְ/שִׁמְע֕וּ
אֶת
דִּבְרֵ֖י
יְהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹֽהֵי/כֶֽם
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
גֹּ֣שׁוּ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
הֵ֔נָּה
hênnâh
H2008
here/thus
Adv
וְ/שִׁמְע֕וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דִּבְרֵ֖י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹֽהֵי/כֶֽם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 3:9
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
"Joshua"
N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
גֹּ֣שׁוּ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
הֵ֔נָּה
hênnâh
H2008
"here/thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means a location or direction, like here or there, and can also refer to a point in time, such as now. It is used in various contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'here' or 'hither'.
Definition: here, there, now, hither
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, [phrase] since, this (that) way, thitherward, [phrase] thus far, to...fro, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 15:16; 2 Samuel 20:16; Psalms 71:17.
וְ/שִׁמְע֕וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דִּבְרֵ֖י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹֽהֵי/כֶֽם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Joshua 3:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 3:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 3:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 3:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 3:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 3:9
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 3:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 3:9
- Sermons on Joshua 3:9
Context — Crossing the Jordan
7Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you just as I was with Moses.
8Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the waters, stand in the Jordan.’”
9So Joshua told the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God.”
10He continued, “This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that He will surely drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites. 11Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go ahead of you into the Jordan.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 4:1 | Hear now, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and may enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 12:8 | You are not to do as we are doing here today, where everyone does what seems right in his own eyes. |
Joshua 3:9 Summary
In Joshua 3:9, Joshua invites the Israelites to come and listen to God's words, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faith. This verse reminds us to prioritize God's voice and guidance in our lives, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and Matthew 4:4. By listening to God's words, we can gain wisdom, direction, and confidence, just like the Israelites did as they prepared to cross the Jordan River. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can 'come and listen' to God's words in our daily lives, and how we can trust in His goodness and faithfulness, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23 and Hebrews 11:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joshua need to tell the Israelites to come and listen to the words of the Lord their God?
Joshua wanted to ensure the Israelites understood the significance of the moment and the importance of obeying God's commands, as seen in Joshua 3:9 and Deuteronomy 31:7-8.
What is the significance of Joshua speaking on behalf of God?
As the leader of the Israelites, Joshua was acting as a mediator between God and the people, similar to Moses in Exodus 4:10-12 and Exodus 4:29-31, and this role was crucial in conveying God's message and will to the people.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and obedience?
This verse highlights the importance of listening to and obeying God's words, as emphasized in Romans 10:17 and Hebrews 11:6, which is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith and a key principle in the lives of believers, as seen in James 2:14-26.
What can we learn from Joshua's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of humility and dependence on God, as seen in Joshua 1:9 and Proverbs 3:5-6, and the need to seek God's guidance and wisdom in our lives, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and Isaiah 30:21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'come and listen' to God's words in my daily life, and how can I prioritize His voice above all others?
- How can I, like Joshua, faithfully convey God's message to those around me, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this process, as seen in Acts 1:8 and 1 Corinthians 2:13?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's words and promises, even when faced with uncertainty or challenging circumstances, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10?
- What are some potential consequences of not listening to God's words, and how can I avoid this in my own life, as warned in Psalm 81:11-12 and Proverbs 28:9?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 3:9
And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, come hither,.... Very probably to the door of the tabernacle: and hear the words of the Lord your God; which he was about to deliver to them as from him, and in his name.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 3:9
And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God. Come hither and hear the words of the Lord.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 3:9
Come hither, to the ark or tabernacle, the place of public assemblies, and hear the words of the Lord your God; who is now about to give a proof that he is both the Lord, the omnipotent Governor of heaven and earth, and all creatures; and your God, in covenant with you, having a tender care and true affection for you.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 3:9
Joshua 3:9 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.Ver. 9. Come hither, and hear the words of the Lord your God.] For miracles do but excite men; they do but as the bells that call us to the sermon, they cannot work faith in us: but faith cometh by hearing.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 3:9
9. And Joshua said] Joshua 3:9-13 contain the substance of an address to a solemn assembly of the people, in which a fuller explanation is given of what has been stated generally in Joshua 3:7-8.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 3:9
9. Unto the children of Israel — The objection that Colenso urges against these addresses to the children of Israel by Moses and by Joshua, that it was a physical impossibility for so vast an
Sermons on Joshua 3:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Man's Petty Kingdom - Art Katz by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking the revelation of God through Jesus Christ rather than relying on human traditions, wisdom, and programs. He shares |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 505 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering God's wonderful works through memorials. He uses the example of the rainbow as a memorial of God's covenant wi |
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The Will of God - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of diligently teaching and obeying the word of God. He refers to the book of Joshua as a resumption of God's will and purpose |
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(Men God Made) Moses by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the life of Moses and his journey with God. He highlights how Moses initially felt inadequate and unsure of his ability to lead God's people |
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The Promise of the Father by R.E. Carroll | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the promise of the Father, which is a theme that runs throughout the scriptures. They mention testimonies of people who have experienced whole |
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Obedience to the Word of God by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical importance of obedience to the Word of God as the foundation for understanding and fulfilling God's will. He outlines that the Bible is fun |
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Starts Discussion of Second Commandment (Not to Take the Name of the Lord in Vain) by Martin Luther | Martin Luther delves into the importance of honoring God's Name and the Second Commandment, emphasizing that all works must be done in faith to truly honor and magnify God's glory. |