Joshua 4:1

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Joshua 4:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua,

King James Version KJV

And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,

American Standard Version ASV

And it came to pass, when all the nation were clean passed over the Jordan, that Jehovah spake unto Joshua, saying,

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now when all the nation had come to the other side of Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua,

Free Bible Version FBV

Once the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord told Joshua,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when all the people were wholy gone ouer Iorden, (after the Lord had spoken vnto Ioshua, saying,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And it cometh to pass, when all the nation hath completed to pass over the Jordan, that Jehovah speaketh unto Joshua, saying,

World English Bible WEB

When all the nation had completely crossed over the Jordan, the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And it came to pass, when all the people had quite passed over Jordan, that the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when they were passed over, the Lord said to Josue:

Translation for Translators T4T

After all the people of the Israeli nation had finished crossing the Jordan River, Yahweh said to Joshua,

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 4:1

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 4:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְהִי֙ כַּ/אֲשֶׁר תַּ֣מּוּ כָל הַ/גּ֔וֹי לַ/עֲב֖וֹר אֶת הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֑ן וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ לֵ/אמֹֽר

וַ/יְהִי֙ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

כַּ/אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

תַּ֣מּוּ tâmam H8552 to finish V-Qal-Perf-3cp

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הַ/גּ֔וֹי gôwy H1471 Gentile Art | N-ms

לַ/עֲב֖וֹר ʻâbar H5674 to pass Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֑ן Yardên H3383 Jordan Art | N-proper

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper

לֵ/אמֹֽר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 4:1

וַ/יְהִי֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

תַּ֣מּוּ tâmam H8552 "to finish" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To finish or complete something, either in a good or bad sense, like when God finished creating the world in Genesis. It can also mean to be consumed or destroyed. The KJV Bible uses words like accomplish, cease, or have done to translate it.

Definition: 1) to be complete, be finished, be at an end 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be finished, be completed 1a1a) completely, wholly, entirely (as auxiliary with verb) 1a2) to be finished, come to an end, cease 1a3) to be complete (of number) 1a4) to be consumed, be exhausted, be spent 1a5) to be finished, be consumed, be destroyed 1a6) to be complete, be sound, be unimpaired, be upright (ethically) 1a7) to complete, finish 1a8) to be completely crossed over 1b) (Niphal) to be consumed 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to finish, complete, perfect 1c2) to finish, cease doing, leave off doing 1c3) to complete, sum up, make whole 1c4) to destroy (uncleanness) 1c5) to make sound 1d) (Hithpael) to deal in integrity, act uprightly

Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, be clean (pass-) ed, consume, have done, (come to an, have an, make an) end, fail, come to the full, be all gone, [idiom] be all here, be (make) perfect, be spent, sum, be (shew self) upright, be wasted, whole. See also: Genesis 47:15; 2 Kings 22:4; Psalms 9:7.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הַ/גּ֔וֹי gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

לַ/עֲב֖וֹר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

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.

הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֑ן Yardên H3383 "Jordan" Art | N-proper

The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.

Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)

Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר 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.

יְהוָ֔ה 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.

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.

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.

לֵ/אמֹֽר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

Study Notes — Joshua 4:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Joshua 4:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:1
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 4:1
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 4:1
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:1
Sermons on Joshua 4:1

Context — Twelve Stones from the Jordan

1When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua,

2“Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, 3and command them: ‘Take up for yourselves twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan where the priests were standing, carry them with you, and set them down in the place where you spend the night.’”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 27:2	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.
2	Joshua 3:17	The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan.

Joshua 4:1 Summary

[This verse tells us that after all the Israelites had crossed the Jordan River, God spoke to Joshua, their leader, giving him important instructions. This moment was significant because it marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Israelites' journey, as they entered the Promised Land. Just like the Israelites, we can trust in God's power and provision to carry us through challenging times, as seen in Exodus 14:13-31 and Deuteronomy 31:3-6. By waiting on God's perfect timing and seeking His guidance, we can, like Joshua, be confident in His sovereignty and leadership in our lives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Lord wait until the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan before speaking to Joshua?

The Lord waited until the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan to emphasize the significance of this moment in their journey, much like He did when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31, and to prepare them for the instructions that would follow, as seen in Joshua 4:2-3.

What is the significance of the Jordan River in this context?

The Jordan River represented a threshold for the Israelites, marking their transition from the wilderness to the Promised Land, much like the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31, and it was a place where God would demonstrate His power and provision for them, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:3-6.

How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership in the Bible?

This verse highlights Joshua's role as a leader, appointed by God to guide the Israelites into the Promised Land, as seen in Joshua 1:1-9, and it demonstrates the importance of seeking God's guidance and direction in leadership, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

What can we learn from the Lord's timing in speaking to Joshua?

The Lord's timing in speaking to Joshua teaches us to wait on God's perfect timing in our own lives, trusting in His sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalm 27:14 and Isaiah 40:31.

Reflection Questions

What are some ' Jordans' that I need to cross in my own life, and how can I trust in God's power and provision to carry me through?
How can I, like Joshua, be attentive to God's voice and responsive to His instructions, even in the midst of significant transition or uncertainty?
What are some ways that I can, like the Israelites, commemorate and remember God's faithfulness and provision in my own life, as seen in Joshua 4:2-3?
How can I apply the principles of leadership and obedience seen in this verse to my own relationships and responsibilities?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:1

And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan,.... As related, Joshua 3:17; that the Lord spake unto Joshua, saying: as follows.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:1

And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying, The Lord spake unto Joshua saying,

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:1

JOSHUA CHAPTER 4 God commands them to carry twelve stones for a memorial out of Jordan; Joshua orders it; the people perform, . Twelve other stones set up for a memorial in the midst of Jordan, . The people pass over: the order they observe, . God magnifies Joshua, . The priests with the ark are commanded to come up out of Jordan, . The waters return, . The time of this passage, . Twelve stones set up in Gilgal; to what purpose declared, . This was commanded before, , and is here repeated with enlargement, as being now to be put in execution.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:1

Joshua 4:1 And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,Ver. 1. And it came to pass, when all the people.] Heb., All the nation; Goi, so the Israelites are here and elsewhere called. The Jews, then, have no reason to reproach Christians by that name, calling us Goiim and Mamzer Goiim, bastardly heathens. Were clean passed over.] Without the least opposition of the Canaanites, who were intimidated and infatuated.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 4:1

CHAPTER IV When the people are passed over, Joshua commands twelve men, one taken out of each tribe, to take up a stone on his shoulder out of the midst of the river, and carry it to the other side, to be set up as a memorial of this miraculous passage, 1-7. They do so, and set up the stones in the place where they encamp the first night, 8, 9. The priests stand in the river, till all the people are passed over, 10, 11. Of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, 40,000 fighting men pass over with the other tribes, 12, 13. Joshua is magnified in the sight of the people, and they fear him as they did Moses, 14. The priests are commanded to come up out of the river, which, on their leaving it, immediately returns, and overflows its banks as before, 15-18. This miraculous passage takes place the tenth day of the first month, 19. The stones are set up in Gilgal, and Joshua teaches the people what use they are to make of them, 20-24. NOTES ON CHAP. IV

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 4:1

Ch. Joshua 4:1-18. Completion of the Passage 1. when all the people were clean passed over] Below the spot, where the priests stood firm and motionless, the host, probably at various points, “hasted and passed over” (Joshua 4:10).

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:1

. — Joshua 4:1-24.[This chapter, more than many others, affords us a noticeable example of the style of the Hebrew historian.

Sermons on Joshua 4:1

	Sermon	Description
	The Stones of Testing by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a concrete testimony to the power of God's resurrection and victory over death. He uses the story of Joshua and the crossin
	When Your Children Ask by David Roper	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the Lord is always doing highly improbable and unique things in our lives. He encourages listeners to trust in the Lord's ability to exc
	Truths From Israel's History, Part 2 - Gilgal by Ed Miller	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on four stories from the Bible: the crossing of the Jordan River, the setting up of the base camp at Gilgal, the taking of Jericho, and the defe
	He Has Done Great Things by Michael Koulianos	Michael Koulianos emphasizes the importance of remembering God's mighty works and testimonies in our lives, drawing from Joshua 4 where the Israelites set up stones as a memorial o
	Clothed With Power From on High by Les Wheeldon	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the disciples' experience after Jesus' resurrection. He emphasizes that the disciples were still struggling to understand and were not yet fil
	Studies in Joshua 02 - Entering the Land by Alden Gannett	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going back to the book of God to be reminded of what He has done. He highlights the faith and trust in God that the priests
	The Ark of the Covenant: Crossing Jordan Part Ii by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of the Israelites as they finally reach the promised land after 40 years of discipline. However, they face a great obstacle in t