Joshua 4:13
Joshua 4:13 in Multiple Translations
About 40,000 troops armed for battle crossed over before the LORD into the plains of Jericho.
About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
about forty thousand ready armed for war passed over before Jehovah unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
About forty thousand armed for war went over before the Lord to the fight, to the lowlands of Jericho.
They numbered about 40,000 men, armed and ready for battle, who crossed in the presence of the Lord to the plains of Jericho.
Euen fourty thousand prepared for warre, went before the Lord vnto battel, into ye plaine of Iericho.
about forty thousand, armed ones of the host, passed over before Jehovah for battle, unto the plains of Jericho.
About forty thousand men, ready and armed for war, passed over before the LORD to battle, to the plains of Jericho.
About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD to battle, to the plains of Jericho.
And forty thousand fighting men by their troops, and bands, marched through the plains and fields of the city of Jericho.
As Yahweh was watching, there were about 40,000 of those soldiers, carrying weapons ready for battle, who crossed the riverbed to the plains near Jericho, ready to fight.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 4:13
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 4:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ/אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
אֶ֖לֶף
חֲלוּצֵ֣י
הַ/צָּבָ֑א
עָבְר֞וּ
לִ/פְנֵ֤י
יְהוָה֙
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
אֶ֖ל
עַֽרְב֥וֹת
יְרִיחֽוֹ
כְּ/אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
ʼarbâʻîym
H705
forty
Prep | Adj
אֶ֖לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
חֲלוּצֵ֣י
châlats
H2502
to rescue
V-Qal-Inf-c
הַ/צָּבָ֑א
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
Art | N-cs
עָבְר֞וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לִ/פְנֵ֤י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Prep | N-fs
אֶ֖ל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עַֽרְב֥וֹת
ʻărâbâh
H6160
plain
N-fp
יְרִיחֽוֹ
Yᵉrîychôw
H3405
Jericho
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 4:13
כְּ/אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
ʼarbâʻîym
H705
"forty"
Prep | Adj
The number forty is what this Hebrew word represents, often used in the Bible to mark significant periods of time, like the 40 days of rain in Genesis or the 40 years of Israel's wilderness journey.
Definition: forty
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: -forty. See also: Genesis 5:13; Judges 13:1; Psalms 95:10.
אֶ֖לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
חֲלוּצֵ֣י
châlats
H2502
"to rescue"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To arm or equip for war is the meaning of this verb, used to describe preparing for battle. It is translated as arm, deliver, or strengthen in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to draw off or out, withdraw 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw, draw off 1a2) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be delivered 1b2) to be saved 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to pull out, tear out 1c2) to rescue, deliver, set free 1c3) to take away, plunder
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: arm (self), (go, ready) armed ([idiom] man, soldier), deliver, draw out, make fat, loose, (ready) prepared, put off, take away, withdraw self. See also: Leviticus 14:40; 2 Chronicles 20:21; Psalms 6:5.
הַ/צָּבָ֑א
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
Art | N-cs
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
עָבְר֞וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
לִ/פְנֵ֤י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָה֙
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.
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Prep | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
אֶ֖ל
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.
עַֽרְב֥וֹת
ʻărâbâh
H6160
"plain"
N-fp
The Arabah is a desert plain near the Jordan River, stretching to the Red Sea, and is often translated as wilderness or desert in the Bible. It is mentioned in books like Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: § desert plain, steppe, desert, wilderness
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Arabah, champaign, desert, evening, heaven, plain, wilderness. See also H1026 (בֵּית הָעֲרָבָה). See also: Numbers 22:1; 1 Samuel 23:24; Psalms 68:5.
יְרִיחֽוֹ
Yᵉrîychôw
H3405
"Jericho"
N-proper
Jericho was a city in Palestine, the first conquered by the Israelites in Canaan. Its name means 'its moon' and it was located near the Jordan River and the Dead Sea.
Definition: Jericho = "its moon" a city 5 miles (8 km) west of the Jordan and 7 miles (11.5 km) north of the Dead Sea and the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the promised land of Canaan Also named: Hierichō (Ἱεριχώ "Jericho" G2410)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Jericho. See also: Numbers 22:1; Joshua 9:3; Jeremiah 39:5.
Study Notes — Joshua 4:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 4:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 4:13
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 4:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:13
- Sermons on Joshua 4:13
Context — Twelve Stones from the Jordan
11and after everyone had finished crossing, the priests with the ark of the LORD crossed in the sight of the people.
12The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over before the Israelites, armed for battle as Moses had instructed them.
13About 40,000 troops armed for battle crossed over before the LORD into the plains of Jericho.
14On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses. 15Then the LORD said to Joshua,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 6:11 | Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 39:5 | But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 52:8 | but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was separated from him. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 25:5 | but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was separated from him. |
| 5 | Joshua 5:10 | On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while the Israelites were camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they kept the Passover. |
Joshua 4:13 Summary
This verse, Joshua 4:13, tells us that about 40,000 troops crossed over before the LORD into the plains of Jericho, showing their trust in God's presence and guidance. The troops were preparing for battle, just like the Israelites did when they faced the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-14. As we face our own challenges and battles, we can learn from the Israelites' example and trust in God's power and presence to help us overcome them, just as He was with them in the plains of Jericho. By doing so, we can, like Joshua, experience God's exaltation and reverence, as seen in Joshua 4:14, and grow in our faith and obedience to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did about 40,000 troops cross over before the LORD into the plains of Jericho?
These troops were preparing for battle, following the instructions given by Moses, as seen in Joshua 4:12, and were moving in obedience to the LORD's command, demonstrating their trust in Him, similar to the faith exhibited by the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14.
What is the significance of the plains of Jericho in this context?
The plains of Jericho represent the area where the Israelites were about to engage in battle, and it was also a place of spiritual significance, as seen in the upcoming events in Joshua 6:1-27, where the walls of Jericho would fall, demonstrating God's power and presence with the Israelites.
How does this event relate to the LORD's presence with the Israelites?
The fact that the troops crossed over before the LORD indicates that God was with them, guiding and directing their steps, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:8 and Joshua 1:9, giving them courage and confidence for the battles ahead.
What can we learn from the example of these troops in terms of our own faith and obedience?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's presence and guidance, as well as obeying His commands, even when faced with challenging circumstances, just like the Israelites in Joshua 4:13, and like the prophet Jeremiah who trusted in the LORD's plan, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's presence and guidance, just like the Israelites did as they crossed over into the plains of Jericho?
- How can I demonstrate my faith and obedience to God's commands, even when faced with uncertainty or fear, as seen in the example of the troops in Joshua 4:13?
- What are some spiritual battles that I am currently facing, and how can I trust in God's power and presence to help me overcome them, as the Israelites did in their battle against Jericho?
- In what ways can I, like Joshua, reverence and honor God, and trust in His exaltation of me, as seen in Joshua 4:14, and how can I apply this to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:13
About forty thousand prepared for war,.... Accoutred with proper armour to defend themselves, and their brethren, and annoy their enemies: this is to be understood of such a number of the above
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:13
About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho. To the plains of Jericho.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:13
Either, 1. Before the ark, by which they, as well as the rest, passed when they went over Jordan. Or, 2. In the presence of God, who diligently observed whether they would keep their promise and covenant made with their brethren, or not.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:13
Joshua 4:13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.Ver. 13. Passed over before the Lord.] As in his sight and presence, approving to him their hearts and practices.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 4:13
(13) About forty thousand.—The totals of these three tribes at the last census (Numbers 26) were:—Reuben (Numbers 26:7), 43,730; Gad (Numbers 26:18), 40,500; Manasseh (Numbers 26:34), 52,700, or for the exact half, 26, 350. Thus the entire force of the two and a half tribes might amount to 110,580. They therefore left more than half their number to protect their families and their dwellings. This does not seem inconsistent with the spirit of their agreement with Moses, or with the interpretation of that agreement by Joshua and their fellow-Israelites. (See Numbers 32:16-17; Numbers 32:24; Numbers 32:26.) The permission to build cities implies the right to fortify and defend them. Reuben, Gad, and Simeon formed the second division on the march in the wilderness (Numbers 10:18-20). Why Reuben and Gad discarded Simeon, and associated themselves with part of Manasseh, is not explained. (See Names on the Gates of Pearl.—Simeon.)
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 4:13
The plains of Jericho, consisting of the higher terrace of the Jordan valley, are almost seven miles broad.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:13
13. Forty thousand — For their entire military strength see Joshua 1:14, note. Plains of Jericho — A part of the Ghor or Arabah near Jericho.
Sermons on Joshua 4:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Heart to Heart Talk on Marriage by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker starts by sharing a personal anecdote about watching a nature channel and being disturbed by the aggressive behavior of wild dogs in South Africa. He th |
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Victory Over the Flesh by J. Sidlow Baxter | J. Sidlow Baxter emphasizes the necessity of living in victory over the flesh by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and avoiding provisions for sinful desires. He explains that the ' |
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Resist the Devil by Mark Greening | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on James 4:7, which instructs believers to submit to God and resist the devil. The sermon emphasizes that although we are in a spiritual battle |
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The Whole Armour of God - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses various aspects of the Christian life, including witnessing, worship, and warfare. He emphasizes the importance of fathers in the household, h |
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The Snake Story by Otto Koning | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of feeling overwhelmed and defeated in his ministry. He confesses to complaining to the Lord and questioning why he was fac |
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Wrong Revival Principles - Part 1 by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant and watchful in the face of spiritual challenges. He reminds the listeners that despite experiencing di |
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Power Over All the Power of the Enemy by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the joy and humor of a lovely little girl and the realization of his own aging as a grandparent. He reminisces about his own childhood and t |