Joshua 4:17
Joshua 4:17 in Multiple Translations
So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come up from the Jordan.”
Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.
Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of the Jordan.
So Joshua gave orders to the priests, saying, Come up now out of Jordan.
So Joshua told the priests, “Come up out of the Jordan.”
Ioshua therefore commanded the Priests, saying, Come ye vp out of Iorden.
And Joshua commandeth the priests, saying, 'Come ye up out of the Jordan.'
Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, “Come up out of the Jordan!”
Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.
And he commanded them, saying: Come ye up out of the Jordan.
So Joshua commanded the priests to do that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 4:17
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 4:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְצַ֣ו
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ
אֶת
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
עֲל֖וּ
מִן
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
וַ/יְצַ֣ו
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-mp
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עֲל֖וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 4:17
וַ/יְצַ֣ו
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ
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.
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/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
עֲל֖וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּֽן
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.
Study Notes — Joshua 4:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Twelve Stones from the Jordan
15Then the LORD said to Joshua,
16“Command the priests who carry the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan.”
17So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come up from the Jordan.”
18When the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD came up out of the Jordan and their feet touched the dry land, the waters of the Jordan returned to their course and overflowed all the banks as before. 19On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 8:16–18 | “Come out of the ark, you and your wife, along with your sons and their wives. Bring out all the living creatures that are with you—birds, livestock, and everything that crawls upon the ground—so that they can spread out over the earth and be fruitful and multiply upon it.” So Noah came out, along with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives. |
| 2 | Acts 16:35–39 | When daylight came, the magistrates sent their officers with the order: “Release those men.” The jailer informed Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders to release you. Now you may go on your way in peace.” But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!” So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. They came to appease them and led them out, requesting that they leave the city. |
| 3 | Acts 16:23 | And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. |
| 4 | Daniel 3:26 | Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the blazing fiery furnace and called out, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire, |
Joshua 4:17 Summary
[Joshua 4:17 shows us that Joshua was a leader who listened to and obeyed God's commands, which is an important example for us to follow in our own lives, as seen in John 14:15 where Jesus teaches us to love Him by keeping His commands. By obeying God, Joshua was able to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:8. This verse reminds us to trust in God's plan and follow His leading, even when it's hard or unclear, because He is always with us, as promised in Matthew 28:20. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can demonstrate obedience to God's will in our daily lives, just like Joshua did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joshua command the priests to come up from the Jordan?
Joshua commanded the priests to come up from the Jordan because the Lord had instructed him to do so, as seen in Joshua 4:15-16, demonstrating Joshua's obedience to God's commands, similar to the obedience seen in Exodus 40:16 where Moses followed God's instructions.
What is the significance of the priests carrying the ark of the Testimony?
The priests carrying the ark of the Testimony represented God's presence among the people, as seen in Numbers 10:33-36, and their movement was crucial for the people's journey and worship, highlighting the importance of following God's leading as in Isaiah 30:21.
How does this event relate to the larger story of the Israelites?
This event is part of the Israelites' journey into the Promised Land, which began with their escape from slavery in Egypt, as recounted in the book of Exodus, and is a key step towards their conquest of Canaan, as prophesied in Genesis 12:7 and reiterated in Joshua 1:3-4.
What can we learn from Joshua's obedience in this verse?
Joshua's obedience to God's command demonstrates the importance of trusting and following God's will, even when the circumstances seem uncertain, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and exemplified in the life of Abraham in Genesis 12:1-5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's leading and obey His commands, even if it seems uncertain or difficult?
- How can I, like Joshua, demonstrate obedience to God's will in my daily life and decisions, reflecting the obedience seen in Acts 5:29?
- What role does faith play in my ability to follow God's commands, as seen in Hebrews 11:6, and how can I strengthen my faith?
- In what ways can I, like the priests, be a symbol of God's presence in my community or among my friends and family, as encouraged in Matthew 5:16?
- How does this event in Joshua 4:17 encourage me to trust in God's power and provision in my own life, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:17
Joshua therefore commanded the priests,.... In obedience to the Lord, and sent them an order: saying; as follows: come ye up out of Jordan; from the midst of the river to the bank of it, which was properly an ascent.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:17
And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:17
The priests staid contentedly in the river, till God by Joshua called them out.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:17
Joshua 4:17 Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.Ver. 17. Come ye up out of Jordan.] Now that all the people are in safety; and stand upon the bank to behold the last act of this great miracle.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:17
. — 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 4:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Jesus' Victory Over the Powers of Darkness by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of their transformation from being involved in witchcraft to becoming a believer in God. They describe a powerful encounter |
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Unsearchable Riches of Christ - Part 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Peter's imprisonment and miraculous escape as an example of how God's glory is revealed in times of tribulation and suffering. T |
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Let God Rule Supreme by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being wise and sober-minded, as fools are prone to error and downfall. The preacher also highlights the significance of ha |
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A Thankful Heart by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances. He shares stories from the Bible, such as Paul and Silas praising God in prison |
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Three Ways a Sovereign God Saves by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man named Sandworld who is seeking salvation. Sandworld meets two Christian men who guide him in prayer and witnessing. Through t |
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Fren-12 Fondements Apostoliques - Confrontation by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a moment when he felt hopeless and tired while addressing an audience. He emphasizes the importance of trusting God in such moments, as ever |
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Thoughts on Faith and Prayer by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Paul and Silas in Acts chapter 16. Despite being arrested, beaten, and thrown into prison, Paul and Silas continue to praise and |