Joshua 4:20
Joshua 4:20 in Multiple Translations
And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan.
And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.
And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, did Joshua set up in Gilgal.
And the twelve stones which they took out of Jordan, Joshua put up in Gilgal.
Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones that had been taken from the Jordan.
Also the twelue stones, which they tooke out of Iorden, did Ioshua pitch in Gilgal.
and these twelve stones, which they have taken out of the Jordan, hath Joshua raised up in Gilgal.
Joshua set up those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, in Gilgal.
And those twelve stones which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua set up in Gilgal.
And the twelve stones which they had taken out of the channel of the Jordan, Josue pitched in Galgal,
The men who were carrying the twelve large stones from the Jordan riverbed brought them to Joshua, and he set them up at Gilgal
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 4:20
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 4:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵת֩
שְׁתֵּ֨ים
עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה
הָֽ/אֲבָנִים֙
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לָקְח֖וּ
מִן
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֑ן
הֵקִ֥ים
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
בַּ/גִּלְגָּֽל
וְ/אֵת֩
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
שְׁתֵּ֨ים
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
הָֽ/אֲבָנִים֙
ʼeben
H68
stone
Art | N-fp
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לָקְח֖וּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֑ן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
הֵקִ֥ים
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
בַּ/גִּלְגָּֽל
Gilgâl
H1537
Galilee
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 4:20
וְ/אֵת֩
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
שְׁתֵּ֨ים
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
הָֽ/אֲבָנִים֙
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
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.
לָקְח֖וּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
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/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.
הֵקִ֥ים
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
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.
בַּ/גִּלְגָּֽל
Gilgâl
H1537
"Galilee"
Prep | N-proper
Gilgal refers to three places in Palestine, including a region conquered by Joshua. The name means 'a wheel, rolling' and is related to the word for Galilee, a region in northern Israel. Gilgal is mentioned in the book of Joshua.
Definition: Gilgal = "a wheel, rolling" a region conquered by Joshua, site unsure Another spelling of ga.lil (גָּלִיל "Galilee" H1551)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Gilgal. See also H1019 (בֵּית הַגִּלְגָּל). See also: Deuteronomy 11:30; 1 Samuel 11:15; Micah 6:5.
Study Notes — Joshua 4:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 4:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 4:20
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 4:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:20
Context — The Camp at Gilgal
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.
20And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan.
21Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ 22you are to tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 4:3 | and 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.’” |
| 2 | Joshua 4:8 | Thus the Israelites did as Joshua had commanded them. They took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each tribe of Israel, just as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them to the camp, where they set them down. |
Joshua 4:20 Summary
[Joshua 4:20 tells us that Joshua set up twelve stones at Gilgal as a reminder of the miracle of crossing the Jordan River. This event was a significant moment in the Israelites' journey, marking their transition into the Promised Land. Just as the Israelites looked back on this event with gratitude, we can look back on our own lives and remember the times when God has provided for us, as seen in Psalm 107:1. By remembering these events, we can trust in God's power and provision for our future, just as the Israelites did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the twelve stones in Joshua 4:20?
The twelve stones represent the twelve tribes of Israel and serve as a reminder of God's miracle of parting the Jordan River, as seen in Joshua 3:13-17, allowing the Israelites to cross into the Promised Land.
Why did Joshua set up the stones at Gilgal?
Joshua set up the stones at Gilgal as a memorial to the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, so that future generations would remember God's power and provision, as stated in Joshua 4:21-22.
Is there a spiritual significance to the stones being taken from the Jordan River?
The stones taken from the Jordan River symbolize the Israelites' transition from the old life to the new, just as Christians are called to leave their old life behind and follow Jesus, as seen in Romans 6:4 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Joshua?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the book of Joshua, marking the beginning of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land, and serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and power, as seen in Joshua 1:1-9 and Deuteronomy 31:1-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can commemorate the significant events in my life, just as Joshua set up the twelve stones?
- How can I, like the Israelites, trust in God's power and provision as I face challenges in my life?
- What are some 'stones' in my life that serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and love?
- In what ways can I, like Joshua, be a leader and set an example for others by trusting in God's promises?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:20
And those twelve stones which they took out of Jordan,.... The twelve men who were sent there for that purpose, and took them from thence, and brought them hither, Joshua 4:3; did Joshua pitch in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:20
And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal. Those twelve stones ... did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:20
Which most probably were placed severally and in order, like so many little pillars, which was most proper to keep remembrance of this miraculous benefit vouchsafed to this people.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:20
Joshua 4:20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.Ver. 20. And those twelve.] See Joshua 4:3.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 4:20
Verse 20. Those twelve stones] It is very likely that a base of mason-work was erected of some considerable height, and then the twelve stones placed on the top of it; and that this was the case both in Jordan and in Gilgal: for twelve such stones as a man could carry a considerable way on his shoulder, see Joshua 4:5, could scarcely have made any observable altar, or pillar of memorial: but erected on a high base of mason-work they would be very conspicuous, and thus properly answer the end for which God ordered them to be set up.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 4:20
20. those twelve stones] which seem to have been invested with a reverence which came to be regarded at last as idolatrous (Hosea 4:15; Hosea 9:15; Amos 4:4; Amos 5:5).
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:20
20. Did Joshua pitch in Gilgal — The Hebrew word here rendered pitch is precisely the same as that rendered set up in Joshua 4:9, where see note.