Joshua 4:4

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Joshua 4:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So Joshua summoned the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe,

King James Version KJV

Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:

American Standard Version ASV

Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:

Bible in Basic English BBE

So Joshua sent for the twelve men, whom he had ready, one man out of every tribe of the children of Israel,

Free Bible Version FBV

So Joshua sent for the twelve men he had chosen, one from each tribe,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Ioshua called the twelue men, whome he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of euery tribe a man,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Joshua calleth unto the twelve men whom he prepared out of the sons of Israel, one man — one man out of a tribe;

World English Bible WEB

Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, a man out of every tribe.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, of every tribe a man:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Josue called twelve men, whom he had chosen out of the children of Israel, one out of every tribe,

Translation for Translators T4T

So Joshua chose twelve men, one from each tribe. He called them together, and said to them,

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 4:4

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 4:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּקְרָ֣א יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ אֶל שְׁנֵ֤ים הֶֽ/עָשָׂר֙ אִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הֵכִ֖ין מִ/בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אִישׁ אֶחָ֥ד אִישׁ אֶחָ֖ד מִ/שָּֽׁבֶט

וַ/יִּקְרָ֣א qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

שְׁנֵ֤ים shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj

הֶֽ/עָשָׂר֙ ʻâsâr H6240 ten Art | Adj

אִ֔ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

הֵכִ֖ין kûwn H3559 to establish V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

מִ/בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֶחָ֥ד ʼechâd H259 one Adj

אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֶחָ֖ד ʼechâd H259 one Adj

מִ/שָּֽׁבֶט shêbeṭ H7626 tribe Prep | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 4:4

וַ/יִּקְרָ֣א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ 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.

שְׁנֵ֤ים 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.

הֶֽ/עָשָׂר֙ ʻâsâr H6240 "ten" Art | 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.

אִ֔ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

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.

הֵכִ֖ין kûwn H3559 "to establish" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.

Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.

מִ/בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" Prep | 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.

אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

אֶחָ֥ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

אֶחָ֖ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

מִ/שָּֽׁבֶט shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" Prep | N-ms

This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.

Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe

Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.

Study Notes — Joshua 4:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

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

Context — Twelve Stones from the Jordan

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.’”

4So Joshua summoned the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe,

5and said to them, “Cross over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of Israel, 6to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Joshua 4:2	“Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe,
2	Mark 3:14–19	He appointed twelve of them, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve He appointed: Simon (whom He named Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (whom He named Boanerges, meaning “Sons of Thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

Joshua 4:4 Summary

In Joshua 4:4, Joshua summons twelve men, one from each tribe of Israel, to carry out a special task. This shows that Joshua is following God's instructions and that each tribe is important to God. Just like Joshua, we can trust in God's plan and follow His instructions, even when it's hard, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can be representatives of God's people and show unity and diversity in our own communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joshua summon twelve men from the Israelites?

Joshua summoned twelve men, one from each tribe, as instructed by God to serve as representatives of the Israelites and to carry out a specific task, as seen in Joshua 4:2-3 and Deuteronomy 17:14-15.

What was the significance of choosing one man from each tribe?

Choosing one man from each tribe represented the unity and diversity of the Israelites, as each tribe was equally important in the eyes of God, as seen in Exodus 28:21 and Revelation 21:12-14.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of Joshua's leadership?

This verse demonstrates Joshua's obedience to God's instructions and his role as a leader in carrying out God's plan, as seen in Joshua 1:7-9 and Numbers 27:18-23.

What can we learn from Joshua's example of following God's instructions?

We can learn the importance of obedience and trust in God's plan, just like Joshua, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to be a representative of God's people, and how can I fulfill this role in my own life?
How can I demonstrate obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem unclear or difficult?
What are some ways I can show unity and diversity within my own community, just like the twelve tribes of Israel?
How can I trust in God's plan, even when the outcome is uncertain, and what role does faith play in this process?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:4

Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had prepared of the children of Israel,.... It may be for some other purpose, Joshua 3:12; but this was the destination of them eventually, and as by divine

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:4

Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man: Joshua called the twelve men.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:4

Prepared, i.e. appointed or chosen for that work, and commanded them to be ready for it.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:4

Joshua 4:4 Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:Ver. 4. Then Joshua called, &c.] See Joshua 4:2; Joshua 3:12.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 4:4

Verse 4. Twelve men, whom he had prepared] This must refer to their appointment, Joshua 3:12.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:4

. — 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 4:4

	Sermon	Description
	Plan of God by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, Dr. Alan Redpaths discusses the plan of God for Christians, as outlined in Mark chapter 3. He emphasizes that Christians are called to be a light and to submit to t
	Plan of God for Church by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Mark 3:14, where Jesus chose twelve disciples to be with him, send them to preach, and give them power to cast out demons. The speaker emphas
	Pt 8 the Drawing of the Net by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the parable of the net in the sea. He highlights the lessons to be learned from this parable, such as the authority for ma
	Our Relationship With Christ by J. Oswald Sanders	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking intimacy with God. He uses the example of Joshua, who sought the presence of God in the tent and was able to ascend
	Are You Afraid of Revival? by Michael L. Brown	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the transformative power of God's visitation and revival. He shares anecdotes of individuals who experienced profound changes and deliveranc
	The Israel of God - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the essential apprenticeship unto the kingdom of God. He focuses on the significance of Jesus choosing twelve disciples, highlighting the dive
	God's Choice by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the mystery of God's sovereignty and human free will. Throughout the Bible, Jesus appeals to people to make a decision to come to him and tru