Joshua 5:3
Joshua 5:3 in Multiple Translations
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.
And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.
And Joshua made him knives of flint, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.
So Joshua made stone knives and gave the children of Israel circumcision at Gibeath-ha-araloth.
Joshua had flint knives made and all male Israelites were circumcised at the place that became known as “the hill of foreskins.”
Then Ioshua made him sharpe kniues and circumcised the sonnes of Israel in the hill of the foreskinnes.
and Joshua maketh for him knives of flint, and circumciseth the sons of Israel at the height of the foreskins.
Joshua made himself flint knives, and circumcised the sons of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.
And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.
He did what the Lord had commanded, and he circumcised the children of Israel in the hill of the foreskins.
So Joshua made knives and circumcised the Israeli males at a place that is now called ‘Circumcision Hill’.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 5:3
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 5:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּעַשׂ
ל֥/וֹ
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
חַֽרְב֣וֹת
צֻרִ֑ים
וַ/יָּ֨מָל֙
אֶת
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
אֶל
גִּבְעַ֖ת
הָ/עֲרָלֽוֹת
וַ/יַּעַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
חַֽרְב֣וֹת
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fp
צֻרִ֑ים
tsûwr
H6697
rock
N-mp
וַ/יָּ֨מָל֙
mûwl
H4135
to circumcise
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
גִּבְעַ֖ת
gibʻâh
H1389
Gibeat
N-fs
הָ/עֲרָלֽוֹת
ʻorlâh
H6190
foreskin
Art | N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 5:3
וַ/יַּעַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
ל֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
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.
חַֽרְב֣וֹת
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fp
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
צֻרִ֑ים
tsûwr
H6697
"rock"
N-mp
A rock or boulder, often used to describe God as a refuge, like in Psalm 18:2.
Definition: 1) rock, cliff 1a) rocky wall, cliff 1b) rock (with flat surface) 1c) block of stone, boulder 1d) rock (specific) 1e) rock (of God) 1f) rock (of heathen gods) n pr dei 1g) Rock Aramaic equivalent: tur (טוּר "mountain" H2906)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also H1049 (בֵּית צוּר). See also: Exodus 17:6; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 18:3.
וַ/יָּ֨מָל֙
mûwl
H4135
"to circumcise"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Circumcision is the literal meaning of this word, but it can also imply destruction or cutting off. In Genesis 17:10, God commands Abraham to circumcise all males as a sign of covenant. It represents a physical and spiritual separation.
Definition: 1) to circumcise, let oneself be circumcised, cut, be cut off 1a) (Qal) to circumcise 1b) (Niphal) to be circumcised, circumcise oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be circumcised 1c1) of destruction (fig.) 1d) (Hithpolel) to be cut off 1e) (Polel) cut down
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: circumcise(-ing), selves), cut down (in pieces), destroy, [idiom] must needs. See also: Genesis 17:10; Leviticus 12:3; Psalms 58:8.
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.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
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.
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.
גִּבְעַ֖ת
gibʻâh
H1389
"Gibeat"
N-fs
Gibeat refers to a small hill, with the name meaning hill, and is another spelling of Gibeah. It appears in various KJV translations as hill or little hill.
Definition: This name means hill Another spelling of giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeah" H1390H)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: hill, little hill. See also: Genesis 49:26; Isaiah 30:17; Psalms 65:13.
הָ/עֲרָלֽוֹת
ʻorlâh
H6190
"foreskin"
Art | N-fp
The Hebrew word for foreskin, referring to being uncircumcised. It appears in various Bible translations as foreskin or uncircumcised, emphasizing the physical and spiritual significance of circumcision in the Bible.
Definition: foreskin, uncircumcised
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: foreskin, [phrase] uncircumcised. See also: Genesis 17:11; Leviticus 19:23; Jeremiah 4:4.
Study Notes — Joshua 5:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 5:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 5:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 5:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 5:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 5:3
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 5:3
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 5:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 5:3
- Sermons on Joshua 5:3
Context — The Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal
1Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites.
2At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again. ”
3So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.
4Now this is why Joshua circumcised them: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of war—had died on the journey in the wilderness after they had left Egypt. 5Though all who had come out were circumcised, none of those born in the wilderness on the journey from Egypt had been circumcised.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 16:24 | Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. |
| 2 | Genesis 17:23–27 | On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised them, just as God had told him. So Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, and his son Ishmael was thirteen; Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised on the same day. And all the men of Abraham’s household—both servants born in his household and those purchased from foreigners—were circumcised with him. |
Joshua 5:3 Summary
In Joshua 5:3, we see Joshua obeying God's command to circumcise the sons of Israel, which was a physical sign of their covenant relationship with God, as established in Genesis 17:1-14. This act was necessary because the previous generation had died in the wilderness, and the new generation had not been circumcised. Just like the Israelites, we need to be set apart and committed to following God, as seen in Romans 2:25-29 and 1 Peter 1:15-16. By following God's commands and living according to His will, we can renew our commitment to Him and live a life that honors Him, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Matthew 22:37-40.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joshua need to circumcise the sons of Israel again?
Joshua had to circumcise the sons of Israel again because all the men who had been circumcised and came out of Egypt had died in the wilderness, and the new generation born in the wilderness had not been circumcised, as stated in Joshua 5:4-5 and referenced in Genesis 17:10-14, which explains the significance of circumcision as a covenant sign.
What is the significance of using flint knives for circumcision?
The use of flint knives for circumcision, as mentioned in Joshua 5:3, was likely due to the Israelites' current circumstances, as they were in the wilderness and may not have had access to metal instruments, similar to the situation in Exodus 4:25 where Moses' wife, Zipporah, used a sharp stone to circumcise their son.
Where did Joshua circumcise the sons of Israel?
According to Joshua 5:3, Joshua circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth, which was a location in the wilderness where the Israelites were camped after crossing the Jordan River, as also mentioned in Joshua 5:9.
How does this act of circumcision relate to the Israelites' relationship with God?
The act of circumcision, as seen in Joshua 5:3, was a physical sign of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God, as established in Genesis 17:1-14, and was a reminder of their commitment to follow God's commands and laws, such as those found in Deuteronomy 30:6 and Romans 2:25-29.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's desire for His people to be set apart and holy, as also seen in Leviticus 20:26 and 1 Peter 1:15-16?
- How does the act of circumcision in this verse relate to the spiritual circumcision of the heart, as described in Romans 2:28-29 and Colossians 2:11-12?
- What can we learn from Joshua's obedience to God's command to circumcise the sons of Israel, and how can we apply this to our own lives, as encouraged in James 1:22 and 1 John 2:3-6?
- In what ways can we, like the Israelites, renew our commitment to following God and living according to His commands, as exhorted in Deuteronomy 10:16 and 2 Corinthians 7:1?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 5:3
And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel,.... Not that Joshua circumcised them himself, any more than he made the knives himself, but he ordered both to be done, and took care that they were done.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 5:3
And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. At the hill.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 5:3
i.e. He caused this to be done; and because it was to be done speedily, the passover approaching, it was necessary to use many hands in it, either priests and Levites, or other circumcised persons, who, at least in those circumstances, were permitted to do it. The children of Israel, i.e. such of them as were uncircumcised. And though it be not mentioned, it is more than probable, that the Israelites beyond Jordan were circumcised at the same time.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 5:3
Joshua 5:3 And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. Ver. 3. And Joshua … circumcised.] That is, he caused them to be circumcised, viz., by the priests, whose office it was properly: or, by those others, that being under twenty years of age at their coming out of Egypt, had been circumcised before. The Jews at this day count it the most meritorious thing that can be, to be a good circumciser. At the hill of the foreskins.] Heb., Gibeah haaraloth, where they cast away and buried their foreskins; whereby was signified that that which was begotten by that, part deserved in like sort to be cut off, and thrown away as execrable and accursed. Leo Modena.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 5:3
3. the hill of the foreskins] or “Gibeah-haaraloth,” probably so named from this transaction. Comp. Colossians 2:11-13; Colossians 3:1-6.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 5:3
The hill of the foreskins - i. e. the hill where the foreskins, the emblem of all worldly and carnal affections, were buried. (Compare Colossians 2:11-13; Colossians 3:1-6.)
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 5:3
3. Hill of the foreskins — The hill on which this rite occurred, one of the many argillaceous hills on the terrace of the valley, receives its name from the prepuces buried in it, and not, as the
Sermons on Joshua 5:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Laws of Spiritual Progress - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving up worldly possessions and desires in order to gain eternal life. He shares a quote from a missionary who said, "He |
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And They Crucified Him by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to embrace the suffering and humility exemplified by the early church in the book of Acts. It challenges believers to confront the av |
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Christ's Call Follow in My Footsteps by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-denial and sacrificing our own desires for the sake of the cross and Calvary. He shares a personal story of his wife' |
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If You Agree by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being wholly committed to Christ and spending time in prayer and studying the Word of God. He calls on the audience to sacr |
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Please Sir Save Me! by William Booth | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a gold miner on a ship that gets caught in a storm and starts sinking. A little girl asks the miner if he can swim, and he realizes |
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Free to Do by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting God as the ultimate authority in our lives. He compares the disciplined self to an aviator who mu |
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His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses various topics such as the influence of media, the importance of reading the New Testament, and the power of one individual to make a differen |