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Joshua 6:3

Joshua 6:3 in Multiple Translations

March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days.

And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.

And ye shall compass the city, all the men of war, going about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.

Now let all your fighting-men make a circle round the town, going all round it once. Do this for six days.

March around the city with your armed men once a day for six days.

All ye therefore that be men of warre, shall compasse the citie, in going round about the citie once: thus shall you doe sixe dayes:

and ye have compassed the city — all the men of battle — going round the city once; thus thou dost six days;

All of your men of war shall march around the city, going around the city once. You shall do this six days.

And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round the city once: thus shalt thou do six days.

Go round about the city, all ye fighting men, once a day: so shall ye do for six days.

So your army must march around the city for six days, once each day.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 6:3

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 6:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/סַבֹּתֶ֣ם אֶת הָ/עִ֗יר כֹּ֚ל אַנְשֵׁ֣י הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה הַקֵּ֥יף אֶת הָ/עִ֖יר פַּ֣עַם אֶחָ֑ת כֹּ֥ה תַעֲשֶׂ֖ה שֵׁ֥שֶׁת יָמִֽים
וְ/סַבֹּתֶ֣ם çâbab H5437 to turn Conj | V-Qal-2mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/עִ֗יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs
כֹּ֚ל kôl H3605 all N-ms
אַנְשֵׁ֣י ʼîysh H376 man N-mp
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Art | N-fs
הַקֵּ֥יף nâqaph H5362 to strike V-Hiphil-Ptc
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/עִ֖יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs
פַּ֣עַם paʻam H6471 beat N-fs
אֶחָ֑ת ʼechâd H259 one Adj
כֹּ֥ה kôh H3541 thus Adv
תַעֲשֶׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
שֵׁ֥שֶׁת shêsh H8337 six Adj
יָמִֽים yôwm H3117 day N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 6:3

וְ/סַבֹּתֶ֣ם çâbab H5437 "to turn" Conj | V-Qal-2mp
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
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.
הָ/עִ֗יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
כֹּ֚ל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אַנְשֵׁ֣י ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp
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.
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Art | 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.
הַקֵּ֥יף nâqaph H5362 "to strike" V-Hiphil-Ptc
This word means to surround or go around something, like making a circle or enclosing an area. It can also imply a sense of violence or attack, like beating or knocking something down. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's presence surrounding his people.
Definition: 1) to strike, strike off 1a) (Piel) to strike off skin Aramaic equivalent: ne.qash (נְקַשׁ "to knock" H5368)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: compass (about, -ing), cut down, destroy, go round (about), inclose, round. See also: Leviticus 19:27; Job 19:6; Psalms 17:9.
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.
הָ/עִ֖יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
פַּ֣עַם paʻam H6471 "beat" N-fs
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
אֶחָ֑ת 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.
כֹּ֥ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
תַעֲשֶׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
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.
שֵׁ֥שֶׁת shêsh H8337 "six" Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
יָמִֽים yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

Study Notes — Joshua 6:3

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Corinthians 4:7 Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.
2 Numbers 14:9 Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!”
3 Joshua 6:7 And he told the people, “Advance and march around the city, with the armed troops going ahead of the ark of the LORD.”
4 1 Corinthians 1:21–25 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.
5 Joshua 6:14 So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.

Joshua 6:3 Summary

[In Joshua 6:3, God tells Joshua to have the Israelites march around the city of Jericho one time for six days, which may seem like a strange instruction, but it shows us the importance of obeying God's commands, even when we don't understand the reason. This is similar to how God instructed the Israelites to follow His laws and commands in Deuteronomy 8:1-3, which would lead to their success and prosperity. By following God's instructions, we can trust that He will work everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28. As we read this verse, we can reflect on how we can apply this principle of obedience and trust to our own lives, and remember that God is always with us, guiding and directing us, as seen in Joshua 1:9.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God instruct Joshua to march around the city of Jericho for six days?

God's instruction to Joshua to march around Jericho for six days was a test of obedience and faith, as seen in Joshua 6:3, and it prepared the Israelites for the miraculous victory that would come on the seventh day, as promised in Joshua 6:2 and Deuteronomy 7:24.

What is the significance of marching around the city one time for six days?

Marching around the city one time for six days, as stated in Joshua 6:3, may have been a way for the Israelites to claim the city as their own, as they were following God's command, similar to how God claimed the Sabbath day as a day of rest, as seen in Exodus 20:8-11.

How does this event relate to the Israelites' trust in God?

The event of marching around Jericho demonstrates the Israelites' trust in God, as they were willing to follow His instructions, even when they seemed illogical or impossible, as seen in Joshua 6:3, and this trust is echoed in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart.

What can we learn from Joshua's obedience in this verse?

Joshua's obedience in Joshua 6:3 teaches us the importance of following God's commands, even when we do not fully understand the reason or outcome, as seen in Romans 8:28, which reminds us that God works all things together for our good.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's plan and obey His commands, even when it's difficult?
  2. How can I apply the principle of obedience and faith, as seen in Joshua 6:3, to my daily life and decisions?
  3. What are some ways I can 'march around' the challenges in my life, claiming them for God's glory and trusting in His power to overcome them?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God, as the Israelites did by following His instructions to march around Jericho?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 6:3

And ye shall compass the city, all [ye] men of war,.... Joshua their chief commander under the Lord, and all that were able to make war, even all above twenty years of age; these were to compass the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 6:3

And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. Ye shall compass the city. Directions are here given as to the mode of procedure. Ye shall compass the city.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 6:3

Go round about the city once, at convenient distance, out of the reach of their arrows; thus shalt thou do six days, every day once. This and the following course might seem ridiculous and absurd, and is therefore prescribed and used by God, that they might learn to take new measures of things, and to expect success not from their own valour or skill, or probable means, but merely from God’ s appointment and blessing; and in general, not to judge of any of God’ s institutions by mere carnal reason, to which divers of their ceremonies would seem no less foolish than this action; and that they might have a full demonstration of the all-sufficiency of that God who can do what he pleaseth, even by the most contemptible means.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 6:3

Joshua 6:3 And ye shall compass the city, all [ye] men of war, [and] go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.Ver. 3. And ye shall compass the city.] At a just distance, no doubt, that ye may be extra iactum. See 2 Samuel 11:20-21. Thus shalt thou do six days.] All which time God held them in request: and exercised their faith and patience.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 6:3

Verse 3. Ye shall compass the city] In what order the people marched round the city does not exactly appear from the text. Some think they observed the same order as in their ordinary marches in the desert; (See Clarke on Numbers 10:14, and see the plans, Numbers 2:2); others think that the soldiers marched first, then the priests who blew the trumpets, then those who carried the ark, and lastly the people.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 6:3

3. ye shall compass the city] The scene to be witnessed from the walls of Jericho, was calculated in the most striking manner to appeal to the consciences of all who should see it: (a) First in solemn procession were to advance armed men: (b) Then would follow seven priests blowing continually, not the customary silver trumpets, but large horns: (c) Thus heralded, was to follow the Ark of Jehovah borne by the priests: (d) Then were to follow “the rereward” of Israel. Six days was this strange procession to encompass the walls of Jericho, passing round in solemn silence, save for the long-drawn blasts of the horns. But on the seventh day, the city was to be encompassed seven times, and at the seventh the people were to shout, and it was promised that the city should “fall down flat,” and its destruction would be complete. “The ark of God, with the tables of stone from Sinai hidden within, was the genius, I had almost said the general, of that mysterious march: it was made plain by every token, that God, not man, was at work. Their priests were officiating, with the emblems of festival, not of warfare—“the trumpets of jubilee”—in their hands; before them armed hosts heralding, behind them armed hosts attending, the progress of the true Champion, the representative of the God of battles, to whose presence alone the coming victory was to be due.” Dr Vaughan’s Heroes of Faith, p. 253.

Barnes' Notes on Joshua 6:3

The command of the Lord as to the mode in which the fall of Jericho should be brought about is given in these verses in a condensed form.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 6:3

3. Ye shall compass the city — Here is a peculiar and unprecedented mode of reducing a walled town — to carry a small chest containing, not the enginery of death, but a few religious relics, attended

Sermons on Joshua 6:3

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson A Message for Christians Who Have Bad Days by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of inheritance and how believers can come out of difficult times. He refers to Galatians 4:1, which states that as long as an he
Elisabeth Elliot Women That Make a Difference by Elisabeth Elliot In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and responsibilities of being a mother. She shares anecdotes of her own experiences, highlighting the constant demands and inte
Alan Redpath Communication of Our Faith - Part 3 by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing a group of people who are wounded and in need of help. They receive a message about an approaching enemy and quickly prepare to fig
Brother Andrew Unhindered by Brother Andrew In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the changes in the world over the past 50 years and ponders where we will be in the future. He emphasizes the importance of the Bible as the
A.W. Tozer (Steps Towards Spiritual Perfection) - Paul's Sel by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of self-distrust and the ways in which God teaches it to His people. He emphasizes that relying on our own goodness and virtue
Joni Eareckson Tada Suffering for the Sake Of by Joni Eareckson Tada This sermon emphasizes the importance of finding joy and hope in God, even in the midst of suffering and trials. It shares powerful stories of individuals facing challenges, highli
Art Katz The Prophetic Word by Art Katz In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative impact of the film industry and commercialization on society. He emphasizes how the pursuit of money and profit has corrupted th

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