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Joshua 20:1

Joshua 20:1 in Multiple Translations

Then the LORD said to Joshua,

The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,

And Jehovah spake unto Joshua, saying,

And the Lord said to Joshua,

Then the Lord told Joshua,

The Lord also spake vnto Ioshua, saying,

And Jehovah speaketh unto Joshua, saying,

The LORD spoke to Joshua, saying,

The LORD also spoke to Joshua, saying,

And the Lord spoke to Josue, saying: Speak to the children of Israel and say to them:

Then Yahweh said to Joshua,

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 20:1

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 20:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper
לֵ/אמֹֽר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 20:1

וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
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.
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.
לֵ/אמֹֽר 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.

Study Notes — Joshua 20:1

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 7:10 But the LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why have you fallen on your face?
2 Joshua 13:1–7 Now Joshua was old and well along in years, and the LORD said to him, “You are old and well along in years, but very much of the land remains to be possessed. This is the land that remains: All the territory of the Philistines and the Geshurites, from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; to the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Mearah of the Sidonians to Aphek, as far as the border of the Amorites; the land of the Gebalites; and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath. All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim—all the Sidonians—I Myself will drive out before the Israelites. Be sure to divide it by lot as an inheritance to Israel, as I have commanded you. Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.”
3 Joshua 6:2 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Behold, I have delivered Jericho into your hand, along with its king and its mighty men of valor.
4 Joshua 5:14 “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?”

Joshua 20:1 Summary

[The Lord spoke to Joshua, giving him instructions and guidance, just like He did with Moses. This shows that God wants to communicate with us and guide us in our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 33:3 and John 10:27. The Lord's words to Joshua marked a new phase in his leadership, as he was now responsible for implementing God's laws and instructions. By listening to God's voice, we can receive direction and wisdom for our own lives, just like Joshua did.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Lord speak to Joshua in this verse?

The Lord spoke to Joshua to give him specific instructions and guidance, just as He did with Moses in Exodus 3:4 and Numbers 12:8, demonstrating God's desire to communicate directly with His leaders.

What is the significance of the Lord speaking to Joshua at this time?

The Lord speaking to Joshua at this time indicates a new phase in Joshua's leadership, as he is now responsible for implementing the laws and instructions given to Moses, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:7-8 and Deuteronomy 34:9.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse serves as an introduction to the instructions given to Joshua regarding the cities of refuge, which are further explained in Joshua 20:2-3, and are also referenced in Numbers 35:6-34, highlighting the importance of these cities in God's plan for the Israelites.

What can we learn from the Lord's direct communication with Joshua?

We can learn that God desires a personal relationship with His people, and that He is willing to guide and direct us, just as He did with Joshua, as seen in Psalm 32:8 and Isaiah 58:11.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that God speaks to us today, and how can we be more attentive to His voice?
  2. How can we, like Joshua, be receptive to God's guidance and instructions in our own lives?
  3. What are some areas in our lives where we need God's direction and wisdom, and how can we seek it?
  4. How does the fact that God spoke to Joshua encourage or challenge us in our own faith journey?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 20:1

The Lord also spake unto Joshua,.... Out of the tabernacle, at the door of which he with the high priest and princes were; the Lord had spoken to him before concerning dividing the land among the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 20:1

The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying, The Lord also spake unto Joshua ...

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 20:1

Joshua 20:1 The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,Ver. 1. The Lord also spake unto Joshua.] Whether in a sensible apparition, or prophetic revelation, or otherwise: for "at sundry times and in divers manner God spake to those ancients."

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 20:1

CHAPTER XX Joshua is commanded to appoint cities of refuge, 1, 2. The purpose of their institution, 34. Three cities are appointed in the promised land, 7; and three on the east side of Jordan, 8, 9. NOTES ON CHAP. XX

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 20:1

Ch. Joshua 20:1-6. The Divine Command respecting the Cities of Refuge 1. The Lord also spake unto Joshua] As soon as the Tribes had received the portion of their inheritance, the Lord directed that Joshua should carry out the injunctions which Moses had left respecting the Cities of Refuge for the accidental homicide.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 20:1

THE SIX CITIES OF REFUGE, Joshua 20:1-9.The sentiment of justice impels uncultivated men to the immediate infliction of punishment upon those who give offence to that sentiment by a wrong act,

Sermons on Joshua 20:1

SermonDescription
A.B. Simpson Joshua Chapter 11 the Cities of Refuge, or the Sinner's by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes God's provision of cities of refuge in ancient Israel as a powerful symbol of His love and mercy for sinners. He illustrates how these cities were designed
A.B. Simpson The Cities of Refuge, or the Sinner's by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes God's provision for sinners through the cities of refuge, illustrating how these ancient sanctuaries symbolize the grace and mercy available in Christ. He h
Lou Sutera Three Priorities for Revival by Lou Sutera The video discussed the three priorities for revival. The first priority is to recognize that revival itself must be a priority and that there is no other hope. The second priority
Shane Idleman Sin in the Camp Part 1 by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman addresses the critical issue of unconfessed sin within the church, emphasizing that a lack of desire for worship indicates a spiritual heart problem. He draws paralle
Zac Poonen (Needed-Men of God) 2. a Holy Man of God by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of being holy men and women of God, as exemplified by Elisha, who was recognized as such by a discerning woman. He challenges the audience to re
Vance Havner Isaac Dug Again Wells by Vance Havner Vance Havner emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility in re-opening the spiritual wells that have been filled by the Philistines, rather than waiting for divine
A.W. Tozer The Blessedness of Obedience by A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true revival requires more than mere words and prayers; it necessitates a genuine return to obedience to God's commands. He illustrates this with the sto

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