Joshua 4:15
Joshua 4:15 in Multiple Translations
Then the LORD said to Joshua,
And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
And Jehovah spake unto Joshua, saying,
Then the Lord said to Joshua,
The Lord had told Joshua,
And the Lord spake vnto Ioshua, saying,
And Jehovah speaketh unto Joshua, saying,
The LORD spoke to Joshua, saying,
And the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying,
And he said to him:
Yahweh said to Joshua,
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 4:15
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 4:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
יְהוָ֔ה
אֶל
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-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 4:15
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
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 4:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Twelve Stones from the Jordan
13About 40,000 troops armed for battle crossed over before the LORD into the plains of Jericho.
14On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses.
15Then the LORD said to Joshua,
16“Command the priests who carry the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan.” 17So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come up from the Jordan.”Joshua 4:15 Summary
This verse shows that the LORD is a God who speaks and guides His people. He spoke directly to Joshua, giving him instructions and reassuring him of His presence. Just like Joshua, we can trust that the LORD is with us and will guide us, as promised in Joshua 1:5 and Matthew 28:20. By listening to His voice and following His lead, we can have confidence and courage to face whatever challenges come our way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the LORD speak directly to Joshua in this verse?
The LORD spoke directly to Joshua to give him specific instructions and to reaffirm His presence and guidance in Joshua's life, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:23 and Exodus 33:11.
What is the significance of the LORD speaking to Joshua at this particular moment?
The LORD spoke to Joshua after the people had crossed the Jordan River and Joshua had been exalted in the sight of all Israel, as mentioned in Joshua 4:14, to provide further direction and to establish Joshua's authority as leader.
How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of the book of Joshua?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the book of Joshua, as it marks a transition from the people's crossing of the Jordan River to their preparation for conquering the land, as prophesied in Deuteronomy 1:38 and Joshua 1:3-4.
What can we learn from the LORD's direct communication with Joshua?
We can learn that the LORD is a personal and involved God, who guides and directs His people, as seen in Psalm 32:8 and Isaiah 30:21, and that He often speaks to us through His Word and circumstances to provide wisdom and direction.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that the LORD speaks to me today, and how can I be more attentive to His voice?
- How can I, like Joshua, be confident in the LORD's presence and guidance in my life, even in uncertain or challenging circumstances?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to trust in the LORD's direction and provision, and how can I apply the lessons from Joshua 4:15 to those areas?
- In what ways can I, like the people of Israel, reverence and respect the leaders that the LORD has placed in my life, and how can I support and pray for them?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:15
And the Lord spake unto Joshua,.... When all the people had passed over jordan: saying; as follows.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:15
And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:15
Joshua 4:15 And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,Ver. 15. And the Lord spake unto Joshua.] See Joshua 1:1.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 4:15
The passage of the priests to the further bank had been already referred to, Joshua 4:11; but the writer, in observance of his general plan (compare introductory remarks to Josh.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:15
15. The Lord spake unto Joshua — The Hebrew having no pluperfect, this may be rendered had spoken.