Joshua 4:18
Joshua 4:18 in Multiple Translations
When the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD came up out of the Jordan and their feet touched the dry land, the waters of the Jordan returned to their course and overflowed all the banks as before.
And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before.
And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of Jehovah were come up out of the midst of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up unto the dry ground, that the waters of the Jordan returned unto their place, and went over all its banks, as aforetime.
And when the priests who took up the ark of the Lord's agreement came up out of Jordan and their feet came out on to dry land, the waters of Jordan went back to their place, overflowing its edges as before.
The priests came up out of the Jordan carrying the Ark of the Agreement, and as soon as their feet touched dry ground the waters of the Jordan returned to where they had been, overflowing its banks as before.
And when the Priests that bare the Arke of the couenant of ye Lord were come vp out of the middes of Iorden, and assoone as the soles of the Priests feete were set on the dry land, the waters of Iorde returned vnto their place, and flowed ouer all the bankes thereof, as they did before.
And it cometh to pass, in the coming up of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of Jehovah out of the midst of the Jordan — the soles of the feet of the priests have been drawn up into the dry ground — and the waters of the Jordan turn back to their place, and go as heretofore over all its banks.
When the priests who bore the ark of the LORD’s covenant had come up out of the middle of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet had been lifted up to the dry ground, the waters of the Jordan returned to their place, and went over all its banks, as before.
And it came to pass, when the priests that bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD had come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up upon the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned to their place, and flowed over all its banks, as they did before.
And when they that carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, were come up, and began to tread on the dry ground, the waters returned into the channel, and ran as they were wont before.
Then the priests, carrying the chest containing the Ten Commandments that Yahweh had given to Moses, came up out of the riverbed. And as soon as they walked up out of the riverbed onto the riverbank, the water of the Jordan River flowed again, and flooded over the river banks as it had done before.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 4:18
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 4:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ֠/יְהִי
ב/עלות
כַּ/עֲל֨וֹת
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֜ים
נֹשְׂאֵ֨י
אֲר֤וֹן
בְּרִית
יְהוָה֙
מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
נִתְּק֗וּ
כַּפּוֹת֙
רַגְלֵ֣י
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֔ים
אֶ֖ל
הֶ/חָרָבָ֑ה
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֤בוּ
מֵֽי
הַ/יַּרְדֵּן֙
לִ/מְקוֹמָ֔/ם
וַ/יֵּלְכ֥וּ
כִ/תְמוֹל
שִׁלְשׁ֖וֹם
עַל
כָּל
גְּדוֹתָֽי/ו
וַ֠/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ב/עלות
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כַּ/עֲל֨וֹת
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֜ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-mp
נֹשְׂאֵ֨י
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal
אֲר֤וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
N-cs
בְּרִית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
נִתְּק֗וּ
nâthaq
H5423
to tear
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
כַּפּוֹת֙
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fp
רַגְלֵ֣י
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֔ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-mp
אֶ֖ל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הֶ/חָרָבָ֑ה
chârâbâh
H2724
dry ground
Art | N-fs
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֤בוּ
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מֵֽי
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
הַ/יַּרְדֵּן֙
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
לִ/מְקוֹמָ֔/ם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֵּלְכ֥וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כִ/תְמוֹל
tᵉmôwl
H8543
yesterday
Prep | Adv
שִׁלְשׁ֖וֹם
shilshôwm
H8032
three days ago
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
גְּדוֹתָֽי/ו
gâdâh
H1415
bank
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 4:18
וַ֠/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
ב/עלות
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
כַּ/עֲל֨וֹת
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֜ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
נֹשְׂאֵ֨י
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
אֲר֤וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
בְּרִית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
יְהוָה֙
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.
מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
Yardên
H3383
"Jordan"
Art | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
נִתְּק֗וּ
nâthaq
H5423
"to tear"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To tear or pull something away from something else, like pulling a plant out of the ground or separating two things, is what this word means, and it can also describe being separated or torn apart.
Definition: 1) to pull or tear or draw off or away or apart, draw out, pluck up, break, lift, root out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw away 1a2) to draw or pull off 1a3) to pull or tear away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be drawn away, be drawn out 1b2) to be torn apart or in two, be snapped 1b3) to be separated 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to tear apart, snap 1c2) to tear out, tear up, tear away 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to draw away 1d2) to drag away 1e) (Hophal) to be drawn away
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: break (off), burst, draw (away), lift up, pluck (away, off), pull (out), root out. See also: Leviticus 22:24; Isaiah 5:27; Psalms 2:3.
כַּפּוֹת֙
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
רַגְלֵ֣י
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֔ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
אֶ֖ל
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.
הֶ/חָרָבָ֑ה
chârâbâh
H2724
"dry ground"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means dry ground or a desert, describing a dry and barren land. It appears in the Bible to depict a desolate area. In the KJV, it is translated as dry ground or land.
Definition: dry land, dry ground
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: dry (ground, land). See also: Genesis 7:22; Joshua 4:18; Haggai 2:6.
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֤בוּ
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
מֵֽי
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּן֙
Yardên
H3383
"Jordan"
Art | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
לִ/מְקוֹמָ֔/ם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
וַ/יֵּלְכ֥וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
כִ/תְמוֹל
tᵉmôwl
H8543
"yesterday"
Prep | Adv
This Hebrew word means yesterday or a short time ago, like in Genesis when God reminds the Israelites of what happened the day before. It can also mean recently or formerly, as in the events of the past. It appears in various Bible verses as beforetime or heretofore.
Definition: 1) before, before that time, beforetime, heretofore, of late, of old, these days, time(s) past, yesterday, day before yesterday, recently, formerly 1a) yesterday 1a1) recently, formerly (usual usage) (fig) 1b) as formerly, so more recently 1c) from yesterday, already
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (-time), [phrase] these (three) days, [phrase] heretofore, [phrase] time past, yesterday. See also: Genesis 31:2; Joshua 3:4; Job 8:9.
שִׁלְשׁ֖וֹם
shilshôwm
H8032
"three days ago"
N-ms
The Hebrew phrase shilshom means three days ago or day before yesterday, used to describe a past event. It is an idiom that conveys a sense of time, often used in the Bible to tell stories of what happened previously. This phrase helps to establish a timeline of events.
Definition: 1) day before yesterday, three days ago 1a) an idiom for 'heretofore in times past'
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] before (that time, -time), excellent things (from the margin), [phrase] heretofore, three days, [phrase] time past. See also: Genesis 31:2; Joshua 4:18; Proverbs 22:20.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כָּל
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.
גְּדוֹתָֽי/ו
gâdâh
H1415
"bank"
N-fp | Suff
This word refers to the bank of a river, shaped by the flowing water. In the Bible, it is used to describe the borders of rivers, like the Jordan River. The bank is a place where people can cross or rest.
Definition: a river bank Also means: gid.yah (גִּדְיָה "bank" H1428)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bank. See also: Joshua 3:15; 1 Chronicles 12:16; Isaiah 8:7.
Study Notes — Joshua 4:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 4:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 4:18
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 4:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:18
- Sermons on Joshua 4:18
Context — Twelve Stones from the Jordan
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.”
18When the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD came up out of the Jordan and their feet touched the dry land, the waters of the Jordan returned to their course and overflowed all the banks as before.
19On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. 20And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 3:15 | Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 12:15 | These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight all those in the valleys, both to the east and to the west. |
| 3 | Joshua 3:13 | When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—touch down in the waters of the Jordan, its flowing waters will be cut off and will stand up in a heap.” |
| 4 | Exodus 14:26–28 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal state. As the Egyptians were retreating, the LORD swept them into the sea. The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived. |
| 5 | Isaiah 8:8 | It will pour into Judah, swirling and sweeping over it, reaching up to the neck; its spreading streams will cover your entire land, O Immanuel! |
Joshua 4:18 Summary
[Joshua 4:18 tells us that when the priests carrying the ark of the covenant came up out of the Jordan River, the waters went back to normal, showing God's amazing power. This miracle was a significant event in the Israelites' journey, as it marked their entrance into the Promised Land, which God had promised to Abraham in Genesis 12:7. The priests' faith and obedience in this event encourage us to trust in God's leadership, even when things seem impossible, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By reflecting on this event, we can build our faith and trust in God's power and promises, just as the Israelites did when they remembered their journey and the miracles God performed for them.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Jordan River when the priests carrying the ark came up out of it?
According to Joshua 4:18, when the priests came up out of the Jordan, the waters returned to their course and overflowed all the banks as before, demonstrating God's power and control over nature, as seen in other miracles like the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:21-22.
Why was it significant that the priests' feet touched dry land?
The priests' feet touching dry land marked the end of the miracle of the Jordan's waters being held back, allowing the Israelites to cross safely, just as God had promised in Joshua 3:13, and it symbolized their transition into the Promised Land.
How does this event relate to the larger story of the Israelites' journey?
This event in Joshua 4:18 is a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey, as it marks their entrance into the Promised Land, which was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:7 and a stepping stone towards their conquest of Canaan, as outlined in Joshua 1:3-4.
What can we learn from the priests' role in this miracle?
The priests' obedience and faith in carrying out God's instructions, as seen in Joshua 4:16-17, demonstrate the importance of trusting and following God's leadership, even when the task seems impossible, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's power and control, just as the Israelites did at the Jordan River?
- How can I, like the priests, demonstrate obedience and faith in the face of challenges and uncertainties?
- What promises has God made to me that I am waiting to see fulfilled, and how can I trust in His timing and plan?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, mark and remember the significant events and miracles in my life, so as to build my faith and trust in God?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:18
And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord were come up out of the midst of Jordan,.... According to the command of Joshua in the name of the Lord: [and] the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:18
And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:18
The waters came down from their heaps, and returned with all convenient speed into their proper channel, according to their natural and usual course.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:18
Joshua 4:18 And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, [and] the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as [they did] before.Ver. 18. And it came to pass, when the priests, &c.] Not till then: as till Methuselah was deceased, the flood could not come; till Lot was housed in Zoar, Sodom could not be overthrown, &c. "He that walketh uprightly, walketh safely." And flowed over.] Heb., Went, sc, leisurely, and by degrees, according to God’ s disposal and appointment.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 4:18
Verse 18. The waters of Jordan returned unto their place] It is particularly remarked by the sacred historian, that as soon as the soles of the priests' feet touched the water, the stream of the Jordan was cut off, Joshua 3:15, and the course of the river continued to be inverted all the time they continued in its channel; and that as soon as the soles of their feet had touched the dry land, on their return from the bed of the river, the waters immediately resumed their natural course. All this was done by the sovereign influence of that God whose presence was represented by the ark of the covenant.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 4:18
18. the waters of Jordan returned] Thus the history of the crossing is related in sections: (a) first briefly, Joshua 3:14-17; (b) then more completely, Joshua 4:1-11; (c) some supplementary notices, Joshua 4:12-17; (d) finally, the conclusion, concerning the return of the water, till Jordan “flowed over all his banks,” as it did before.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:18
18. The soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up unto the dry land — Hebrew, plucked up, that is, from the miry bed of the river, which was dry only in the sense of being drained of water.
Sermons on Joshua 4:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Through the Bible - Joshua by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to God when He performs miracles in our lives. He uses the example of the Israelites crossing the River Jorda |
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In His Presence by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events of Joshua chapters 3 and 4, where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. He compares this crossing to their previous crossing of |
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How Does God Bring Us In? by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of fully committing ourselves to God in order to enter into His rest and victory. He draws parallels between the Israelites crossing the swol |
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A Condition of Divine Blessing by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the principle that divine strength and blessings are provided in accordance with our daily needs and responsibilities. He explains that God's grace is suffic |
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Dead or Alive - Rom. 6:8 by Bernard Fell | Bernard Fell preaches on the powerful symbolism of the Jordan River in the Bible, highlighting how it represents death, judgment, and the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and de |
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Exposition on Psalm 114 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the significance of the events in the Bible, such as the crossing of the River Jordan, as both historical accounts and prophetic symbols for future genera |
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The Ark of the Covenant by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle, highlighting how it represents Christ as the Ark of redemption, the embodiment of the Law, a |