Joshua 4:2
Joshua 4:2 in Multiple Translations
“Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe,
Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,
Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,
Take twelve men from the people, a man for every tribe,
“Choose twelve men from the people, one per tribe,
Take you twelue me out of the people, out of euery tribe a man,
'Take for you out of the people twelve men, one man — one man out of a tribe;
“Take twelve men out of the people, a man out of every tribe,
Take you twelve men from the people, from every tribe a man,
Choose twelve men, one of every tribe:
“When you choose the twelve men, one from each tribe, whom I mentioned previously, tell them to pick up large stones from the middle of the Jordan riverbed, where the priests are still standing.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 4:2
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 4:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קְח֤וּ
לָ/כֶם֙
מִן
הָ/עָ֔ם
שְׁנֵ֥ים
עָשָׂ֖ר
אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
אִישׁ
אֶחָ֥ד
אִישׁ
אֶחָ֖ד
מִ/שָּֽׁבֶט
קְח֤וּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לָ/כֶם֙
Prep | Suff
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
שְׁנֵ֥ים
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
עָשָׂ֖ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶחָ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
מִ/שָּֽׁבֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 4:2
קְח֤וּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
לָ/כֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
שְׁנֵ֥ים
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
עָשָׂ֖ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
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.
אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
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.
אֶחָ֥ד
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.
אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
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.
אֶחָ֖ד
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.
מִ/שָּֽׁבֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
Prep | N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
Study Notes — Joshua 4:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 4:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 4:2
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 4:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:2
- Sermons on Joshua 4:2
Context — Twelve Stones from the Jordan
1When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua,
2“Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe,
3and command them: ‘Take up for yourselves twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan where the priests were standing, carry them with you, and set them down in the place where you spend the night.’” 4So Joshua summoned the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 3:12 | Now choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. |
| 2 | Numbers 1:4–15 | And one man from each tribe, the head of each family, must be there with you. These are the names of the men who are to assist you: From the tribe of Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur; from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai; from Judah, Nahshon son of Amminadab; from Issachar, Nethanel son of Zuar; from Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon; from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud, and from Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur; from Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni; from Dan, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai; from Asher, Pagiel son of Ocran; from Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel; and from Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan.” |
| 3 | 1 Kings 18:31 | And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.” |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 1:23 | The plan seemed good to me, so I selected twelve men from among you, one from each tribe. |
| 5 | Numbers 34:18 | Appoint one leader from each tribe to distribute the land. |
| 6 | Numbers 13:2 | “Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each of their fathers’ tribes send one man who is a leader among them.” |
| 7 | Matthew 10:1–5 | And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. |
Joshua 4:2 Summary
[This verse is about God instructing Joshua to choose twelve men, one from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, to represent the nation and follow His instructions. This shows that God values unity and cooperation among His people, as seen in Matthew 19:26, where Jesus says that with God, all things are possible. By choosing one man from each tribe, God ensured that every tribe was included and involved in the process. This is a powerful reminder that we are all part of a larger community, and that our individual roles and contributions are important to the whole.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct Joshua to choose twelve men from the twelve tribes of Israel?
God instructed Joshua to choose twelve men to represent the unity and completeness of the nation of Israel, as seen in Revelation 21:12-14, where the New Jerusalem has twelve gates, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This act symbolized the unity of the people under God's leadership.
What is the significance of choosing one man from each tribe?
Choosing one man from each tribe ensured that every tribe was represented and involved in the process, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation among the people of God, as seen in Exodus 28:21, where the twelve stones on the high priest's breastplate represented the twelve tribes.
How does this instruction relate to the larger story of the Israelites' journey?
This instruction is part of the larger story of the Israelites' journey into the Promised Land, as described in the book of Joshua, and serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision for His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:30-31, where God promised to go before them and fight for them.
What can we learn from Joshua's obedience to God's instructions?
Joshua's obedience to God's instructions demonstrates the importance of trusting and following God's plan, even when it may not make sense to us, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are instructed to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's desire for unity and cooperation among His people?
- How can I apply the principle of unity and representation in my own life and community?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate obedience to God's instructions, even when it's challenging?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual leadership and representation in the church today?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:2
Take you twelve men out of the people,.... Joshua had before this ordered twelve men to be taken from among them, which seems to have been done of himself; and now he has a direction from God for it,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:2
Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man, Take you twelve men - each representing a tribe.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:2
For the greater evidence and certainty, and the more effectual spreading of the report of this marvellous work among all the tribes.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:2
Joshua 4:2 Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,Ver. 2. Out of every tribe a man.] For the two tribes and half planted beyond Jordan were also concerned, as being of the same body and way of worship. See Joshua 22:30.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 4:2
Verse 2. Take you twelve men] From Joshua 3:12, it appears that the twelve men had been before appointed, one taken out of each of the twelve tribes; and now they are employed for that purpose for which they had been before selected.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 4:2
Take you twelve men - The order is given in the plural, because no doubt the tribes themselves were to choose their own representatives, the choice being approved by Joshua Joshua 4:4.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:2
. — Joshua 4:1-24.[This chapter, more than many others, affords us a noticeable example of the style of the Hebrew historian.
Sermons on Joshua 4:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Truths From Israel's History, Part 2 - Gilgal by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on four stories from the Bible: the crossing of the Jordan River, the setting up of the base camp at Gilgal, the taking of Jericho, and the defe |
|
The Church - Part 5 by Les Wheeldon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to the witness of the Holy Spirit. He acknowledges that it is not wrong to have normal entertainment and relaxat |
|
Fitted Together by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of unity among believers, drawing parallels from the Old Testament where Elijah repaired the altar with 12 stones representing the tribes |
|
Joshua Redivivus by Alexander Whyte | Alexander Whyte preaches about Samuel Rutherford, a spy and pioneer for God's people, who was chosen to experience banishment and exile in Aberdeen, to bring back a report of that |
|
How to Identify the Enemy - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, Derek Prince discusses the basics of deliverance and how to identify the enemy. He emphasizes that the ministry of Jesus serves as the ultimate example and should n |
|
A Revival of Power Is Coming by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a consistent Christian life, not being swayed by the ups and downs of circumstances. He encourages the congregation |
|
Major Ian Thomas - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word and its ability to uphold all things in the universe. He highlights the importance of understanding the Gospel of Lu |