Joshua 4:22
Joshua 4:22 in Multiple Translations
you are to tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’
Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.
then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.
Then give your children the story, and say, Israel came over this river Jordan on dry land.
you can explain to them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’
Then ye shall shew your children, and say, Israel came ouer this Iorden on dry land:
then ye have caused your sons to know, saying, On dry land Israel passed over this Jordan;
Then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.
Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.
You shall teach them and say: Israel passed over this Jordan through the dry channel.
tell them, ‘We Israeli people crossed the Jordan River as though we were crossing on dry ground.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 4:22
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 4:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הוֹדַעְתֶּ֖ם
אֶת
בְּנֵי/כֶ֣ם
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
בַּ/יַּבָּשָׁה֙
עָבַ֣ר
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
אֶת
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֖ן
הַ/זֶּֽה
וְ/הוֹדַעְתֶּ֖ם
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּנֵי/כֶ֣ם
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בַּ/יַּבָּשָׁה֙
yabbâshâh
H3004
dry land
Prep | N-fs
עָבַ֣ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֖ן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 4:22
וְ/הוֹדַעְתֶּ֖ם
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
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.
בְּנֵי/כֶ֣ם
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
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.
בַּ/יַּבָּשָׁה֙
yabbâshâh
H3004
"dry land"
Prep | N-fs
Describes dry land or ground, often contrasting it with water or wet conditions. This word is used in stories like the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14. It emphasizes the solidity of the ground.
Definition: dry land, dry ground
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: dry (ground, land). See also: Genesis 1:9; Joshua 4:22; Psalms 66:6.
עָבַ֣ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
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.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֖ן
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.
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Study Notes — Joshua 4:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Camp at Gilgal
20And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan.
21Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’
22you are to tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’
23For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as He did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over. 24He did this so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and so that you may always fear the LORD your God.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 3:17 | The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan. |
| 2 | Isaiah 51:10 | Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea for the redeemed to cross over? |
| 3 | Isaiah 44:27 | who says to the depths of the sea, ‘Be dry, and I will dry up your currents,’ |
| 4 | Psalms 66:5–6 | Come and see the works of God; how awesome are His deeds toward mankind. He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the waters on foot; there we rejoiced in Him. |
| 5 | Exodus 15:19 | For when Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and horsemen went into the sea, the LORD brought the waters of the sea back over them. But the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground. |
| 6 | Revelation 16:12 | And the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings of the East. |
| 7 | Isaiah 11:15–16 | The LORD will devote to destruction the gulf of the Sea of Egypt; with a scorching wind He will sweep His hand over the Euphrates. He will split it into seven streams for men to cross with dry sandals. There will be a highway for the remnant of His people who remain from Assyria, as there was for Israel when they came up from the land of Egypt. |
| 8 | Exodus 14:29 | But the Israelites had walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left. |
Joshua 4:22 Summary
[This verse reminds us that God is a powerful and miracle-working God who can do the impossible, as seen in the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan on dry ground. Just as the Israelites were able to cross the Jordan safely, we can trust in God's power and provision in our own lives, no matter what challenges we face, as encouraged in Psalm 23:4 and Jeremiah 29:11. By remembering and sharing stories of God's miracles, we can encourage ourselves and others to trust in Him, and glorify God for His faithfulness and love, as seen in Psalm 100:5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Israelites crossing the Jordan on dry ground?
The Israelites crossing the Jordan on dry ground is a miracle that showcases God's power and provision, similar to the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31, and it serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people, as seen in Joshua 4:23 and Deuteronomy 31:6.
Why did Joshua instruct the Israelites to tell their children about the miracle of crossing the Jordan?
Joshua wanted the Israelites to pass down the story of God's miracle to future generations, so they would remember and fear the Lord, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Psalm 78:4, and understand the importance of trusting in God's power and provision.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Israelites' journey?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey, as it marks their transition from wandering in the wilderness to entering the Promised Land, a journey that began with God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:7 and was fulfilled through the Israelites' obedience and faith, as seen in Joshua 1:6-9.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience of crossing the Jordan on dry ground?
We can learn about God's ability to provide for us in impossible situations, just as He did for the Israelites, and trust in His power and faithfulness, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 37:3-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when God has provided for me in unexpected ways, and how can I share those stories with others to encourage them?
- How can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's power and provision to my current challenges and circumstances, just as the Israelites did when crossing the Jordan?
- What are some 'stones of remembrance' in my life that serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and miracles, and how can I use them to glorify God and encourage others?
- In what ways can I pass down the stories of God's miracles and faithfulness to the next generation, just as Joshua instructed the Israelites to do?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:22
Then ye shall let your children know,.... The meaning of the erection of these stones, acquaint them with the whole history, the meaning of which they are designed to perpetuate: saying, Israel came
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:22
Joshua 4:22 Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. Ver. 22. See Joshua 4:6-7.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 4:22
Verse 22. Then ye shall let your children know] The necessity of an early religious education is inculcated through the whole oracles of God. The parents who neglect it have an awful account to give to the Judge of quick and dead.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:22
. — 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 4:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Palm Sunday (The Stones Sing Out) by Thaddeus Barnum | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joshua chapter 4 in the Bible. The passage describes the Israelites' journey from captivity in Egypt to the promised land. The s |
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Clothed With Power From on High by Les Wheeldon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the disciples' experience after Jesus' resurrection. He emphasizes that the disciples were still struggling to understand and were not yet fil |
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Studies in Joshua 02 - Entering the Land by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going back to the book of God to be reminded of what He has done. He highlights the faith and trust in God that the priests |
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The Ark of the Covenant: Crossing Jordan Part Ii by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of the Israelites as they finally reach the promised land after 40 years of discipline. However, they face a great obstacle in t |
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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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The Last Days by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker, a Vietnam veteran and head of the French work of Youth with a Mission, opens the doors for the speaker to speak for five days on apostolic foundations. |
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Beulah Land by Thomas Cook | Thomas Cook preaches about the Christian experience on earth resembling heaven, where believers can live in a state of 'heavenlies' in Christ Jesus, surrounded by a higher, purer w |