Crossing the Jordan and Memorial Stones
Joshua 3:1-4:24
Jos.3.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכם: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבקר: PREP
- ויסעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מהשטים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שם: ADV
- טרם: ADV
- יעברו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 14:22 (thematic): Both passages depict Israel passing through a body of water as a defining act of divine deliverance (Red Sea/sea of reeds compared with the Jordan crossing motif).
- Numbers 33:49–50 (verbal): Numbers records Israel's encampment at Shittim and their coming to the Jordan near Jericho—same place names and itinerary as Joshua 3:1, reflecting the same stage in the wilderness-to-Canaan journey.
- Joshua 1:10–11 (structural): Earlier in Joshua the new leader issues practical orders to prepare the people to pass over the Jordan, directly setting the stage for the movement described in 3:1.
- Joshua 4:19 (structural): This verse narrates the completion of the crossing and the people's encampment at Gilgal, forming the concluding parallel to the arrival-and-lodging motif introduced in 3:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua rose early in the morning; they set out from Shittim and came to the Jordan—he and all the people of Israel—and they lodged there before they crossed over.
- And Joshua rose early in the morning; the people moved from Shittim and came to the Jordan—Joshua and all Israel—and lodged there before they crossed.
Jos.3.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מקצה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלשת: NUM,m,pl,abs
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויעברו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- השטרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בקרב: PREP
- המחנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Josh.1.11 (structural): Both passages describe officers/messengers moving through the camp with an announcement that Israel will cross the Jordan within three days—close structural and verbal correspondence within Joshua's narrative.
- Exod.19.10-11 (verbal): God (through Moses) commands the people to be sanctified and be ready for the third day because the LORD will come down—parallels Joshua 3's timing ('three days') and the call to sanctification before a mighty divine act.
- Gen.22.4 (thematic): Abraham 'saw the place afar off on the third day' where God acts to provide; exemplifies the recurring Israelite motif that decisive divine intervention occurs on the third day.
- 1 Cor.15.4 (thematic): Paul's proclamation that Christ rose 'the third day' echoes the wider biblical theme of the third day as the time of God's saving action—paralleling Joshua's anticipation of divine action after three days.
Alternative generated candidates
- At the end of three days the officers passed through the camp.
- At the end of three days the officers went through the camp.
Jos.3.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצוו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כראותכם: VERB,qal,inf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נשאים: PARTCP,pual,pass,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- ואתם: CONJ+PRON,2,pl
- תסעו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ממקומכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:2,m,pl
- והלכתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 10:33-34 (verbal): Describes the ark going before the people and the departure of the camp when the ark sets out—close verbal and functional parallel to following the ark carried by the Levites.
- Joshua 6:6-7 (thematic): Priests carry the ark and lead the people in a communal movement (around Jericho); both passages place the ark/priests as the signal and guide for Israel's movement.
- 1 Chronicles 15:13-15 (verbal): David's instructions about Levites carrying the ark (using poles) and the Levites' role in bearing the ark echo the language and priestly/Levite responsibilities in Joshua 3:3.
- 2 Samuel 6:3-4 (thematic): The ark is borne by those appointed and the people follow or accompany it into a new place—parallel in practice and emphasis on the ark's central role in Israel's movement.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God and the priests the Levites carrying it, then you shall set out from your places and go after it.”
- They commanded the people, saying, "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God and the Levitical priests bearing it, you shall move from your places and follow it."
Jos.3.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אך: PART
- רחוק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ביניכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
- וביניו: CONJ+PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כאלפים: PREP+NUM,pl,abs
- אמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- במדה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תקרבו: VERB,qal,imprf,2,m,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- למען: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תדעו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הדרך: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תלכו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- עברתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מתמול: ADV
- שלשום: ADV
Parallels
- Joshua 3:3 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel — the command about keeping distance behind the ark and following it is continued and made operational in the preceding verse.
- Numbers 10:33–36 (thematic): The ark and the cloud lead Israel’s march and determine their route; like Josh 3:4 this passage emphasizes following the divine presence as the guide on unfamiliar roads.
- Numbers 9:15–23 (thematic): The cloud’s movements dictate when Israel camps and sets out; parallels the idea that the people must follow divine guidance because they have not traversed the way before.
- Exodus 13:21–22 (thematic): God leads Israel by a pillar of cloud and fire to show them the way out of Egypt and through the wilderness — a theological background for the instruction to follow the ark’s lead.
- Joshua 4:6–7 (structural): The erection of memorial stones so future generations will ask and be told how the LORD made a way for them connects to the purpose in 3:4 ('that you may know the way') and the preservation of that memory.
Alternative generated candidates
- But there shall be a distance between you and it of about two thousand cubits; do not come near it, so that you may know the way by which you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.
- But there shall be a distance between you and it of about a thousand cubits; do not draw near to it, that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.
Jos.3.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- התקדשו: VERB,hitpael,impv,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- מחר: ADV
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בקרבכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,const+PRON,2,pl,m
- נפלאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Exod.19.10-11 (verbal): Both passages command the people to sanctify/prepare themselves because the LORD will imminently appear or act—Exodus uses sanctification ahead of a divine manifestation at Sinai.
- Exod.14.13-14 (thematic): Moses' assurance that the people should not fear because the LORD will act on their behalf parallels Joshua's call to sanctify in view of an impending wondrous divine intervention.
- Josh.3.10 (structural): Immediate literary parallel within the same scene: Joshua explains that the coming signs at the Jordan will demonstrate that the living God is among Israel, echoing the reason for sanctification in 3:5.
- Josh.4.23-24 (thematic): After the Jordan crossing, Joshua explains that God's miraculous acts were meant to make His power known to all peoples—this reflects the purpose behind the promised 'wonders' mentioned in 3:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”
- Joshua said to the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you."
Jos.3.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- שאו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הברית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ועברו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הברית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 10:33 (verbal): States that the ark of the covenant went before Israel when they set out from the mountain of the LORD—same motif of the ark leading the people and guiding their journey.
- Joshua 6:6-9 (structural): Within the same book the priests carry the ark before the people during the military/ritual action at Jericho, echoing the command and function described in Josh 3:6.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (thematic): Declares that the Levites were set apart to carry the ark of the covenant—background legal/ritual basis for priests bearing the ark as in Josh 3:6.
- 1 Chronicles 15:2-3 (allusion): David organizes a priestly procession to bring the ark to Zion, instructing that the Levites carry it—parallels the priestly transport and public procession motif of Josh 3:6.
- 2 Samuel 6:2 (thematic): Describes David gathering men to bring up the ark of God from Baale-judah, reflecting the continuing practice and theological significance of moving the ark before the people as in Joshua.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on before the people.” So the priests took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people.
- Joshua said to the priests, "Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on before the people." So the priests took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people.
Jos.3.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- אחל: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- גדלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ידעון: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- כאשר: CONJ
- הייתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- עם: PREP
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אהיה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
Parallels
- Exodus 3:12 (verbal): God's promise to Moses uses the same phrase 'I will be with you' (Heb. 'אני אהיה עמך'), the verbal template applied here to Joshua.
- Joshua 1:5 (verbal): Earlier commissioning of Joshua repeats the exact assurance 'As I was with Moses, so I will be with you,' directly paralleling the promise in 3:7.
- Deuteronomy 31:7-8 (thematic): Moses charges and encourages Joshua with assurance of God's presence ('He will not fail you or forsake you'), reinforcing the theme of divine accompaniment in the leadership transition.
- Numbers 27:18-23 (structural): God directs Moses to appoint and set Joshua before Eleazar and the congregation (laying on of hands), providing the formal transfer of leadership that underlies God's intent to 'magnify' Joshua before Israel.
- Exodus 34:10 (allusion): God's promise to do wonders and act 'before all your people' parallels the idea of God publicly demonstrating and magnifying his chosen leader in the sight of the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.
- And the LORD said to Joshua, "This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.
Jos.3.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- תצוה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נשאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הברית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כבאכם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- קצה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בירדן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- תעמדו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 3:15-17 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: the priests standing in the Jordan with the ark until all the people had crossed, and the waters being cut off so the nation crossed on dry ground.
- Joshua 4:1-9 (structural): Follow-up account: memorial stones set up after the crossing that resulted from the priests’ standing with the ark at the river’s edge—direct consequence of the command in 3:8.
- Exodus 14:21-22 (thematic): earlier foundational crossing motif—God miraculously divides waters (Red Sea) to allow Israel to pass on dry ground, providing a typological precedent for the Jordan crossing.
- Psalm 114:3-8 (thematic): Poetic recall of Yahweh’s power over sea and Jordan—‘the sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back’—evokes the same theological theme of divine control of waters displayed at the Jordan crossing.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall command the priests who carry the ark of the covenant, ‘When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’”
- And you shall command the priests who bear the ark, 'When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.'"
Jos.3.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גשו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- הנה: PART
- ושמעו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 6:4 (verbal): The Shema opens 'Hear, O Israel'—a direct, public summons to listen to God—which parallels Joshua's call to 'come and hear the words of the LORD your God.'
- Deuteronomy 5:1 (structural): Moses 'called all Israel' and told them to hear the statutes and judgments; similar leader-to-assembly setting and command to hear God's words.
- Deuteronomy 31:11 (thematic): Commands a public reading 'that they may hear' so all Israel and future generations learn and fear the LORD—thematic parallel to Joshua's public summons to hear God's words before entering the land.
- Exodus 19:7 (structural): Moses calls the elders and sets before them 'all these words' of God; parallels Joshua's act of assembling the people to present and hear God's instruction.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua said to the people, “Come here, and hear the words of the LORD your God.”
- Joshua said to the people, "Come near and hear the words of the LORD your God."
Jos.3.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בזאת: PREP
- תדעון: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אל: NEG
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- בקרבכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,const+PRON,2,pl,m
- והורש: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg
- יוריש: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg
- מפניכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUF,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הכנעני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- ואת: CONJ
- החתי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- החוי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- הפרזי: ADJ,m,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- הגרגשי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והאמרי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- והיבוסי: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Deut.7:1-2 (thematic): Commands to dispossess the nations of Canaan and lists hostile peoples to be driven out, paralleling Joshua's claim that God will remove Canaanite groups before Israel.
- Num.33:52 (verbal): Explicit injunction to drive out and dispossess the inhabitants of the land — language and legal/missionary context mirror Joshua's assurance of removal.
- Deut.20:1 (thematic): Statement that Israel need not fear in battle because the LORD goes with them; echoes Joshua’s declaration that the living God is among you as grounds for victory.
- Josh.23:9 (verbal): Joshua later reiterates that the LORD has driven out nations before Israel and none have stood against them — a closely parallel claim about God's saving/action on Israel's behalf.
- Josh.24:11-12 (allusion): Joshua recounts how God drove out nations (sending hornets, delivering territory) — a narrative retelling that alludes to the same divine agency and displacement named in 3:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua said, “By this you shall know that the living God is among you: behold, he will drive out from before you the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Hivite, the Perizzite, the Girgashite, the Amorite, and the Jebusite.
- And Joshua said, "By this you shall know that the living God is among you: he will drive out before you the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Hivite, the Perizzite, the Girgashite, the Amorite, and the Jebusite.
Jos.3.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הנה: PART
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הברית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אדון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפניכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- בירדן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Numbers 10:33-35 (verbal): Explicitly depicts the ark of the covenant going before Israel in the wilderness—same verbal motif of the ark leading the people.
- Joshua 4:14 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel in Joshua: after the ark passes into the Jordan, the people cross on dry ground—continuation/result of the ark's leading role.
- Exodus 14:21-22 (thematic): The crossing of the sea under God's saving, guiding presence parallels the Jordan crossing as a divine-led passage through waters.
- Deuteronomy 31:8 (thematic): Affirms the theological motif that the LORD goes before Israel and will not fail or forsake them—echoes the idea of God (through the ark) leading the people.
- Psalm 24:1 (thematic): Proclaims 'the earth is the LORD's,' paralleling the title 'Lord of all the earth' applied to the ark in Joshua 3:11 and emphasizing God's universal sovereignty.
Alternative generated candidates
- Behold, the ark of the covenant of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, is crossing before you into the Jordan.
- Behold, the ark of the covenant of the LORD of all the earth is passing before you across the Jordan.
Jos.3.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- קחו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משבטי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- לשבט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Josh.4:2-4 (structural): Repeats and develops the same instruction—Joshua selects twelve men (one from each tribe) to take memorial stones after the crossing, showing the same representative action in the later narrative.
- Numbers 7:2-9 (verbal): Lists the twelve tribal leaders who brought offerings for the dedication of the altar—an early pattern of one leading representative per tribe.
- Deut.27:2-8 (thematic): Commands erection of stones and public memorials after entering the land; thematically linked to taking twelve men to create a memorial at the Jordan crossing.
- Exod.24:1-9 (thematic): Moses brings Aaron and the elders up to meet with God—an instance of selecting a representative group of leaders to stand with the leader at a sacred event, paralleling Joshua’s selection of tribal representatives.
- Deut.1:13 (thematic): Moses instructs the appointment of wise, understanding, and known men from the tribes as heads—an earlier precedent for choosing representatives/heads from each tribe.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now therefore take for yourselves twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man from each tribe.
- Now therefore take for yourselves twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man from each tribe.
Jos.3.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- כנוח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- כפות: NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- רגלי: NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נשאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אדון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- במי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יכרתון: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- המים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הירדים: VERB,qal,part,_,m,pl
- מלמעלה: ADV
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- נד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 3:15 (structural): Immediate narrative context: describes the priests standing in the Jordan and preparing to cause the waters to be cut off when their feet touched the water (same episode, shared wording).
- Joshua 4:18 (structural): Narrative resolution of the same event: when the priests stepped out of the Jordan the waters returned to their place, confirming that the river had been held back while the ark-bearing priests stood in it.
- Exodus 14:21-22 (thematic): Parallel motif of miraculous water-parting for Israel’s passage: Moses stretches out his hand and the Red Sea is divided so the people pass on dry ground (the Jordan crossing echoes the Exodus deliverance).
- Psalm 114:3-4 (allusion): Poetic recall of the divine control of water: the sea fled and Jordan turned back—Psalmist alludes to the same types of wonders attributed to Yahweh’s action at the sea and Jordan.
- 2 Kings 2:8,14 (allusion): Elijah (and later Elisha) miraculously divides the Jordan with his mantle—later prophetic imitation/allusion to the earlier theophany of God’s power over the Jordan.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it shall come to pass, when the soles of the priests’ feet who bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters that come down from above shall stand in one heap.”
- And it shall come to pass, when the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the LORD, the LORD of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan will be cut off from above and stand in one heap.
Jos.3.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בנסע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאהליהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3mp
- לעבר: INF,qal
- את: PRT,acc
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נשאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- הארון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הברית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לפני: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Joshua 3:6 (verbal): Same scene expressed one verse earlier: the priests are commanded to take up and carry the ark and to go before the people — nearly identical action and wording.
- Joshua 3:11 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the chapter identifying the ark as the holy object that will pass before the people into the Jordan — restates the ark’s leading role.
- Numbers 10:33–36 (thematic): Describes the ark/cloud leading Israel in their journeys and the ritual language used when the ark set forward or rested — parallels the idea of the divine presence going before the people.
- Exodus 13:21–22 (thematic): God’s presence (pillar of cloud/fire) going before Israel during the exodus — thematically parallels the ark leading Israel into the promised land as a sign of divine guidance.
- 1 Chronicles 15:11–15 (allusion): Narrative about priests and Levites bringing up/carrying the ark to its place under David’s arrangement — recalls the motif of priests bearing the ark before the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went before the people.
- When the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark went before the people.
Jos.3.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכבוא: CONJ
- נשאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- הארון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עד: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ורגלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נשאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- הארון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נטבלו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,pl
- בקצה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והירדן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- מלא: ADJ,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- גדותיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3ms
- כל: DET
- ימי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- קציר: NOUN,m,sg,construct
Parallels
- Exodus 14:21–22 (verbal): Moses stretches out his hand and the sea is divided so the people pass on dry ground—verbal and narrative parallel of a body of water miraculously held back to allow Israel's crossing.
- Joshua 4:18 (structural): Immediate narrative reprise of the same event: when the priests came up out of the Jordan the waters stood in a heap, emphasizing the priests' feet on dry ground—same episode described from a slightly different vantage.
- 2 Kings 2:8 (thematic): Elijah strikes the Jordan and its waters part so he and Elisha cross—a later prophetic echo of the motif of miraculous river-parting enabling passage.
- Psalm 114:3–7 (allusion): Poetic recall of the Exodus/Jordan miracles—'the sea fled, the Jordan turned back,' summarizing the same tradition of waters responding to God's presence.
Alternative generated candidates
- And as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the priests’ feet dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflowed all its banks during the harvest),
- And when those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests carrying the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the harvest season),
Jos.3.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- המים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הירדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מלמעלה: ADV
- קמו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- נד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- הרחק: ADV
- מאד: ADV
- מאדם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מצד: PREP
- צרתן: NOUN,f,sg,abs,prop
- והירדים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- ים: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- הערבה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ים: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- המלח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תמו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- נכרתו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- והעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- עברו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- נגד: PREP
- יריחו: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
Parallels
- Exodus 14:21-22 (verbal): The original crossing miracle: Moses stretches out his hand, the sea/Waters are divided and the people pass on dry ground—direct verbal and event parallel to Jordan standing up.
- Joshua 4:23-24 (structural): Same narrative cycle: the crossing is interpreted here as a sign of YHWH’s power and to teach future generations—explicit theological purpose tied to Josh 3:16.
- Psalm 114:3-5 (verbal): Poetic recall of the motif—'Jordan turned back' and the sea 'fled'—echoes the imagery and language of waters standing/retreating.
- 2 Kings 2:8,14 (allusion): Elijah/Elisha miraculously divide the Jordan with Elijah’s cloak—later prophetic echo that alludes to the earlier crossing motif of waters parting.
- Psalm 78:13-15 (thematic): Historical-theological retelling that God divided the waters and made them stand as a heap for Israel to pass—recounts the same saving act and its significance.
Alternative generated candidates
- the waters which came down from above stood and rose up in one heap a great distance away, at Adam—the city beside Zarethan—and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were cut off; so the people crossed opposite Jericho.
- the waters which came down from above stood and rose up in a heap a very great distance away at the city of Adam, which is beside Zarethan; and those flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were cut off; so the people passed over opposite Jericho.
Jos.3.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נשאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- הארון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בחרבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בתוך: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הכן: VERB,hiph,imp,2,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עברים: PART,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- בחרבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תמו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- הגוי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעבר: INF,qal
- את: PRT,acc
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 14:22 (verbal): The Red Sea crossing: Israelites pass through the sea on dry ground after waters are divided—language and motif of a miraculous river-crossing on dry land parallels Joshua’s crossing of the Jordan.
- Joshua 4:10-11 (structural): Immediate retelling/summary of the same episode: the priests standing in the midst of the Jordan with the ark until the whole nation had passed—an internal parallel within the book of Joshua.
- Psalm 114:3-4 (allusion): Poetic memory of Israel’s deliverances: ‘Jordan turned back’ and the sea fled—this Psalm invokes the Jordan/Sea miracles as a thematically linked tradition.
- 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 (thematic): Paul’s typological summary of Israel’s history refers to passing through the sea (baptism into Moses); uses the Exodus/Red Sea and related wilderness events as theological parallels to Israel’s corporate crossing experiences.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.
- The priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan until all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan.
Jos.4.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- תמו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- הגוי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעבור: VERB,qal,infc
- את: PRT,acc
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Josh.3:16-17 (structural): Same episode described earlier: the completion of the people's crossing of the Jordan and the immediate context for God's speech to Joshua (same event from another point in the narrative).
- Josh.1:1-2 (structural): Another instance of the LORD addressing Joshua at a major transition (Moses' death/entrance to the land); parallels the pattern of divine commissioning and instruction at a watershed moment.
- Exod.14:21-31 (thematic): The Red Sea crossing is a typological parallel: God miraculously parts waters so Israel may pass—contextually similar deliverance by water and divine guidance into the promised land.
- Deut.27:2-3 (thematic): Deuteronomy's command to set up stones on Mount Ebal after crossing the Jordan parallels the memorial-stone instructions that immediately follow Joshua 4:1, anticipating a covenantal sign for future generations.
Alternative generated candidates
- When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying,
- When all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying,
Jos.4.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- קחו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- מן: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- משבט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:4 (verbal): The census and appointment of one leader or representative from each tribe—'one leader from each ancestral house'—parallels Joshua's command to take one man from each tribe.
- Exodus 24:4 (thematic): Moses sets up twelve pillars as a memorial for the twelve tribes; thematically parallels Joshua's use of twelve men/stones as a communal memorial for Israel.
- Deuteronomy 27:2-8 (thematic): Instruction to set up large stones and publicly inscribe the law after entering the land—parallels Joshua's memorial-making after crossing the Jordan and the communal role of representatives.
- Revelation 21:12 (thematic): The city has twelve gates named for the twelve tribes of Israel; reflects the recurring symbolic use of 'twelve' as representative of Israel's tribes, as in Joshua's selection of one man per tribe.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man.
- "Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from each tribe."
Jos.4.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וצוו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,ms
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- שאו: VERB,qal,imp,2,mp
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתוך: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ממצב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg
- רגלי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הכין: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,ms
- שתים: NUM,f,dual
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- אבנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- והעברתם: VERB,hiphil,perf,2,mp
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- עמכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
- והנחתם: VERB,hiphil,perf,2,mp
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- במלון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תלינו: VERB,qal,perf,1,pl
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הלילה: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Josh.4.6-7 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same narrative: explains purpose of taking twelve stones as a memorial and sign for future generations to ask about the crossing.
- 1 Sam.7.12 (thematic): Samuel sets up a stone named Ebenezer ('Thus far the LORD has helped us') as a commemorative monument marking divine help—parallel use of a stone as a public memorial.
- Gen.28.18-22 (thematic): Jacob sets up the stone he used as a pillow and anoints it as a pillar, declaring it a place of God’s presence—similar practice of raising stones to mark a covenantal encounter or sacred event.
- Gen.31.44-52 (thematic): Jacob and Laban set up a heap of stones as a witness and boundary (Galeed/Mizpah), using stones as a visible memorial/witness between parties—comparable motif of stones as communal reminders.
Alternative generated candidates
- And command them, saying, ‘Take up twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm, and carry them over with you and lay them down in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.’”
- And command them, saying, 'Take up from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests' feet are standing, twelve stones; carry them over with you and lay them down in the lodging place where you will camp tonight.'"
Jos.4.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- העשר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הכין: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מבני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- משבט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:44-46 (verbal): Both passages record the appointment of one leader/representative from each tribe of Israel—language and function (one man from each tribe) are closely parallel.
- Joshua 4:2-7 (structural): Immediate context: God’s command to select twelve men to take twelve stones from the Jordan explains why Joshua ‘called the twelve men’—direct structural continuation of the same episode.
- Exodus 18:21-22 (thematic): Jethro’s instruction that capable men be appointed as leaders/judges over the people parallels the practice of selecting representatives or officials from the community to carry out public duties.
- 1 Chronicles 27:16-22 (verbal): Lists tribal chiefs/men appointed to administrative duties—reflects the wider biblical pattern of designating one principal man from each tribe for leadership/organizational roles.
- Revelation 21:12 (thematic): Uses the motif of ‘twelve’ corresponding to Israel’s twelve tribes (gates named for the tribes), echoing the symbolic function of twelve representatives as embodying the whole people.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from each tribe.
- So Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the people of Israel, one man from each tribe.
Jos.4.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עברו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- לפני: PREP
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- תוך: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והרימו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- על: PREP
- שכמו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- למספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבטי: NOUN,m,pl,con
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 4:8-9 (verbal): Direct continuation of the same episode: the men take twelve stones from the Jordan and set them up at Gilgal as memorials — repeats the instruction and action of v.5.
- Joshua 4:20-24 (structural): Explanation and theological interpretation of the memorial stones: they are set up to remind future generations how God dried up the Jordan and acted on Israel’s behalf.
- Deuteronomy 27:2-3 (thematic): Instruction to set up large stones on Mount Ebal and coat them with plaster as a public, covenantal witness — parallels the use of stones as a communal memorial/witness to God’s acts and the law.
- 1 Samuel 7:12 (thematic): Samuel sets up a stone named Ebenezer as a memorial of God’s help in victory — similar practice of erecting a stone to commemorate divine intervention.
- Genesis 28:18-22 (thematic): Jacob sets up a stone pillar and consecrates it as a memorial after his vision, vows, and recognition of God’s presence — comparable use of stones as markers of divine encounters and promises.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua said to them, “Cross over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel,
- And he said to them, "Pass on before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel.
Jos.4.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למען: PREP
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- אות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בקרבכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,const+PRON,2,pl,m
- כי: CONJ
- ישאלון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בניכם: NOUN,m,pl,const+2mp
- מחר: ADV
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- מה: PRON,int
- האבנים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Josh.4.7 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: repeats the purpose clause and the anticipated question of future children—same wording and intent to make the stones a sign.
- Josh.4.21-24 (structural): Narrative development of the same motif: the stones are set up, Joshua explains their purpose, and the event is declared so future generations will ask and learn about Yahweh’s crossing.
- Deut.6.20-25 (verbal): Explicit legal/ethical parallel: instructs parents how to answer when a son asks about commandments and deeds of God—uses the same formula 'when your son asks' as a prompt for intergenerational instruction.
- Exod.12.26-27 (verbal): Passover precedent where parents are told to explain the rite when children ask, using a similar prompt of a child's question to trigger recounting God’s saving acts.
- Ps.78.4,6-7 (thematic): Psalmist frames the duty to teach coming generations about God’s works so 'children yet unborn' may know—same theme of memorials/stories provoking questions and instructing the next generation.
Alternative generated candidates
- that this may be a sign among you; when your children ask in time to come, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’
- That this may be a sign among you: when your children ask in time to come, saying, 'What are these stones to you?'
Jos.4.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואמרתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נכרתו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- מימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מפני: PREP
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בעברו: PREP+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בירדן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נכרתו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- האבנים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- לזכרון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבני: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 13:8 (verbal): Directly parallels the instruction to tell one's children about God's saving acts ('and you shall tell your son...')—same pedagogical formula as Joshua 4:7.
- Deuteronomy 6:20-25 (thematic): Gives the covenantal pattern for answering children's questions about God's deeds and commandments—frames communal memory and instruction across generations.
- Genesis 28:18-22 (thematic): Jacob sets up a stone as a memorial after a theophany; similar use of a stone as a lasting sign commemorating divine encounter.
- 1 Samuel 7:12 (thematic): Samuel sets up the Ebenezer stone and names it 'Thus far the LORD has helped us,' paralleling Joshua's memorial stones marking divine intervention.
- Psalm 78:4-7 (thematic): Emphasizes telling the next generation about God's works so they will not forget—echoes Joshua's purpose for the stones as a teaching memorial.
Alternative generated candidates
- then you shall tell your children that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be to the children of Israel a memorial forever.”
- then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD when it passed over the Jordan; the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be a memorial to the people of Israel for ever.'"
Jos.4.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כן: ADV
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- אבנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מתוך: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כאשר: CONJ
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבטי: NOUN,m,pl,con
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעברום: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עמם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- המלון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וינחום: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שם: ADV
Parallels
- Josh.4.3-7 (verbal): The command to take twelve stones from the Jordan and its stated purpose (one stone for each tribe) is given here — the immediate instruction that Josh 4:8 says the people obeyed.
- Josh.4.9 (verbal): Narrative continuation: the stones are carried to the camp at Gilgal and set down there, repeating and completing the action described in v.8.
- Josh.4.20-24 (structural): Explanation of the memorial’s purpose: the stones serve as a sign so future generations will ask and learn how God acted in bringing Israel across the Jordan.
- Deut.27.2-8 (thematic): Instruction to set up stones on Mount Ebal and inscribe the law so the people will hear and remember — a legal/communal use of standing stones as mnemonic and covenantal markers.
- 1 Sam.7.12 (thematic): Samuel sets up a memorial stone (Ebenezer) after deliverance from the Philistines — both passages use stones as commemorative monuments marking God’s saving acts.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the children of Israel did as Joshua commanded and took up twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan, as the LORD had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them to the lodging place and laid them down there.
- So the people of Israel did as Joshua commanded; they took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, as the LORD had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, and carried them over with them to the camp and laid them there.
Jos.4.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושתים: NUM,f,pl,abs
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- אבנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הקים: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בתוך: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תחת: PREP
- מצב: VERB,pual,ptcp,-,m,sg
- רגלי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נשאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הברית: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שם: ADV
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 4:6–7 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode explaining why the twelve stones were taken from the Jordan — similar wording about the stones serving as a sign to the Israelites.
- Joshua 4:20–24 (structural): Repetition and theological summary later in the chapter that recounts the erection of the stones and explains their purpose for future generations.
- Genesis 28:18–22 (thematic): Jacob sets up a stone pillar as a memorial after a decisive encounter with God; both passages use stones as permanent commemorations of divine action.
- 1 Samuel 7:12 (thematic): Samuel sets up the Ebenezer (‘stone of help’) to mark God’s aid in victory — like Joshua’s stones, a physical memorial to recall God’s saving act.
- Deuteronomy 27:2–8 (thematic): Instructions to set up stones and write the law on them on Mount Ebal as a public memorial — comparable practice of erecting stones to witness covenantal/communal memory.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the priests’ feet stood; and they are there to this day.
- And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, at the place where the priests' feet stood; and they are there to this day.
Jos.4.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נשאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- הארון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עמדים: VERB,qal,part,3,m,pl
- בתוך: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עד: PREP
- תם: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לדבר: INF,qal
- אל: NEG
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ככל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וימהרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויעברו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Josh.3:15-17 (verbal): Same episode earlier: priests carrying the ark stand in the Jordan while the people cross; closely parallel wording and sequence.
- Josh.4:18 (structural): Immediate summary/conclusion of the same event — the priests came up from the Jordan and the waters returned to their place, completing the crossing.
- Exod.14:21-22 (thematic): Crossing of the sea on dry ground under divine intervention; parallels motif of a miraculous river-crossing inaugurating Israel’s covenantal life.
- Deut.34:9 (allusion): Describes Joshua’s investiture with Moses’ authority and spirit of wisdom, providing the leadership continuity behind Joshua’s commands mentioned in Josh 4:10.
- 1 Chr.15:13-15 (thematic): Prescribes priests/Levites bearing the ark and ministering before it; parallels the role of the priests carrying the ark into the Jordan in Joshua 4:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- The priests who bore the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished that the LORD had commanded Joshua to speak to the people; and the people hastened and passed over.
- The priests who bore the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak to the people, as Moses had commanded Joshua; and the people hurried and passed over.
Jos.4.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- תם: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעבור: VERB,qal,inf
- ויעבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לפני: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Joshua 3:3 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same episode: the command about the ark going before the people and priests leading the crossing.
- Numbers 10:33-34 (verbal): Very similar wording: the ark of the covenant went before Israel in their journeys, echoing the motif of the ark leading the people.
- 2 Samuel 6:12-15 (thematic): Depicts the ark being transported amid a national procession and the priests' role in conveying God’s presence into the community (bringing the ark to Jerusalem).
- Exodus 13:21-22 (thematic): Portrays God’s presence (pillar of cloud/fire) going before Israel as a guide—a broader theme of divine presence leading the people into a promised or safe place.
- 1 Samuel 4:3-11 (allusion): Records the ark being carried into battle and moved among the people; contrasts uses and consequences of moving the ark but underlines the motif of the ark’s movement among Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when all the people had finished passing over, the ark of the LORD passed over before them.
- When all the people had finished crossing, the ark of the LORD passed over before them, with the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD.
Jos.4.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעברו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ראובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובני: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- גד: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- וחצי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המנשה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- לפני: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 32:20-27 (verbal): Moses' original condition that the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half-Manasseh must cross over armed before Israel into battle and then return to possess the land — the direct precedent for Joshua 4:12's language and obligation.
- Joshua 1:12-15 (structural): Joshua recalls the same agreement and instructs the trans-Jordanian tribes to fulfill their vow by crossing before the people until the land is subdued, a close narrative parallel within the Joshua account.
- Deuteronomy 3:18-20 (thematic): Moses' allocation of cities to Reuben, Gad and half-Manasseh on the east of the Jordan, coupled with the requirement that they help the other tribes militarily before settling, provides the legal/thematic background for Joshua 4:12.
- 1 Chronicles 5:19-22 (thematic): The Chronicler's summary of the trans-Jordanian tribes' military activity and role in Israel's wars echoes the tradition that Reuben, Gad and half-Manasseh fought on Israel's behalf and then returned to their allotted territories.
Alternative generated candidates
- The children of Reuben, the children of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over in front of the children of Israel, as Moses had commanded them.
- The sons of Reuben, the sons of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over in front of the people, as Moses had spoken to them.
Jos.4.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כארבעים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- חלוצי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הצבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עברו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- ערבות: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- יריחו: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
Parallels
- Joshua 3:14-17 (structural): Same crossing scene: priests/ark and the people pass the Jordan opposite Jericho; provides the immediate structural context for the armed men who follow 'before the LORD.'
- Joshua 4:10-12 (verbal): Immediate context in the chapter: repeats the language of the ark and priests passing and explicitly states the people and the armed men passed over — directly parallels the phrasing of 4:13.
- Joshua 6:2-5 (thematic): Instructions for the battle of Jericho: army movement and the central role of the ark/priestly procession in the forthcoming fight, thematically linked to the armed host moving 'before the LORD' toward Jericho.
- Deuteronomy 20:1-4 (thematic): Legal exhortation for warfare stressing God's presence with Israel's army ('for the LORD your God is with you'), paralleling the theological idea of the host advancing 'before the LORD' into battle.
- 1 Chronicles 12:23-40 (thematic): Lists of numerous armed men who join David’s cause emphasize mobilization of fighting forces and the motif of large numbers of warriors assembling under a leader, analogous to the 'about forty thousand' armed for war in Joshua 4:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- About forty thousand chosen for battle crossed over before the LORD to the plains of Jericho.
- About forty thousand armed for battle crossed over before the LORD to the plains of Jericho for warfare.
Jos.4.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- גדל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- כאשר: CONJ
- יראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- ימי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- חייו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 34:9 (verbal): Explicitly links Joshua’s authority to Moses’ laying on of hands and states that the Israelites hearkened to Joshua—paralleling Josh 4:14’s note that Israel respected Joshua as they had Moses.
- Numbers 27:18-23 (structural): God instructs Moses to lay hands on Joshua and set him before Eleazar and the congregation—an institutional transfer of leadership that underlies the exaltation of Joshua described in Josh 4:14.
- Joshua 1:16-18 (verbal): The people pledge to obey Joshua exactly as they did Moses, echoing Josh 4:14’s claim that Israel viewed and feared Joshua as they had Moses.
- Judges 2:7 (thematic): Reports that the people served the LORD throughout Joshua’s lifetime and the elders who knew the works of the LORD—reflecting the continuity of leadership and the people’s ongoing allegiance after Joshua’s rise in Josh 4:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him, as they had stood in awe of Moses all the days of his life.
- On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they had feared Moses, all his days.
Jos.4.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Josh.1.1 (verbal): Same formulaic announcement—'And the LORD said unto Joshua'—marking divine speech to Joshua at a transition of leadership and mission.
- Josh.3.7 (verbal): Earlier instance where the exact phrase introduces God's instructions to Joshua about the Jordan crossing—closely parallel in wording and function.
- Num.27.18 (thematic): God directs Moses concerning Joshua's appointment ('Take Joshua...and lay thine hand upon him'), a prior commissioning that undergirds the commands God gives Joshua in Joshua.
- Exod.3.10 (thematic): Divine commissioning of a leader to deliver Israel ('Come, I will send thee to Pharaoh')—parallel in theme of God speaking directly to appoint and instruct a leader for salvific action.
- Deut.31.14 (allusion): God's words to Moses about the imminent transfer and future leadership (including references to Joshua) echo the pattern of divine speech framing leadership transition found in Joshua 4:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD said to Joshua, “Command the priests who bear the ark of the testimony to come up out of the Jordan.”
- And the LORD said to Joshua, "Command the priests who bear the ark of the testimony to come up out of the Jordan."
Jos.4.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נשאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העדות: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויעלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מן: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Joshua 3:17 (verbal): Nearly identical description of the priests carrying the ark standing on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan — same event and wording repeated earlier in the narrative.
- Joshua 4:10–11 (structural): Immediate narrative context: other verses in ch.4 recount the priests emerging from the Jordan and Israel crossing, providing parallel details of the same action.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (allusion): Background law/role: states that the LORD set apart the Levites to carry the ark, giving legal/ritual rationale for priests/Levites bearing the ark as described in Joshua.
- 2 Samuel 6:3–4 (thematic): Movement of the ark by designated personnel: depicts the transport of the ark (here by Levites/men of Israel) and the religious significance and care surrounding its movement — thematic parallel about relocating the ark.
- 1 Kings 8:3–6 (structural): Priests and Levites carrying the ark when bringing it into the temple; structurally comparable scene of priestly transport and placement of the ark in a central cultic setting.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come up out of the Jordan.”
- So Joshua commanded the priests, "Come up out of the Jordan."
Jos.4.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- עלו: PREP+3ms_suff
- מן: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Joshua 3:17 (verbal): Same crossing episode: priests bearing the Ark stand in the Jordan until the people have crossed and then come up — closely parallel language and action.
- Joshua 4:10-11 (structural): Immediate context of the same scene; describes the priests remaining in the Jordan while the nation passed and the timing for their coming up.
- 2 Samuel 6:2-11 (thematic): David commands the moving/‘bringing up’ of the Ark; parallels the leader’s instruction concerning the priests and the Ark’s movement (similar verb/idea of ‘bringing up’).
- 1 Chronicles 15:11-15 (structural): David gives explicit orders to the Levites/priestly leaders to bring up the Ark to Jerusalem — a comparable command to priestly personnel about moving the Ark.
- 1 Kings 8:1-2 (thematic): Solomon assembles the elders and brings up the Ark into the temple; thematically parallels the transfer of the Ark and the authoritative command to move it to its place.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the priests who bore the ark came up out of the midst of the Jordan, the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up on dry ground, and the waters returned and ran down and went over all their banks as before.
- And when the priests who bore the ark came up out of the midst of the Jordan, and the soles of their feet were lifted up on dry ground, the waters returned to their place and went over, as before, all its banks.
Jos.4.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כעלות: PREP
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נשאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מתוך: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נתקו: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,pl
- כפות: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- רגלי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אל: NEG
- החרבה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למקומם: PREP
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- כתמול: ADV
- שלשום: ADV
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- גדותיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 3:15-17 (structural): Same narrative account of the Jordan crossing: when the priests' feet touched the river the waters stopped and the people passed on dry ground; Joshua 4:18 recounts the priests coming up and the waters returning.
- Exodus 14:21-27 (thematic): The crossing of the Red Sea: God miraculously holds back waters while Israel passes and then returns them against the Egyptians—parallel motif of divine control of waters for Israel's deliverance.
- Psalm 114:3-7 (allusion): Poetic retelling of Israel's exodus imagery: 'Why did the sea flee... and Jordan turn back?'—alludes to the stopping/turning back of waters associated with Israel's crossing traditions.
- Psalm 78:13-15 (verbal): Royal/ledtradition recounting: 'He split the sea and made them pass through; He made the waters stand like a heap'—verbal and thematic echo of waters being stopped to allow passage.
Alternative generated candidates
- The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they camped at Gilgal on the east border of Jericho.
- The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month and camped at Gilgal on the east border of Jericho.
Jos.4.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- עלו: PREP+3ms_suff
- מן: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בעשור: PREP+NUM,ord,m,sg,abs
- לחדש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הראשון: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ויחנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בגלגל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בקצה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מזרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יריחו: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
Parallels
- Joshua 5:9 (thematic): After the crossing and encampment at Gilgal, the narrator explicitly links Gilgal with the removal of Israel’s reproach—continuing the narrative begun in Josh 4 about arrival and settlement.
- Joshua 5:10 (thematic): Reports Israel keeping the Passover at Gilgal soon after the crossing, tying the date and location (Gilgal) of Josh 4:19 into the ritual events that follow.
- Exodus 12:3 (verbal): Uses the same calendrical phrase—'take a lamb on the tenth day of the first month'—showing the significance of the tenth of the first month as a dated marker in Israel’s tradition.
- Numbers 33:49 (structural): In the itinerary of Israel’s encampments, this verse situates the campings near Jericho by the Jordan—parallel geographic/chronological material to Josh 4:19.
- Judges 2:1 (allusion): Mentions the angel of the LORD coming up from Gilgal to Bochim, presupposing Gilgal as an established focal campsite following the conquest narrative in Joshua.
Alternative generated candidates
- And those twelve stones which they took out of the Jordan Joshua set up in Gilgal.
- And those twelve stones which they took out of the Jordan Joshua set up in Gilgal.
Jos.4.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- שתים: NUM,f,pl,abs
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- האבנים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מן: PREP
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הקים: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בגלגל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Josh.4.6-7 (structural): Immediate context explaining that the twelve stones were to be a sign for Israel and a memorial for future generations.
- 1 Sam.7.12 (thematic): Samuel sets up a stone called Ebenezer as a memorial of divine help—parallel motif of erecting a stone to commemorate God's saving action.
- Gen.28.18-22 (thematic): Jacob sets a stone pillar at Bethel as a marker and vow-place, reflecting the ancient practice of using stones as sacred memorials.
- Deut.27.2-8 (structural): Command to set up stones on Mount Ebal and inscribe the law—another instance of stones serving as covenantal witnesses and public reminders.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua spoke to the children of Israel, saying, “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, ‘What mean these stones?’
- And he said to the people of Israel, "When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, 'What are these stones?'
Jos.4.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ישאלון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בניכם: NOUN,m,pl,const+2mp
- מחר: ADV
- את: PRT,acc
- אבותם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- מה: PRON,int
- האבנים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 4:6 (verbal): Nearly identical wording earlier in the narrative: the people are told that in time to come their children will ask about these stones.
- Joshua 4:24 (thematic): Gives the purpose for the stones—so that all peoples and future generations will know the hand of the LORD—continuation of the same explanatory motif.
- Exodus 12:26-27 (verbal): Uses the same formula—'when your children ask'—instructing parents to explain the meaning of the Passover observance to their children.
- Deuteronomy 6:20-25 (verbal): Provides an explicit paradigm for responding 'when your son asks' about the statutes and signs, framing how to teach the next generation the meaning of covenantal practices.
- Psalm 78:4-7 (thematic): Calls for telling the next generation the mighty works of God so children will learn and trust—same concern for instructing descendants about divine acts and signs.
Alternative generated candidates
- you shall tell your children that Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.
- then you shall tell your children, 'Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground;'
Jos.4.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והודעתם: VERB,hifil,perf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- בניכם: NOUN,m,pl,const+2mp
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- ביבשה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.14.22 (verbal): Reports an earlier Israelite crossing 'on dry ground' (the Sea), echoing the dry crossing formula used here for the Jordan.
- Josh.3.17 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same narrative: the priests carrying the ark stood on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan—same event described from another moment.
- Josh.4.6-7 (structural): Explains the purpose of the stones and the sign—to be told to your children—directly parallels the injunction to inform future generations in 4:22.
- Deut.4.9-10 (thematic): Mandates recounting God's mighty acts to children so they will know/serve God—the broader legal/theological precedent for instructing descendants cited in Josh 4:22.
- Ps.78.5-7 (thematic): Psalmist summons the people to tell coming generations the works of the LORD so they will not forget—echoes the didactic purpose of remembering the Jordan crossing.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan from before you until you had crossed, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed,
- for the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the LORD your God did to the Sea of Reeds, which he dried up before us until we crossed over.
Jos.4.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הוביש: VERB,hiph,perf,3,ms
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מפניכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUF,2,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- עברכם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,mp
- כאשר: CONJ
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- לים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- סוף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הוביש: VERB,hiph,perf,3,ms
- מפנינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- עד: PREP
- עברנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 3:17 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: describes the priests standing in the Jordan and the waters piling up so the people could cross—part of the same crossing episode.
- Exodus 14:21-22 (allusion): The original Red Sea crossing: God parts/drys the sea so Israel passes through—Joshua 4:23 explicitly compares the Jordan miracle to this event.
- Psalm 114:3-4 (verbal): Poetic echo: 'The sea saw and fled; Jordan turned back'—uses the same imagery of waters fleeing before Yahweh's power.
- Isaiah 51:10 (allusion): Prophetic remembrance: speaks of God drying up the sea and making a way through deep waters, invoking the same motif of divine control over waters for Israel's deliverance.
- Psalm 106:9 (thematic): Historical thanksgiving recounting God rebuking the Red Sea and making it dry—reinforces the theme of salvation through Yahweh's mastery of waters.
Alternative generated candidates
- that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty; and that you may fear the LORD your God forever.”
- That all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, and that you may fear the LORD your God all your days."
Jos.4.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למען: PREP
- דעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- חזקה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- היא: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- למען: PREP
- יראתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- כל: DET
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Isaiah 52:10 (verbal): Speaks of the LORD’s 'arm' being revealed and all the ends of the earth seeing—parallel language to Joshua’s 'hand of the LORD' made known to all peoples.
- Deuteronomy 4:6 (thematic): Commands Israel’s covenant obedience to serve as a testimony before the nations so that they recognize Israel’s wisdom and, implicitly, the reality of the LORD—similar purpose of making God known to other peoples.
- Jeremiah 16:21 (verbal): God declares He will 'make them know' His power and might so they will know that He is the LORD—closely echoes Joshua’s intent that all peoples know the LORD’s mighty hand.
- Psalm 96:3 (thematic): Calls to 'declare His glory among the nations' and 'show His marvelous works among all the peoples,' reflecting Joshua’s motive of public testimony to bring nations to know/fear God.
Alternative generated candidates
- For by strength of his hand the LORD will accomplish this for you; and by his mighty hand you shall inhabit the land he gives you.
And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they moved from Shittim and came to the Jordan—he and all the people of Israel—and lodged there before they crossed. And it came to pass at the end of three days that the officers passed through the camp. And they commanded the people, saying, "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then you shall set out from your places and follow it. But there shall be a distance between you and the ark—about two thousand cubits; do not come near it—so that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before." And Joshua said to the people, "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you." And Joshua said to the priests, "Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on before the people." So the priests took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people. And the LORD said to Joshua, "This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.
You shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, ‘When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’"
Then Joshua said to the people, "Come here, and hear the words of the LORD your God." And Joshua said, "By this you shall know that the living God is among you: behold, the ark of the covenant of the LORD of all the earth will go before you into the Jordan. Now therefore take twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man from each tribe. And it shall be that when the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters which come down from above shall stand in one heap." So it came to pass, when the people moved from their tents to pass over the Jordan, and the priests who bore the ark went before the people,
that as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflowed all its banks during the whole time of harvest),
the waters which came down from above stood and rose up in one heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that flowed toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho. And the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan until everything that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak to the people was finished; and the people crossed over on dry ground until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan.
The priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood in the middle of the Jordan until the time had been completed, and all Israel crossed over on dry ground to the plains of Jericho. And it came to pass, when all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, that the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying,
"Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from each tribe. And command them, saying, ‘Take up twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from where the priests’ feet stood, and carry them with you and lay them down in the lodging place where you will lodge tonight.’" So Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from each tribe. And Joshua said to them, "Cross before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel,
that this may be a sign among you; when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’
then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever." So the children of Israel did as Joshua commanded: they took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, as the LORD had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them to the camp, where they laid them down. And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests stood; and they are there to this day. Now the priests who bore the ark stood firm in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished that the LORD had commanded Joshua to speak to the people, as Moses had commanded Joshua; and the people hurried and passed over.
When all the people had finished crossing, the ark of the LORD and the priests passed on before the people. And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over armed before the people, as Moses had charged them.
About forty thousand prepared for battle crossed over before the LORD to the plains of Jericho.
That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him as they had revered Moses all the days of his life. And the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying,
"Command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant to come up out of the Jordan." So Joshua commanded the priests, "Come up out of the Jordan." And it came to pass, when the priests who bore the ark came up out of the midst of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up onto dry land, that the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and went on, as before, over all its banks.
The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they encamped in Gilgal on the east border of Jericho. And those twelve stones which they took out of the Jordan Joshua set up in Gilgal.
Then Joshua said to the children of Israel, "When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean?’
you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground;
for the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up before us until we had crossed,
that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, and that you may fear the LORD your God all your days.’"