Joshua 3:4
Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.
Original Language Analysis
אַ֣ךְ׀
H389
רָח֣וֹק
Yet there shall be a space
H7350
רָח֣וֹק
Yet there shall be a space
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
2 of 25
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
יִֽהְיֶ֗ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֗ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 25
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בֵּֽינֵיכֶם֙
H996
בֵּֽינֵיכֶם֙
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
4 of 25
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵינָ֔וֹ
H996
וּבֵינָ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
5 of 25
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
כְּאַלְפַּ֥יִם
between you and it about two thousand
H505
כְּאַלְפַּ֥יִם
between you and it about two thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
6 of 25
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
H520
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
7 of 25
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
בַּמִּדָּ֑ה
by measure
H4060
בַּמִּדָּ֑ה
by measure
Strong's:
H4060
Word #:
8 of 25
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)
אַֽל
H408
אַֽל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
9 of 25
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּקְרְב֣וּ
come not near
H7126
תִּקְרְב֣וּ
come not near
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
10 of 25
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
לְמַ֤עַן
H4616
לְמַ֤עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
12 of 25
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תֵּֽדְעוּ֙
unto it that ye may know
H3045
תֵּֽדְעוּ֙
unto it that ye may know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
14 of 25
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ
the way
H1870
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ
the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
16 of 25
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
17 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תֵּֽלְכוּ
H1980
תֵּֽלְכוּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
18 of 25
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
20 of 25
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֧א
H3808
לֹ֧א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
21 of 25
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עֲבַרְתֶּ֛ם
for ye have not passed
H5674
עֲבַרְתֶּ֛ם
for ye have not passed
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
22 of 25
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ
the way
H1870
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ
the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
23 of 25
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Historical Context
The two-thousand-cubit distance (approximately 3,000 feet) ensured visibility across the multitude while maintaining respectful separation. This recalls Sinai's boundaries preventing touching the mountain (Exodus 19:12-13). Such separation taught that God's presence brings both blessing and danger—approach properly or face judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance intimacy with God and reverence for His holiness?
- What safeguards maintain appropriate respect while drawing near to God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The instruction that 'there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure' maintained reverence before the ark. Proximity without irreverence—they followed closely enough to see but not so close as to treat holy things casually. This balances intimacy and reverence in approaching God.