Joshua 3:8
And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan.
Original Language Analysis
תְּצַוֶּה֙
And thou shalt command
H6680
תְּצַוֶּה֙
And thou shalt command
Strong's:
H6680
Word #:
2 of 15
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
the priests
H3548
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
4 of 15
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
נֹֽשְׂאֵ֥י
that bear
H5375
נֹֽשְׂאֵ֥י
that bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
5 of 15
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
הַבְּרִ֖ית
of the covenant
H1285
הַבְּרִ֖ית
of the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
7 of 15
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
כְּבֹֽאֲכֶ֗ם
When ye are come
H935
כְּבֹֽאֲכֶ֗ם
When ye are come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 15
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
10 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מֵ֣י
of the water
H4325
מֵ֣י
of the water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
12 of 15
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Cross References
Joshua 3:3And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.Joshua 3:17And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.
Historical Context
This verse appears in the Jordan crossing narrative, one of Joshua's most significant events demonstrating God's power and faithfulness in bringing Israel into the Promised Land.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?
- What application does this truth have for your walk with Christ today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The instruction for priests to 'stand still in Jordan' required faith to step into flooding river before waters parted. Obedience precedes miracle.