Joshua 4:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְהִי֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
תַּ֣מּוּ
were clean
to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive
#4
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
הַגּ֔וֹי
And it came to pass when all the people
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#6
לַֽעֲב֖וֹר
passed over
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן
Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#9
לֵאמֹֽר׃
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
יְהוָ֔ה
that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
unto Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#13
לֵאמֹֽר׃
saying
to say (used with great latitude)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Joshua.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources