Joshua 4:11

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the LORD passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֛י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תַּ֥ם

H8552

were clean

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָֽם׃

H5971

And it came to pass when all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֧ר

H5674

passed over

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֧ר

H5674

passed over

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֲרוֹן

H727

that the ark

a box

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#10

וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים

H3548

and the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#11

לִפְנֵ֥י

H6440

in the presence

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#12

הָעָֽם׃

H5971

And it came to pass when all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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