Joshua 4:5
And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:
Original Language Analysis
עִ֠בְרוּ
unto them Pass over
H5674
עִ֠בְרוּ
unto them Pass over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
4 of 22
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
לִפְנֵ֨י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֨י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 22
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 22
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
תּ֣וֹךְ
into the midst
H8432
תּ֣וֹךְ
into the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
10 of 22
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
וְהָרִ֨ימוּ
and take ye up
H7311
וְהָרִ֨ימוּ
and take ye up
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
12 of 22
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
אִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
14 of 22
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 22
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שִׁכְמ֔וֹ
upon his shoulder
H7926
שִׁכְמ֔וֹ
upon his shoulder
Strong's:
H7926
Word #:
18 of 22
the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill
לְמִסְפַּ֖ר
according unto the number
H4557
לְמִסְפַּ֖ר
according unto the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
19 of 22
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
שִׁבְטֵ֥י
of the tribes
H7626
שִׁבְטֵ֥י
of the tribes
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
20 of 22
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
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 command to 'take you up every man of you a stone' ensures personal participation in memorial construction, creating individual stake in community history.