Joshua 4:7
Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֣ם
Then ye shall answer
H559
וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֣ם
Then ye shall answer
Strong's:
H559
Word #:
1 of 23
to say (used with great latitude)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִכְרְת֖וּ
were cut off
H3772
נִכְרְת֖וּ
were cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
4 of 23
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
מֵ֣י
the waters
H4325
מֵ֣י
the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
5 of 23
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
מִפְּנֵי֙
before
H6440
מִפְּנֵי֙
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 23
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
בְּרִית
of the covenant
H1285
בְּרִית
of the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
9 of 23
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּעָבְרוֹ֙
when it passed over
H5674
בְּעָבְרוֹ֙
when it passed over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
11 of 23
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
נִכְרְת֖וּ
were cut off
H3772
נִכְרְת֖וּ
were cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
13 of 23
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
מֵ֣י
the waters
H4325
מֵ֣י
the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
14 of 23
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
וְ֠הָיוּ
H1961
וְ֠הָיוּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
16 of 23
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְזִכָּר֛וֹן
shall be for a memorial
H2146
לְזִכָּר֛וֹן
shall be for a memorial
Strong's:
H2146
Word #:
19 of 23
a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)
לִבְנֵ֥י
unto the children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֥י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
20 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
21 of 23
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Exodus 12:14And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.Psalms 111:4He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.Exodus 28:12And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.Numbers 16:40To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.
Historical Context
The ark's central role in the crossing (chapter 3) demonstrated that God's presence with His people accomplishes what they cannot. Priests carrying the ark stood in Jordan's midst while Israel crossed, showing divine mediation. The ark contained the tablets (God's law), manna (God's provision), and Aaron's rod (God's appointed leadership)—comprehensively representing covenant relationship. Losing the ark later brought disaster (1 Samuel 4), while recovering it brought blessing (2 Samuel 6).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you connect God's past faithfulness to present circumstances when teaching others?
- What comprehensive historical narrative of God's works can you share with the next generation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The teaching content—'Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD'—connects miracle to covenant presence. The ark's mention emphasizes that God's covenant promise, not human power, accomplished the miracle. This illustrates proper theology transmission—attributing God's works to Him, not natural causes or human achievement. The detailed answer (verses 21-24) provides comprehensive historical narrative, showing catechesis requires substantial content, not minimal facts.