Joshua 4:9

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּשְׁתֵּ֧ים
twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#2
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#3
אֲבָנִ֗ים
H68
stones
a stone
#4
הֵקִ֣ים
set up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#5
יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֮
And Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#6
בְּת֣וֹךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#7
הַיַּרְדֵּן֒
of Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#8
תַּ֗חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#9
מַצַּב֙
stood
a fixed spot; figuratively, an office, a military post
#10
רַגְלֵ֣י
in the place where the feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#11
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים
of the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#12
נֹֽשְׂאֵ֖י
which bare
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#13
אֲר֣וֹן
the ark
a box
#14
הַבְּרִ֑ית
of the covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#15
וַיִּ֣הְיוּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#16
שָׁ֔ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#17
עַ֖ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#18
הַיּ֥וֹם
and they are there unto this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#19
הַזֶּֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights covenant through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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