Joshua 3:7 kjv

And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

Joshua 3:7 nkjv

And the LORD said to Joshua, "This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.

Joshua 3:7 niv

And the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.

Joshua 3:7 esv

The LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.

Joshua 3:7 nlt

The LORD told Joshua, "Today I will begin to make you a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites. They will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses.

Joshua 3 verses

Joshua 3 7 Meaning

This verse declares the LORD's immediate and purposeful act to elevate Joshua in the eyes of all Israel, affirming His presence with Joshua exactly as He was with Moses. It signifies God's divine endorsement and authorization of Joshua's leadership, which was essential for the people to trust and follow him as they entered the Promised Land. This magnification was a public, demonstrable vindication designed to assure the nation that the same divine power and guidance that led them through Moses would continue through Joshua.

Joshua 3 7 Context

Joshua chapter 3 describes Israel's miraculous crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This pivotal event occurs after Moses' death and during the transitional period of leadership to Joshua. The previous chapters detail God's command to Joshua to lead the people, his preparation (sending spies), and the covenant preparations. Despite having Moses' direct endorsement, Joshua had yet to lead Israel in a major miraculous event that would cement his authority in the eyes of the whole congregation, especially the new generation. The immediate historical and cultural context involves a people who witnessed God's power through Moses during the Exodus and wilderness wanderings. Now, without Moses, they needed concrete assurance that God's presence and power would continue with their new leader. The upcoming Jordan crossing would be the first grand demonstration of this, serving as a powerful display against any residual polytheistic leanings or doubts about YHWH's sovereign power over nature and their new leader.

Joshua 3 7 Word analysis

• And the LORD: יְהוָה (YHWH – Yahweh). Refers to the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His personal involvement, faithfulness, and sovereign power in fulfilling His promises. This signifies direct, authoritative divine communication from the only true God, contrasting with human attempts to confer authority.
• said: וַיֹּאמֶר (wayyōʼmer). This standard Hebrew verb for "said" denotes a direct, clear communication from God to Joshua, indicating divine initiative and revelation.
• unto Joshua: יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Yehoshua). Meaning "The LORD is salvation" or "The LORD saves". The significance of his name resonates throughout his mission as he leads Israel to conquer the land, which is a salvation-history event for them. His name is an Old Testament form of the Greek name Jesus (Ἰησοῦς – Iesous).
• This day: הַיּוֹם (hayyom). Emphasizes the immediacy and commencement of God's public validation. It marks a definite and critical point in Israel's history, a new era under new leadership, initiated by God's manifest power.
• will I begin: אָחֵל ('aḥel). To initiate, to commence, to profane (though not in this context). Here it strongly means to begin a new phase of actively making Joshua great or renowned, marking a decisive and public display of support, not a future intention but a present resolve.
• to magnify: גָּדַל (gāḏal). To make great, to become great, to extol, to exalt. In this context, it is God's active making of Joshua great in position, reputation, and authority. This is not about Joshua's personal glory, but about the divine authentication necessary for his role as leader, ensuring the people's obedience and trust in him.
• thee: Refers directly to Joshua, making it a personal divine assurance and public demonstration directed towards him.
• in the sight of all Israel: לְעֵינֵי כָל־יִשְׂרָאֵל (leʿēnê ḵol-Yiśrāʾēl). The public and observable nature of this act is crucial. It ensures that the entire nation bears witness to God's endorsement, preventing dissent and unifying the people behind Joshua. This visible demonstration serves to eradicate any doubt concerning Joshua's legitimate claim to lead God's people.
• that they may know: לְמַעַן תֵּדְעוּן (lemaʿan tēḏᵉʿûn). This is a purpose clause, stating the clear intent of God's action. The purpose is not merely recognition but deep, experiential knowledge or understanding. The Jordan miracle would be the undeniable proof.
• that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: כַּאֲשֶׁר הָיִיתִי עִם־מֹשֶׁה כֵּן אֶהְיֶה עִמָּךְ (kaʾasher hāyîtî ʿim-Mōšeh kēn ʾehyeh ʿimmāḵ). This exact parallelism provides direct continuity and profound assurance. Moses was an unparalleled figure; comparing Joshua's divine backing to Moses' was the highest possible commendation. It means God’s presence, power, and guidance that characterized Moses’ leadership will equally be present with Joshua.

• "And the LORD said unto Joshua": This opening firmly establishes divine initiative and direct communication. It is not human appointment but God's decree that validates Joshua's leadership.
• "This day will I begin to magnify thee": Highlights the immediate commencement of God's plan. The word "begin" is significant, implying that the Jordan crossing is just the first in a series of acts where God will show His backing of Joshua.
• "in the sight of all Israel, that they may know": Emphasizes the public nature and the pedagogical purpose of God's act. God's glory is demonstrated for Israel's benefit—to foster faith, unity, and obedience. It's a foundational lesson for the nation.
• "as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee": This comparative phrase is the theological core, asserting a direct divine succession and an unbroken continuity of God's powerful presence. It quells any potential fear or doubt about God’s commitment to His people under new leadership, firmly connecting Joshua's authority to Moses' divine mandate.

Joshua 3 7 Bonus section

The concept of "magnifying" a leader by God implies a demonstration of divine power through that leader, rather than a personal aggrandizement. This is a common pattern in the Bible, where God validates His chosen vessels through observable acts, ensuring their credibility and securing the people's trust and obedience. The comparison with Moses, God's chosen deliverer and lawgiver, signifies an unparalleled endorsement, suggesting Joshua’s leadership carries similar divine authority and efficacy for the next phase of Israel's journey. This sets up the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River as the primary evidence, a demonstration as powerful as the Red Sea parting, affirming God's continued involvement with His people.

Joshua 3 7 Commentary

Joshua 3:7 marks a crucial divine declaration for Israel’s leadership transition. God explicitly announces His intention to elevate Joshua in a demonstrable, public manner, directly linking His promised presence with Joshua to His historical presence with Moses. This verse isn't just a statement of encouragement for Joshua; it's a foundational act of establishing his authority and securing the people's confidence. The "magnifying" of Joshua by God, starting "this day," underscores the immediate onset of God's miraculous intervention, serving as irrefutable evidence for "all Israel" that God's hand was upon their new leader. This public validation, sealed by the imminent Jordan crossing, ensured the unity and obedience essential for the arduous conquest of Canaan. It exemplifies God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, consistently raising and affirming His chosen servants to fulfill His purposes.