Joshua 3:8 kjv

And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan.

Joshua 3:8 nkjv

You shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, 'When you have come to the edge of the water of the Jordan, you shall stand in the Jordan.' "

Joshua 3:8 niv

Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: 'When you reach the edge of the Jordan's waters, go and stand in the river.'?"

Joshua 3:8 esv

And as for you, command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, 'When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.'"

Joshua 3:8 nlt

Give this command to the priests who carry the Ark of the Covenant: 'When you reach the banks of the Jordan River, take a few steps into the river and stop there.'"

Joshua 3 verses

Joshua 3 8 Meaning

Joshua 3:8 contains the precise divine instruction given by God to Joshua, who is to relay it to the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. This command mandates that when the priests’ feet touch the edge of the Jordan River's waters, they must halt and stand firm in the middle of the river, specifically at the point where the water usually flows. This seemingly dangerous instruction at a time of flood highlights the necessity of absolute faith and obedience to God's precise directions for the miraculous crossing to occur.

Joshua 3 8 Context

Joshua chapter 3 marks a pivotal transition for the Israelites, bridging their wilderness wandering and their entry into the Promised Land. The immediate context shows the people encamped beside the Jordan River, preparing for the seemingly impossible task of crossing it at flood stage, a time when the river overflows its banks during the barley harvest. God, having elevated Joshua's leadership (Josh 3:7), now provides specific, seemingly paradoxical instructions. The chapter emphasizes sanctification, divine direction, and the power of the Ark of the Covenant. Historically and culturally, this crossing event solidifies Joshua’s divine appointment as Moses’ successor, much like Moses was vindicated at the Red Sea. It is a re-establishment of Yahweh’s covenant fidelity, demonstrating His power over creation, a clear polemic against any Canaanite deities associated with fertility or rivers, proving Yahweh's supreme sovereignty and ability to fulfill His promises to Israel despite natural obstacles.

Joshua 3 8 Word analysis

• You are to command (וְצִוִּיתָ - ve'tzivvitá): Derived from the Hebrew root צוה (tzavah), meaning "to command," "appoint," "order." This signifies a direct, authoritative instruction originating from God to Joshua, then to the priests. It is not an suggestion but an absolute decree requiring unquestioning obedience. It underscores Joshua's delegated authority and the chain of command.

• the priests (הַכֹּהֲנִים - hak'kohanim): Refers to those from the tribe of Levi, consecrated for sacred service, particularly the descendants of Aaron. They were mediators between God and Israel, responsible for tabernacle duties and carrying holy objects. Their role here is crucial, symbolizing that this is a sacred, divinely orchestrated event, not a military maneuver or a human endeavor. They are chosen not for strength but for their sacred office, highlighting God's power working through dedicated, consecrated individuals.

• who carry (נֹשְׂאֵי - nos'e'i): From the root נשא (nasa), meaning "to lift," "carry," "bear." This emphasizes their specific, ongoing function related to the Ark. It is a priestly duty (Num 4:15). This isn't just about moving an object; it's about bearing the symbolic presence of God and His covenant, a task requiring reverence and purity.

• the Ark of the Covenant (אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית - aron ha'brit): "Ark" (aron) is a chest or box, specifically designated for holy objects. "Covenant" (berith) refers to the special agreement between God and Israel, representing His promises, laws (contained within), and presence. The Ark embodies Yahweh's manifest presence and His covenant faithfulness. Its presence leading the way signifies that God Himself, through His covenant promises, is the true leader and guarantor of the crossing.

• When you reach the edge of the waters of the Jordan: This phrase describes the precise moment for action. "Edge" (qatsah) signifies the very border or extremity. The Jordan River, particularly during this flood season, would have been a significant barrier, a chaotic, raging torrent. The specific timing removes any human initiative or engineering from the process; the miracle is instantaneous and dependent on divine instruction. It forces a complete reliance on God for safety and passage.

• you are to stand still (בַּיַּרְדֵּן תַּעֲמֹדוּ - bayarden ta'amodu): "Stand still" (amad) implies not just halting movement, but remaining firm, taking a stand, or holding one's ground. The instruction is to stand in the water, not just at the bank, demanding immense faith. This act of faith—stepping into the swollen river and stopping—is the catalyst for the miracle. It showcases active obedience and trust in God's word despite physical peril or rational understanding. It contrasts with fleeing or trying to bypass.

• in the Jordan (בַּיַּרְדֵּן - bayarden): "In" indicates their positioning inside the river, not just approaching it. This specifies the location for the "standing still." The Jordan, literally meaning "the descender," served as a natural barrier and a geographical boundary of the Promised Land. This explicit location emphasizes that God's power is demonstrated in the very heart of the obstacle, making the miracle unmistakable.

Joshua 3 8 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "Jordan," Yarden, is derived from the root ירד (yarad), meaning "to go down" or "descend." This is fitting, as the Jordan River descends significantly through its course from its sources to the Dead Sea. This act of "descending" into the water for a supernatural crossing subtly hints at the depth of faith required. The command for the priests to "stand still" in the water signifies that God's plan often requires a moment of vulnerable trust where human action ceases, and divine power takes over. It's a suspension of the natural order contingent on faithful obedience. This event not only facilitated their entry into Canaan but also established a new generational paradigm of active, bold faith in the face of daunting obstacles. It's an essential prefigurement of the need to step out in faith and allow God to act in our lives when faced with seemingly insurmountable barriers.

Joshua 3 8 Commentary

Joshua 3:8 is a command of profound faith and direct divine intervention. God orchestrates the crossing of the Jordan River, a miraculous event paralleling the Red Sea parting, by requiring the priests carrying the Ark—the symbol of His presence—to step directly into the flooding waters and stop. This is not an advance and conquer order but an act of dependent waiting. The priests, representing consecrated Israel, become instruments and witnesses of God's power. Their immediate obedience to the specific, humanly illogical command ("stand still in the Jordan") is the prerequisite for the waters to cease flowing, forming the path. This highlights God's sovereignty over creation, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His endorsement of Joshua's leadership. It teaches Israel—and us—that obedience, especially when it involves vulnerability and trusting God’s counter-intuitive ways, unlocks divine power and enables progress into the fulfillment of His promises. It also served as a clear message to surrounding nations of Yahweh’s unmatched power and Israel’s divine backing.