Joshua 4 1

Joshua 4:1 kjv

And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,

Joshua 4:1 nkjv

And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying:

Joshua 4:1 niv

When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua,

Joshua 4:1 esv

When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua,

Joshua 4:1 nlt

When all the people had crossed the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua,

Joshua 4 verses

Joshua 4 1 Meaning

Joshua 4:1 serves as a pivotal transition, marking the moment when the entire Israelite nation had safely and completely crossed the Jordan River on dry ground. Immediately following this miraculous display of God's power and faithfulness, the Lord God Almighty spoke directly to Joshua, the leader, signifying His continued presence and a new phase of divine instruction and covenant responsibilities as Israel stood on the threshold of the Promised Land. This verse underscores God's initiative in directing His people's journey and fulfilling His ancient promises.

Joshua 4 1 Context

Joshua 4:1 immediately follows the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River described in Joshua 3. The Levite priests, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, stepped into the overflowing Jordan, and the waters upstream miraculously piled up, allowing "all the people" to cross on dry ground. This act was a powerful demonstration of Yahweh's presence and power, paralleling the Red Sea crossing under Moses, and served to establish Joshua's authority in the eyes of Israel, just as Moses was established. The verse sets the stage for God's instruction to memorialize this event by taking twelve stones from the riverbed and setting them up, as described in the subsequent verses (Josh 4:2-9). This act of memorial was crucial for future generations to understand God's faithfulness and power. Historically, this event marked Israel's definitive entry into the Promised Land, validating God's long-standing promise to Abraham and his descendants (Gen 12:7). For the original audience, it reaffirmed Yahweh as the one true God, distinct from and superior to the regional Canaanite deities often associated with specific land features or weather phenomena, thus serving an implicit polemic.

Joshua 4 1 Word analysis

• And it came to pass (וַיְהִי, wayhi): This common Hebrew narrative connective marks a transition or the start of a new, significant phase in the divine plan. It signals that what follows is an event guided by God's providence, showing cause and effect or progression in the unfolding narrative.
• when all the people (כֹּל הָעָם, kol ha'am): "All" emphasizes the complete, collective nature of Israel's journey and God's covenant with the entire nation. It highlights that no one was left behind; it was a corporate act of faith and a corporate witness to the miracle, reinforcing Israel's identity as one people under God. This detail underscores that God deals with His chosen people as a unit.
• were clean passed over (תַּם לַעֲבֹר, tam la'avor): "Clean passed over" means "completely finished passing over." Tam (תַּם) implies completion, being finished or perfected. Avar (עָבַר) means to pass over or through. This signifies the total and successful culmination of the crossing, leaving no doubt about the divine work. The riverbed was completely traversed by every single person, affirming the full fulfillment of God's act.
• Jordan (הַיַּרְדֵּן, ha-Yarden): The river serving as a significant geographical and symbolic boundary. Crossing it represented leaving the wilderness life and entering the promised land of inheritance, symbolizing a new spiritual and physical chapter for Israel. In ancient thought, powerful rivers could be seen as obstacles or even divine forces, making Yahweh's control over it a potent demonstration of His supreme authority.
• that the Lord (יְהוָה, Yahweh): The personal, covenantal name of God. This indicates that the subsequent action (speaking) originates directly from the sovereign, faithful God who fulfills His promises and guides His people. It stresses divine initiative and personal involvement in the affairs of His chosen nation.
• spake unto Joshua (וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, vayomer Yahweh el-Yehoshua): "Spake" (amar, אָמַר) implies a direct and authoritative communication from God. God speaking directly to Joshua underscores Joshua's established role as the new leader, divinely chosen to lead Israel into the Promised Land, succeeding Moses. It signals a new, direct command and continuation of divine revelation through Joshua, confirming his spiritual authority for the tasks ahead.
• saying (לֵּאמֹר, le’mor): A common Hebrew phrase introducing direct speech. It sets the expectation that what follows is an explicit divine instruction or revelation.

Joshua 4 1 Bonus section

The phrase "And it came to pass" (Wayhi) often connects events, showing that they are not random but part of God's unfolding purpose. It frames the miraculous crossing and the subsequent divine instruction as interconnected aspects of Yahweh's providential care for Israel. This particular sequence of event-followed-by-speech solidifies Joshua's role. Moses was frequently approached by God after major events; this confirms the continuity of God's method of communication through a divinely appointed leader, further consolidating Joshua's authority in the eyes of the people who had just witnessed a second 'Red Sea' moment. The Jordan, as the final natural barrier, symbolized the transition from nomadic wandering to settled habitation and a life of fulfilling covenant obligations within the land of promise.

Joshua 4 1 Commentary

Joshua 4:1 serves as a bridge, anchoring the spectacular miracle of the Jordan crossing with the subsequent divine commands for remembrance. It emphasizes God's perfect timing and purposeful communication. Having safely delivered His people into the Promised Land through a demonstration of raw power, Yahweh does not retreat but immediately re-engages, providing direction. This act of "speaking" to Joshua confirms His continued guidance, the divine legitimation of Joshua's leadership, and the intentionality behind every divine intervention. It signifies that divine action often precedes divine instruction, and the purpose of the miracle (the crossing) is about more than just a physical transit; it’s about establishing a relationship with a God who acts on His people's behalf and then requires their response. This pattern underscores that God's acts are not ends in themselves, but catalysts for further obedience, worship, and testimony to future generations. For instance, in our lives, a clear experience of God's provision or breakthrough often leads to new instructions for living, opportunities for service, or renewed commitments to His will.