King James Version

What Does Joshua 3:3 Mean?

Joshua 3:3 in the King James Version says “And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Lev...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.”

Joshua 3:3 · King James Version


Context

1

And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.

2

And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host;

3

And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.

4

Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore . heretofore: Heb. since yesterday, and the third day

5

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The command to 'follow the ark of the covenant' establishes divine presence as Israel's guide. Where God goes, His people follow. The ark represented God's covenant promise and presence, making it appropriate to follow. This demonstrates the principle that God's presence, not human wisdom, should direct God's people's path.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The ark contained the law tablets, Aaron's rod, and manna pot—comprehensive covenant symbols. Priests carrying it led Israel across Jordan (verse 6), demonstrating divine presence going before. This established the pattern: God leads, His people follow. The New Testament presents Christ as believers' leader whom they follow (John 10:4,27).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you discern and follow God's leading rather than human wisdom?
  2. What practices help you follow Christ's presence and direction daily?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיְצַוּוּ֮1 of 19

“And they commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת2 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעָ֣ם3 of 19

“the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לֵאמֹר֒4 of 19

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כִּרְאֹֽתְכֶ֗ם5 of 19

“When ye see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֵ֣ת6 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲר֤וֹן7 of 19

“the ark”

H727

a box

בְּרִית8 of 19

“of the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יְהוָה֙9 of 19

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם10 of 19

“your God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙11 of 19

“and the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם12 of 19

“the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

נֹֽשְׂאִ֖ים13 of 19

“bearing”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֹת֑וֹ14 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְאַתֶּ֗ם15 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּסְעוּ֙16 of 19

“it then ye shall remove”

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

מִמְּק֣וֹמְכֶ֔ם17 of 19

“from your place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

וַֽהֲלַכְתֶּ֖ם18 of 19

“and go”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַֽחֲרָֽיו׃19 of 19

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 3:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 3:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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