King James Version

What Does Joshua 3:4 Mean?

Joshua 3:4 in the King James Version says “Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may ... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Joshua 3:4 · KJV


Context

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.

6

And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The instruction that 'there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure' maintained reverence before the ark. Proximity without irreverence—they followed closely enough to see but not so close as to treat holy things casually. This balances intimacy and reverence in approaching God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The two-thousand-cubit distance (approximately 3,000 feet) ensured visibility across the multitude while maintaining respectful separation. This recalls Sinai's boundaries preventing touching the mountain (Exodus 19:12-13). Such separation taught that God's presence brings both blessing and danger—approach properly or face judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance intimacy with God and reverence for His holiness?
  2. What safeguards maintain appropriate respect while drawing near to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
אַ֣ךְ׀1 of 25
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

רָח֣וֹק2 of 25

Yet there shall be a space

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

יִֽהְיֶ֗ה3 of 25
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בֵּֽינֵיכֶם֙4 of 25
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּבֵינָ֔וֹ5 of 25
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

כְּאַלְפַּ֥יִם6 of 25

between you and it about two thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אַמָּ֖ה7 of 25

cubits

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

בַּמִּדָּ֑ה8 of 25

by measure

H4060

properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

אַֽל9 of 25
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּקְרְב֣וּ10 of 25

come not near

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֵלָ֗יו11 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְמַ֤עַן12 of 25
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

אֲשֶׁר13 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תֵּֽדְעוּ֙14 of 25

unto it that ye may know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת15 of 25
H853

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

בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ16 of 25

the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תֵּֽלְכוּ18 of 25
H1980

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

בָ֔הּ19 of 25
H0
כִּ֣י20 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֧א21 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עֲבַרְתֶּ֛ם22 of 25

for ye have not passed

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ23 of 25

the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

מִתְּמ֥וֹל24 of 25

heretofore

H8543

properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday

שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם׃25 of 25
H8032

trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday


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 3:4 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 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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