King James Version

What Does Joshua 3:6 Mean?

Joshua 3:6 in the King James Version says “And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they to... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Joshua 3:6 · KJV


Context

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.

7

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.

8

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Joshua's command to priests to 'take up the ark and pass over before the people' placed covenant presence in the vanguard, demonstrating God leads His people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse appears in the Jordan crossing narrative, one of Joshua's most significant events demonstrating God's power and faithfulness in bringing Israel into the Promised Land.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?
  2. What application does this truth have for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
לֵאמֹ֔ר1 of 19

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙2 of 19

And Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

אֶל3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֣ים4 of 19

unto the priests

H3548

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 19

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיִּשְׂאוּ֙6 of 19

And they took up

H5375

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

אֶת7 of 19
H853

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

אֲר֣וֹן8 of 19

the ark

H727

a box

הַבְּרִ֔ית9 of 19

of the covenant

H1285

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

וְעִבְר֖וּ10 of 19

and pass over

H5674

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

לִפְנֵ֥י11 of 19

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָעָֽם׃12 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

וַיִּשְׂאוּ֙13 of 19

And they took up

H5375

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

אֶת14 of 19
H853

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

אֲר֣וֹן15 of 19

the ark

H727

a box

הַבְּרִ֔ית16 of 19

of the covenant

H1285

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

וַיֵּֽלְכ֖וּ17 of 19
H1980

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

לִפְנֵ֥י18 of 19

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָעָֽם׃19 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


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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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