King James Version

What Does Joshua 3:7 Mean?

Joshua 3:7 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Joshua 3:7 · KJV


Context

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.

9

And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's promise to magnify Joshua 'in the sight of all Israel' shows divine vindication of appointed leadership. Public miracles establish leaders' credibility.

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 · 20 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 20

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 20

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ4 of 20

unto Joshua

H3091

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

הַיּ֣וֹם5 of 20

This day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּ֗ה6 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אָחֵל֙7 of 20

will I begin

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

גַּדֶּלְךָ֔8 of 20

to magnify

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

בְּעֵינֵ֖י9 of 20

thee in the sight

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כָּל10 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל11 of 20

of all Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֲשֶׁר֙12 of 20
H834

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

יֵֽדְע֔וּן13 of 20

that they may know

H3045

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

כִּ֗י14 of 20
H3588

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 20
H834

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

הָיִ֛יתִי16 of 20
H1961

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

עִם17 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

מֹשֶׁ֖ה18 of 20

that as I was with Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶֽהְיֶ֥ה19 of 20
H1961

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

עִמָּֽךְ׃20 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then


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 3:7 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 3:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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