King James Version

What Does Joshua 4:17 Mean?

Joshua 4:17 in the King James Version says “Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan. — study this verse from Joshua chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.

Joshua 4:17 · KJV


Context

15

And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,

16

Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.

17

Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.

18

And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before. lifted: Heb. plucked up flowed: Heb. went

19

And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Joshua's command to priests echoes God's instruction, showing proper prophetic mediation of divine commands to 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 · 8 words
וַיְצַ֣ו1 of 8

therefore commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ2 of 8

Joshua

H3091

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

אֶת3 of 8
H853

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

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים4 of 8

the priests

H3548

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר5 of 8

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עֲל֖וּ6 of 8

Come ye up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִן7 of 8
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃8 of 8

out of Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine


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 4:17 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 4:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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