King James Version
Joshua 4:2 in the King James Version says “Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,”
Joshua 4:2 · KJV
And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,
And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:
KJV Study — Public Domain
“out of the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
“men”
H582properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
“a man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“a man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“tribe”
H7626a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
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.
Joshua 4:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Joshua 4:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge