King James Version

What Does Joshua 4:7 Mean?

Joshua 4:7 in the King James Version says “Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it pa... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.

Joshua 4:7 · KJV


Context

5

And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:

6

That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? in time: Heb. to morrow

7

Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.

8

And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the LORD spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there.

9

And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The teaching content—'Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD'—connects miracle to covenant presence. The ark's mention emphasizes that God's covenant promise, not human power, accomplished the miracle. This illustrates proper theology transmission—attributing God's works to Him, not natural causes or human achievement. The detailed answer (verses 21-24) provides comprehensive historical narrative, showing catechesis requires substantial content, not minimal facts.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The ark's central role in the crossing (chapter 3) demonstrated that God's presence with His people accomplishes what they cannot. Priests carrying the ark stood in Jordan's midst while Israel crossed, showing divine mediation. The ark contained the tablets (God's law), manna (God's provision), and Aaron's rod (God's appointed leadership)—comprehensively representing covenant relationship. Losing the ark later brought disaster (1 Samuel 4), while recovering it brought blessing (2 Samuel 6).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you connect God's past faithfulness to present circumstances when teaching others?
  2. What comprehensive historical narrative of God's works can you share with the next generation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֣ם1 of 23

Then ye shall answer

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶ֗ם2 of 23
H0
אֲשֶׁ֨ר3 of 23
H834

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

נִכְרְת֖וּ4 of 23

were cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

מֵ֣י5 of 23

the waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן6 of 23

Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

מִפְּנֵי֙7 of 23

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

אֲר֣וֹן8 of 23

the ark

H727

a box

בְּרִית9 of 23

of the covenant

H1285

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

יְהוָ֔ה10 of 23

of the LORD

H3068

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

בְּעָבְרוֹ֙11 of 23

when it passed over

H5674

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

הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן12 of 23

Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

נִכְרְת֖וּ13 of 23

were cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

מֵ֣י14 of 23

the waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן15 of 23

Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

וְ֠הָיוּ16 of 23
H1961

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

הָֽאֲבָנִ֨ים17 of 23

and these stones

H68

a stone

הָאֵ֧לֶּה18 of 23
H428

these or those

לְזִכָּר֛וֹן19 of 23

shall be for a memorial

H2146

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

לִבְנֵ֥י20 of 23

unto the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל21 of 23

of Israel

H3478

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

עַד22 of 23

for

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עוֹלָֽם׃23 of 23

ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial


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 4:7 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 4:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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