King James Version

What Does Joshua 4:9 Mean?

Joshua 4:9 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Joshua 4:9 · KJV


Context

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.

10

For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over.

11

And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the LORD passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Additional stones in Jordan's midst create submerged memorial, demonstrating that some testimonies to God's works remain hidden until revelation.

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
וּשְׁתֵּ֧ים1 of 19

twelve

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה2 of 19
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אֲבָנִ֗ים3 of 19

stones

H68

a stone

הֵקִ֣ים4 of 19

set up

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֮5 of 19

And Joshua

H3091

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

בְּת֣וֹךְ6 of 19

in the midst

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַיַּרְדֵּן֒7 of 19

of Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

תַּ֗חַת8 of 19
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

מַצַּב֙9 of 19

stood

H4673

a fixed spot; figuratively, an office, a military post

רַגְלֵ֣י10 of 19

in the place where the feet

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים11 of 19

of the priests

H3548

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

נֹֽשְׂאֵ֖י12 of 19

which bare

H5375

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

אֲר֣וֹן13 of 19

the ark

H727

a box

הַבְּרִ֑ית14 of 19

of the covenant

H1285

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

וַיִּ֣הְיוּ15 of 19
H1961

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

שָׁ֔ם16 of 19
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עַ֖ד17 of 19
H5704

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

הַיּ֥וֹם18 of 19

and they are there unto 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

הַזֶּֽה׃19 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


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 4:9 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 4:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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