CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joshua 4:7 you are to tell them, 'The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.' Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/4-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/06_Jos_04_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 4:7 - Twelve Stones from the Jordan" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="you are to tell them, 'The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.' Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/joshua/4-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/joshua/4-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/joshua/">Joshua</a> > <a href="/joshua/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/joshua/4-6.htm" title="Joshua 4:6">◄</a> Joshua 4:7 <a href="/joshua/4-8.htm" title="Joshua 4:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/joshua/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/joshua/4.htm">New International Version</a> tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/joshua/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.” <a href="/esv/joshua/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.” <a href="/bsb/joshua/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.” <a href="/kjv/joshua/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/joshua/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.” <a href="/nasb_/joshua/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> then you shall say to them, ‘That the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.” <a href="/nasb/joshua/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> then you shall say to them, &#8216Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.&#8217 So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/joshua/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> then you shall say to them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.” <a href="/lsb/joshua/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> then you shall say to them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of Yahweh; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.” <a href="/amp/joshua/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> then you shall say to them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall become a memorial for Israel forever.” <a href="/csb/joshua/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> you should tell them, ‘The water of the Jordan was cut off in front of the ark of the LORD’s covenant. When it crossed the Jordan, the Jordan’s water was cut off.’ Therefore these stones will always be a memorial for the Israelites.” <a href="/hcsb/joshua/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> you should tell them, &#8216The waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the LORD&#8217s covenant. When it crossed the Jordan, the Jordan&#8217s waters were cut off.&#8217 Therefore these stones will always be a memorial for the Israelites.&#8221 <a href="/asv/joshua/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> then ye shall say unto them, Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of Jehovah; when it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. <a href="/erv/joshua/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> then ye shall say unto them, Because 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. <a href="/gwt/joshua/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You should answer, 'The water of the Jordan River was cut off in front of the ark of the LORD's promise. When the ark crossed the Jordan, the river stopped flowing. These stones are a permanent reminder for the people of Israel.'" <a href="/gnt/joshua/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> you will tell them that the water of the Jordan stopped flowing when the LORD's Covenant Box crossed the river. These stones will always remind the people of Israel of what happened here." <a href="/isv/joshua/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> then you'll say to them, 'Because the waters of the Jordan River were cut off in front of the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan River, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.' So these stones will become a memorial to the Israelis forever." <a href="/msb/joshua/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> you are to tell them, ?The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.? Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.? <a href="/net/joshua/4.htm">NET Bible</a> tell them how the water of the Jordan stopped flowing before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the water of the Jordan stopped flowing. These stones will be a lasting memorial for the Israelites." <a href="/nheb/joshua/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> then you shall tell them, 'Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.'" <a href="/wbt/joshua/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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 to the children of Israel for ever. <a href="/web/joshua/4.htm">World English Bible</a> then you shall tell them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of Yahweh’s covenant. When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.’” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/joshua/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> That you have said to them, Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off, at the presence of the Ark of the Covenant of YHWH; in its passing over into the Jordan the waters of the Jordan were cut off; and these stones have been for a memorial to the sons of Israel for all time.” <a href="/ylt/joshua/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> that ye have said to them, Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off, at the presence of the ark of the covenant of Jehovah; in its passing over into the Jordan were the waters of the Jordan cut off; and these stones have been for a memorial to the sons of Israel -- to the age.' <a href="/slt/joshua/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And say ye to them that the waters of Jordan were cut off from before the ark of the covenant of Jehovah; in its passing through Jordan the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones were for a remembrance to the sons of Israel even to forever.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/joshua/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> You shall answer them: The waters of the Jordan ran off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, when it passed over the same: therefore were these atones set for a monument of the children of Israel for ever. <a href="/cpdv/joshua/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> you shall respond to them: ‘The waters of the Jordan failed before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, when the ark crossed over it. For this reason, these stones were placed as a monument for the sons of Israel, even forever.’ ” <a href="/nabre/joshua/4.htm">New American Bible</a> you shall answer them, ‘The waters of the Jordan ceased to flow before the ark of the covenant of the LORD when it crossed the Jordan.’ Thus these stones are to serve as a perpetual memorial to the Israelites.” <a href="/nrsvce/joshua/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/joshua/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then you shall tell them, The waters of the Jordan were divided before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when we passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were divided; and these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel for ever. <a href="/hpbt/joshua/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Say to them: “The waters of Jordan were divided from before the ark of the covenant of LORD JEHOVAH when we crossed in the Jordan. The waters of Jordan were split and these stones are a memorial to the children of Israel for eternity”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/joshua/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> then ye shall say unto them: Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off; and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.' <a href="/sep/joshua/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> then thou mayest explain to thy son, saying, The river Jordan was dried up from before the ark of the covenant of the Lord of the whole earth, when it passed it: and these stones shall be for a memorial for you for the children of Israel for ever. <a href="/parallel/joshua/4-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=675" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/joshua/4.htm">Twelve Stones from the Jordan</a> …6to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ 7<a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wa·’ă·mar·tem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">you are to tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: mê·mê (N-mpc) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">‘The waters</a> <a href="/hebrew/3383.htm" title="3383: hay·yar·dên (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- The principal river of Pal. From yarad; a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine.">of the Jordan</a> <a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: niḵ·rə·ṯū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">were cut off</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mip·pə·nê (Prep-m:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/727.htm" title="727: ’ă·rō·wn (N-csc) -- A chest, ark. Or laron; from 'arah; a box.">the ark</a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: bə·rîṯ- (N-fsc) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">of the covenant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: bə·‘ā·ḇə·rōw (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">When it crossed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3383.htm" title="3383: bay·yar·dên (Prep-b, Art:: N-proper-fs) -- The principal river of Pal. From yarad; a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine.">the Jordan,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3383.htm" title="3383: hay·yar·dên (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- The principal river of Pal. From yarad; a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine.">the</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: mê (N-mpc) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">waters</a> <a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: niḵ·rə·ṯū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">were cut off.’</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">Therefore these</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: hā·’ă·ḇā·nîm (Art:: N-fp) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">stones</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will be</a> <a href="/hebrew/2146.htm" title="2146: lə·zik·kā·rō·wn (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Memorial, remembrance. From zakar; a memento.">a memorial</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">to the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5769.htm" title="5769: ‘ō·w·lām (N-ms) -- Long duration, antiquity, futurity. ">forever.”</a> 8Thus the Israelites did as Joshua had commanded them. They took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each tribe of Israel, just as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them to the camp, where they set them down.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/12-14.htm">Exodus 12:14</a> And this day will be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD, as a permanent statute for the generations to come. <a href="/exodus/13-9.htm">Exodus 13:9</a> It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the Law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For with a mighty hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt. <a href="/deuteronomy/6-20.htm">Deuteronomy 6:20-25</a> In the future, when your son asks, “What is the meaning of the decrees and statutes and ordinances that the LORD our God has commanded you?” / then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. / Before our eyes the LORD inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household. ... <a href="/psalms/78-4.htm">Psalm 78:4-7</a> We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed. / For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children ... <a href="/psalms/105-5.htm">Psalm 105:5</a> Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced, <a href="/psalms/111-4.htm">Psalm 111:4</a> He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate. <a href="/isaiah/63-11.htm">Isaiah 63:11-13</a> Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them, / who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown, / who led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble? <a href="/1_samuel/7-12.htm">1 Samuel 7:12</a> Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” <a href="/1_kings/18-31.htm">1 Kings 18:31-32</a> And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.” / And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. <a href="/2_kings/2-8.htm">2 Kings 2:8</a> And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground. <a href="/2_kings/2-14.htm">2 Kings 2:14</a> Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over. <a href="/matthew/26-13.htm">Matthew 26:13</a> Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” <a href="/mark/14-9.htm">Mark 14:9</a> And truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” <a href="/luke/22-19.htm">Luke 22:19</a> And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” <a href="/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18-22</a> On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?” / Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” / “This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?” ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then you 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 to the children of Israel for ever.the waters<a href="/joshua/3-13.htm">Joshua 3:13-16</a> And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap… memorial<a href="/joshua/4-6.htm">Joshua 4:6</a> 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?<a href="/exodus/12-14.htm">Exodus 12:14</a> And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.<a href="/exodus/28-12.htm">Exodus 28:12</a> And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/4-5.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/joshua/4-6.htm">Children</a> <a href="/joshua/3-17.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/joshua/3-16.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/joshua/4-5.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/joshua/4-5.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/numbers/31-54.htm">Memorial</a> <a href="/joshua/4-1.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/joshua/4-6.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/joshua/3-16.htm">Waters</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/4-9.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/joshua/4-8.htm">Children</a> <a href="/joshua/4-9.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/joshua/7-9.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/joshua/4-8.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/joshua/4-8.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-20.htm">Memorial</a> <a href="/joshua/4-10.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/joshua/4-8.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/joshua/4-18.htm">Waters</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 4</div>1. <a href="/joshua/4-1.htm">Twelve men are appointed to take twelve memorial stones from Jordan</a> 9. <a href="/joshua/4-9.htm">Twelve other stones are set up in the midst of Jordan</a> 10. <a href="/joshua/4-10.htm">The people pass over</a> 14. <a href="/joshua/4-14.htm">God magnifies Joshua</a> 15. <a href="/joshua/4-15.htm">The priests commanded to come out of Jordan</a> 20. <a href="/joshua/4-20.htm">The twelve stones are pitched in Gilgal</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>you are to tell them This phrase emphasizes the importance of oral tradition and the responsibility of passing down God's acts to future generations. In ancient Israel, storytelling was a primary means of preserving history and teaching faith. This command ensures that the miraculous event is not forgotten and highlights the role of parents and leaders in educating the next generation about God's faithfulness.‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off The cutting off of the Jordan's waters is a miraculous event that parallels the parting of the Red Sea (<a href="/exodus/14-21.htm">Exodus 14:21-22</a>). This miracle signifies God's continued presence and power among the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land. The Jordan River, typically a formidable barrier, especially during harvest season when it overflows its banks (<a href="/joshua/3-15.htm">Joshua 3:15</a>), becomes a symbol of God's ability to overcome obstacles for His people.before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. The Ark of the Covenant represents God's presence and His covenant with Israel. Its central role in this event underscores the idea that it is God who leads and provides for His people. The Ark going before the Israelites into the Jordan signifies divine leadership and protection, reminding them of God's promises and His holiness.When it crossed the Jordan, The crossing of the Jordan marks a significant transition for the Israelites, from wandering in the wilderness to entering the land promised to their ancestors. This event fulfills God's promise to Abraham (<a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">Genesis 15:18-21</a>) and serves as a tangible sign of His faithfulness. It also represents a new beginning and a call to trust in God's guidance.the waters were cut off.’ The repetition of the miracle's description emphasizes its significance and ensures that the event is clearly understood and remembered. This miraculous act serves as a testament to God's power and His ability to control nature, reinforcing the Israelites' faith in Him.Therefore these stones will be a memorial The stones taken from the Jordan and set up at Gilgal serve as a physical reminder of God's miraculous intervention. Memorials in ancient cultures were common ways to commemorate significant events. These stones are intended to provoke questions from future generations, leading to the retelling of God's mighty acts.to the Israelites forever.” The use of "forever" indicates the perpetual nature of this memorial. It is meant to be an enduring reminder of God's faithfulness and power. This concept of a lasting memorial is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as the Passover (<a href="/exodus/12-14.htm">Exodus 12:14</a>) and the Lord's Supper (<a href="/1_corinthians/11-24.htm">1 Corinthians 11:24-25</a>), which also serve as perpetual reminders of God's salvation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a> The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> The people of God, who are crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a> The body of water that the Israelites miraculously crossed on dry ground. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_ark_of_the_covenant.htm">The Ark of the Covenant</a> A sacred chest that represented the presence of God among His people. 5. <a href="/topical/m/memorial_stones.htm">Memorial Stones</a> Twelve stones taken from the Jordan River to serve as a lasting memorial of God's miraculous intervention.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_remembrance.htm">The Importance of Remembrance</a> God commands the Israelites to set up memorial stones to remember His faithfulness. In our lives, we should establish practices or symbols that remind us of God's work and faithfulness. <a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_and_power.htm">God's Presence and Power</a> The Ark of the Covenant signifies God's presence. As believers, we should be aware of God's presence in our lives and trust in His power to overcome obstacles. <a href="/topical/p/passing_down_faith.htm">Passing Down Faith</a> The memorial stones were meant to prompt questions from future generations. We should be intentional about sharing our faith accounts with others, especially the next generation. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a> The Israelites had to step into the Jordan before it parted. Our faith often requires us to take steps of obedience before we see God's provision.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 4</a> <a href="/q/what_are_stones_of_remembrance.htm">What are Stones of Remembrance?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_relics.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian relics?</a> <a href="/q/when_to_scatter_or_gather_stones.htm">When is it time to scatter or gather stones?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_it_still_called_today.htm">What is it still called today?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) The waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant.--Observe that the act is indirectly ascribed to the ark of the covenant: <a href="/commentaries/joshua/4-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>you are to tell וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֣ם (wa·’ă·mar·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say them, לָהֶ֗ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> ‘The waters מֵימֵ֤י (mê·mê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> Water, juice, urine, semen of the Jordan הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ (hay·yar·dên) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine were cut off נִכְרְת֜וּ (niḵ·rə·ṯū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant before מִפְּנֵי֙ (mip·pə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face the ark אֲר֣וֹן (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_727.htm">Strong's 727: </a> A chest, ark of the covenant בְּרִית־ (bə·rîṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> A covenant of the LORD. יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel When it crossed בְּעָבְרוֹ֙ (bə·‘ā·ḇə·rōw) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on the Jordan, בַּיַּרְדֵּ֔ן (bay·yar·dên) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine [its] הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן (hay·yar·dên) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine waters מֵ֣י (mê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> Water, juice, urine, semen were cut off.’ נִכְרְת֖וּ (niḵ·rə·ṯū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant Therefore these הָאֵ֧לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> These, those stones הָאֲבָנִ֨ים (hā·’ă·ḇā·nîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> A stone will be וְ֠הָיוּ (wə·hā·yū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be a memorial לְזִכָּר֛וֹן (lə·zik·kā·rō·wn) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2146.htm">Strong's 2146: </a> Memorial, remembrance to the Israelites לִבְנֵ֥י (liḇ·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son forever.? עוֹלָֽם׃ (‘ō·w·lām) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5769.htm">Strong's 5769: </a> Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/4-7.htm">Joshua 4:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/joshua/4-7.htm">Joshua 4:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/joshua/4-7.htm">Joshua 4:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/joshua/4-7.htm">Joshua 4:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/joshua/4-7.htm">Joshua 4:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/4-7.htm">Joshua 4:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/4-7.htm">Joshua 4:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/4-7.htm">Joshua 4:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/4-7.htm">Joshua 4:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/joshua/4-7.htm">Joshua 4:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/joshua/4-7.htm">OT History: Joshua 4:7 Then you shall tell them 'Because (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/4-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 4:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 4:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/4-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 4:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 4:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>