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<!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 3:16 the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/3-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/06_Jos_03_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 3:16 - Crossing the Jordan" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. 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It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. <a href="/nlt/joshua/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> the water above that point began backing up a great distance away at a town called Adam, which is near Zarethan. And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the town of Jericho. <a href="/esv/joshua/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. <a href="/bsb/joshua/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. <a href="/kjv/joshua/3.htm">King James Bible</a> That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho. <a href="/nkjv/joshua/3.htm">New King James Version</a> that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. <a href="/nasb_/joshua/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> then the waters which were flowing down from above stood and rose up in one heap, a great distance away at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those which were flowing down toward the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho. <a href="/nasb/joshua/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> the waters which were flowing down from above stood and rose up in one heap, a great distance away at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those which were flowing down toward the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho. <a href="/nasb77/joshua/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> that the waters which were flowing down from above stood and rose up in one heap, a great distance away at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those which were flowing down toward the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho. <a href="/lsb/joshua/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> the waters which were flowing down from above stood and rose up in one heap, a great distance away at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those which were flowing down toward the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho. <a href="/amp/joshua/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> the waters which were flowing down from above stopped and rose up in one mass a great distance away at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan. Those [waters] flowing downward toward the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. So the people crossed [the river] opposite Jericho. <a href="/csb/joshua/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> and the water flowing downstream stood still, rising up in a mass that extended as far as Adam, a city next to Zarethan. The water flowing downstream into the Sea of the Arabah —the Dead Sea—was completely cut off, and the people crossed opposite Jericho. <a href="/hcsb/joshua/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> and the water flowing downstream stood still, rising up in a mass that extended as far as Adam, a city next to Zarethan. The water flowing downstream into the Sea of the Arabah (the Dead Sea) was completely cut off, and the people crossed opposite Jericho. <a href="/asv/joshua/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> that the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho. <a href="/erv/joshua/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> that the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan: and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho. <a href="/gwt/joshua/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> the water, the water stopped flowing from upstream. The water rose up like a dam as far away as the city of Adam near Zarethan. The water flowing down toward the Sea of the Plains (the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. Then the people crossed from the east side [of the Jordan River] directly opposite Jericho. <a href="/gnt/joshua/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> the water stopped flowing and piled up, far upstream at Adam, the city beside Zarethan. The flow downstream to the Dead Sea was completely cut off, and the people were able to cross over near Jericho. <a href="/isv/joshua/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> the water flowing downstream from above stood still in a single location, a great distance away at Adam, a city near Zarethan. The water that flowed south toward the sea in the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho. <a href="/msb/joshua/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. <a href="/net/joshua/3.htm">NET Bible</a> the water coming downstream toward them stopped flowing. It piled up far upstream at Adam (the city near Zarethan); there was no water at all flowing to the sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea). The people crossed the river opposite Jericho. <a href="/nheb/joshua/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> that the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people passed over right against Jericho. <a href="/wbt/joshua/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan; and those that came down towards the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho. <a href="/web/joshua/3.htm">World English Bible</a> the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people passed over near Jericho. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/joshua/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> that the waters stand; those coming down from above have risen—one heap, very far above Adam, the city which [is] at the side of Zaretan; and those going down by the Sea of the Plain (the Salt Sea), have been completely cut off; and the people have passed through opposite Jericho; <a href="/ylt/joshua/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> that the waters stand; those coming down from above have risen -- one heap, very far above Adam the city, which is at the side of Zaretan; and those going down by the sea of the plain, the Salt Sea, have been completely cut off; and the people have passed through over-against Jericho; <a href="/slt/joshua/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the waters coming down from above will stand, they rose up one heap very far off in Adam, the city which is by the side of Zaretan; and coming down upon the sea of the desert, the salt sea, they ceased, they were cut off: and the people passed through over against Jericho.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/joshua/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The waters that came down from above stood in one place, and swelling up like a mountain, were seen afar off from the city that is called Adom, to the place of Sarthan: but those that were beneath, ran down into the sea of the wilderness (which now is called the Dead Sea) until they wholly failed. <a href="/cpdv/joshua/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> the descending waters stood still in one place, and, swelling up like a mountain, they were seen from far away, from the city that is called Adam, even as far as the place of Zarethan. But those that were lower ran down into the Sea of the Wilderness, (which is now called the Dead Sea,) until they entirely passed away. <a href="/nabre/joshua/3.htm">New American Bible</a> the waters flowing from upstream halted, standing up in a single heap for a very great distance indeed, from Adam, a city in the direction of Zarethan; those flowing downstream toward the Salt Sea of the Arabah disappeared entirely. Thus the people crossed over opposite Jericho. <a href="/nrsvce/joshua/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/joshua/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> That the waters that flowed down from above piled up as though they were in sheepskins, one beside the other; and extended for a long distance from the town of Aram, that is beside Zaretan; and those that flowed down toward the sea of the plain, the Salt Sea, failed to flow, and were divided; and the people passed over opposite Jericho. <a href="/hpbt/joshua/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the waters that were running down from upstream rose up; they stood up like that in water skins, one side beside the other; they went very far from Aram the city that is on the side of Tsaretam, and that went down to the Sea of the West, the Sea of Salt. They stopped and they were divided, but the people crossed over next to Yerikho<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/joshua/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> that the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off from Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off; and the people passed over right against Jericho. <a href="/sep/joshua/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> then the waters that came down from above stopped; there stood one solid heap very far off, as far as the region of Kariathiarim, and the lower part came down to the sea of Araba, the salt sea, till it completely failed; and the people stood opposite Jericho. <a href="/parallel/joshua/3-16.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=592" 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/3.htm">Crossing the Jordan</a> …15Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, 16<a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: hay·yō·rə·ḏîm (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To come or go down, descend. ">the flowing</a> <a href="/hebrew/4605.htm" title="4605: mil·ma‘·lāh (Prep-m, Prep-l:: Adv:: 3fs) -- From alah; properly, the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: ham·ma·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">water</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: way·ya·‘am·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">stood still.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: qā·mū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">It backed up</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5067.htm" title="5067: nêḏ- (N-ms) -- A mound, wave. From nuwd in the sense of piling up; a mound, i.e. Wave."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7368.htm" title="7368: har·ḥêq (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To be or become far or distant. A primitive root; to widen, i.e. recede or remove.">as far upstream</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/121.htm" title="121: ḇå̄·ʾå̄·ḏå̄m (Prep-m:: N-proper-fs) -- The same as 'adam; Adam the name of the first man, also of a place in Palestine.">as Adam,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">a city</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/6654.htm" title="6654: miṣ·ṣaḏ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- A side. Contr. From an unused root meaning to sidle off; a side; figuratively, an adversary.">in the area</a> <a href="/hebrew/6891.htm" title="6891: ṣā·rə·ṯān (N-proper-fs) -- A city in the Jordan Valley. Perhaps for Tsredah; Tsarethan, a place in Palestine.">of Zarethan,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: wə·hay·yō·rə·ḏîm (Conj-w, Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To come or go down, descend. ">while the water flowing</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">toward</a> <a href="/hebrew/3220.htm" title="3220: yām (N-msc) -- A sea or large body of water; specifically, the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river.">the Sea</a> <a href="/hebrew/6160.htm" title="6160: hā·‘ă·rā·ḇāh (Art:: N-fs) -- From arab; a desert; especially the sterile valley of the Jordan and its continuation to the Red Sea.">of the Arabah</a> <a href="/hebrew/3220.htm" title="3220: yām- (N-msc) -- A sea or large body of water; specifically, the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river.">(the Salt Sea)</a> <a href="/hebrew/4417.htm" title="4417: ham·me·laḥ (Art:: N-ms) -- Salt. From malach; properly, powder, i.e. salt"></a> <a href="/hebrew/8552.htm" title="8552: tam·mū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive.">was completely</a> <a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: niḵ·rā·ṯū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">cut off.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: wə·hā·‘ām (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">So the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ‘ā·ḇə·rū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">crossed over</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: ne·ḡeḏ (Prep) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">opposite</a> <a href="/hebrew/3405.htm" title="3405: yə·rî·ḥōw (N-proper-fs) -- Or Yrechow; or variation Yriychoh; perhaps from yareach; its month; or else from ruwach; fragrant; Jericho or Jerecho, a place in Palestine.">Jericho.</a> 17The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan.…<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/14-21.htm">Exodus 14:21-22</a> Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left. <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="/psalms/114-3.htm">Psalm 114:3</a> The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back; <a href="/psalms/114-5.htm">Psalm 114:5</a> Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back, <a href="/isaiah/43-16.htm">Isaiah 43:16</a> Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the surging waters, <a href="/isaiah/51-10.htm">Isaiah 51:10</a> Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea for the redeemed to cross over? <a href="/isaiah/63-12.htm">Isaiah 63:12-13</a> 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="/psalms/66-6.htm">Psalm 66:6</a> He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the waters on foot; there we rejoiced in Him. <a href="/psalms/77-16.htm">Psalm 77:16-20</a> The waters saw You, O God; the waters saw You and swirled; even the depths were shaken. / The clouds poured down water; the skies resounded with thunder; Your arrows flashed back and forth. / Your thunder resounded in the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. ... <a href="/psalms/136-13.htm">Psalm 136:13-14</a> He divided the Red Sea in two His loving devotion endures forever. / and led Israel through the midst, His loving devotion endures forever. <a href="/nehemiah/9-11.htm">Nehemiah 9:11</a> You divided the sea before them, and they crossed through it on dry ground. You hurled their pursuers into the depths like a stone into raging waters. <a href="/hebrews/11-29.htm">Hebrews 11:29</a> By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-1.htm">1 Corinthians 10:1-2</a> I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. / They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. <a href="/acts/7-36.htm">Acts 7:36</a> He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness. <a href="/john/3-14.htm">John 3:14</a> Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up on an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.rose up<a href="/joshua/3-13.htm">Joshua 3:13</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.<a href="/psalms/29-10.htm">Psalm 29:10</a> The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.<a href="/psalms/77-19.htm">Psalm 77:19</a> Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.Zaretan<a href="/1_kings/4-12.htm">1 Kings 4:12</a> Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:Zartanah<a href="/1_kings/7-46.htm">1 Kings 7:46</a> In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan.Zarthan <a href="/joshua/15-2.htm">Joshua 15:2</a> And their south border was from the shore of the salt sea, from the bay that looketh southward:<a href="/genesis/14-3.htm">Genesis 14:3</a> All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.<a href="/numbers/34-3.htm">Numbers 34:3</a> Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/32-8.htm">Adam</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-30.htm">Arabah</a> <a href="/joshua/2-15.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/3-13.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/joshua/3-13.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/joshua/2-3.htm">Jericho</a> <a href="/joshua/3-4.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-3.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/joshua/1-7.htm">Right</a> <a href="/joshua/3-1.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-23.htm">Salt</a> <a href="/joshua/2-10.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-15.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/joshua/1-15.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/joshua/3-15.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/joshua/3-4.htm">Way</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-6.htm">Wholly</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-46.htm">Zaretan</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-17.htm">Zarethan</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/7-14.htm">Adam</a> <a href="/joshua/8-14.htm">Arabah</a> <a href="/joshua/6-3.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/4-7.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/joshua/7-26.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/joshua/4-13.htm">Jericho</a> <a href="/joshua/3-17.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/joshua/8-14.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/joshua/9-25.htm">Right</a> <a href="/joshua/6-12.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/joshua/12-3.htm">Salt</a> <a href="/joshua/4-23.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/joshua/3-17.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/joshua/8-18.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/joshua/4-7.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/joshua/5-4.htm">Way</a> <a href="/joshua/14-8.htm">Wholly</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-46.htm">Zaretan</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-12.htm">Zarethan</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 3</div>1. <a href="/joshua/3-1.htm">Joshua come to Jordan</a> 2. <a href="/joshua/3-2.htm">The officers instruct the people for their passage</a> 7. <a href="/joshua/3-7.htm">The Lord encourages Joshua</a> 9. <a href="/joshua/3-9.htm">Joshua encourages the people</a> 14. <a href="/joshua/3-14.htm">The water of Jordan are divided</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'; 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It signifies divine intervention, affirming God's presence with Israel as they enter the Promised Land. The stilling of the waters symbolizes God's control over chaos and His ability to provide a path where none seems possible.It backed up as far upstream as Adam The city of Adam is mentioned only here in the Bible, suggesting a significant geographical marker. The backing up of the waters to Adam, approximately 18 miles upstream, emphasizes the magnitude of the miracle. This event may symbolize a return to the beginning, as "Adam" can also mean "man," hinting at a new creation or beginning for Israel in the Promised Land.a city in the area of Zarethan Zarethan is located near the Jordan Valley, and its mention provides a specific geographical context, grounding the miracle in a real location. This detail underscores the historical reliability of the biblical narrative. Zarethan is also mentioned in <a href="/1_kings/4-12.htm">1 Kings 4:12</a> and <a href="/1_kings/7-46.htm">1 Kings 7:46</a>, indicating its significance in Israel's history.while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off The Sea of the Arabah, also known as the Dead Sea, is the lowest point on earth. The complete cutting off of water signifies total divine control, ensuring safe passage for the Israelites. This act of God mirrors the separation of the Red Sea, reinforcing the theme of deliverance and God's faithfulness to His promises.So the people crossed over opposite Jericho Jericho, a fortified city, represents the first major challenge in the conquest of Canaan. The crossing opposite Jericho signifies a strategic and divinely orchestrated entry into the land. This crossing prefigures the victory over Jericho in <a href="/joshua/6.htm">Joshua 6</a>, highlighting God's role in Israel's military successes. The crossing is a type of baptism, symbolizing purification and preparation for the battles ahead, much like Jesus' baptism marked the beginning of His ministry.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a> The leader of the Israelites, who succeeded Moses and led the people 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 river that the Israelites miraculously crossed on dry ground. 4. <a href="/topical/a/adam.htm">Adam</a> A city near Zarethan, where the waters of the Jordan were stopped. 5. <a href="/topical/z/zarethan.htm">Zarethan</a> A location near the city of Adam, mentioned as a geographical marker. 6. <a href="/topical/t/the_sea_of_the_arabah.htm">The Sea of the Arabah (Salt Sea)</a> Also known as the Dead Sea, where the waters of the Jordan were flowing before being cut off. 7. <a href="/topical/j/jericho.htm">Jericho</a> The city opposite the crossing point, which would be the first conquest in the Promised Land.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nature.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nature</a> The stopping of the Jordan River demonstrates God's control over creation. We can trust God to intervene in our lives in miraculous ways. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_obedience.htm">Faith and Obedience</a> The Israelites had to step into the river before it parted. Our faith often requires us to take steps of obedience before we see God's provision. <a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_to_his_promises.htm">God's Faithfulness to His Promises</a> The crossing of the Jordan was a fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land. We can rely on God's promises in our own lives. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_spiritual_battles.htm">Preparation for Spiritual Battles</a> Just as the Israelites prepared to conquer Jericho after crossing the Jordan, we must prepare spiritually for the challenges we face. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_leadership.htm">Community and Leadership</a> Joshua's leadership and the unity of the Israelites were crucial. In our communities, strong leadership and unity are essential for overcoming obstacles.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 3</a> <a href="/q/why_isn't_joshua_3's_miracle_in_other_texts.htm">Why does a miracle of this scale in Joshua 3 seem unmentioned in other historical or nearby cultures' writings? </a> <a href="/q/define_apostolic_action..htm">What is Jericho's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_joshua_3_15's_timing_seem_miraculous.htm">How can the timing of the harvest season in Joshua 3:15 align with a miraculous event instead of a known seasonal change in the river’s flow? </a> <a href="/q/is_'adam'_in_hosea_6_7_an_anachronism.htm">In Hosea 6:7, is the reference to “Adam” a historical anachronism, and can it be confirmed or disproven archeologically? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) Very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan.--The written text is "in Adam," but the Masorites read it "from Adam." The reading makes no difference to the literal fact. The two prepositions, in and from, express the same thought. The heap of water stood up as it were in Adam. From Adam to the place where Israel crossed, the river-bed was dry--the heap was as far away as Adam, but as it was not actually in the city, the word in was most likely altered to from. The more difficult reading, in, may very possibly be the best. For Zaretan see <a href="/1_kings/4-12.htm" title="Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even to the place that is beyond Jokneam:">1Kings 4:12</a>; <a href="/1_kings/7-46.htm" title="In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan.">1Kings 7:46</a>. Adam, as the name of a city, does not occur elsewhere. The meaning of the fact has been well pointed out by Bishop Wordsworth on this place. Zaretan was beneath Jezreel, but has not been identified. Adam has been thought to be at the ford Damieh, thirty miles away.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - Stood and rose up upon a heap. Literally, "stood - they rose up, one heap." The narrative assumes a poetic form here (cf. <a href="/exodus/15-8.htm">Exodus 15:8, 9</a>; <a href="/judges/5-27.htm">Judges 5:27</a>). Very far from the city Adam. The Masorites have corrected the text here. The original text has בְאָדָם for which the suggested Keri is מֵאָדָס. But the correction is needless. It is better to render, "they rose up, one heap, very far off, at the city Adam." The city Adam is nowhere else mentioned in Scripture, The LXX. appears to have read מְאֹד מְאֹד instead of מְאֹד מֵאָדָס, for it translates σφόδρα σφοδρῶς. This reading of the LXX. shows that the correction, though it obscures the sense, is of great antiquity, and that the site of Adam was then quite unknown. Knobel would place it either just south of the Jabbok, where the ford Damieh now exists, or at Eduma, now Daumeh, twelve German miles east of Neapolis. The former is generally accepted now, and Conder ('Handbook,' p. 241) identifies it with Admah (see <a href="/genesis/14-2.htm">Genesis 14:2</a>), in the plain or ciccar of Jordan. That is beside Zaretan. Called Zarthan in the original (cf. <a href="/1_kings/4-12.htm">1 Kings 4:12</a>; <a href="/1_kings/7-46.htm">1 Kings 7:46</a>), and Zeredatha, in <a href="/2_chronicles/4-17.htm">2 Chronicles 4:17</a>. Some read Zeredatha for Zererath in <a href="/judges/7-22.htm">Judges 7:22</a>. Knobel supposes, and not without some probability, that Zereda, Jeroboam's birthplace, is the same as this. It was in the plain of Jordan, not far from Succoth, at the mouth of the Jabbok. The LXX. here reads Καριαθιαρείμ, i.e., either Kiriathaim or Kirjath-jearim, but without authority. Delitzsch and Knobel suppose the spot to be Kurn, or Karn (i.e., horn) Sartabeh, near the ford Damieh, where the Jordan valley is at its narrowest, and the rocks stretch forward so as almost to meet. They fix on this spot, partly from the suitability of the situation for such an arresting of the waters, partly from its agreement with the situation of Zarthan, as described in the Scriptures. Vandevelde agrees with them. There was an Adami and a Zartanath higher up the river near Bethshean, which some have supposed to be meant (see Joshua 19:83; <a href="/1_kings/4-12.htm">1 Kings 4:12</a>), but these lay entirely out of Joshua's line of march. The sea of the plain. Rather the sea of the עֲרָבָה (θάλασσαν Αραβα, LXX.), or desert (so <a href="/deuteronomy/3-17.htm">Deuteronomy 3:17</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/4-49.htm">Deuteronomy 4:49</a>; <a href="/2_kings/14-25.htm">2 Kings 14:25</a>; see also <a href="/deuteronomy/1-1.htm">Deuteronomy 1:1</a>). The term is applied by the Hebrews and Arabs to any sterile region, and thence to the sterile depression which borders on the Jordan, extending from the lake of Tiberias southward. The Arabs now apply the term el ghor to the part between Tiberias and the Dead Sea, and reserve the term Arabah for the desert valley, or wady, which extends thence to the Red Sea. So Gesen., 'Thesaurus,' s.v.; and Robinson, 'Bibl. Res.' The word translated plain in <a href="/genesis/13-10.htm">Genesis 13:10</a> is כִּכַּר, a word of very different signification (see also 'Shephelah' and 'Emek,' <a href="/joshua/10-40.htm">Joshua 10:40</a>; <a href="/joshua/11-2.htm">Joshua 11:2</a>). The salt sea. This sea is called the Dead Sea from the immobility of its waters, as well as from the apparent absence of all life within them. "Some of our party," says Canon Tristram," employed themselves in searching, but without avail, for life in the Dead Sea." It lies at a level of more than 1,300 feet below the level of the Mediterranean. Its waters are thus described by Dr. Thomson: "The water is perfectly clear and transparent. The taste is bitter and salt, far beyond that of the ocean. It acts upon the tongue and mouth like alum; smarts in the eye like camphor; produces a burning, pricking sensation." The specific gravity of its waters is very great, and bathers find a great difficulty in swimming in it from the unusual buoyancy of the water. This is caused by the very large quantity of saline matter held in solution from the salt hills in the neighbourhood. One of them, Jebel Usdum, is described by Canon Tristram as "a solid mass of rock salt," and the water in its vicinity as "syrup of chloride of sodium," that is to say, of common salt. So also Bartlett, 'Egypt and Palestine,' p. 451. The statement that no bird can fly across its waters is a fable. The fullest account of the various attempts - some of them fatal - to explore the Dead Sea are to be found in Ritter's 'Geography of Palestine,' vol. 3. Canon Tristram explored the western side thoroughly, while Mr. Macgregor's canoe voyage, described in his 'Rob Roy on the Jordan,' gives a number of most interesting details. In Ritter's work will also be found some valuable observations on the physical geography of the district, on the geological formation of the basin of the Dead Sea, together with two papers, one by M. Terreil and the other by M. Lartet, on the chemical composition of the Dead Sea waters. Failed and were cut off. Literally, were completed, were cut off, i.e., were completely cut off, so that the supply of water failed, and the channel of the Jordan to the southward, and to the northward as far as Zaretan, became dry ground (see also <a href="/psalms/114-3.htm">Psalm 114:3</a>). <a href="/commentaries/joshua/3-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>the flowing הַיֹּרְדִ֨ים (hay·yō·rə·ḏîm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend water הַמַּיִם֩ (ham·ma·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> Water, juice, urine, semen stood still. וַיַּעַמְד֡וּ (way·ya·‘am·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> To stand, in various relations It backed up קָ֣מוּ (qā·mū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand as far upstream הַרְחֵ֨ק (har·ḥêq) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7368.htm">Strong's 7368: </a> To be or become far or distant as Adam, מֵֽאָדָ֤ם (mê·’ā·ḏām) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_121.htm">Strong's 121: </a> Adam -- the first man, also a city in the Jordan Valley a city הָעִיר֙ (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement in the area מִצַּ֣ד (miṣ·ṣaḏ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6654.htm">Strong's 6654: </a> A side, an adversary of Zarethan, צָֽרְתָ֔ן (ṣā·rə·ṯān) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6891.htm">Strong's 6891: </a> Zarethan -- a city in the Jordan Valley while the water flowing וְהַיֹּרְדִ֗ים (wə·hay·yō·rə·ḏîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend toward עַ֣ל (‘al) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the Sea יָ֧ם (yām) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3220.htm">Strong's 3220: </a> A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin of the Arabah הָעֲרָבָ֛ה (hā·‘ă·rā·ḇāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6160.htm">Strong's 6160: </a> Arabah -- a steppe or desert plain, also a desert valley running south from the Sea of Galilee (the Salt Sea) יָם־ (yām-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3220.htm">Strong's 3220: </a> A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin was completely תַּ֣מּוּ (tam·mū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8552.htm">Strong's 8552: </a> To be complete or finished cut off. נִכְרָ֑תוּ (niḵ·rā·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 So the people וְהָעָ֥ם (wə·hā·‘ām) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock crossed over עָבְר֖וּ (‘ā·ḇə·rū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on opposite נֶ֥גֶד (ne·ḡeḏ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before Jericho. יְרִיחֽוֹ׃ (yə·rî·ḥōw) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3405.htm">Strong's 3405: </a> Jericho -- a city in the Jordan Valley captured by Joshua <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/3-16.htm">Joshua 3:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/joshua/3-16.htm">Joshua 3:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/joshua/3-16.htm">Joshua 3:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/joshua/3-16.htm">Joshua 3:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/joshua/3-16.htm">Joshua 3:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/3-16.htm">Joshua 3:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/3-16.htm">Joshua 3:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/3-16.htm">Joshua 3:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/3-16.htm">Joshua 3:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/joshua/3-16.htm">Joshua 3:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/joshua/3-16.htm">OT History: Joshua 3:16 That the waters which came down (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/3-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 3:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 3:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/3-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 3:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 3:17" /></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>