Joshua 3:17 The 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.

◄ Joshua 3:17 ►

New International Version
The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.

New Living Translation
Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by. They waited there until the whole nation of Israel had crossed the Jordan on dry ground.

English Standard Version
Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.

Berean Standard Bible
The 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.

King James Bible
And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.

New King James Version
Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan.

New American Standard Bible
And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan.

NASB 1995
And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan.

NASB 1977
And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of Yahweh stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground until all the nation had completed crossing the Jordan.

Amplified Bible
And while all [the people of] Israel crossed over on dry ground, the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan [riverbed], until all the nation had finished crossing over the Jordan.

Christian Standard Bible
The priests carrying the ark of the LORD’s covenant stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed on dry ground until the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The priests carrying the ark of the LORD’s covenant stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed on dry ground until the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan.

American Standard Version
And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of Jehovah stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel passed over on dry ground, until all the nation were passed clean over the Jordan.

English Revised Version
And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all Israel passed over on dry ground, until all the nation were passed clean over Jordan.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The priests who carried the ark of the LORD's promise stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan until the whole nation of Israel had crossed the Jordan River on dry ground.

Good News Translation
While the people walked across on dry ground, the priests carrying the LORD's Covenant Box stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan until all the people had crossed over.

International Standard Version
The priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan River, while all Israel crossed on dry ground until the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan River.

Majority Standard Bible
The 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.

NET Bible
The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan. All Israel crossed over on dry ground until the entire nation was on the other side.

New Heart English Bible
The priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan; and all Israel passed over on dry ground, until all the nation had passed completely over the Jordan.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the priests that bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people had passed quite over Jordan.

World English Bible
The priests who bore the ark of Yahweh’s covenant stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the nation had passed completely over the Jordan.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of YHWH stand on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan—established, and all Israel are passing over on dry ground until all the nation has completed to pass over the Jordan.

Young's Literal Translation
and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of Jehovah stand on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan -- established, and all Israel are passing over on dry ground till that all the nation hath completed to pass over the Jordan.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the priests lifting up the ark of the covenant of Jehovah will stand firm upon the dry land that in the midst of Jordan, and all Israel passing over upon the dry till all the peoples finished to pass over Jordan.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the people marched over against Jericho: and the priests that carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, stood girded upon the dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all the people passed over through the channel that was dried up.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the people advanced opposite Jericho. And the priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord were standing, fully-dressed, upon dry soil in the midst of the Jordan, and all the people passed over, through the channel that was dried up.

New American Bible
The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood on dry ground in the Jordan riverbed while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until the whole nation had completed the crossing of the Jordan.

New Revised Standard Version
While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground until all the people finished passing over the Jordan.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant of LORD JEHOVAH stood on dry land within the Jordan, and all of the house of Israel were prepared. They crossed over on dry land until all the people finished crossing the Jordan

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the priests that bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, while all Israel passed over on dry ground, until all the nation were passed clean over the Jordan.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the priests that bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry land in the midst of Jordan; and all the children of Israel went through on dry land, until all the people had completely gone over Jordan.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Crossing the Jordan
…16the 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. 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.

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Exodus 14:21-22
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.

2 Kings 2:8
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.

Psalm 114:3
The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back;

Isaiah 43:16
Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the surging waters,

Hebrews 11:29
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned.

1 Corinthians 10:1-2
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.

Exodus 15:8
At the blast of Your nostrils the waters piled up; like a wall the currents stood firm; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea.

Psalm 66:6
He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the waters on foot; there we rejoiced in Him.

Isaiah 51:10
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?

Nehemiah 9:11
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.

Psalm 77:16-20
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. ...

2 Kings 2:14
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.

John 3:14
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,

Acts 7:36
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.

Exodus 14:29
But the Israelites had walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.

Treasury of Scripture

And the priests that bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.

the priests

Joshua 3:3-6
And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it…

stood firm

Joshua 4:3
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.

2 Kings 2:8
And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

all the Israelites

Exodus 14:22,29
And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left…

Psalm 66:6
He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.

Isaiah 25:8
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.

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Joshua 3

1. Joshua come to Jordan
2. The officers instruct the people for their passage
7. The Lord encourages Joshua
9. Joshua encourages the people
14. The water of Jordan are divided

Berean Study Bible

The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD
This phrase highlights the central role of the priests and the Ark of the Covenant in Israel's journey. The Ark, a sacred chest containing the tablets of the Law, symbolizes God's presence and covenant with His people. The Hebrew word for "ark" is "aron," which signifies a chest or box, but in this context, it is a powerful symbol of divine presence. The priests, as mediators between God and the people, carry this sacred object, emphasizing their role in leading the nation spiritually and physically. Historically, the Ark was central to Israel's worship and identity, representing God's promises and His guiding presence.

stood firmly on dry ground
The phrase "stood firmly" indicates stability and assurance. The Hebrew root "amad" conveys the idea of standing or remaining steadfast. This act of standing on "dry ground" is miraculous, as the Jordan River was at flood stage (Joshua 3:15). The dry ground signifies God's supernatural intervention, reminiscent of the parting of the Red Sea. It underscores God's power to make a way where there seems to be none, providing a foundation of faith for the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land.

in the middle of the Jordan
The location "in the middle of the Jordan" is significant. It demonstrates God's control over nature, as the river's flow is halted to allow safe passage. The Jordan River, a natural barrier, becomes a path of deliverance. This central position also symbolizes God's presence in the midst of His people, providing a way through obstacles. Archaeologically, the Jordan River's geography and seasonal flooding patterns highlight the miraculous nature of this event, as such a crossing would be impossible without divine intervention.

while all Israel crossed over on dry ground
"All Israel" emphasizes the unity and collective experience of the nation. Every tribe and family participates in this miraculous crossing, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people. The phrase "crossed over" (Hebrew "abar") signifies transition and transformation, moving from the wilderness into the land of promise. The repetition of "dry ground" highlights the miracle and God's provision, ensuring safe passage for the entire nation.

until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan
This phrase underscores the completeness of God's deliverance. "The entire nation" indicates that no one was left behind, reflecting God's inclusive care and faithfulness to His covenant promises. The crossing of the Jordan marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, transitioning from wandering to possessing the land. It is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This event foreshadows the spiritual journey of believers, who, through faith, cross from death to life, from bondage to freedom, under the guidance and provision of God.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 17. - Firm. The LXX. does not translate this. The Vulgate renders accincti. The original, literally translated, means to cause to stand upright. In the midst of Jordan. That is, they stood surrounded by water, but not in midstream, which would be expressed by בְּקֶרֶב as in ver. 10, where our version has "among" (see note on Joshua 4:9). So Drusius: "In medio Jordanis; i.e., intra Jordanem. Sic Tyrus legitur sita in corde maris; i.e., intra mare nam non procul abest a continente." Clean over. The word is the same as that translated "failed" in the last note. It means completion - "till the people had entirely finished crossing." Origen thus explains, in his fourth homily on Joshua, the mystical signification of this crossing the Jordan: "Cure catechumenorum aggregatus es numero, et praeceptis Ecclesiasticis parere coepisti digressus es mare rubrum, et in deserti stationibus positus, ad audiendam Dei legem, et intuendum Mosei vulture per gloriam Domini revelatum quotidie vacas. Si vero ad mysticum baptismi veneris fontem, et consistente sacerdotali et Levitico ordine initiatus fueris venerandis illis magnificisque sacramentis quae norunt illi quos nosse fas est, hanc etiam sacerdotum ministeriis Jordane digresso terram repromissionis intratis, in qua te post Moysen suscipi Jesus, et ipse tibi efficitur novi itineris dux."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The priests
הַכֹּהֲנִ֡ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

carrying
נֹ֠שְׂאֵי (nō·śə·’ê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

the ark
הָאָר֨וֹן (hā·’ā·rō·wn)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 727: A chest, ark

of the covenant
בְּרִית־ (bə·rîṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1285: A covenant

of the LORD
יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

stood
וַיַּעַמְד֣וּ (way·ya·‘am·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

firm
הָכֵ֑ן (hā·ḵên)
Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 3559: To be erect

on dry ground
בֶּחָֽרָבָ֛ה (be·ḥā·rā·ḇāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2724: Dry ground

in the middle
בְּת֥וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

of the Jordan,
הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

while all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

crossed over
עֹֽבְרִים֙ (‘ō·ḇə·rîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

the dry ground,
בֶּחָ֣רָבָ֔ה (be·ḥā·rā·ḇāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2724: Dry ground

until
עַ֤ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the entire
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

nation
הַגּ֔וֹי (hag·gō·w)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

had crossed
לַעֲבֹ֖ר (la·‘ă·ḇōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

the Jordan.
הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃ (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

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OT History: Joshua 3:17 The priests who bore the ark (Josh. Jos)