Joshua 4:7
New International Version
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.”

New Living Translation
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.”

English Standard Version
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.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.”

New American Standard Bible
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.”

NASB 1995
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.”

NASB 1977
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.”

Legacy Standard Bible
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.”

Amplified Bible
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.”

Christian Standard Bible
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.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
you should tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the LORD’s covenant. When it crossed the Jordan, the Jordan’s waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will always be a memorial for the Israelites.”

American Standard Version
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.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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.'"

Good News Translation
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."

International Standard Version
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."

Majority Standard Bible
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.?

NET Bible
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."

New Heart English Bible
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.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
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.’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
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.”

Young's Literal Translation
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.'

Smith's Literal Translation
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.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.’ ”

New American Bible
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.”

New Revised Standard Version
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.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
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”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
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.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Twelve Stones from the Jordan
6to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ 7you 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.” 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.…

Cross References
Exodus 12:14
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.

Exodus 13:9
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.

Deuteronomy 6:20-25
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. ...

Psalm 78:4-7
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 ...

Psalm 105:5
Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced,

Psalm 111:4
He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.

Isaiah 63:11-13
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?

1 Samuel 7:12
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.”

1 Kings 18:31-32
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.

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.

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.

Matthew 26:13
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.”

Mark 14:9
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.”

Luke 22:19
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.”

John 2:18-22
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?” ...


Treasury of Scripture

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

Joshua 3:13-16
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

Joshua 4:6
That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?

Exodus 12:14
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.

Exodus 28:12
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.

Jump to Previous
Ark Children Covenant Cut Israel Jordan Memorial Passed Stones Waters
Jump to Next
Ark Children Covenant Cut Israel Jordan Memorial Passed Stones Waters
Joshua 4
1. Twelve men are appointed to take twelve memorial stones from Jordan
9. Twelve other stones are set up in the midst of Jordan
10. The people pass over
14. God magnifies Joshua
15. The priests commanded to come out of Jordan
20. The twelve stones are pitched in Gilgal














you are to tell them
This phrase emphasizes the importance of oral tradition and the transmission of faith from one generation to the next. In the Hebrew context, the act of telling or recounting is not merely about relaying information but is a sacred duty to ensure that the mighty acts of God are remembered and revered. The Hebrew word for "tell" (נָגַד, nagad) implies a declaration or making something known, often with a sense of authority and purpose. This underscores the responsibility of the Israelites to pass down their history and experiences with God to their children, ensuring that the covenant relationship with God is maintained.

that the waters of the Jordan
The Jordan River holds significant historical and spiritual symbolism in the Bible. It represents a boundary and a crossing point, a place of transition from the wilderness into the Promised Land. The mention of the "waters of the Jordan" here is a reminder of God's miraculous intervention. The Jordan River, which was a formidable barrier, was parted by God, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This miracle echoes the earlier crossing of the Red Sea, reinforcing God's power and faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "waters" (מַיִם, mayim) often symbolizes chaos and danger, which God overcomes to deliver His people.

were cut off
The phrase "were cut off" signifies a divine intervention where the natural order is suspended. The Hebrew word used here (כָּרַת, karat) can mean to cut or to make a covenant. In this context, it highlights God's sovereign power to alter creation for the sake of His people. This miraculous event serves as a testament to God's ability to remove obstacles and fulfill His promises. It also symbolizes the cutting off of the old life of wandering and the beginning of a new chapter in the Promised Land.

before the ark of the covenant of the LORD
The "ark of the covenant" is central to Israel's identity and worship. It represents God's presence among His people and His covenant with them. The ark leading the way into the Jordan signifies that it is God Himself who goes before His people, ensuring their safe passage. The Hebrew word for "ark" (אֲרוֹן, aron) is associated with a chest or container, but in this sacred context, it is the throne of God on earth. The presence of the ark in this miracle underscores the holiness and authority of God, who is faithful to His covenant promises.

When it crossed the Jordan
This phrase marks the moment of transition and fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people into the land He swore to their ancestors. The crossing of the Jordan is not just a physical act but a spiritual milestone. It signifies the end of the Israelites' wilderness journey and the beginning of their life in the land flowing with milk and honey. The act of crossing is a step of faith, trusting in God's provision and guidance. It is a reminder that God is faithful to lead His people through challenges and into His promises.

the waters of the Jordan were cut off
Reiterating the miraculous nature of the event, this phrase emphasizes the power of God to control nature. The repetition serves to reinforce the significance of the miracle and its impact on the Israelites' faith. It is a call to remember and testify to God's mighty works. The cutting off of the waters is a divine act that sets the stage for the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, demonstrating that nothing is impossible for God.

These stones are to be a memorial
The stones taken from the Jordan and set up as a memorial serve as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and power. In the Hebrew tradition, memorials are significant as they provide a physical representation of spiritual truths. The Hebrew word for "memorial" (זִכָּרוֹן, zikaron) implies remembrance and commemoration. These stones are meant to provoke questions and storytelling, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the mighty acts of God. They serve as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance and the importance of faith and obedience.

(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:



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
you are to tell
וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֣ם (wa·’ă·mar·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

them,
לָהֶ֗ם (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

‘The waters
מֵימֵ֤י (mê·mê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

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

were cut off
נִכְרְת֜וּ (niḵ·rə·ṯū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant

before
מִפְּנֵי֙ (mip·pə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the ark
אֲר֣וֹן (’ă·rō·wn)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 727: A chest, ark

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

of the LORD.
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: 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
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

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

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

waters
מֵ֣י (mê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

were cut off.’
נִכְרְת֖וּ (niḵ·rə·ṯū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant

Therefore these
הָאֵ֧לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

stones
הָאֲבָנִ֨ים (hā·’ă·ḇā·nîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 68: A stone

will be
וְ֠הָיוּ (wə·hā·yū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a memorial
לְזִכָּר֛וֹן (lə·zik·kā·rō·wn)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2146: Memorial, remembrance

to the Israelites
לִבְנֵ֥י (liḇ·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

forever.?
עוֹלָֽם׃ (‘ō·w·lām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always


Links
Joshua 4:7 NIV
Joshua 4:7 NLT
Joshua 4:7 ESV
Joshua 4:7 NASB
Joshua 4:7 KJV

Joshua 4:7 BibleApps.com
Joshua 4:7 Biblia Paralela
Joshua 4:7 Chinese Bible
Joshua 4:7 French Bible
Joshua 4:7 Catholic Bible

OT History: Joshua 4:7 Then you shall tell them 'Because (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 4:6
Top of Page
Top of Page