1
וַיַּשְׁכֵּם֩ יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ בַּבֹּ֜קֶר וַיִּסְע֣וּ מֵֽהַשִּׁטִּ֗ים וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ עַד הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן ה֖וּא וְכָל בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיָּלִ֥נוּ שָׁ֖ם טֶ֥רֶם יַעֲבֹֽרוּ
Joshua rose early in the morning, and they set out from Shittim and came to the Jordan — he and all the Israelites — and they lodged there before they crossed.
Opens the chapter with a wayyiqtol chain narrating the march from Shittim to the Jordan; the final clause 'before they crossed' (טֶרֶם) creates suspense, deferring the crossing itself to later in the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיַּשְׁכֵּם֩rose earlyHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁכַם (H7925)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (opening verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the day's action opens promptlyשָׁכַם (H7925) 'to rise early, start early'; in Hiphil an idiom for prompt, purposeful action — Joshua loses no time in setting out.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subjectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'YHWH is salvation'; Moses' successor, now leading Israel through the Jordan as Moses led them through the sea.
בַּבֹּ֜קֶרin the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Temporal prepositional phraseבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'; marks the start of the day's march from Shittim.
וַיִּסְע֣וּand they set outQal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָסַע (H5265)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָסַע (H5265) 'to pull up (tent-pegs), set out, journey'; the standard verb for breaking camp on the march.
מֵֽהַשִּׁטִּ֗יםfrom Shittimprep מִן + art + N proper · הַשִּׁטִּים (H7851)Adverbial prepositional phrase (source)שִׁטִּים (H7851) 'acacias'; the Israelite camp east of the Jordan (cf. Num 25:1; 33:49), the staging point for the crossing.
וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ֙and they cameQal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; here arrival at the Jordan's edge, the goal of the day's march.
עַדtoprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase marking goalעַד (H5704) 'as far as, until'; marks the terminus of the movement, the Jordan.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ןthe Jordanart + N proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Object of preposition עַדיַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'the Jordan', from יָרַד 'to descend'; the river that becomes this chapter's central actor.
ה֖וּאheindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Appositional subject (resumptive, emphasizing Joshua)הוּא (H1931) 3ms independent pronoun; resumes יְהוֹשֻׁעַ for emphasis before the coordinated subject that follows.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated subject (construct chain head)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; in construct with בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'all the sons of Israel'.
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; here in the collective idiom בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל 'children/sons of Israel', the nation.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) the patriarch's covenant name and the nation's name; here the whole covenant community, echoing the exodus generation.
וַיָּלִ֥נוּand they lodgedQal wayyiqtol 3mp · לוּן (H3885)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלוּן (H3885) 'to lodge, spend the night'; Israel camps at the Jordan's edge before crossing, building narrative suspense.
שָׁ֖םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial locativeשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; refers back to the Jordan's bank just named.
טֶ֥רֶםbeforeadverb · טֶרֶם (H2962)Temporal adverb (subordinating: 'before')טֶרֶם (H2962) 'not yet, before'; introduces the following verb as a not-yet-realized event, deferring the crossing itself.
יַעֲבֹֽרוּthey crossedQal impf 3mp · עָבַר (H5674)Verb in temporal clause governed by טֶרֶם→ Yiqtol: imperfective, here future/modal after 'before' — the anticipated crossingעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass over'; the chapter's programmatic verb for the Jordan crossing, recurring throughout (vv. 1,4,6,11,14,16,17).
2
וַיְהִ֕י מִקְצֵ֖ה שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֑ים וַיַּעַבְר֥וּ הַשֹּׁטְרִ֖ים בְּקֶ֥רֶב הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה
And it came about, at the end of three days, that the officers went through the midst of the camp,
The formula וַיְהִי מִקְצֵה marks a jump of three days, moving from the initial encampment (v.1) to the officers' instructions that follow (vv.2-4).
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיְהִ֕יand it came aboutQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (temporal formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the stock 'and it came to pass' formulaהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, happen'; the formula וַיְהִי opens a new narrative unit after a temporal phrase.
מִקְצֵ֖הat the end ofprep מִן + N (c) sg constr · קָצֶה (H7097)Temporal prepositional phrase (construct chain)קָצֶה (H7097) 'end, extremity'; here temporal, 'at the end of three days'.
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁתthreenumeral m sg constr · שְׁלֹשָׁה (H7969)Construct chain (numeral + noun)שְׁלֹשָׁה (H7969) 'three'; construct form governing יָמִים, echoing the three-day preparation period ordered in 1:11.
יָמִ֑יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive (construct chain)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the three-day interval matches the preparation period ordered in 1:11.
וַיַּעַבְר֥וּand they went throughQal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָבַר (H5674)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass through'; here of the officers moving through the camp — the same root that will denote the Jordan-crossing itself.
הַשֹּׁטְרִ֖יםthe officersart + N m pl abs · שֹׁטֵר (H7860)Subjectשֹׁטֵר (H7860) 'officer, official'; administrative officials who relay Joshua's orders (cf. 1:10).
בְּקֶ֥רֶבthrough the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)קֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, inward part'; construct with הַמַּחֲנֶה, 'through the midst of the camp'.
הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽהthe campart + N (c) sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Genitive (object of preposition בְּקֶרֶב)מַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'; the Israelite encampment poised at the Jordan.
3
וַיְצַוּוּ֮ אֶת הָעָ֣ם לֵאמֹר֒ כִּרְאֽוֹתְכֶ֗ם אֵ֣ת אֲר֤וֹן בְּרִית יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙ הַלְוִיִּ֔ם נֹשְׂאִ֖ים אֹת֑וֹ וְאַתֶּ֗ם תִּסְעוּ֙ מִמְּק֣וֹמְכֶ֔ם וַהֲלַכְתֶּ֖ם אַחֲרָֽיו
And they commanded the people, saying, 'When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you shall set out from your place and walk after it.'
Introduces the officers' direct instructions (vv.3-4) via לֵאמֹר; the temporal protasis כִּרְאוֹתְכֶם ('when you see') makes the ark's movement the trigger for Israel's own departure.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיְצַוּוּ֮and they commandedPiel wayyiqtol 3mp · צִוָּה (H6680)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceצָוָה (H6680) 'to command'; Piel intensive/factitive — the officers issue formal orders to the people.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הָעָ֣םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct objectעַם (H5971) 'people'; the nation addressed by the officers' command.
לֵאמֹר֒sayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: introduces the quoted command as its complementאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the formulaic לֵאמֹר opens the quoted instructions that run through v.4.
כִּרְאֽוֹתְכֶ֗םwhen you seeprep כְּ + Qal inf constr + 2mp suffix · רָאָה (H7200)Temporal clause (infinitive construct, protasis)→ Infinitive: temporal 'when/as you see' — sets the triggering condition for the marchרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the sighting of the ark is the signal that triggers Israel's own departure (cf. v.4).
אֵ֣ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking the definite object אֲרוֹן בְּרִית יְהוָה that follows.
אֲר֤וֹןthe ark ofN (c) sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Construct chain (genitival, head noun)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark, chest'; here the ark of the covenant, the central object of the chapter — Israel's guide across the Jordan.
בְּרִיתthe covenant ofN f sg constr · בְּרִית (H1285)Construct chain (genitival, middle link)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the chain אֲרוֹן בְּרִית יְהוָה 'ark of the covenant of YHWH' is the full formal title used repeatedly this chapter.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain)יְהוָה (H3068) the covenant name of Israel's God; the ark bears his name and presence into the river.
אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔םyour GodN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָה (genitive)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; with 2mp suffix 'your God', personalizing the covenant relationship for the assembly.
וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙and the priestsconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Coordinated subjectכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the Levitical priests who alone may bear the ark (cf. Num 4:15).
הַלְוִיִּ֔םthe Leviticalart + gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Apposition to הַכֹּהֲנִים (specifying)לֵוִי (H3881) gentilic 'Levite'; specifies the priests as of the tribe of Levi, the ark-bearing clan.
נֹשְׂאִ֖יםcarryingQal ptc m pl abs · נָשָׂא (H5375)Substantival/attributive participle modifying the priests→ Participle: durative, characterizing action — the ongoing task of bearing the arkנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, bear'; the defining participial title of these priests throughout the chapter, נֹשְׂאֵי הָאָרוֹן 'ark-bearers'.
אֹת֑וֹitobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with pronominal suffix (resumes the ark)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, 'it', resuming אֲרוֹן as the object of נֹשְׂאִים.
וְאַתֶּ֗םand youconj וְ + independent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject (emphatic, contrastive with the priests)אַתֶּם (H859) 2mp independent pronoun; emphatic/contrastive, marking the shift from the ark-bearing priests to the people's response.
תִּסְעוּ֙you shall set outQal impf 2mp · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate verb (apodosis, volitive/future)→ Yiqtol: modal/future — the people's commanded response to seeing the arkנָסַע (H5265) 'to set out, journey'; the people's obligatory response once the ark begins to move.
מִמְּק֣וֹמְכֶ֔םfrom your placeprep מִן + N m sg constr + 2mp suffix · מָקוֹם (H4725)Adverbial prepositional phrase (source)מָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the people's current position in camp, left once the ark moves.
וַהֲלַכְתֶּ֖םand you shall walkconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · הָלַךְ (H1980)Weqatal continuing the command sequence→ Weqatal: continuation of the preceding modal/future, 'and you shall walk'הָלַךְ (H1980) 'to walk, go'; weqatal continues the instruction begun with תִּסְעוּ, describing the march that follows the ark.
אַחֲרָֽיוafter itprep אַחַר + 3ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Adverbial prepositional phrase (following the ark)אַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; with 3ms suffix referring back to the ark — the people are to follow its lead.
4
אַ֣ךְ רָח֣וֹק יִהְיֶ֗ה בֵּֽינֵיכֶם֙ ובינו וּבֵינָ֔יו כְּאַלְפַּ֥יִם אַמָּ֖ה בַּמִּדָּ֑ה אַֽל תִּקְרְב֣וּ אֵלָ֗יו לְמַ֤עַן אֲשֶׁר תֵּֽדְעוּ֙ אֶת הַדֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֵּֽלְכוּ בָ֔הּ כִּ֣י לֹ֧א עֲבַרְתֶּ֛ם בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ מִתְּמ֥וֹל שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם
Only there shall be a distance between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure — do not come near it — so that you may know the way you are to go, for you have not passed this way before.
Continues the officers' quoted speech with a restrictive clause specifying the required buffer distance; the purpose clause לְמַעַן אֲשֶׁר תֵּדְעוּ grounds the caution in Israel's total inexperience of this 'way' — the first hint of exodus-typology, an unprecedented road like the sea.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
אַ֣ךְonlyadverb/particle · אַךְ (H389)Restrictive adverb (modifying the whole clause)אַךְ (H389) 'only, surely'; restrictive particle limiting what follows — 'only keep this distance'.
רָח֣וֹקfar, distantadjective m sg abs · רָחוֹק (H7350)Predicate adjectiveרָחוֹק (H7350) 'far, distant'; predicate describing the required gap between people and ark.
יִהְיֶ֗הlet there beQal impf (juss) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (copula, jussive nuance)→ Yiqtol: modal/volitional — 'let there be' a set distanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; here functioning as copula with jussive/injunctive force, prescribing the required gap.
בֵּֽינֵיכֶם֙between youprep בֵּין + 2mp suffix · בֵּין (H996)Adverbial prepositional phraseבֵּין (H996) 'between'; marks one side of the required interval.
ובינוand between itketiv: conj וְ + prep בֵּין + 3ms suffix · בֵּין (H996)Ketiv form (textual variant of the following qere)Ketiv בֵּינוֹ, the consonantal text underlying the qere וּבֵינָיו; both mean 'and between it' (the ark) — a minor scribal spelling variant, not a substantive difference.
וּבֵינָ֔יוand between itqere: conj וְ + prep בֵּין + 3ms suffix · בֵּין (H996)Adverbial prepositional phrase (qere reading)בֵּין (H996) 'between', with 3ms suffix referring to the ark; the qere (as-read form) of the preceding ketiv ובינו.
כְּאַלְפַּ֥יִםabout two thousandprep כְּ + numeral (c) dual · אֶלֶף (H505)Adverbial accusative of measureאֶלֶף (H505) 'thousand'; dual form 'two thousand', with approximating כְּ 'about' — the prescribed buffer distance.
אַמָּ֖הcubitsN f sg abs · אַמָּה (H520)Adverbial accusative (unit of measure)אַמָּה (H520) 'cubit' (c. 45 cm); the measure unit, used collectively with the preceding numeral.
בַּמִּדָּ֑הin measureprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · מִדָּה (H4060)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner)מִדָּה (H4060) 'measure, measurement'; reinforces that the distance is fixed and measured, not vague.
אַֽלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle (prohibitive, with jussive)אַל (H408) negates a jussive/imperative, giving a specific, situational prohibition (unlike absolute לֹא).
תִּקְרְב֣וּyou shall approachQal jussive 2mp · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (prohibition with אַל)→ Jussive: prohibitive — 'do not draw near'קָרַב (H7126) 'to draw near, approach'; the specific prohibition protecting the people from the ark's holiness.
אֵלָ֗יוto itprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Object of preposition (referring to the ark)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; with 3ms suffix referring to the ark, object of the prohibition.
לְמַ֤עַןso thatprep/conj · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose conjunction introducing subordinate clauseלְמַעַן (H4616) 'in order that, so that'; introduces the purpose of the commanded distance — knowledge of the way.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative/complementizer completing לְמַעַןאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; combines with לְמַעַן as a compound purpose conjunction 'so that'.
תֵּֽדְעוּ֙you may knowQal impf 2mp · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (purpose clause)→ Yiqtol: modal — purposive 'that you may know'יָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the stated goal of the distance-keeping — experiential knowledge of the untried road ahead.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הַדֶּרֶךְ as the definite object of תֵּדְעוּ.
הַדֶּ֨רֶךְ֙the wayart + N (c) sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Direct objectדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; both the literal route and, in wisdom idiom, the unprecedented path God is opening for Israel.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (modifying הַדֶּרֶךְ)אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle introducing the clause 'which you shall go on'.
תֵּֽלְכוּyou shall goQal impf 2mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/future — the as-yet-untraveled wayהָלַךְ (H1980, cited H3212) 'to go, walk'; describes the road Israel is about to travel for the first time.
בָ֔הּon itprep בְּ + 3fs suffix · בְּAdverbial complement (referring to הַדֶּרֶךְ)בְּ 'in, on', with 3fs suffix referring back to the feminine הַדֶּרֶךְ, 'on it'.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing ground clauseכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; gives the reason for the caution — the road ahead is wholly untraveled.
לֹ֧אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (absolute negation)לֹא (H3808) absolute negative, negating עֲבַרְתֶּם: 'you have not passed'.
עֲבַרְתֶּ֛םyou have passedQal perf 2mp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (main clause, negated perfect)→ Perfective: a completed (non-)act — Israel's total inexperience of this road up to nowעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass, cross'; here of prior travel on this road (not the Jordan-crossing sense), stressing Israel's total unfamiliarity with the way ahead.
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְon the wayprep בְּ + art + N (c) sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; resumes the road just mentioned.
מִתְּמ֥וֹלbeforeprep מִן + adverb · תְּמוֹל (H8543)Temporal adverbial phrase (paired idiom)תְּמוֹל (H8543) 'yesterday'; paired with שִׁלְשׁוֹם in the fixed idiom 'heretofore, previously'.
שִׁלְשֽׁוֹםpreviouslyN m sg abs · שִׁלְשׁוֹם (H8032)Second member of temporal idiom מִתְּמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹםשִׁלְשׁוֹם (H8032) 'day before yesterday'; the fixed idiom מִתְּמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם means 'heretofore, in time past' — Israel has never traveled this road.
5
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ אֶל הָעָ֖ם הִתְקַדָּ֑שׁוּ כִּ֣י מָחָ֗ר יַעֲשֶׂ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֖ם נִפְלָאֽוֹת
And Joshua said to the people, 'Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.'
Joshua's own command, distinct from the officers' relay in vv.3-4, shifts from procedural instruction to theological anticipation — sanctification in view of YHWH's imminent 'wonders' (נִפְלָאוֹת), vocabulary that echoes the exodus plagues and Red Sea deliverance.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיֹּ֧אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Joshua's own command to the people, distinct from the officers' instructions in vv.3-4.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subjectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'YHWH is salvation'; now speaks directly, his first recorded command in the crossing narrative.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the addressee of Joshua's speech.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of preposition (addressee)עַם (H5971) 'people'; the assembled nation Joshua addresses.
הִתְקַדָּ֑שׁוּsanctify yourselvesHitpael impv 2mp · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Predicate verb (direct command, reflexive)→ Volitional: imperative — a reflexive call to ritual self-consecrationקָדַשׁ (H6942) 'to be holy, consecrate'; Hitpael reflexive 'sanctify/consecrate yourselves' — ritual preparation for encountering God's power (cf. Exod 19:10).
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing ground clauseכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; gives the reason for the sanctification command — YHWH's imminent wonders.
מָחָ֗רtomorrowN m sg abs · מָחָר (H4279)Temporal adverbial accusativeמָחָר (H4279) 'tomorrow'; sets the timeframe — the wonders will occur the next day.
יַעֲשֶׂ֧הwill doQal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (future)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — future, certain divine actionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; here of YHWH's forthcoming miraculous act.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068) the covenant name of Israel's God, subject of the coming wonder.
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֖םin your midstprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2mp suffix · קֶרֶב (H7130)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)קֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst'; God's action will occur among the people themselves, not at a distance.
נִפְלָאֽוֹתwondersNiphal ptc f pl abs · פָּלָא (H6381)Direct object (substantival participle)→ Participle: substantival, denoting extraordinary acts beyond human capacityפָּלָא (H6381) 'to be extraordinary, wonderful'; Niphal participle נִפְלָאוֹת 'wonders, marvels' — acts only God can perform, anticipating the Jordan's parting.
6
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ אֶל הַכֹּהֲנִ֣ים לֵאמֹ֔ר שְׂאוּ֙ אֶת אֲר֣וֹן הַבְּרִ֔ית וְעִבְר֖וּ לִפְנֵ֣י הָעָ֑ם וַיִּשְׂאוּ֙ אֶת אֲר֣וֹן הַבְּרִ֔ית וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ לִפְנֵ֥י הָעָֽם
And Joshua said to the priests, 'Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over ahead of the people.' So they took up the ark of the covenant and went ahead of the people.
Pairs Joshua's command to the priests (שְׂאוּ...וְעִבְרוּ) with an immediate report of their compliance (וַיִּשְׂאוּ...וַיֵּלְכוּ), a command-fulfillment pattern typical of Hebrew narrative that stresses obedience without delay.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Joshua's specific instruction to the priests.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙JoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subjectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'YHWH is salvation'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the priests as addressee.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֣יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Object of preposition (addressee)כֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; here the ark-bearers Joshua now directly commands.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: introduces the quoted commandאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; opens the direct command to the priests.
שְׂאוּ֙take upQal impv 2mp · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (direct command)→ Volitional: imperative — the command to lift and bear the arkנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry'; the priests' commanded action, initiating their role as ark-bearers for the crossing.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית as the object of שְׂאוּ.
אֲר֣וֹןthe ark ofN (c) sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Construct chain (genitival, head noun)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; in construct with הַבְּרִית, the abbreviated title 'ark of the covenant'.
הַבְּרִ֔יתthe covenantart + N f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitive (construct chain)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; completes the title אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית.
וְעִבְר֖וּand cross overconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (coordinated command)→ Volitional: imperative — command to go ahead of the people into the riverעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass over'; the priests are commanded to go ahead — a second use of the chapter's key verb.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative, 'ahead of')פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiomatic construct לִפְנֵי 'before, in front of' — the priests precede the people.
הָעָ֑םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of prepositionעַם (H5971) 'people'; those the priests will lead into the river.
וַיִּשְׂאוּ֙and they lifted upQal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָשָׂא (H5375)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (compliance)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — immediate compliance with the commandנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry'; the priests' prompt obedience, taking up the ark as commanded.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית as the object of וַיִּשְׂאוּ.
אֲר֣וֹןthe ark ofN (c) sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Construct chain (genitival, head noun)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; repeated for emphasis as the priests obey.
הַבְּרִ֔יתthe covenantart + N f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitive (construct chain)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; completes אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית.
וַיֵּלְכ֖וּand they wentQal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ (H1980, cited H3212) 'to go, walk'; the priests set out, obeying the command to go ahead.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct לִפְנֵי 'before, ahead of' the people, repeating the idiom of v.6a.
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of prepositionעַם (H5971) 'people'; closes the verse, confirming the priests now lead ahead of the nation.
7
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֗ה אָחֵל֙ גַּדֶּלְךָ֔ בְּעֵינֵ֖י כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אֲשֶׁר֙ יֵֽדְע֔וּן כִּ֗י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיִ֛יתִי עִם מֹשֶׁ֖ה אֶהְיֶ֥ה עִמָּֽךְ
And the LORD said to Joshua, 'This day I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.'
YHWH speaks directly for the first time in the chapter, explicitly comparing Joshua to Moses (כַּאֲשֶׁר הָיִיתִי עִם מֹשֶׁה); this public legitimation of Joshua's leadership is a structural hinge, preparing for the seven-nation dispossession oracle of vv.9-13.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces YHWH's direct address to Joshua.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068); God speaks directly to Joshua here, confirming and elevating his leadership.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of preposition (addressee)יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'YHWH is salvation'; the recipient of divine confirmation.
הַיּ֣וֹםthis dayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal adverbial accusative (with demonstrative)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; with הַזֶּה forms 'this day', stressing the immediacy of Joshua's exaltation.
הַזֶּ֗הthisart + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifier of הַיּוֹםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; demonstrative completing 'this day' — today, at the Jordan, not at some later time.
אָחֵל֙I will beginHiphil impf 1cs · חָלַל (H2490)Predicate verb (main clause, future)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — future, God's declared intent to actחָלַל (H2490) homonym 'to begin' vs. 'to profane'; Hiphil 'to begin, start' — God announces the start of Joshua's public exaltation.
גַּדֶּלְךָ֔to make you greatPiel inf constr + 2ms suffix · גָּדַל (H1431)Complementary infinitive (object of אָחֵל)→ Infinitive: complements the finite verb, expressing the content of the beginning actגָּדַל (H1431) 'to be/become great'; Piel factitive 'to magnify, make great' — YHWH will exalt Joshua's stature before Israel.
בְּעֵינֵ֖יin the eyes ofprep בְּ + N (c) dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Adverbial prepositional phraseעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; the idiom בְּעֵינֵי 'in the sight/estimation of' marks public, visible exaltation.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival, quantifier)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; in construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'all Israel'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the whole nation will witness Joshua's God-given authority.
אֲשֶׁר֙thatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Purpose/result clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative/purpose particle; introduces the result 'that they may know'.
יֵֽדְע֔וּןthey may knowQal impf 3mp (paragogic nun) · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (purpose/result clause)→ Yiqtol: modal — purposive, intensified by the emphatic paragogic nunיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the purpose of Joshua's exaltation — Israel's recognition that God is with him as he was with Moses.
כִּ֗יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer introducing content clauseכִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the content of what Israel will know.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רjust asprep כְּ + relative אֲשֶׁר · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'just as, according as'; sets up the explicit Moses-Joshua comparison.
הָיִ֛יתִיI wasQal perf 1cs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (comparative clause)→ Perfective: a completed past state — God's proven faithfulness to Mosesהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; God's past presence with Moses, the ground for the promise now made to Joshua.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Adverbial prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) 'with'; marks accompaniment/presence.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872); Israel's first deliverer, the pattern to which Joshua's leadership is now explicitly likened.
אֶהְיֶ֥הI will beQal impf 1cs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, divine promise)→ Yiqtol: future/promissory — God's pledge of continued presenceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the divine promise of ongoing presence with Joshua, paralleling the promise of 1:5.
עִמָּֽךְwith youprep עִם + 2ms suffix (archaic spelling) · עִם (H5973)Object of preposition (addressee, resuming יְהוֹשֻׁעַ)עִם (H5973) 'with', with 2ms suffix in the archaic-poetic form עִמָּךְ; closes the verse with personal reassurance to Joshua matching God's presence with Moses.
8
וְאַתָּ֗ה תְּצַוֶּה֙ אֶת הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים נֹשְׂאֵ֥י אֲרֽוֹן הַבְּרִ֖ית לֵאמֹ֑ר כְּבֹאֲכֶ֗ם עַד קְצֵה֙ מֵ֣י הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן בַּיַּרְדֵּ֖ן תַּעֲמֹֽדוּ
And you shall command the priests who carry the ark of the covenant, saying, 'When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.'
YHWH's speech continues from v.7 into a specific procedural instruction for Joshua to relay; the emphatic וְאַתָּה ('and you') marks a shift from promise to directive, and תַּעֲמֹדוּ 'you shall stand' anticipates the priests' stationary role in the miracle of vv.15-17.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְאַתָּ֗הand youconj וְ + independent pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject (emphatic, addressing Joshua)אַתָּה (H859) 2ms independent pronoun; emphatic, shifting from the third-person promise (v.7) to a direct command to Joshua.
תְּצַוֶּה֙you shall commandPiel impf 2ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (instruction, future)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — instructive future, God's directive to Joshuaצָוָה (H6680) 'to command'; God instructs Joshua to relay specific orders to the priests.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הַכֹּהֲנִים as the object of תְּצַוֶּה.
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Direct objectכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the addressees of Joshua's forthcoming command.
נֹשְׂאֵ֥יwho carryQal ptc m pl constr · נָשָׂא (H5375)Substantival participle in apposition (construct, 'bearers of')→ Participle: substantival, functional title 'ark-bearers'נָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry'; construct participle נֹשְׂאֵי, the recurring designation 'bearers of the ark' throughout the chapter.
אֲרֽוֹןthe ark ofN (c) sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Construct chain (genitival, object of participle)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; object of the construct participle נֹשְׂאֵי.
הַבְּרִ֖יתthe covenantart + N f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitive (construct chain)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; completes אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: introduces the quoted instructionאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; opens the specific instructions for the priests' positioning.
כְּבֹאֲכֶ֗םwhen you comeprep כְּ + Qal inf constr + 2mp suffix · בּוֹא (H935)Temporal clause (infinitive construct, protasis)→ Infinitive: temporal 'when you come/reach'בּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; marks the triggering moment — the priests' arrival at the river's edge.
עַדtoprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase marking goalעַד (H5704) 'as far as, until'; marks the terminus — the edge of the Jordan's water.
קְצֵה֙the edge ofN (c) sg constr · קָצֶה (H7097)Construct chain (genitival, object of עַד)קָצֶה (H7097) 'end, edge'; construct with מֵי הַיַּרְדֵּן, 'the edge of the Jordan's waters'.
מֵ֣יthe waters ofN m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Construct chain (genitival)מַיִם (H4325) 'water(s)'; plural noun, construct with הַיַּרְדֵּן.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ןthe Jordanart + N proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive (construct chain)יַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'the Jordan'; identifies whose waters the priests approach.
בַּיַּרְדֵּ֖ןin the Jordanprep בְּ + art + N proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)יַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'the Jordan'; locative, marking where the priests are to stand.
תַּעֲמֹֽדוּyou shall standQal impf 2mp · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate verb (main clause, command)→ Yiqtol: volitional/future — the command to take a fixed position in the riverעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; the priests' commanded posture in the river — stationary while the people cross, key to the ensuing miracle.
9
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ אֶל בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל גֹּ֣שׁוּ הֵ֔נָּה וְשִׁמְע֕וּ אֶת דִּבְרֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם
And Joshua said to the Israelites, 'Come here and hear the words of the LORD your God.'
A fresh summons (גֹּשׁוּ הֵנָּה) gathers the nation for the solemn oracle of vv.10-13; 'the words of the LORD your God' frames what follows as direct divine speech relayed through Joshua.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Joshua's address to the whole nation.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subjectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'YHWH is salvation'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; collective idiom בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל 'children of Israel'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain); object of prepositionיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the whole nation, now summoned to hear the oracle.
גֹּ֣שׁוּcome nearQal impv 2mp · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Predicate verb (direct command)→ Volitional: imperative — summons the people to draw close and listenנָגַשׁ (H5066) 'to draw near, approach'; summons the people close — ironically the opposite of the priests' near-approach warning in v.4.
הֵ֔נָּהhereadverb · הֵנָּה (H2008)Adverbial locativeהֵנָּה (H2008) 'here, hither'; the destination of the summoned approach.
וְשִׁמְע֕וּand hearconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (coordinated command)→ Volitional: imperative — command to attend to the divine wordשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen, obey'; commands attentive reception of the oracle that follows.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה as the object of וְשִׁמְעוּ.
דִּבְרֵ֖יthe words ofN m pl constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Construct chain (genitival, direct object)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing'; construct with יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, introducing the oracle that follows in vv.10-13.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain)יְהוָה (H3068); the divine speaker whose words the people are commanded to hear.
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽםyour GodN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָה (genitive)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; with 2mp suffix, personalizing the covenant relationship, as in v.3.
10
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ בְּזֹאת֙ תֵּֽדְע֔וּן כִּ֛י אֵ֥ל חַ֖י בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑ם וְהוֹרֵ֣שׁ יוֹרִ֣ישׁ מִ֠פְּנֵיכֶם אֶת הַכְּנַעֲנִ֨י וְאֶת הַחִתִּ֜י וְאֶת הַחִוִּ֗י וְאֶת הַפְּרִזִּי֙ וְאֶת הַגִּרְגָּשִׁ֔י וְהָאֱמֹרִ֖י וְהַיְבוּסִֽי
And Joshua said, 'By this you shall know that a living God is in your midst, and he will surely dispossess from before you the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Hivite, the Perizzite, the Girgashite, the Amorite, and the Jebusite.'
The heart of the oracle: 'by this' — the crossing about to happen — Israel will know a 'living God' (אֵל חַי, contra lifeless idols) is present; the emphatic infinitive-absolute construction הוֹרֵשׁ יוֹרִישׁ and the full seven-nation list (cf. Deut 7:1) ground the sign in the larger conquest promise, not the crossing alone.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the sign-oracle proper.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaN proper · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subjectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'YHWH is salvation'; relays God's word to the assembled people.
בְּזֹאת֙by thisprep בְּ + demonstrative pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Adverbial prepositional phrase (means/evidence)זֹאת (H2063) 'this'; points forward to the sign about to be given — the crossing itself as proof.
תֵּֽדְע֔וּןyou shall knowQal impf 2mp (paragogic nun) · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (main clause, emphatic)→ Yiqtol: modal/future, intensified by paragogic nun — certain future knowledgeיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; continues the chapter's epistemic theme (cf. v.4, v.7).
כִּ֛יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer introducing content clauseכִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the content of the coming knowledge.
אֵ֥לGodN m sg abs · אֵל (H410)Predicate nominativeאֵל (H410) 'God, deity'; a generic/ancient divine title, paired here with חַי to form the striking phrase 'a living God'.
חַ֖יlivingadjective m sg abs · חַי (H2416)Attributive/predicate adjective modifying אֵלחַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; אֵל חַי 'a living God' polemically contrasts Israel's God with the lifeless idols of the nations about to be dispossessed.
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑םin your midstprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2mp suffix · קֶרֶב (H7130)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)קֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst'; God's living presence is not remote but among the people, echoing v.5.
וְהוֹרֵ֣שׁand dispossessingconj וְ + Hiphil inf abs · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Infinitive absolute reinforcing the following finite verb (emphatic construction)→ Infinitive absolute: intensifies certainty — 'he will SURELY dispossess'יָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to inherit, possess'; Hiphil 'to drive out, dispossess'; paired with the finite יוֹרִישׁ in the classic infinitive-absolute-plus-finite-verb construction for emphasis.
יוֹרִ֣ישׁhe will dispossessHiphil impf 3ms · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate verb (main clause, future, intensified by preceding inf abs)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — certain, intensified divine actionיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to dispossess, drive out'; Hiphil causative; completes the emphatic construction הוֹרֵשׁ יוֹרִישׁ, 'he will surely dispossess'.
מִ֠פְּנֵיכֶםfrom before youprep מִן + N (c) pl constr + 2mp suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial prepositional phrase (source)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom מִפְּנֵיכֶם 'from before you' — the nations will be driven out ahead of Israel's advance.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking the first of the seven nation-names as direct object of יוֹרִישׁ.
הַכְּנַעֲנִ֨יthe Canaaniteart + gentilic m sg abs · כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669)Direct object (first of seven nations)כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669) 'Canaanite'; first of the traditional seven-nation list (cf. Deut 7:1) inhabiting the promised land.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the next object; אֵת marks הַחִתִּי as definite object, continuing the nation-list.
הַחִתִּ֜יthe Hittiteart + gentilic m sg abs · חִתִּי (H2850)Direct object (second of seven nations)חִתִּי (H2850) 'Hittite'; second nation of the list, descendants of Heth (Gen 10:15).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (third object)וְ joins the next object; אֵת marks הַחִוִּי as definite object.
הַחִוִּ֗יthe Hiviteart + gentilic m sg abs · חִוִּי (H2340)Direct object (third of seven nations)חִוִּי (H2340) 'Hivite'; third nation of the list, associated elsewhere with Gibeon (Josh 9:7) and Shechem.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (fourth object)וְ joins the next object; אֵת marks הַפְּרִזִּי as definite object.
הַפְּרִזִּי֙the Perizziteart + gentilic m sg abs · פְּרִזִּי (H6522)Direct object (fourth of seven nations)פְּרִזִּי (H6522) 'Perizzite'; fourth nation, possibly denoting rural/unwalled settlers rather than a strict ethnicon.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (fifth object)וְ joins the next object; אֵת marks הַגִּרְגָּשִׁי as definite object.
הַגִּרְגָּשִׁ֔יthe Girgashiteart + gentilic m sg abs · גִּרְגָּשִׁי (H1622)Direct object (fifth of seven nations)גִּרְגָּשִׁי (H1622) 'Girgashite'; fifth and least-attested nation of the list.
וְהָאֱמֹרִ֖יand the Amoriteconj וְ + art + gentilic m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Coordinated direct object (sixth of seven nations, no separate אֵת)אֱמֹרִי (H567) 'Amorite'; sixth nation, often used broadly for the pre-Israelite highland population; here lacking the repeated אֵת of the preceding items, a stylistic variation closing the list.
וְהַיְבוּסִֽיand the Jebusiteconj וְ + art + gentilic m sg abs · יְבוּסִי (H2983)Coordinated direct object (seventh and final nation)יְבוּסִי (H2983) 'Jebusite'; seventh and final nation, associated with pre-Davidic Jerusalem — the traditional seven-nation list is now complete.
11
הִנֵּה֙ אֲר֣וֹן הַבְּרִ֔ית אֲד֖וֹן כָּל הָאָ֑רֶץ עֹבֵ֥ר לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם בַּיַּרְדֵּֽן
Behold, the ark of the covenant, the Lord of all the earth, is crossing before you into the Jordan.
הִנֵּה shifts the oracle into vivid present tense — the ark's crossing is presented as already unfolding; the title 'Lord of all the earth' (אֲדוֹן כָּל הָאָרֶץ) universalizes YHWH's authority at the very moment his ark enters the river.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
הִנֵּה֙beholdparticle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (introduces vivid assertion)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; draws attention to what follows — the ark's active crossing before the people.
אֲר֣וֹןthe ark ofN (c) sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Construct chain (genitival, subject head)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; subject of the participial clause עֹבֵר... 'is crossing'.
הַבְּרִ֔יתthe covenantart + N f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitive (construct chain)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; completes אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית.
אֲד֖וֹןthe Lord ofN m sg constr · אָדוֹן (H136)Apposition to אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית (construct chain head)אָדוֹן (H136) 'lord, master'; in construct with כָּל הָאָרֶץ, forming the majestic title 'Lord of all the earth' — a universal claim for Israel's God at the moment of the crossing.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival, quantifier)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with הָאָרֶץ, 'all the earth'.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive (construct chain)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; completes the universal title אֲדוֹן כָּל הָאָרֶץ 'Lord of all the earth'.
עֹבֵ֥רis crossingQal ptc m sg abs · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate participle (present/durative main clause)→ Participle: durative, vivid present — the ark's crossing is happening before their eyesעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass over'; the participle vividly presents the ark's crossing as already underway — the chapter's key verb now applied to the ark itself.
לִפְנֵיכֶ֖םbefore youprep לְ + N (c) pl constr + 2mp suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative, 'ahead of you')פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom לִפְנֵיכֶם 'before you, ahead of you'.
בַּיַּרְדֵּֽןinto the Jordanprep בְּ + art + N proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative/directional)יַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'the Jordan'; the destination/location of the ark's crossing.
12
וְעַתָּ֗ה קְח֤וּ לָכֶם֙ שְׁנֵ֣י עָשָׂ֣ר אִ֔ישׁ מִשִּׁבְטֵ֖י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אִישׁ אֶחָ֥ד אִישׁ אֶחָ֖ד לַשָּֽׁבֶט
And now take for yourselves twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man, one man for each tribe.
עַתָּה marks a fresh directive following the oracle; the appointment of twelve tribal representatives (developed further in 4:1-8 with the memorial stones) is introduced here without explanation, creating narrative anticipation.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְעַתָּ֗הand nowconj וְ + adverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Transitional adverb (marks shift to new instruction)עַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; marks a transition from the oracle to a fresh, practical instruction — appointing the twelve men.
קְח֤וּtakeQal impv 2mp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (direct command)→ Volitional: imperative — commands the selection of representativesלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; commands the selection of twelve men, one per tribe.
לָכֶם֙for yourselvesprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְAdverbial complement (benefactive dative)לְ 'to, for', with 2mp suffix; benefactive/reflexive nuance, 'take for yourselves'.
שְׁנֵ֣יtwonumeral (c) dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Construct chain (numeral, first part of 'twelve')שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; construct dual, first element of the compound numeral 'twelve' (שְׁנֵי עָשָׂר).
עָשָׂ֣ר-teen (ten)numeral m sg abs · עָשָׂר (H6240)Second element of compound numeralעָשָׂר (H6240) 'ten'; combines with שְׁנֵי to form 'twelve' — one representative per tribe.
אִ֔ישׁmenN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object (collective/distributive with numeral)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; used distributively after the numeral, 'twelve men'.
מִשִּׁבְטֵ֖יfrom the tribes ofprep מִן + N m pl constr · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Adverbial prepositional phrase (source/partitive)שֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'tribe, rod'; partitive, specifying the twelve men are drawn from Israel's tribes.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); identifies whose tribes supply the twelve representatives.
אִישׁone manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive apposition (first of pair)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; first half of the distributive idiom אִישׁ אֶחָד אִישׁ אֶחָד 'one man, one man' = 'one each'.
אֶחָ֥דonenumeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Apposition to אִישׁ (numeral)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; qualifies the first אִישׁ, part of the distributive pairing.
אִישׁone manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive apposition (second of pair)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; second half of the distributive repetition, emphasizing 'each, individually'.
אֶחָ֖דonenumeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Apposition to אִישׁ (numeral)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; qualifies the second אִישׁ, completing the distributive idiom.
לַשָּֽׁבֶטfor the tribeprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Adverbial prepositional phrase (distributive, 'per tribe')שֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'tribe'; distributive 'for/per tribe', clarifying the one-representative-per-tribe scheme.
13
וְהָיָ֡ה כְּנ֣וֹחַ כַּפּ֣וֹת רַגְלֵ֣י הַכֹּהֲנִ֡ים נֹשְׂאֵי֩ אֲר֨וֹן יְהוָ֜ה אֲד֤וֹן כָּל הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ בְּמֵ֣י הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן מֵ֤י הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ יִכָּ֣רֵת֔וּן הַמַּ֥יִם הַיֹּרְדִ֖ים מִלְמָ֑עְלָה וְיַעַמְד֖וּ נֵ֥ד אֶחָֽד
And it shall be, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests carrying the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off — the waters flowing down from above — and they shall stand in one heap.
A single long conditional sentence explains exactly how the miracle will work — the priests' feet touching the water triggers the upstream cutoff; נֵד 'heap' deliberately echoes Exod 15:8's description of the Red Sea, making the Jordan crossing a programmatic replay of the exodus.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וְהָיָ֡הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal introducing apodosis (future narrative)→ Weqatal: continuation of future/sequential narration — 'and it will happen that'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; formulaic weqatal opening a new predicted sequence, here the parting of the waters.
כְּנ֣וֹחַas soon as restprep כְּ + Qal inf constr · נוּחַ (H5117)Temporal clause (infinitive construct, protasis)→ Infinitive: temporal, 'as soon as... rest'נוּחַ (H5117) 'to rest, settle'; the priests' feet coming to rest in the water is the trigger for the miracle.
כַּפּ֣וֹתthe soles ofN f pl constr · כַּף (H3709)Construct chain (genitival, subject of infinitive)כַּף (H3709) 'palm, sole'; construct with רַגְלֵי, 'soles of the feet'.
רַגְלֵ֣יthe feet ofN f dual constr · רֶגֶל (H7272)Construct chain (genitival)רֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; dual construct, completing 'the soles of the feet'.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֡יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Genitive (construct chain); subjectכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; whose feet touching the water triggers the parting.
נֹשְׂאֵי֩carryingQal ptc m pl constr · נָשָׂא (H5375)Substantival participle in apposition (construct, 'bearers of')→ Participle: substantival, functional titleנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to carry'; the recurring designation נֹשְׂאֵי אֲרוֹן 'ark-bearers'.
אֲר֨וֹןthe ark ofN (c) sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Construct chain (genitival, object of participle)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; object of the participle נֹשְׂאֵי.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain)יְהוָה (H3068); marks the ark as YHWH's own.
אֲד֤וֹןthe Lord ofN m sg constr · אָדוֹן (H136)Apposition (construct chain head)אָדוֹן (H136) 'lord'; repeats the title 'Lord of all the earth' from v.11, reinforcing the universal claim at the climactic moment.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival, quantifier)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with הָאָרֶץ.
הָאָ֨רֶץ֙the earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive (construct chain)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; completes אֲדוֹן כָּל הָאָרֶץ.
בְּמֵ֣יin the waters ofprep בְּ + N m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)מַיִם (H4325) 'water(s)'; construct with הַיַּרְדֵּן, locating the priests' feet.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ןthe Jordanart + N proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive (construct chain)יַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'the Jordan'.
מֵ֤יthe waters ofN m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Construct chain (genitival, subject of יִכָּרֵתוּן)מַיִם (H4325) 'water(s)'; subject of the passive verb 'shall be cut off'.
הַיַּרְדֵּן֙the Jordanart + N proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive (construct chain)יַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'the Jordan'; repeated for emphasis at the pivotal clause.
יִכָּ֣רֵת֔וּןshall be cut offNiphal impf 3mp (paragogic nun) · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb (main clause, passive future)→ Yiqtol: passive/future — the decisive severing of the water's flow, emphasized by the paragogic nunכָּרַת (H3772) 'to cut, cut off'; Niphal passive — used elsewhere of covenant-cutting but here literal, the upstream water supply severed.
הַמַּ֥יִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject (resumptive/appositional)מַיִם (H4325) 'water(s)'; resumes as subject of the following participle הַיֹּרְדִים.
הַיֹּרְדִ֖יםflowing downart + Qal ptc m pl abs · יָרַד (H3381)Attributive participle modifying הַמַּיִם→ Participle: durative, describes the ongoing downstream flow about to be interruptedיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down, descend'; participle describing the river's normal downstream flow — now about to be halted.
מִלְמָ֑עְלָהfrom aboveprep מִן + prep לְ + adverb + directional ה · מַעְלָה (H4605)Adverbial locative phraseמַעְלָה (H4605) 'above, upward'; compound preposition 'from above' — the source of the water being cut off, upstream of the crossing point.
וְיַעַמְד֖וּand they shall standconj וְ + Qal impf 3mp · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate verb (coordinated main clause, future)→ Yiqtol: future, coordinated with יִכָּרֵתוּן — the piled-up waters' new stationary stateעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; the waters, cut off from below, stand still in a heap — the same verb used of the priests standing in v.8.
נֵ֥דa heapN m sg abs · נֵד (H5067)Predicate nominative/adverbial accusative (manner)נֵד (H5067) 'heap, wall (of water)'; the identical word used of the Red Sea waters in Exod 15:8, deliberately echoing the exodus deliverance.
אֶחָֽדonenumeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Apposition to נֵדאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; qualifies נֵד, 'a single heap' — a unified, solid wall of water.
14
וַיְהִ֗י בִּנְסֹ֤עַ הָעָם֙ מֵאָ֣הֳלֵיהֶ֔ם לַעֲבֹ֖ר אֶת הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן וְהַכֹּהֲנִ֗ים נֹֽשְׂאֵ֛י הָאָר֥וֹן הַבְּרִ֖ית לִפְנֵ֥י הָעָֽם
So it was, when the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people,
וַיְהִי marks the return to narrated action after the long oracle of vv.9-13; the temporal clause בִּנְסֹעַ...לַעֲבֹר and the priests' positioning לִפְנֵי הָעָם set the stage for the crossing narrated in the following verses.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיְהִ֗יand it happenedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (temporal formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the formula opens the crossing narrative properהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; the narrative formula shifts from the oracle back to unfolding action — the actual crossing now begins.
בִּנְסֹ֤עַwhen they set outprep בְּ + Qal inf constr · נָסַע (H5265)Temporal clause (infinitive construct, protasis)→ Infinitive: temporal, 'when the people set out'נָסַע (H5265) 'to pull up (tent-pegs), set out'; marks the moment the whole camp begins moving toward the river.
הָעָם֙the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of infinitiveעַם (H5971) 'people'; subject of the temporal clause, the whole nation on the move.
מֵאָ֣הֳלֵיהֶ֔םfrom their tentsprep מִן + N m pl constr + 3mp suffix · אֹהֶל (H168)Adverbial prepositional phrase (source)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; the people's temporary dwellings, left behind as they advance to the river.
לַעֲבֹ֖רto crossprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָבַר (H5674)Purpose infinitive (complementing the movement)→ Infinitive: purposive — the goal of their setting outעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass over'; states the purpose of the departure — the Jordan crossing itself, the chapter's key verb again.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הַיַּרְדֵּן as the object of לַעֲבֹר.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ןthe Jordanart + N proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Direct objectיַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'the Jordan'; the object of the infinitive 'to cross'.
וְהַכֹּהֲנִ֗יםand the priestsconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Coordinated subject (new clause)כֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; introduces the priests' parallel action alongside the people's departure.
נֹֽשְׂאֵ֛יbearingQal ptc m pl constr · נָשָׂא (H5375)Substantival participle in apposition (construct, 'bearers of')→ Participle: substantival, functional titleנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to carry'; the recurring title נֹשְׂאֵי הָאָרוֹן 'bearers of the ark'.
הָאָר֥וֹןthe arkart + N (c) sg abs · אָרוֹן (H727)Direct object (of participle)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; object of the participle נֹשְׂאֵי.
הַבְּרִ֖יתthe covenantart + N f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Apposition/genitive to הָאָרוֹןבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; in apposition, 'the ark, the covenant' — a slightly looser construction than the usual construct chain.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct לִפְנֵי 'before, ahead of' the people.
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of prepositionעַם (H5971) 'people'; the priests take their position ahead of the nation, as commanded in v.6.
15
וּכְב֞וֹא נֹשְׂאֵ֤י הָֽאָרוֹן֙ עַד הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן וְרַגְלֵ֤י הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙ נֹשְׂאֵ֣י הָֽאָר֔וֹן נִטְבְּל֖וּ בִּקְצֵ֣ה הַמָּ֑יִם וְהַיַּרְדֵּ֗ן מָלֵא֙ עַל כָּל גְּדוֹתָ֔יו כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֥י קָצִֽיר
and as soon as the bearers of the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks all the days of harvest),
Narrates the exact fulfillment of v.13's condition — the priests' feet touching the water; the parenthetical note that the Jordan is at flood stage (מָלֵא עַל כָּל גְּדוֹתָיו, spring harvest snowmelt) heightens the miracle, since the river is at its most impassable when it is stopped.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וּכְב֞וֹאand as soon as cameconj וְ + prep כְּ + Qal inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Temporal clause (infinitive construct, protasis)→ Infinitive: temporal 'as soon as... came'בּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; marks the precise moment — the ark-bearers' arrival at the river.
נֹשְׂאֵ֤יthe bearers ofQal ptc m pl constr · נָשָׂא (H5375)Substantival participle (subject of infinitive, construct)→ Participle: substantival, functional titleנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to carry'; subject of the temporal clause, 'the ark-bearers'.
הָֽאָרוֹן֙the arkart + N (c) sg abs · אָרוֹן (H727)Direct object (of participle)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; object of נֹשְׂאֵי.
עַדtoprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase marking goalעַד (H5704) 'as far as, until'; the terminus of their arrival.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ןthe Jordanart + N proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Object of prepositionיַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'the Jordan'.
וְרַגְלֵ֤יand the feet ofconj וְ + N f dual constr · רֶגֶל (H7272)Coordinated subject (construct chain)רֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; dual construct, subject of the following verb נִטְבְּלוּ.
הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙the priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Genitive (construct chain)כֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; whose feet are the subject of the dipping.
נֹשְׂאֵ֣יbearingQal ptc m pl constr · נָשָׂא (H5375)Substantival participle in apposition→ Participle: substantival, functional titleנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to carry'; in apposition, identifying which priests — the ark-bearers.
הָֽאָר֔וֹןthe arkart + N (c) sg abs · אָרוֹן (H727)Direct object (of participle)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; object of the appositional participle.
נִטְבְּל֖וּwere dippedNiphal perf 3cp · טָבַל (H2881)Predicate verb (main clause, passive perfect)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — the moment of contact that triggers the miracleטָבַל (H2881) 'to dip, immerse'; Niphal passive — the priests' feet touch the water, the narrated fulfillment of v.13's condition.
בִּקְצֵ֣הin the edge ofprep בְּ + N (c) sg constr · קָצֶה (H7097)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)קָצֶה (H7097) 'edge, brink'; construct with הַמָּיִם, 'the edge of the water'.
הַמָּ֑יִםthe waterart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Genitive (construct chain)מַיִם (H4325) 'water(s)'; completes 'edge of the water'.
וְהַיַּרְדֵּ֗ןnow the Jordanconj וְ + art + N proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Subject (disjunctive/circumstantial clause)יַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'the Jordan'; introduces a circumstantial aside explaining the river's flood-stage condition.
מָלֵא֙was fullQal perf 3ms · מָלֵא (H4390)Predicate verb (circumstantial clause)→ Perfective: describes a standing state — the river's full, flood-stage conditionמָלֵא (H4390) 'to be full'; describes the Jordan swollen beyond its normal channel — heightening the scale of the miracle to come.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Adverbial prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, over'; marks the extent of the overflow.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival, quantifier)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with גְּדוֹתָיו.
גְּדוֹתָ֔יוits banksN f pl constr + 3ms suffix · גָּדָה (H1415)Genitive (construct chain)גָּדָה (H1415) 'bank, shore'; with 3ms suffix referring to the Jordan — the river overflows all its banks.
כֹּ֖לallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival, temporal quantifier)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with יְמֵי קָצִיר, 'all the days of harvest'.
יְמֵ֥יthe days ofN m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Construct chain (genitival)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; construct with קָצִיר.
קָצִֽירharvestN m sg abs · קָצִיר (H7105)Genitive (construct chain, temporal specification)קָצִיר (H7105) 'harvest'; identifies the season — spring harvest, when the Jordan is at flood stage from snowmelt, making the crossing all the more miraculous.
16
וַיַּעַמְד֡וּ הַמַּיִם֩ הַיֹּרְדִ֨ים מִלְמַ֜עְלָה קָ֣מוּ נֵד אֶחָ֗ד הַרְחֵ֨ק מְאֹ֜ד באדם מֵֽאָדָ֤ם הָעִיר֙ אֲשֶׁר֙ מִצַּ֣ד צָֽרְתָ֔ן וְהַיֹּרְדִ֗ים עַ֣ל יָ֧ם הָעֲרָבָ֛ה יָם הַמֶּ֖לַח תַּ֣מּוּ נִכְרָ֑תוּ וְהָעָ֥ם עָבְר֖וּ נֶ֥גֶד יְרִיחֽוֹ
the waters flowing down from above rose up in one heap, very far away at Adam, the city beside Zarethan; and those flowing down toward the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho.
The narrative climax: the upstream waters pile into a heap far off at Adam (a debated geographical crux, likely Tell ed-Damiye near the Jabbok), while the downstream flow to the Dead Sea is completely severed; only in the verse's final clause are the people themselves said to cross — the long-awaited fulfillment of the whole chapter's build-up.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
וַיַּעַמְד֡וּand they stoodQal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָמַד (H5975)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the climactic moment of the waters haltingעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; the waters stop flowing and stand still, fulfilling the prediction of v.13.
הַמַּיִם֩the watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subjectמַיִם (H4325) 'water(s)'; subject of the halting.
הַיֹּרְדִ֨יםflowing downart + Qal ptc m pl abs · יָרַד (H3381)Attributive participle modifying הַמַּיִם→ Participle: durative, describing the water's normal downstream flow, now interruptedיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down, descend'; describes the water's normal course, now stopped.
מִלְמַ֜עְלָהfrom aboveprep מִן + prep לְ + adverb + directional ה · מַעְלָה (H4605)Adverbial locative phraseמַעְלָה (H4605) 'above, upward'; identifies the upstream source of the halted water.
קָ֣מוּrose upQal perf 3cp · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause, completed act)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — the waters' rising into a heapקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, stand up'; the water rises into a heap rather than simply stopping — a visible, vertical pile.
נֵדa heapN m sg abs · נֵד (H5067)Predicate/adverbial accusative (manner)נֵד (H5067) 'heap'; repeats the Exod 15:8 term, again evoking the Red Sea.
אֶחָ֗דonenumeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Apposition to נֵדאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; a single, unified heap.
הַרְחֵ֨קvery farHiphil inf abs · רָחַק (H7368)Infinitive absolute functioning adverbially (intensifying מְאֹד)→ Infinitive absolute: adverbial, intensifies distance — 'very far away'רָחַק (H7368) 'to be far, distant'; Hiphil infinitive absolute used adverbially, 'very far off' — stresses how far upstream the water piled up.
מְאֹ֜דveryadverb · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifier (modifying הַרְחֵק)מְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; intensifies הַרְחֵק, 'very far away'.
באדםat Adamketiv: prep בְּ + N proper · אָדָם (H121)Ketiv form (textual variant of the following qere)Ketiv בְּאָדָם, spelling variant of the qere מֵאָדָם; both name the town Adam, a geographical crux — probably modern Tell ed-Damiye near the Jabbok's confluence with the Jordan.
מֵֽאָדָ֤םfrom Adamqere: prep מִן + N proper · אָדָם (H121)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative, qere reading)אָדָם (H121) 'Adam'; a town near the Jordan (cf. Tell ed-Damiye), marking how far upstream the water backed up — a notable geographical crux in the text.
הָעִיר֙the cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Apposition to Adamעִיר (H5892) 'city, town'; in apposition, identifying Adam as a town.
אֲשֶׁר֙whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (modifying הָעִיר)אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle introducing the town's location.
מִצַּ֣דbesideprep מִן + N m sg constr · צַד (H6654)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)צַד (H6654) 'side'; idiom מִצַּד 'at the side of, beside'.
צָֽרְתָ֔ןZarethanN proper · צָרְתָן (H6891)Object of prepositionצָרְתָן (H6891) 'Zarethan', a town near the Jordan whose exact location is debated — it helps geographically anchor the piled-up water far upstream.
וְהַיֹּרְדִ֗יםwhile those flowing downconj וְ + art + Qal ptc m pl abs · יָרַד (H3381)Coordinated subject/participle (new clause, contrastive)→ Participle: durative, contrasted with the halted waters upstreamיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down'; describes the remaining downstream water still flowing to the Dead Sea while the upstream water is dammed.
עַ֣לtowardprep · עַל (H5921)Adverbial prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, toward'; marks the direction of the downstream flow.
יָ֧םthe sea ofN m sg constr · יָם (H3220)Construct chain (genitival)יָם (H3220) 'sea'; construct with הָעֲרָבָה.
הָעֲרָבָ֛הthe Arabahart + N f sg abs · עֲרָבָה (H6160)Genitive (construct chain)עֲרָבָה (H6160) 'desert plain, Arabah'; the Jordan rift valley, here designating the Dead Sea by its regional name.
יָםthe sea ofN m sg constr · יָם (H3220)Apposition (further specification)יָם (H3220) 'sea'; in apposition, further specifying which sea — the next word names it explicitly.
הַמֶּ֖לַחthe saltart + N m sg abs · מֶלַח (H4417)Genitive (apposition)מֶלַח (H4417) 'salt'; יָם הַמֶּלַח 'the Salt Sea', the standard biblical name for the Dead Sea.
תַּ֣מּוּwere wholly cut offQal perf 3cp · תָּמַם (H8552)Predicate verb (main clause, completed act)→ Perfective: a completed, total act — the downstream flow's complete cessationתָּמַם (H8552) 'to be complete, finished'; here of the water's flow ending entirely — total, not partial, cessation.
נִכְרָ֑תוּwere cut offNiphal perf 3cp · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb (parallel/explicative, completed act)→ Perfective: a completed act, in synonymous parallel with תַּמּוּ — doubly emphasizing the total severanceכָּרַת (H3772) 'to cut off'; Niphal passive, paired with תַּמּוּ for emphatic parallelism — the water supply decisively and completely severed.
וְהָעָ֥םand the peopleconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject (new clause)עַם (H5971) 'people'; introduces the people's own crossing, now made possible.
עָבְר֖וּcrossedQal perf 3cp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (main clause, completed act)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — the people's actual crossing narrated at lastעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass over'; the chapter's key verb, now finally predicated of the people themselves.
נֶ֥גֶדoppositeprep · נֶגֶד (H5048)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)נֶגֶד (H5048) 'in front of, opposite'; marks the geographical point of crossing.
יְרִיחֽוֹJerichoN proper · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Object of prepositionיְרִיחוֹ (H3405) 'Jericho'; the famous city opposite the crossing point, target of the coming conquest.
17
וַיַּעַמְד֣וּ הַכֹּהֲנִ֡ים נֹ֠שְׂאֵי הָאָר֨וֹן בְּרִית יְהוָ֜ה בֶּחָֽרָבָ֛ה בְּת֥וֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן הָכֵ֑ן וְכָל יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל עֹֽבְרִים֙ בֶּחָ֣רָבָ֔ה עַ֤ד אֲשֶׁר תַּ֨מּוּ֙ כָּל הַגּ֔וֹי לַעֲבֹ֖ר אֶת הַיַּרְדֵּֽן
And the priests bearing 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 the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan.
The chapter closes on a fixed tableau: the priests standing motionless on dry ground (בֶּחָרָבָה — the Exod 14:21 word) at the river's center while the entire nation streams past on the same dry ground; the double use of חָרָבָה makes the exodus typology explicit — sea and river, Moses and Joshua, are deliberately paired as one continuous act of deliverance.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיַּעַמְד֣וּand they stoodQal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָמַד (H5975)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the tableau of the whole sceneעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; the priests take up their fixed position, the chapter's culminating image.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֡יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subjectכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; subject of the standing, further defined by the following participle.
נֹ֠שְׂאֵיbearingQal ptc m pl constr · נָשָׂא (H5375)Substantival participle in apposition→ Participle: substantival, functional titleנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to carry'; the final occurrence of the recurring ark-bearer title in this chapter.
הָאָר֨וֹןthe arkart + N (c) sg abs · אָרוֹן (H727)Direct object (of participle)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; object of נֹשְׂאֵי.
בְּרִיתthe covenant ofN f sg constr · בְּרִית (H1285)Apposition/genitive to הָאָרוֹןבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; completing the full title, 'the ark of the covenant of YHWH'.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain)יְהוָה (H3068); the ark's full title given one final time at the tableau's center.
בֶּחָֽרָבָ֛הon dry groundprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · חָרָבָה (H2724)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative, manner)חָרָבָה (H2724) 'dry ground'; the same word used of the Red Sea crossing in Exod 14:21 — an unmistakable exodus echo at the moment of the tableau.
בְּת֥וֹךְin the middle ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle'; the priests stand at the very center of the riverbed, the fixed point around which Israel crosses.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ןthe Jordanart + N proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive (construct chain)יַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'the Jordan'.
הָכֵ֑ןfirmlyHiphil inf abs · כּוּן (H3559)Infinitive absolute functioning adverbially (manner, 'firmly, steadily')→ Infinitive absolute: adverbial, intensifies the verb of standing — 'stood firm'כּוּן (H3559) 'to be firm, established'; Hiphil infinitive absolute used adverbially, describing the priests' steady, unmoving stance throughout the crossing.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated subject (construct chain head)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'all Israel'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the whole nation, now actually crossing.
עֹֽבְרִים֙were crossingQal ptc m pl abs · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate participle (durative main clause)→ Participle: durative, describing the ongoing crossing of the whole nationעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass over'; the chapter's key verb, describing the nation's sustained, ongoing crossing while the priests stand fixed.
בֶּחָ֣רָבָ֔הon dry groundprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · חָרָבָה (H2724)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative, manner)חָרָבָה (H2724) 'dry ground'; repeated for the people themselves, doubling the exodus echo — both priests and people cross on dry ground, as at the Red Sea.
עַ֤דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase (subordinating: 'until')עַד (H5704) 'until'; marks the endpoint of the standing/crossing — completion of the whole nation's passage.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative/complementizer completing עַדאֲשֶׁר (H834) combines with עַד as a compound temporal conjunction 'until'.
תַּ֨מּוּ֙finishedQal perf 3cp · תָּמַם (H8552)Predicate verb (temporal clause, completed act)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — the crossing's total completionתָּמַם (H8552) 'to be complete, finished'; the crossing continues until every last person has passed over.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival, quantifier)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with הַגּוֹי.
הַגּ֔וֹיthe nationart + N m sg abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Genitive (construct chain); subject of תַּמּוּגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation'; here of Israel itself, emphasizing its collective identity as a people at this founding moment.
לַעֲבֹ֖רcrossingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָבַר (H5674)Complementary infinitive (completing תַּמּוּ)→ Infinitive: complements the finite verb, expressing the completed actionעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; the chapter's key verb in its final occurrence, completing 'finished crossing'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הַיַּרְדֵּן as the object of לַעֲבֹר.
הַיַּרְדֵּֽןthe Jordanart + N proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Direct objectיַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'the Jordan'; the chapter's final word, closing the crossing narrative at the river that framed it from v.1.