Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Joshua, Chapter 4יהושע 4

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Twelve stones from the Jordan's bed form the Gilgal memorial, matched by a second set fixed within the river — a double witness prompting the question, 'What are these stones?' YHWH magnifies Joshua before Israel, and the flood returns the moment the priests clear the ford, so every nation may know YHWH's hand is mighty, and Israel may fear him always.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew text of Joshua 4 is well preserved in the Leningrad Codex tradition followed by OSHB/WLC. Its chief textual feature is the Kethiv-Qere pair at v.18: בעלות (Kethiv, unpointed) against כַּעֲלוֹת (Qere) — both meaning 'when they came up,' a formal rather than substantive variant. The larger interpretive crux is narrative, not textual: the chapter reports two distinct sets of twelve stones — one erected within the riverbed itself, at the exact place where the priests' feet had stood (v.9, sealed with the עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה, 'to this day,' formula), and a second erected at Gilgal from stones carried out of the river (vv.3, 8, 20). Source critics have sometimes read vv.9 and 20 as two originally separate etiological traditions for a single monument, later combined; the MT as it stands presents both without contradiction, as complementary witnesses — one submerged and permanent, the other visible and didactic. The LXX follows the MT's outline closely, though it compresses some of the repetitive command-and-fulfillment doubling typical of the Hebrew (vv.2-3 against 4-8). Throughout, the chapter deliberately echoes exodus vocabulary — חָרָבָה 'dry ground,' יָבֵשׁ 'dried up,' and יַד...חֲזָקָה 'mighty hand' — binding the Jordan crossing typologically to the Reed Sea deliverance.

1

וַיְהִי֙ כַּאֲשֶׁר תַּ֣מּוּ כָל הַגּ֔וֹי לַעֲב֖וֹר אֶת הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ לֵאמֹֽר

And it happened, when the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, that YHWH said to Joshua, saying:

Temporal frame opening a new narrative unitוַיְהִי
The formulaic וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר clause marks the completion of the crossing (3:14-17) as the hinge for a new divine word; YHWH's command to Joshua in vv. 2-3 launches the twelve-stones episode that structures the whole chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיְהִי֙and it happenedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (temporal frame formula וַיְהִי)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the standard formula opening a temporal clauseהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, happen'; the formulaic וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר introduces a temporal clause before the chapter's main action.
כַּאֲשֶׁרwhenprep כְּ + relative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating conjunction (temporal, introduces the כַּאֲשֶׁר-clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle; with prefixed כְּ it forms the temporal conjunction 'when, as soon as'.
תַּ֣מּוּhad finishedQal perf 3cp · תָּמַם (H8552)Predicate verb of the temporal (כַּאֲשֶׁר) clause→ Perfective: an antecedent, completed act — the crossing was finished before what followsתָּמַם (H8552) 'to be complete, finished, come to an end'; here of the nation's crossing reaching its completion.
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing הַגּוֹי (part of the subject of תַּמּוּ)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole, every'; construct before הַגּוֹי, 'all the nation'.
הַגּ֔וֹיthe nationart + N m sg abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Subject of תַּמּוּגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation, people'; here the whole covenant people, a collective singular construed with the plural verb תַּמּוּ.
לַעֲב֖וֹרto crossprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָבַר (H5674)Complementary infinitive completing תַּמּוּ→ Infinitive: names the action just completed — 'finished crossing'עָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass over'; the chapter's key verb, used repeatedly of the Jordan crossing.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of לַעֲבוֹר)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הַיַּרְדֵּן as the definite direct object of the crossing.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Direct object of לַעֲבוֹריַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'Jordan', probably from יָרַד 'to descend'; the river crossed in chs. 3-4, the chapter's central geographic referent.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main-clause predicate)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the main line resumes after the temporal clauseאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces YHWH's direct speech, which structures the rest of the chapter.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; the divine speaker who initiates the stone-memorial command.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Joshua as the recipient of YHWH's word.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of the preposition אֶליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'YHWH is salvation'; Moses' successor and Israel's commander through the conquest.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Quotation formula introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: the stereotyped 'saying' formula opening reported speechאָמַר (H559); the infinitive לֵאמֹר conventionally opens direct discourse, here YHWH's instructions in vv. 2-3.
2

קְח֤וּ לָכֶם֙ מִן הָעָ֔ם שְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָׂ֖ר אֲנָשִׁ֑ים אִישׁ אֶחָ֥ד אִישׁ אֶחָ֖ד מִשָּֽׁבֶט

"Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man, one man from each tribe,

Imperative command opening YHWH's instruction to Joshuaasyndeton
The first half of YHWH's two-part command: select twelve tribal representatives in preparation for the stone-memorial action detailed in v. 3; the repeated אִישׁ אֶחָד idiom stresses strict one-per-tribe distribution.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
קְח֤וּtakeQal impv 2mp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause of YHWH's command)→ Volitional: a direct imperative commandלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, seize, select'; here of choosing the twelve representative men.
לָכֶם֙for yourselvesprep לְ + 2mp suffixDative of interest with the imperativeלְ + כֶם; the reflexive/ethical dative reinforcing the command's personal address to Joshua and the people.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase of sourceמִן (H4480) 'from, out of'; marks the people as the pool from which the twelve are drawn.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of the preposition מִןעַם (H5971) 'people, nation'; Israel as the collective body from which the twelve are drawn.
שְׁנֵ֥יםtwonum m dual abs · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral, first element of the compound 'twelve' (שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; joined with עָשָׂר to form the compound numeral 'twelve'.
עָשָׂ֖ר-teennum m sg abs · עָשָׂר (H6240)Second element of the compound numeral 'twelve'עָשָׂר (H6240) '-teen'; postposed to שְׁנַיִם to yield 'twelve' — one man per tribe.
אֲנָשִׁ֑יםmenN m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object of קְחוּאִישׁ (H376), pl. אֲנָשִׁים 'men'; the twelve tribal representatives to be chosen.
אִישׁone manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive apposition to אֲנָשִׁים (first of the repeated 'man...man' pattern)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the repeated אִישׁ אֶחָד ... אִישׁ אֶחָד expresses strict distribution, one per tribe.
אֶחָ֥דonenum m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Numeral modifying אִישׁ (distributive: 'one man')אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; with אִישׁ forms the distributive idiom 'each one man'.
אִישׁone manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Second element of the distributive repetitionאִישׁ (H376); the repetition marks per-tribe distribution, cf. the census formula of Num 1:4.
אֶחָ֖דonenum m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Numeral modifying the second אִישׁאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; completes the distributive phrase 'one man, one man'.
מִשָּֽׁבֶטfrom a tribeprep מִן + N m sg abs · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Prepositional phrase of source, distributive ('from each tribe')שֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'tribe, rod'; מִן + indefinite שֵׁבֶט yields the distributive sense 'from each/every tribe'.
3

וְצַוּ֣וּ אוֹתָם֮ לֵאמֹר֒ שְׂאֽוּ לָכֶ֨ם מִזֶּ֜ה מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּ֗ן מִמַּצַּב֙ רַגְלֵ֣י הַכֹּהֲנִ֔ים הָכִ֖ין שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה אֲבָנִ֑ים וְהַעֲבַרְתֶּ֤ם אוֹתָם֙ עִמָּכֶ֔ם וְהִנַּחְתֶּ֣ם אוֹתָ֔ם בַּמָּל֕וֹן אֲשֶׁר תָּלִ֥ינוּ ב֖וֹ הַלָּֽיְלָה

and command them, saying, 'Take up for yourselves from here, from the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests' feet stood, twelve stones, firmly set, and carry them over with you and set them down in the lodging place where you will lodge tonight.'"

Imperative continuing YHWH's speech (coordinate with v. 2)asyndeton
The second half of the command specifies the exact stone-taking action: from beneath the priests' feet, in the Jordan's midst, carried to the night's camp — the physical core of the memorial-building act that vv. 4-8 narrate as executed.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
וְצַוּ֣וּand commandwaw + Piel impv 2mp · צִוָּה (H6680)Imperative continuing YHWH's command sequence (coordinate with קְחוּ)→ Volitional: a further directive actצָוָה (H6680) 'to command, charge'; Joshua is to relay YHWH's instruction to the twelve chosen men.
אוֹתָם֮themobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker + suffix (object of וְצַוּוּ)אֵת (H853) + suffix; marks 'the twelve men' as the object of the command.
לֵאמֹר֒sayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Quotation formula introducing the content of the command→ Infinitive: the stereotyped 'saying' formula opening reported speechאָמַר (H559); introduces the direct quotation of what the twelve men are to do.
שְׂאֽוּtake upQal impv 2mp · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause of the quoted command)→ Volitional: a direct imperativeנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, bear'; here of hoisting a stone onto the shoulder, the chapter's central physical act.
לָכֶ֨םfor yourselvesprep לְ + 2mp suffixDative of interest with the imperativeלְ + כֶם; reflexive dative reinforcing the personal command to each man.
מִזֶּ֜הfrom hereprep מִן + demonstrative · זֶה (H2088)Adverbial prepositional phrase of source, specified by the following מִתּוֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּןזֶה (H2088) 'this'; with מִן, 'from this (place)', anticipating the precise location given next.
מִתּ֣וֹךְfrom the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phrase specifying source, in apposition to מִזֶּהתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle'; construct before הַיַּרְדֵּן, 'from the middle of the Jordan' — the riverbed itself.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֗ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive complement of the construct מִתּוֹךְיַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'Jordan'; the riverbed as the precise source of the stones.
מִמַּצַּב֙from the standing place ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · מַצָּב (H4673)Further specification of the stones' exact location, in appositionמַצָּב (H4673) 'standing place, station', from נָצַב 'to stand'; pinpoints the exact spot beneath the priests' feet.
רַגְלֵ֣יthe feet ofN f dual constr · רֶגֶל (H7272)Construct chain (genitival), governing הַכֹּהֲנִיםרֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; dual construct, 'the (two) feet of the priests'.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֔יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Genitive of the construct chain רַגְלֵי הַכֹּהֲנִיםכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the Levitical priests bearing the ark, whose feet mark the exact spot (cf. 3:13, 17).
הָכִ֖יןfirmly setHiphil inf abs · כּוּן (H3559)Infinitive absolute used adverbially, qualifying how the stones are to be taken→ Infinitive absolute: intensifies/qualifies the action — the stones are to be firmly, securely taken upכּוּן (H3559) 'to be firm, established'; Hiphil 'to prepare, set firmly' — an adverbial infinitive absolute modifying שְׂאוּ, 'take up... firmly'.
שְׁתֵּיםtwonum f dual abs · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Numeral, first element of the compound 'twelve' (שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה)שְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two' (fem.); combined with עֶשְׂרֵה for 'twelve', agreeing with feminine אֲבָנִים.
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה-teennum f sg abs · עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240)Second element of the compound numeral 'twelve'עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240) '-teen' (fem. form); completes 'twelve' modifying אֲבָנִים.
אֲבָנִ֑יםstonesN f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct object of שְׂאוּאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; the chapter's controlling image — twelve stones as a tribal memorial.
וְהַעֲבַרְתֶּ֤םand you shall carry overwaw-consec + Hiphil weqatal 2mp · עָבַר (H5674)Weqatal continuing the imperative sequence (equivalent force to a command)→ Weqatal: sequential, consequential instruction — 'and (then) you shall carry across'עָבַר (H5674) Hiphil 'to cause to cross, carry over'; the stones are to be transported with the people to the far bank.
אוֹתָם֙themobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker + suffix (object of וְהַעֲבַרְתֶּם, referring to the stones)אֵת (H853) + suffix; refers back to the twelve stones.
עִמָּכֶ֔םwith youprep עִם + 2mp suffixAdverbial prepositional phrase of accompanimentעִם (H5973) 'with'; the stones travel together with the people to the night's encampment.
וְהִנַּחְתֶּ֣םand you shall set downwaw-consec + Hiphil weqatal 2mp · יָנַח / נוּחַ (H3240)Weqatal continuing the sequence of instructions→ Weqatal: sequential instruction — 'and you shall lay them down'יָנַח (H3240) Hiphil 'to set down, deposit, cause to rest'; the stones are deliberately deposited at the lodging place.
אוֹתָ֔םthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker + suffix (object of וְהִנַּחְתֶּם)אֵת (H853) + suffix; again refers to the twelve stones.
בַּמָּל֕וֹןin the lodging placeprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מָלוֹן (H4411)Adverbial prepositional phrase of locationמָלוֹן (H4411) 'lodging place, encampment', from לוּן 'to spend the night'; identified in vv. 19-20 as Gilgal.
אֲשֶׁרwhererelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying בַּמָּלוֹןאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the relative clause specifying the lodging place as where they will spend the night.
תָּלִ֥ינוּyou will lodgeQal impf 2mp · לוּן (H3885)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Imperfect: a future/prospective act — the night still to comeלוּן / לִין (H3885) 'to lodge, spend the night'; anticipates the first encampment after the crossing.
ב֖וֹin itprep בְּ + 3ms suffixResumptive prepositional phrase, referring back to בַּמָּלוֹן within the relative clauseבְּ + הוּא; resumes 'the lodging place' as the location of the night's stay.
הַלָּֽיְלָהthe night, tonightart + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Adverbial accusative of timeלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; the article gives it demonstrative-temporal force, 'that/this night' = 'tonight'.
4

וַיִּקְרָ֣א יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ אֶל שְׁנֵ֤ים הֶֽעָשָׂר֙ אִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הֵכִ֖ין מִבְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אִישׁ אֶחָ֥ד אִישׁ אֶחָ֖ד מִשָּֽׁבֶט

Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the sons of Israel, one man, one man from each tribe,

Narrative main line — Joshua's compliance beginsוַיִּקְרָא
Joshua acts immediately on YHWH's word: he summons the twelve already appointed (cf. 3:12), restating the one-per-tribe criterion verbatim from v. 2 to underline exact obedience.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיִּקְרָ֣אand calledwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main-clause predicate)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Joshua now executes YHWH's commandקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, summon'; Joshua summons the twelve men chosen for the task.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיִּקְרָאיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); acting immediately on YHWH's word, he summons the appointed men.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the object summonedאֶל (H413) 'to'; here virtually equivalent to a direct object with a verb of calling.
שְׁנֵ֤יםtwonum m dual abs · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral, first element of the compound 'twelve'שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; with הֶעָשָׂר forms 'twelve'.
הֶֽעָשָׂר֙the -teenart + num m sg abs · עָשָׂר (H6240)Second element of the numeral; the article marks the already-defined groupעָשָׂר (H6240) '-teen'; the article (unusual with a cardinal) marks these as THE twelve already appointed in v. 2.
אִ֔ישׁmenN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Object of אֶל, in apposition to the numeral (collective singular)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; singular used collectively for the group of twelve.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhomrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying אִישׁאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause identifying which twelve men — those already appointed.
הֵכִ֖יןhe had appointedHiphil perf 3ms · כּוּן (H3559)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: an antecedent act — the appointment had already occurredכּוּן (H3559) Hiphil 'to establish, prepare, appoint'; here of designating the twelve men for the task.
מִבְּנֵ֣יfrom the sons ofprep מִן + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase of source, construct governing יִשְׂרָאֵלבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל 'sons of Israel', the standing designation for the covenant people.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chain מִבְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the twelve tribes collectively, source of the twelve chosen men.
אִישׁone manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive apposition, resuming the formula of v. 2אִישׁ (H376); the distributive formula repeats the appointment criterion from v. 2.
אֶחָ֥דonenum m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Numeral modifying אִישׁאֶחָד (H259) 'one'.
אִישׁone manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Second element of the distributive repetitionאִישׁ (H376); repeats the per-tribe distribution formula.
אֶחָ֖דonenum m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Numeral modifying the second אִישׁאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; completes 'one man, one man'.
מִשָּֽׁבֶטfrom a tribeprep מִן + N m sg abs · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Prepositional phrase of source, distributiveשֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'tribe'; distributive, 'from each tribe' — completes the recap of v. 2's instruction.
5

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ עִ֠בְרוּ לִפְנֵ֨י אֲר֧וֹן יְהוָ֛ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם אֶל תּ֣וֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן וְהָרִ֨ימוּ לָכֶ֜ם אִ֣ישׁ אֶ֤בֶן אַחַת֙ עַל שִׁכְמ֔וֹ לְמִסְפַּ֖ר שִׁבְטֵ֥י בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

and said to them, "Cross over before the ark of YHWH your God into the middle of the Jordan, and lift up, each man, one stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel,

Narrative main line — Joshua relays the command to the twelve menוַיֹּאמֶר
Joshua now personally instructs the twelve, echoing and specifying YHWH's command: each man returns to the ark's station in the riverbed and shoulders a single stone, matching stone to tribe one for one.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main-clause predicate)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Joshua's own instructions to the twelve men, echoing YHWH's command.
לָהֶם֙to themprep לְ + 3mp suffixIndirect object of וַיֹּאמֶרלְ + הֶם; the twelve men addressed.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); the subject, delayed after the verb and indirect object for emphasis on the address.
עִ֠בְרוּcross overQal impv 2mp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause of Joshua's instruction)→ Volitional: a direct imperativeעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass over'; the twelve men are to go back into the riverbed.
לִפְנֵ֨יbeforeprep לִפְנֵי · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of position, governing אֲרוֹןפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct לִפְנֵי 'before, in front of', locating the men relative to the ark.
אֲר֧וֹןthe ark ofN c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Construct chain (genitival), governing יְהוָהאָרוֹן (H727) 'ark, chest'; construct before יְהוָה, 'the ark of YHWH', stationed in the riverbed (3:8, 17).
יְהוָ֛הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chain אֲרוֹן יְהוָהיְהוָה (H3068); the ark bears the divine name and presence.
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖םyour GodN m pl constr/2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Appositional genitive further defining יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) + 2mp suffix; 'your God', reinforcing the covenant relationship as the men approach the ark.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase of goal/directionאֶל (H413) 'to, into'; direction of the crossing back into the riverbed.
תּ֣וֹךְthe midst ofN m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Construct governing הַיַּרְדֵּן, object of אֶלתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; construct, 'into the middle of the Jordan' — back to where the ark stands.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive of the construct chain תּוֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּןיַרְדֵּן (H3383); the riverbed, still held back by the ark's presence at this point in the narrative.
וְהָרִ֨ימוּand lift upwaw + Hiphil impv 2mp · רוּם (H7311)Imperative continuing the sequence of commands→ Volitional: a further direct imperativeרוּם (H7311) Hiphil 'to raise, lift high'; each man is to hoist his stone onto his shoulder.
לָכֶ֜םfor yourselvesprep לְ + 2mp suffixDative of interest with the imperativeלְ + כֶם; reflexive dative reinforcing each man's personal responsibility.
אִ֣ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive apposition to the 2mp subject, 'each man'אִישׁ (H376); distributive use, 'each man (his own stone)'.
אֶ֤בֶןa stoneN f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct object of וְהָרִימוּאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; singular here — one stone per man — vs. the collective 'twelve stones' of v. 3.
אַחַת֙onenum f sg abs · אַחַת (H259)Numeral modifying אֶבֶןאֶחָד/אַחַת (H259) 'one' (fem.); specifies exactly one stone per man.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of locationעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; locates the stone on the man's shoulder.
שִׁכְמ֔וֹhis shoulderN m sg constr/3ms suffix · שֶׁכֶם (H7926)Object of the preposition עַלשֶׁכֶם (H7926) 'shoulder'; the vivid, memorable detail of the memorial's construction — carried by human strength, one man per stone.
לְמִסְפַּ֖רaccording to the number ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · מִסְפָּר (H4557)Adverbial prepositional phrase specifying correspondenceמִסְפָּר (H4557) 'number'; construct, 'according to the number of' — one stone matches one tribe.
שִׁבְטֵ֥יthe tribes ofN m pl constr · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Construct chain (genitival), governing בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵלשֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'tribe'; construct before בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
בְנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the chain, itself construct governing יִשְׂרָאֵלבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, the full designation of the twelve tribes.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the full construct chain שִׁבְטֵי בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); completes 'the tribes of the sons of Israel' — twelve tribes, twelve stones, twelve men.
6

לְמַ֗עַן תִּֽהְיֶ֛ה זֹ֥את א֖וֹת בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑ם כִּֽי יִשְׁאָל֨וּן בְּנֵיכֶ֤ם מָחָר֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר מָ֛ה הָאֲבָנִ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה לָכֶֽם

so that this may be a sign among you: when your children ask in time to come, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?'

Purpose clause, subordinate to the command of vv. 2-3לְמַעַן
States the memorial's purpose before its execution is even narrated: the stones are an אוֹת ('sign') designed to provoke exactly the child's question the text anticipates verbatim — the catechetical pattern shared with Exod 12:26-27; 13:14; Deut 6:20-21.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
לְמַ֗עַןso thatprep · לְמַעַן (H4616)Subordinating conjunction introducing a purpose clauseלְמַעַן (H4616) 'for the sake of, in order that'; introduces the purpose of the stone-memorial: it is to function as a sign.
תִּֽהְיֶ֛הmay beQal impf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the purpose clause→ Yiqtol: purposive/modal — the intended future function of the stonesהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; here in a purpose clause, 'that it may be'.
זֹ֥אתthisdemonstrative pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Subject of תִּהְיֶהזֹאת (H2063) 'this' (fem.); refers to the stone-monument as a whole.
א֖וֹתa signN c sg abs · אוֹת (H226)Predicate nominative complementing תִּהְיֶהאוֹת (H226) 'sign, token'; the stones function as a perpetual visual witness, the chapter's key theological term alongside זִכָּרוֹן (v. 7).
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑םin your midstprep בְּ + N m sg constr/2mp suffix · קֶרֶב (H7130)Adverbial prepositional phrase of locationקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, inward part'; 'among you' — the sign stands permanently within the community, at Gilgal.
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction introducing a temporal clauseכִּי (H3588) here temporal, 'when'; introduces the anticipated future scenario of the children's question — the catechetical formula shared with Exod 12-13, Deut 6.
יִשְׁאָל֨וּןaskQal impf 3mp (paragogic nun) · שָׁאַל (H7592)Predicate verb of the temporal clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a repeated, anticipated future actשָׁאַל (H7592) 'to ask, inquire'; the paragogic נ lends solemnity to the anticipated question.
בְּנֵיכֶ֤םyour childrenN m pl constr/2mp suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of יִשְׁאָלוּןבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; here 'your children/sons', the next generation for whom the memorial is built.
מָחָר֙tomorrowN m sg abs · מָחָר (H4279)Adverbial accusative of timeמָחָר (H4279) 'tomorrow'; not literal but idiomatic for 'in time to come', the generational horizon of the memorial.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Quotation formula introducing the children's question→ Infinitive: the stereotyped 'saying' formula opening reported speechאָמַר (H559); introduces the direct quotation of the children's question.
מָ֛הwhatinterrogative pron · מָה (H4100)Predicate of the nominal questionמָה (H4100) 'what?'; opens the catechetical question the stones are designed to provoke.
הָאֲבָנִ֥יםthe stonesart + N f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Subject of the nominal questionאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; the object of the children's future inquiry — the memorial's whole point.
הָאֵ֖לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative modifying הָאֲבָנִיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; points to the physical stones still standing at Gilgal.
לָכֶֽםto youprep לְ + 2mp suffixDative complement of the questionלְ + כֶם; 'to you' — the stones' meaning is addressed to the covenant community across generations.
7

וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֣ם לָהֶ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר נִכְרְת֜וּ מֵימֵ֤י הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ מִפְּנֵי֙ אֲר֣וֹן בְּרִית יְהוָ֔ה בְּעָבְרוֹ֙ בַּיַּרְדֵּ֔ן נִכְרְת֖וּ מֵ֣י הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן וְ֠הָיוּ הָאֲבָנִ֨ים הָאֵ֧לֶּה לְזִכָּר֛וֹן לִבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל עַד עוֹלָֽם

then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of YHWH; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.

Apodosis/answer, continuing the purpose clause of v. 6 (the fathers' catechetical response)וַאֲמַרְתֶּם
The prescribed answer becomes testimony: the doubled נִכְרְתוּ ('were cut off') frames the ark's crossing as the efficient cause, and the closing clause names the stones' function explicitly as זִכָּרוֹן ('memorial') — permanent, 'forever' — paired with אוֹת ('sign') in v. 6.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֣םthen you shall saywaw-consec + Qal weqatal 2mp · אָמַר (H559)Weqatal continuing the instruction sequence — the fathers' answer to the children's question of v. 6→ Weqatal: sequential instruction — 'and then you shall tell them'אָמַר (H559); introduces the prescribed answer the fathers are to give — the catechetical response proper.
לָהֶ֗םto themprep לְ + 3mp suffixIndirect object of וַאֲמַרְתֶּם (referring to the children)לְ + הֶם; refers back to בְּנֵיכֶם, the questioning children of v. 6.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrelative/causal pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Introduces the content of the answer (object clause, 'that')אֲשֶׁר (H834); here functions almost as כִּי, introducing the explanatory content of the fathers' answer.
נִכְרְת֜וּwere cut offNiphal perf 3cp · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb of the אֲשֶׁר-clause (passive)→ Perfective, passive: a completed, decisive divine act — the waters' cutting offכָּרַת (H3772) 'to cut, cut off'; Niphal passive, of the Jordan's waters being severed — the same root used of covenant-cutting (כָּרַת בְּרִית), an echo not lost on the hearer.
מֵימֵ֤יthe waters ofN m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of נִכְרְתוּ, construct governing הַיַּרְדֵּןמַיִם (H4325) 'water'; construct, 'the waters of the Jordan'.
הַיַּרְדֵּן֙the Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive of the construct chain מֵימֵי הַיַּרְדֵּןיַרְדֵּן (H3383); the river whose flow was miraculously interrupted.
מִפְּנֵי֙beforeprep מִן + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of position/causeפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct מִפְּנֵי 'from before, because of the presence of' — the ark's presence caused the cutting off.
אֲר֣וֹןthe ark ofN c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Construct chain (genitival), object of מִפְּנֵיאָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; construct before בְּרִית, 'the ark of the covenant'.
בְּרִיתthe covenant ofN f sg constr · בְּרִית (H1285)Construct chain continuing, governing יְהוָהבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the fuller title 'ark of the covenant of YHWH' stresses the ark's covenantal significance in this catechetical answer.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive terminating the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068); the covenant name, completing 'the ark of the covenant of YHWH'.
בְּעָבְרוֹ֙when it crossedprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 3ms suffix · עָבַר (H5674)Temporal infinitival clause ('at its crossing')→ Infinitive construct with בְּ: expresses simultaneity — 'while/when it (the ark) was crossing'עָבַר (H5674); the temporal construction בְּ + inf constr, 'at its crossing', pinpoints exactly when the waters were cut off.
בַּיַּרְדֵּ֔ןin the Jordanprep בְּ + art + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Adverbial prepositional phrase of locationיַרְדֵּן (H3383); locates the ark's crossing precisely in the riverbed.
נִכְרְת֖וּwere cut offNiphal perf 3cp · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb, restating the main clause (emphatic repetition)→ Perfective, passive: the emphatic restatement drives home the miracle's completenessכָּרַת (H3772); repeated for emphasis — the fathers' testimony doubles back on itself, underscoring the wonder.
מֵ֣יthe waters ofN m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of the restated נִכְרְתוּמַיִם (H4325); construct, 'the waters of the Jordan' repeated for emphasis.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive of the construct chainיַרְדֵּן (H3383); repeated for rhetorical emphasis, closing the fathers' testimony.
וְ֠הָיוּand shall bewaw-consec + Qal weqatal 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal, main-line instruction resuming after the embedded testimony (result clause)→ Weqatal: a declared, ongoing state resulting from the crossing — 'and they shall be...'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; introduces the stones' abiding function as memorial.
הָאֲבָנִ֨יםthe stonesart + N f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Subject of וְהָיוּאֶבֶן (H68); now with the definite article — the stones already set up, back-referenced as established fact.
הָאֵ֧לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative modifying הָאֲבָנִיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; points to the physical monument.
לְזִכָּר֛וֹןfor a memorialprep לְ + N m sg abs · זִכָּרוֹן (H2146)Predicate complement of וְהָיוּזִכָּרוֹן (H2146) 'memorial, remembrance', from זָכַר 'to remember'; the chapter's key term alongside אוֹת (v. 6) — a permanent aid to covenant memory.
לִבְנֵ֥יto the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase specifying the memorial's beneficiaries, construct governing יִשְׂרָאֵלבֵּן (H1121); construct לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'to/for the sons of Israel' — the memorial's addressees across generations.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chain בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the covenant nation, the memorial's ongoing audience.
עַדuntil, forever (with עוֹלָם)prep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase of temporal extent, governing עוֹלָםעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; with עוֹלָם forms the idiom 'forever'.
עוֹלָֽםforeverN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Object of the preposition עַד, completing the idiom 'forever'עוֹלָם (H5769) 'long duration, antiquity, forever'; עַד עוֹלָם 'forever' — the memorial's permanence, matching עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה in v. 9.
8

וַיַּעֲשׂוּ כֵ֣ן בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵ֘ל כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוָּ֣ה יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֒ וַיִּשְׂא֡וּ שְׁתֵּֽי עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה אֲבָנִ֜ים מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּ֗ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ לְמִסְפַּ֖ר שִׁבְטֵ֣י בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיַּעֲבִר֤וּם עִמָּם֙ אֶל הַמָּל֔וֹן וַיַּנִּח֖וּם שָֽׁם

And the sons of Israel did so, as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, as YHWH had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel, and carried them over with them to the lodging place and set them down there.

Narrative main line — fulfillment report of vv. 2-3, 4-5וַיַּעֲשׂוּ כֵן
A compliance report that traces the chain of command back to its source: the twelve act כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, and Joshua's own command is in turn traced כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה — obedience flows unbroken from YHWH through Joshua to the people.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
וַיַּעֲשׂוּand didwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main-clause predicate)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the people's obedience is narratedעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the sons of Israel execute Joshua's instructions exactly.
כֵ֣ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of וַיַּעֲשׂוּ ('did so')כֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; confirms exact compliance with the command just given.
בְּנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וַיַּעֲשׂוּ, construct governing יִשְׂרָאֵלבֵּן (H1121); construct בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, the covenant people as a body.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֘לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chain בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the covenant nation as a collective subject.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣רasprep כְּ + relative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating conjunction (comparative), introducing a clause of mannerאֲשֶׁר (H834); with כְּ, 'just as, according to what'.
צִוָּ֣הcommandedPiel perf 3ms · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb of the כַּאֲשֶׁר-clause→ Perfective: an antecedent, completed commandצָוָה (H6680) 'to command'; Joshua's instruction of vv. 4-5 is now fulfilled to the letter.
יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֒Joshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); the immediate human source of the command just fulfilled.
וַיִּשְׂא֡וּand they took upwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָשָׂא (H5375)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, resuming the main line→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the physical act of the command is carried outנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry'; the twelve men execute שְׂאוּ of v. 3.
שְׁתֵּֽיtwonum f dual constr · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Numeral, first element of the compound 'twelve'שְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two' (fem.); with עֶשְׂרֵה, 'twelve'.
עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה-teennum f sg abs · עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240)Second element of the numeralעֶשְׂרֵה (H6240) '-teen'; completes 'twelve'.
אֲבָנִ֜יםstonesN f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct object of וַיִּשְׂאוּאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; the twelve stones taken from the riverbed.
מִתּ֣וֹךְfrom the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phrase of source, construct governing הַיַּרְדֵּןתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; 'from the middle of the Jordan'.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֗ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive of the construct chain מִתּוֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּןיַרְדֵּן (H3383).
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨רasprep כְּ + relative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating conjunction (comparative), introducing a second clause of mannerאֲשֶׁר (H834); with כְּ, echoing the compliance formula, now tracing the command back to YHWH himself.
דִּבֶּ֤רhad spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the כַּאֲשֶׁר-clause→ Perfective: an antecedent, completed act of speechדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; traces the chain of command back to YHWH's original word to Joshua (vv. 1-3).
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of דִּבֶּריְהוָה (H3068).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the recipient of the speechאֶל (H413) 'to'.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of the preposition אֶליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); the full chain of transmission — YHWH to Joshua, Joshua to the men — is now traced explicitly.
לְמִסְפַּ֖רaccording to the number ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · מִסְפָּר (H4557)Adverbial prepositional phrase specifying correspondenceמִסְפָּר (H4557) 'number'; repeats the stone-to-tribe correspondence of v. 5.
שִׁבְטֵ֣יthe tribes ofN m pl constr · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Construct chain (genitival), governing בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵלשֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'tribe'.
בְנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the chain, itself construct governing יִשְׂרָאֵלבֵּן (H1121).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive terminating the chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); completes 'the tribes of the sons of Israel', confirming exact numerical correspondence.
וַיַּעֲבִר֤וּםand they carried them overwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + 3mp suffix · עָבַר (H5674)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, resuming the main line→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָבַר (H5674) Hiphil 'to cause to cross'; the men carry the stones across, the suffix 'them' referring to the stones.
עִמָּם֙with themprep עִם + 3mp suffixAdverbial prepositional phrase of accompanimentעִם (H5973) 'with'; the stones travel together with the men themselves.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase of goalאֶל (H413) 'to'.
הַמָּל֔וֹןthe lodging placeart + N m sg abs · מָלוֹן (H4411)Object of the preposition אֶלמָלוֹן (H4411) 'lodging place'; identified later (v. 19-20) as Gilgal.
וַיַּנִּח֖וּםand they set them downwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + 3mp suffix · יָנַח (H3240)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, closing the report of compliance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the command's completionיָנַח (H3240) Hiphil 'to set down, deposit'; fulfills וְהִנַּחְתֶּם of v. 3.
שָֽׁםthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial complement of locationשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; refers to the lodging place, later identified as Gilgal (v. 19-20).
9

וּשְׁתֵּ֧ים עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה אֲבָנִ֗ים הֵקִ֣ים יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֮ בְּת֣וֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּן֒ תַּ֗חַת מַצַּב֙ רַגְלֵ֣י הַכֹּהֲנִ֔ים נֹשְׂאֵ֖י אֲר֣וֹן הַבְּרִ֑ית וַיִּ֣הְיוּ שָׁ֔ם עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה

And Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, at the place where the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day.

Narrative aside — a second, distinct monument, digressing from the Gilgal narrativeוּ (fronted object)
A crucial textual crux: Joshua also erects twelve stones IN the riverbed itself (distinct from the Gilgal set of vv. 3-8, 20), marked by the historiographic עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה formula — the narrator's own eyewitness-style claim that this second, submerged monument still stood at the time of writing.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וּשְׁתֵּ֧יםand twoconj + num f dual constr · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Numeral, first element of 'twelve', fronted for emphasis (object before verb)שְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two'; the fronted numeral phrase 'twelve stones' foregrounds this second set of stones, set up IN the river itself.
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה-teennum f sg abs · עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240)Second element of the numeralעֶשְׂרֵה (H6240) '-teen'; completes 'twelve'.
אֲבָנִ֗יםstonesN f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct object of הֵקִים, fronted before the verbאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; this is the second monument of twelve stones — distinct from the Gilgal set — the double-monument crux of the chapter.
הֵקִ֣יםset upHiphil perf 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, deliberate actקוּם (H6965) Hiphil 'to raise, erect'; Joshua personally erects this second set of stones, distinct from the carrying-out of v. 8.
יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֮Joshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of הֵקִיםיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); Joshua himself, not the twelve men, erects this in-river monument.
בְּת֣וֹךְin the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Adverbial prepositional phrase of location, construct governing הַיַּרְדֵּןתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; 'in the middle of the Jordan' — precisely where the ark stood, not at Gilgal.
הַיַּרְדֵּן֒the Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive of the construct chainיַרְדֵּן (H3383).
תַּ֗חַתat the place ofprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional phrase further specifying locationתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, in place of'; pinpoints the exact spot, at where the priests stood.
מַצַּב֙the standing place ofN m sg constr · מַצָּב (H4673)Object of תַּחַת, construct governing רַגְלֵימַצָּב (H4673) 'standing place'; repeats the precise designation of v. 3.
רַגְלֵ֣יthe feet ofN f dual constr · רֶגֶל (H7272)Genitive of the construct chain, itself construct governing הַכֹּהֲנִיםרֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; dual construct.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֔יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Genitive terminating the chain, further specified by the following participleכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'.
נֹשְׂאֵ֖יwho boreQal ptc m pl constr · נָשָׂא (H5375)Substantival participle in construct, in apposition to הַכֹּהֲנִים, governing אֲרוֹן→ Participle: an ongoing, characterizing action — 'the ones bearing/carrying'נָשָׂא (H5375) 'to carry, bear'; the participle identifies the priests by their defining task, bearing the ark.
אֲר֣וֹןthe ark ofN c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Construct chain (genitival), object of the participleאָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; construct before הַבְּרִית.
הַבְּרִ֑יתthe covenantart + N f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitive of the construct chainבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; completes 'the ark of the covenant'.
וַיִּ֣הְיוּand they arewaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, but with durative/stative sense→ Wayyiqtol used statively: a state persisting from the narrated past into the narrator's presentהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the wayyiqtol here signals an ongoing state bridging narrated past and narrator's 'today'.
שָׁ֔םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial complement of locationשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; in the riverbed itself, unlike the Gilgal stones.
עַ֖דto (with הַיּוֹם)prep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase of temporal extent, governing הַיּוֹם הַזֶּהעַד (H5704) 'until, up to'; with הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה forms the classic historiographic formula 'to this day'.
הַיּ֥וֹםthe dayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Object of עַד, head of the formula עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּהיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; with הַזֶּה, the עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה formula asserts the narrator's own present as witness.
הַזֶּֽהthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifying הַיּוֹםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; the formula עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה ('to this day') asserts the in-river stones' visible endurance at the time of writing — weigh alongside v. 20's Gilgal stones as the chapter's double-monument crux.
10

וְהַכֹּהֲנִ֞ים נֹשְׂאֵ֣י הָאָר֗וֹן עֹמְדִים֮ בְּת֣וֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּן֒ עַ֣ד תֹּ֣ם כָּֽל הַ֠דָּבָר אֲשֶׁר צִוָּ֨ה יְהוָ֤ה אֶת יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ לְדַבֵּ֣ר אֶל הָעָ֔ם כְּכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּ֥ה מֹשֶׁ֖ה אֶת יְהוֹשֻׁ֑עַ וַיְמַהֲר֥וּ הָעָ֖ם וַֽיַּעֲבֹֽרוּ

Now the priests who carried the ark stood in the middle of the Jordan until everything was finished that YHWH commanded Joshua to speak to the people, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua; and the people hurried and crossed over.

Narrative aside, resuming and completing the priests' vigil narrated in ch. 3וְ
A retrospective summary clause: the priests' sustained standing (עֹמְדִים) throughout the entire stone-taking operation is explained as lasting 'until' every commanded word was completed — before the closing note that the people, in haste, complete the crossing.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
וְהַכֹּהֲנִ֞יםand the priestsconj + art + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subject of עֹמְדִים, resuming the priests as focal actorsכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the narrative returns to the priests, whose sustained presence in the riverbed frames the whole crossing (3:15-17).
נֹשְׂאֵ֣יwho boreQal ptc m pl constr · נָשָׂא (H5375)Substantival participle in construct, in apposition to הַכֹּהֲנִים, governing הָאָרוֹן→ Participle: an ongoing, characterizing actionנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to carry, bear'; identifies the priests by their sustained task throughout the crossing.
הָאָר֗וֹןthe arkart + N c sg abs · אָרוֹן (H727)Object of the participle נֹשְׂאֵיאָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; the object the priests continuously carry.
עֹמְדִים֮were standingQal ptc m pl abs · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate participle (main clause, durative)→ Participle: an ongoing, sustained state — standing throughout the whole operationעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; the priests' motionless vigil in the riverbed (cf. 3:17) continues through the entire stone-taking episode.
בְּת֣וֹךְin the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Adverbial prepositional phrase of locationתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; 'in the middle of the Jordan'.
הַיַּרְדֵּן֒the Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive of the construct chainיַרְדֵּן (H3383).
עַ֣דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Subordinating prepositional phrase of temporal extent, governing the infinitive clauseעַד (H5704) 'until'; marks the duration of the priests' standing — until the whole matter was finished.
תֹּ֣םthe finishing ofQal inf constr · תָּמַם (H8552)Infinitive construct, object of עַד, governing כָּל הַדָּבָר→ Infinitive: names the completing event that ends the priests' vigilתָּמַם (H8552) 'to be complete, finished'; here as an infinitival noun, 'the completing of'.
כָּֽלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing הַדָּבָרכֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole'; construct, 'all the matter/word'.
הַ֠דָּבָרthe matterart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive of the construct chain, resumed by the following relative clauseדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter, thing'; the whole business YHWH had commanded — the stone-memorial instructions.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying הַדָּבָראֲשֶׁר (H834).
צִוָּ֨הcommandedPiel perf 3ms · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: an antecedent, completed commandצָוָה (H6680) 'to command'.
יְהוָ֤הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068); the ultimate source, again tracing the chain of command.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of צִוָּה)אֵת (H853), marks יְהוֹשֻׁעַ as the definite direct object of the command.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙Joshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Direct object of צִוָּהיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091).
לְדַבֵּ֣רto speakprep לְ + Piel inf constr · דָּבַר (H1696)Complementary infinitive completing צִוָּה→ Infinitive: names the content of the command — 'to speak'דָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; the command's content, delivered to the people (cf. vv. 21-24).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee of לְדַבֵּראֶל (H413) 'to'.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of the preposition אֶלעַם (H5971) 'people'; Israel as the recipient of Joshua's proclamation.
כְּכֹ֛לaccording to allprep כְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial prepositional phrase of manner/comparisonכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; with כְּ, 'according to all that'.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a second relative clause modifying כְּכֹלאֲשֶׁר (H834).
צִוָּ֥הcommandedPiel perf 3ms · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb of the second relative clause→ Perfective: an antecedent, completed commandצָוָה (H6680); traces the command back one further step, to Moses.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of the second צִוָּהמֹשֶׁה (H4872); Joshua's authority is anchored in Moses' prior instruction — likely referring to Deut 27 or a similar Transjordan command.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of the second צִוָּה)אֵת (H853), marks יְהוֹשֻׁעַ as object.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֑עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Direct object of the second צִוָּהיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); the full chain — Moses to Joshua to the people — now complete.
וַיְמַהֲר֥וּand hurriedwaw-consec + Piel wayyiqtol 3mp · מָהַר (H4116)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main-clause predicate)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, intensified by the Piel's urgencyמָהַר (H4116) Piel 'to hasten, hurry'; the people's crossing is marked by urgency, likely reflecting the miracle's temporarily held-back state.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of וַיְמַהֲרוּעַם (H5971) 'people'; the whole nation, now completing the crossing.
וַֽיַּעֲבֹֽרוּand crossed overwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָבַר (H5674)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, closing the crossing narrative→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the crossing's completionעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; the chapter's key verb, now marking the completion of the whole people's crossing, echoing 3:17.
11

וַיְהִ֛י כַּֽאֲשֶׁר תַּ֥ם כָּל הָעָ֖ם לַֽעֲב֑וֹר וַיַּעֲבֹ֧ר אֲרוֹן יְהוָ֛ה וְהַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים לִפְנֵ֥י הָעָֽם

And it happened, when all the people had finished crossing, that the ark of YHWH and the priests crossed over before the people.

Temporal frame closing the crossing narrative (echoes v. 1)וַיְהִי
A structural bookend: the same וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר תַּם formula that opened the chapter now marks the crossing's completion — the ark and priests, having stood fixed throughout (v. 10), cross last, in full view of the people.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיְהִ֛יand it happenedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (temporal frame formula, echoing v. 1)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the standard formula opening a temporal clauseהָיָה (H1961); the same וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר formula that opened the chapter (v. 1) now closes the crossing proper.
כַּֽאֲשֶׁרwhenprep כְּ + relative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating conjunction (temporal)אֲשֶׁר (H834); with כְּ, 'when'.
תַּ֥םhad finishedQal perf 3ms · תָּמַם (H8552)Predicate verb of the temporal clause→ Perfective: an antecedent, completed actתָּמַם (H8552) 'to be complete, finished'; the people's crossing reaches its completion.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing הָעָםכֹּל (H3605); construct, 'all the people'.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of תַּםעַם (H5971) 'people'.
לַֽעֲב֑וֹרto crossprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָבַר (H5674)Complementary infinitive completing תַּם→ Infinitive: names the action just completedעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; 'finished crossing'.
וַיַּעֲבֹ֧רand crossed overwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main-clause predicate)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָבַר (H5674); the ark and priests themselves complete the crossing last, having stood in the riverbed until all the people had passed.
אֲרוֹןthe ark ofN c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Subject of וַיַּעֲבֹר, construct governing יְהוָהאָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; construct before יְהוָה.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
וְהַכֹּהֲנִ֖יםand the priestsconj + art + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Coordinate subject of וַיַּעֲבֹרכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the priests, bearers of the ark, cross last, having stood firm throughout.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לִפְנֵי · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of positionפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct לִפְנֵי 'before, in front of' — the ark crosses in view of the assembled people.
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of the preposition לִפְנֵיעַם (H5971) 'people'; the ark and priests cross in the people's sight, a final act of solemn closure.
12

וַ֠יַּעַבְרוּ בְּנֵי רְאוּבֵ֨ן וּבְנֵי גָ֜ד וַחֲצִ֨י שֵׁ֤בֶט הַֽמְנַשֶּׁה֙ חֲמֻשִׁ֔ים לִפְנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם מֹשֶֽׁה

And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over armed for battle before the sons of Israel, as Moses had spoken to them.

Narrative aside — fulfillment of Moses' earlier stipulation (Num 32; Deut 3)וַ
A note of covenant faithfulness: the Transjordan tribes, who had already received their inheritance, keep their pledge to cross armed at the front of the nation until the conquest is complete.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַ֠יַּעַבְרוּand crossed overwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָבַר (H5674)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main-clause predicate)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; introduces a note on the Transjordan tribes' compliance with Moses' earlier stipulation (Num 32; Deut 3:18-20).
בְּנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וַיַּעַבְרוּ, construct governing רְאוּבֵןבֵּן (H1121); construct, 'the sons/tribe of Reuben'.
רְאוּבֵ֨ןReubenproper noun · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Genitive of the construct chainרְאוּבֵן (H7205); Jacob's firstborn, whose tribe settled east of the Jordan.
וּבְנֵיand the sons ofconj + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate subject, construct governing גָדבֵּן (H1121); construct, 'and the sons/tribe of Gad'.
גָ֜דGadproper noun · גָּד (H1410)Genitive of the construct chainגָּד (H1410); the second Transjordan tribe.
וַחֲצִ֨יand half ofconj + N m sg constr · חֲצִי (H2677)Coordinate subject, construct governing שֵׁבֶט הַמְנַשֶּׁהחֲצִי (H2677) 'half'; only half of Manasseh settled east of the Jordan, the other half west (13:29-31; ch. 17).
שֵׁ֤בֶטthe tribe ofN m sg constr · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Genitive of the chain, itself construct governing הַמְנַשֶּׁהשֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'tribe'.
הַֽמְנַשֶּׁה֙Manassehart + proper noun · מְנַשֶּׁה (H4519)Genitive terminating the chainמְנַשֶּׁה (H4519); Joseph's elder son, whose tribe was split between the two sides of the Jordan.
חֲמֻשִׁ֔יםarmedQal passive ptc m pl abs · חָמֻשׁ (H2571)Predicate participle describing the manner of crossing→ Passive participle: a state resulting from prior action — 'in battle array'חָמֻשִׁים (H2571) 'armed, in battle formation'; fulfills the Transjordan tribes' pledge (Num 32:20-22, 27; Josh 1:14) to lead Israel's conquest army.
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לִפְנֵי · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of positionפָּנִים (H6440); construct לִפְנֵי, 'before, ahead of' — the vanguard position.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Object of the preposition לִפְנֵי, construct governing יִשְׂרָאֵלבֵּן (H1121).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the rest of the nation, whom the Transjordan warriors precede.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רasprep כְּ + relative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating conjunction (comparative)אֲשֶׁר (H834); with כְּ, 'just as'.
דִּבֶּ֥רhad spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the כַּאֲשֶׁר-clause→ Perfective: an antecedent, completed act of speechדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; recalls Moses' earlier stipulation to the Transjordan tribes.
אֲלֵיהֶ֖םto themprep אֶל + 3mp suffixIndirect object of דִּבֶּראֶל (H413) + suffix; refers to the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh.
מֹשֶֽׁהMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of דִּבֶּרמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the command referenced is likely Num 32:20-22 or Deut 3:18-20.
13

כְּאַרְבָּעִ֥ים אֶ֖לֶף חֲלוּצֵ֣י הַצָּבָ֑א עָבְר֞וּ לִפְנֵ֤י יְהוָה֙ לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה אֶ֖ל עַֽרְב֥וֹת יְרִיחֽוֹ

About forty thousand equipped for war crossed before YHWH for battle, to the plains of Jericho.

Narrative summary, continuing the report of the armed vanguard (vv. 12-13 as a unit)asyndeton
Names the scale (about 40,000) and purpose (לַמִּלְחָמָה, 'for battle') of the Transjordan vanguard's crossing, and fixes the geographic goal — עַרְבוֹת יְרִיחוֹ, the staging ground for the conquest narrated from ch. 5 onward.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
כְּאַרְבָּעִ֥יםabout fortyprep כְּ + num pl abs · אַרְבָּעִים (H705)Numeral modifying אֶלֶף, approximativeאַרְבָּעִים (H705) 'forty'; with approximative כְּ, 'about forty'.
אֶ֖לֶףthousandN c sg abs · אֶלֶף (H505)Numeral in apposition, 'forty thousand'אֶלֶף (H505) 'thousand'; the size of the Transjordan vanguard, echoing the census figures of Numbers.
חֲלוּצֵ֣יequipped forQal passive ptc m pl constr · חָלוּץ (H2502)Substantival participle in construct, in apposition to the numeral, governing הַצָּבָא→ Participle: a resulting state — 'equipped, girded'חָלַץ (H2502) 'to draw out, equip'; passive participle 'equipped/armed for', synonym of חָמוּשׁ in v. 12.
הַצָּבָ֑אthe army, warart + N c sg abs · צָבָא (H6635)Object of the construct participle חֲלוּצֵיצָבָא (H6635) 'army, host, warfare'; 'equipped for war/military service'.
עָבְר֞וּcrossedQal perf 3cp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act, summarizing the vanguard's crossingעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; a summary statement of the armed men's crossing.
לִפְנֵ֤יbeforeprep לִפְנֵי · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of positionפָּנִים (H6440); construct לִפְנֵי, 'before, in the presence of' — before YHWH, represented by the ark.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068); the divine presence, represented by the ark, before which the armed vanguard crosses.
לַמִּלְחָמָ֔הfor battleprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Adverbial prepositional phrase of purposeמִלְחָמָה (H4421) 'war, battle'; states the purpose of their armed crossing — the conquest of Canaan lies immediately ahead.
אֶ֖לtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase of goalאֶל (H413) 'to'.
עַֽרְב֥וֹתthe plains ofN f pl constr · עֲרָבָה (H6160)Construct chain (genitival), object of אֶל, governing יְרִיחוֹעֲרָבָה (H6160) 'desert plain, steppe'; the arid plain near Jericho, Israel's first staging ground in Canaan.
יְרִיחֽוֹJerichoproper noun · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Genitive of the construct chainיְרִיחוֹ (H3405) 'Jericho'; the city Israel is now poised to besiege, its fall narrated in ch. 6.
14

בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֗וּא גִּדַּ֤ל יְהוָה֙ אֶת יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ בְּעֵינֵ֖י כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיִּֽרְא֣וּ אֹת֔וֹ כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר יָרְא֥וּ אֶת מֹשֶׁ֖ה כָּל יְמֵ֥י חַיָּֽיו

On that day YHWH made Joshua great in the eyes of all Israel, and they revered him as they had revered Moses, all the days of his life.

Narrative climax — the theological center of the crossing accountבַּיּוֹם הַהוּא
The chapter's high point: the promise of 3:7 ('this day I will begin to exalt you') is now declared fulfilled — Israel's reverence for Joshua is set explicitly alongside their reverence for Moses, marking the transition of leadership as divinely ratified and lasting.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
בַּיּ֣וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial prepositional phrase of time, fronted for emphasisיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; fronted temporal phrase, 'on that day' — a solemn marker of this verse's significance.
הַה֗וּאthatart + 3ms pron · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative modifying בַּיּוֹםהוּא (H1931) as demonstrative, 'that'; 'on that (very) day' — the day the crossing was completed.
גִּדַּ֤לmade greatPiel perf 3ms · גָּדַל (H1431)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a decisive, completed act of exaltationגָּדַל (H1431) Piel 'to make great, magnify'; fulfills YHWH's promise in 3:7, 'this day I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel'.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of גִּדַּליְהוָה (H3068); the one who exalts Joshua, fulfilling his own prior word.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of גִּדַּל)אֵת (H853), marks יְהוֹשֻׁעַ as the definite direct object.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Direct object of גִּדַּליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); the chapter's climactic statement about Joshua's standing.
בְּעֵינֵ֖יin the eyes ofprep בְּ + N c dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Adverbial prepositional phrase of sphere/perceptionעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; construct, 'in the eyes of' — public, communal perception.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing יִשְׂרָאֵלכֹּל (H3605); construct, 'all Israel'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the whole nation witnesses Joshua's exaltation.
וַיִּֽרְא֣וּand they fearedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָרֵא (H3372)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, result clause→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the people's response follows directlyיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear, revere'; the people's awe-filled respect, the direct consequence of YHWH's exalting act.
אֹת֔וֹhimobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker + suffix (object of וַיִּרְאוּ)אֵת (H853) + suffix; refers to Joshua.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רasprep כְּ + relative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating conjunction (comparative)אֲשֶׁר (H834); with כְּ, 'just as'.
יָרְא֥וּthey had fearedQal perf 3cp · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: an antecedent, completed pattern of reverenceיָרֵא (H3372); the standard of comparison — the reverence formerly given Moses now extends to Joshua.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of יָרְאוּ)אֵת (H853), marks מֹשֶׁה as object.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct object of יָרְאוּמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the standard against which Joshua's new stature is measured — the promise of 3:7 realized.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing יְמֵי, adverbial accusative of durationכֹּל (H3605); construct, 'all the days'.
יְמֵ֥יthe days ofN m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive of the chain, itself construct governing חַיָּיויוֹם (H3117) 'day'; construct, 'the days of'.
חַיָּֽיוhis lifeN m pl constr/3ms suffix · חַיִּים (H2416)Genitive terminating the chainחַיִּים (H2416) 'life' (plural form); 'the days of his life' — the reverence proves lasting, not momentary.
15

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ לֵאמֹֽר

Then YHWH said to Joshua, saying:

New speech unit — YHWH's second command, regulating the priests' emergenceוַיֹּאמֶר
Structurally parallel to v. 1: a fresh YHWH-to-Joshua speech formula opens the chapter's final movement, the priests' and ark's return from the riverbed.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, opening a new divine-speech unit→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces a second divine command sequence (vv. 15-17), regulating the priests' and ark's emergence from the river.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of the preposition אֶליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091).
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Quotation formula introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: the stereotyped 'saying' formula opening reported speechאָמַר (H559); introduces YHWH's instruction in v. 16.
16

צַוֵּה֙ אֶת הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים נֹשְׂאֵ֖י אֲר֣וֹן הָעֵד֑וּת וְיַעֲל֖וּ מִן הַיַּרְדֵּֽן

"Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony to come up out of the Jordan."

Imperative — YHWH's second commandasyndeton
Directs the priests' emergence, using the title 'ark of the testimony' (אֲרוֹן הָעֵדוּת) rather than 'ark of the covenant' — a rare variant emphasizing the tablets housed within.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
צַוֵּה֙commandPiel impv 2ms · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause of YHWH's command)→ Volitional: a direct imperativeצָוָה (H6680) 'to command'; YHWH instructs Joshua to relay the order for the priests to emerge.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of צַוֵּה)אֵת (H853), marks הַכֹּהֲנִים as the definite direct object.
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Direct object of צַוֵּהכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'.
נֹשְׂאֵ֖יwho bearQal ptc m pl constr · נָשָׂא (H5375)Substantival participle in construct, in apposition to הַכֹּהֲנִים, governing אֲרוֹן→ Participle: ongoing characterizing actionנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to carry, bear'; identifies the priests by their task.
אֲר֣וֹןthe ark ofN c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Construct chain (genitival), object of the participleאָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; construct before הָעֵדוּת.
הָעֵד֑וּתthe testimonyart + N f sg abs · עֵדוּת (H5715)Genitive of the construct chainעֵדוּת (H5715) 'testimony, witness'; a title for the ark stressing the tablets of the law within it (cf. Exod 25:16, 22) — a variant to 'ark of the covenant' used elsewhere in this chapter.
וְיַעֲל֖וּand let them come upwaw + Qal impf 3mp (jussive force) · עָלָה (H5927)Volitional continuation of the imperative sequence→ Yiqtol/jussive: a further command, indirect (third person) — 'and let them come up'עָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; the priests' emergence from the riverbed onto dry land, reversing their earlier descent (3:15).
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase of sourceמִן (H4480) 'from'; source of the ascent.
הַיַּרְדֵּֽןthe Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Object of the preposition מִןיַרְדֵּן (H3383); the riverbed the priests now leave.
17

וַיְצַ֣ו יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ אֶת הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים לֵאמֹ֑ר עֲל֖וּ מִן הַיַּרְדֵּֽן

So Joshua commanded the priests, saying, "Come up out of the Jordan."

Narrative main line — Joshua's immediate complianceוַיְצַו
Joshua's command exactly and tersely relays YHWH's instruction of v. 16, setting up the culminating miracle of the waters' return (v. 18).
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיְצַ֣וand commandedwaw-consec + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · צִוָּה (H6680)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main-clause predicate)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Joshua's compliance beginsצָוָה (H6680) 'to command'; Joshua relays YHWH's instruction to the priests.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיְצַויְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of וַיְצַו)אֵת (H853), marks הַכֹּהֲנִים as object.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֖יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Direct object of וַיְצַוכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Quotation formula introducing the command→ Infinitive: the stereotyped 'saying' formulaאָמַר (H559); introduces Joshua's brief, direct order.
עֲל֖וּcome upQal impv 2mp · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (imperative, direct command to the priests)→ Volitional: a direct imperativeעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; Joshua's terse relay of YHWH's command in v. 16.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase of sourceמִן (H4480) 'from'.
הַיַּרְדֵּֽןthe Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Object of the preposition מִןיַרְדֵּן (H3383).
18

וַ֠יְהִי בעלות כַּעֲל֨וֹת הַכֹּהֲנִ֜ים נֹשְׂאֵ֨י אֲר֤וֹן בְּרִית יְהוָה֙ מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן נִתְּק֗וּ כַּפּוֹת֙ רַגְלֵ֣י הַכֹּהֲנִ֔ים אֶ֖ל הֶחָרָבָ֑ה וַיָּשֻׁ֤בוּ מֵֽי הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ לִמְקוֹמָ֔ם וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ כִתְמוֹל שִׁלְשׁ֖וֹם עַל כָּל גְּדוֹתָֽיו

And it happened, when the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of YHWH came up from the middle of the Jordan — as soon as the soles of the priests' feet were lifted onto the dry ground — that the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and flowed as before over all its banks.

Narrative climax — the flood's return, the crossing's final reversalוַיְהִי
The chapter's second great miracle: the Kethiv/Qere pair בעלות / כַּעֲלוֹת (a genuine MT textual crux) marks the temporal hinge — the instant the priests' feet clear the riverbed, the pent-up Jordan resumes its course 'as before, over all its banks' (echoing 3:15), precisely inverting the parting narrated in ch. 3.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
וַ֠יְהִיand it happenedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (temporal frame formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961); the temporal formula introduces the climactic moment of the waters' return.
בעלותat the coming up ofprep בְּ + Qal inf constr (Kethiv, unpointed) · עָלָה (H5927)Kethiv form of the temporal infinitival clause, left unpointed in the MT — see the Qere כַּעֲלוֹת following→ Infinitive: expresses simultaneity, 'as/when they came up'עָלָה (H5927); the Kethiv (written form) בעלות lacks vowel points in the MT and is replaced in reading by the Qere כַּעֲלוֹת — a genuine textual crux of this verse, not a typo.
כַּעֲל֨וֹתwhen they came upprep כְּ + Qal inf constr (Qere) · עָלָה (H5927)Qere form actually read aloud; temporal infinitival clause ('when... came up')→ Infinitive: expresses simultaneity — 'as soon as they came up'עָלָה (H5927); the Qere (read form), pointed and vocalized, is what is actually pronounced in place of the unpointed Kethiv בעלות — both convey essentially the same sense.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֜יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subject of the infinitive clauseכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'.
נֹשְׂאֵ֨יwho carriedQal ptc m pl constr · נָשָׂא (H5375)Substantival participle in construct, in apposition to הַכֹּהֲנִים, governing אֲרוֹן→ Participle: ongoing characterizing actionנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to carry, bear'.
אֲר֤וֹןthe ark ofN c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Construct chain (genitival), object of the participleאָרוֹן (H727) 'ark'; construct before בְּרִית.
בְּרִיתthe covenant ofN f sg constr · בְּרִית (H1285)Construct chain continuing, governing יְהוָהבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive terminating the chainיְהוָה (H3068).
מִתּ֣וֹךְfrom the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Adverbial prepositional phrase of sourceתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; 'from the middle of the Jordan'.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive of the construct chainיַרְדֵּן (H3383).
נִתְּק֗וּwere liftedNiphal perf 3cp · נָתַק (H5423)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Perfective, passive: a completed, decisive act — the exact moment the priests' feet leave the riverbedנָתַק (H5423) 'to pull away, tear off'; Niphal, of the priests' soles being detached from the wet riverbed onto dry ground — the precise trigger for the flood's return.
כַּפּוֹת֙the soles ofN f pl constr · כַּף (H3709)Subject of נִתְּקוּ, construct governing רַגְלֵיכַּף (H3709) 'palm, sole'; construct, 'the soles of the feet of'.
רַגְלֵ֣יthe feet ofN f dual constr · רֶגֶל (H7272)Genitive of the chain, itself construct governing הַכֹּהֲנִיםרֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; dual construct.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֔יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Genitive terminating the chainכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'.
אֶ֖לontoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase of goalאֶל (H413) 'to, onto'.
הֶחָרָבָ֑הthe dry groundart + N f sg abs · חָרָבָה (H2724)Object of the preposition אֶלחָרָבָה (H2724) 'dry ground'; the same term used of the Reed Sea crossing (Exod 14:21) — the sea-river typology made explicit in v. 23.
וַיָּשֻׁ֤בוּand returnedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence — the climactic main clause→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the miracle's reversal, precisely timed to the priests' last stepשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, turn back'; the waters resume their natural course the instant the priests clear the riverbed — the miracle's exact, controlled timing.
מֵֽיthe waters ofN m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of וַיָּשֻׁבוּמַיִם (H4325); construct, 'the waters of the Jordan'.
הַיַּרְדֵּן֙the Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive of the construct chainיַרְדֵּן (H3383).
לִמְקוֹמָ֔םto their placeprep לְ + N m sg constr/3mp suffix · מָקוֹם (H4725)Adverbial prepositional phrase of goalמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the waters resume their natural bed.
וַיֵּלְכ֥וּand wentwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, continuing the description of the waters' return→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; of the river's flow resuming its normal course.
כִתְמוֹלas beforeprep כְּ + adverb · תְּמוֹל (H8543)Adverbial prepositional phrase of manner/time (idiomatic pairing with שִׁלְשׁוֹם)תְּמוֹל (H8543) 'yesterday'; with שִׁלְשׁוֹם forms the idiom 'as previously, as before' (cf. 3:4).
שִׁלְשׁ֖וֹםthe day beforeN m sg abs · שִׁלְשׁוֹם (H8032)Second element of the idiomatic pair כִּתְמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹםשִׁלְשׁוֹם (H8032) 'day before yesterday'; idiom 'as before, as formerly' — the river returns fully to its normal, pre-miracle state.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of locationעַל (H5921) 'on, over'.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing גְּדוֹתָיוכֹּל (H3605); construct, 'all its banks'.
גְּדוֹתָֽיוits banksN f pl constr/3ms suffix · גָּדָה (H1415)Genitive of the construct chainגָּדָה (H1415) 'bank, edge (of a river)'; the flood-stage overflow of 3:15 resumes, confirming the miracle's full reversal.
19

וְהָעָ֗ם עָלוּ֙ מִן הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן בֶּעָשׂ֖וֹר לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙ בַּגִּלְגָּ֔ל בִּקְצֵ֖ה מִזְרַ֥ח יְרִיחֽוֹ

Now the people came up from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and camped at Gilgal, on the eastern edge of Jericho.

Narrative main line — resumes the chronological/geographical notice begun in v. 18וְ
Fixes the crossing's exact date — the tenth of the first month, four days before Passover (5:10) and the same date the Exodus lamb was selected (Exod 12:3) — and names Gilgal, the base for the conquest, as the site of the twelve stones (v. 20).
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְהָעָ֗םand the peopleconj + art + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of עָלוּעַם (H5971) 'people'; the narrative returns to the whole nation's movement onto the western bank.
עָלוּ֙came upQal perf 3cp · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed actעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; the people's ascent from the riverbed onto the land of Canaan proper.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase of sourceמִן (H4480) 'from'.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Object of the preposition מִןיַרְדֵּן (H3383).
בֶּעָשׂ֖וֹרon the tenthprep בְּ + N m sg abs · עָשׂוֹר (H6218)Adverbial prepositional phrase of timeעָשׂוֹר (H6218) 'ten, tenth'; the precise calendar date, matching Exod 12:3's Passover-lamb selection date, four days before Passover itself (cf. 5:10).
לַחֹ֣דֶשׁof the monthprep לְ + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Adverbial phrase specifying the time unitחֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'month, new moon'; 'of the month' completing the date formula.
הָרִאשׁ֑וֹןthe firstart + ordinal m sg abs · רִאשׁוֹן (H7223)Attributive adjective modifying חֹדֶשׁרִאשׁוֹן (H7223) 'first'; the month of Nisan/Abib, ritually significant as the month of the exodus and Passover.
וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙and encampedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָנָה (H2583)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָנָה (H2583) 'to encamp, pitch camp'; the people's first encampment in the land.
בַּגִּלְגָּ֔לin Gilgalprep בְּ + proper noun · גִּלְגָּל (H1537)Adverbial prepositional phrase of locationגִּלְגָּל (H1537) 'Gilgal', from גָּלַל 'to roll'; named for YHWH's 'rolling away' the reproach of Egypt (5:9), Israel's first base of operations in Canaan.
בִּקְצֵ֖הat the edge ofprep בְּ + N c sg constr · קָצֶה (H7097)Adverbial prepositional phrase, further specifying locationקָצֶה (H7097) 'edge, border, end'; construct, 'at the edge of'.
מִזְרַ֥חthe east ofN m sg constr · מִזְרָח (H4217)Genitive of the chain, itself construct governing יְרִיחוֹמִזְרָח (H4217) 'east, sunrise'; construct, locating Gilgal on Jericho's eastern flank.
יְרִיחֽוֹJerichoproper noun · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Genitive terminating the chainיְרִיחוֹ (H3405); the target city, now visible from the new encampment.
20

וְאֵת֩ שְׁתֵּ֨ים עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה הָֽאֲבָנִים֙ הָאֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לָקְח֖וּ מִן הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן הֵקִ֥ים יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ בַּגִּלְגָּֽל

And these twelve stones, which they had taken from the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal.

Narrative main line — completes the Gilgal monument, resolving the instruction of vv. 2-3וְ
The fronted object (וְאֵת שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה הָאֲבָנִים) foregrounds the stones as topic: this is the Gilgal set, finally erected — completing, alongside v. 9's in-river monument, the chapter's double witness.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְאֵת֩and [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker, fronting the object before the verbאֵת (H853); the fronted object marker emphasizes 'these twelve stones' as the topic — the Gilgal set of vv. 3-8, now finally erected.
שְׁתֵּ֨יםtwonum f dual abs · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Numeral, first element of the compound 'twelve'שְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two'.
עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה-teennum f sg abs · עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240)Second element of the numeralעֶשְׂרֵה (H6240) '-teen'; completes 'twelve'.
הָֽאֲבָנִים֙the stonesart + N f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Direct object of הֵקִים (fronted)אֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; the definite article marks these as the already-mentioned stones from vv. 3, 8.
הָאֵ֔לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative modifying הָאֲבָנִיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying הָאֲבָנִיםאֲשֶׁר (H834).
לָקְח֖וּthey tookQal perf 3cp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: an antecedent, completed actלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; recalls the taking of vv. 3, 8.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase of sourceמִן (H4480) 'from'.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Object of the preposition מִןיַרְדֵּן (H3383).
הֵקִ֥יםset upHiphil perf 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, deliberate actקוּם (H6965) Hiphil 'to raise, erect'; the same verb as v. 9 (the in-river monument), now applied to the Gilgal stones — completing the double monument.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of הֵקִיםיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091).
בַּגִּלְגָּֽלin Gilgalprep בְּ + proper noun · גִּלְגָּל (H1537)Adverbial prepositional phrase of locationגִּלְגָּל (H1537); the stones' final resting place, matching the מָלוֹן/lodging place of vv. 3, 8, 19.
21

וַיֹּ֛אמֶר אֶל בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר אֲשֶׁר֩ יִשְׁאָל֨וּן בְּנֵיכֶ֤ם מָחָר֙ אֶת אֲבוֹתָ֣ם לֵאמֹ֔ר מָ֖ה הָאֲבָנִ֥ים הָאֵֽלֶּה

Then he spoke to the sons of Israel, saying, "When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, 'What do these stones mean?' —

New speech unit — the second, universalized catechesis (vv. 21-24), fulfilling v. 10's command 'to speak to the people'וַיֹּאמֶר
Joshua now addresses the whole nation, not just the twelve, repeating the child's-question form of v. 6 nearly verbatim before expanding its answer in vv. 22-24 to embrace the nations and 'all the days' — the chapter's universalizing climax.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיֹּ֛אמֶרand he spokewaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, opening the chapter's final speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); Joshua now speaks directly to the people, fulfilling YHWH's command in v. 10 'to speak to the people'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בְּנֵ֥יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Object of the preposition אֶל, construct governing יִשְׂרָאֵלבֵּן (H1121).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the whole assembled nation, not just the twelve chosen men, now hears the memorial's meaning explained.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Quotation formula introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: the stereotyped 'saying' formulaאָמַר (H559); introduces the second catechesis, expanding vv. 6-7.
אֲשֶׁר֩whenrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Introduces a temporal clause (echoing v. 6's כִּי)אֲשֶׁר (H834); here temporal, 'when', paralleling כִּי of v. 6.
יִשְׁאָל֨וּןaskQal impf 3mp (paragogic nun) · שָׁאַל (H7592)Predicate verb of the temporal clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a repeated, anticipated future actשָׁאַל (H7592) 'to ask'; repeats v. 6's verb verbatim, with the same solemn paragogic nun.
בְּנֵיכֶ֤םyour childrenN m pl constr/2mp suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of יִשְׁאָלוּןבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; 'your children', now addressed to the whole nation rather than the twelve alone.
מָחָר֙in time to comeN m sg abs · מָחָר (H4279)Adverbial accusative of timeמָחָר (H4279) 'tomorrow'; idiomatic for the future generational horizon, repeating v. 6.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of יִשְׁאָלוּן)אֵת (H853), marks אֲבוֹתָם as the definite object of the asking.
אֲבוֹתָ֣םtheir fathersN m pl constr/3mp suffix · אָב (H1)Direct object of יִשְׁאָלוּןאָב (H1) 'father'; the children ask their own fathers directly — the intergenerational transmission of the memorial's meaning made explicit.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Quotation formula introducing the children's question→ Infinitive: the stereotyped 'saying' formulaאָמַר (H559); introduces the children's direct question.
מָ֖הwhatinterrogative pron · מָה (H4100)Predicate of the nominal questionמָה (H4100) 'what?'; the question repeats v. 6's wording exactly.
הָאֲבָנִ֥יםthe stonesart + N f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Subject of the nominal questionאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'.
הָאֵֽלֶּהtheseart + demonstrative c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative modifying הָאֲבָנִיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; this second catechesis omits לָכֶם ('to you') found in v. 6, slightly streamlining the repeated question.
22

וְהוֹדַעְתֶּ֖ם אֶת בְּנֵיכֶ֣ם לֵאמֹ֑ר בַּיַּבָּשָׁה֙ עָבַ֣ר יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶת הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן הַזֶּֽה

then you shall let your children know, saying, 'Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.'

Apodosis/answer, continuing the purpose clause of v. 21 (the fathers' catechetical response)וְ
The prescribed answer fronts בַּיַּבָּשָׁה ('on dry ground') — the very term used of the Reed Sea (Exod 14:29) — priming the explicit sea-river comparison that follows in v. 23.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְהוֹדַעְתֶּ֖םthen you shall let knowwaw-consec + Hiphil weqatal 2mp · יָדַע (H3045)Weqatal continuing the instruction sequence (apodosis to the temporal clause of v. 21)→ Weqatal: sequential instruction — 'and (then) you shall make known'יָדַע (H3045) Hiphil 'to cause to know, inform'; the prescribed answer the fathers are to give — the second catechetical response.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of וְהוֹדַעְתֶּם)אֵת (H853), marks בְּנֵיכֶם as the definite direct object.
בְּנֵיכֶ֣םyour childrenN m pl constr/2mp suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וְהוֹדַעְתֶּםבֵּן (H1121) 'son'.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Quotation formula introducing the content of the answer→ Infinitive: the stereotyped 'saying' formulaאָמַר (H559).
בַּיַּבָּשָׁה֙on dry groundprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · יַבָּשָׁה (H3004)Adverbial prepositional phrase of manner, fronted for emphasisיַבָּשָׁה (H3004) 'dry ground'; the same term used of the Reed Sea crossing (Exod 14:29) — fronted here to make the sea-river typology unmistakable before it is stated explicitly in v. 23.
עָבַ֣רcrossedQal perf 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (main clause, in the fathers' answer)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; the chapter's key verb, summarizing the whole event for the next generation.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of עָבַריִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the nation as a collective singular subject.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of עָבַר)אֵת (H853), marks הַיַּרְדֵּן as the definite direct object.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Direct object of עָבַריַרְדֵּן (H3383).
הַזֶּֽהthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifying הַיַּרְדֵּןזֶה (H2088) 'this'; 'this Jordan' — deictic, pointing to the very river still visible from Gilgal.
23

אֲשֶׁר הוֹבִישׁ֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֜ם אֶת מֵ֧י הַיַּרְדֵּ֛ן מִפְּנֵיכֶ֖ם עַֽד עָבְרְכֶ֑ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂה֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֧ם לְיַם ס֛וּף אֲשֶׁר הוֹבִ֥ישׁ מִפָּנֵ֖ינוּ עַד עָבְרֵֽנוּ

For YHWH your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as YHWH your God did to the Sea of Reeds, which he dried up before us until we had crossed over,

Causal/explanatory clause, continuing the fathers' answer of v. 22 — the explicit sea-river typologyאֲשֶׁר (causal)
The chapter's theological center: the same verb (הוֹבִישׁ, 'dried up') and the same divine agent are applied to both the Jordan and the יַם סוּף ('Sea of Reeds'), making the typological equation of the two crossings explicit and grammatically identical, with the first-person 'before us... we crossed' drawing every later generation into the exodus event.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
אֲשֶׁרforrelative/causal pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Introduces a causal clause explaining the significance of the crossing (continuing v. 22's answer)אֲשֶׁר (H834); here causal, 'for, because' — explains why the crossing matters: YHWH's active drying of the waters.
הוֹבִישׁ֩dried upHiphil perf 3ms · יָבֵשׁ (H3001)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive divine actיָבֵשׁ (H3001) 'to be dry'; Hiphil causative, 'to dry up' — YHWH is the explicit subject/agent of the miracle, not an impersonal natural process.
יְהוָ֨הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of הוֹבִישׁיְהוָה (H3068).
אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֜םyour GodN m pl constr/2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Appositional genitive further defining יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) + 2mp suffix; 'your God', reinforcing the covenant address to the next generation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of הוֹבִישׁ)אֵת (H853), marks מֵי הַיַּרְדֵּן as the definite direct object.
מֵ֧יthe waters ofN m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object of הוֹבִישׁ, construct governing הַיַּרְדֵּןמַיִם (H4325); construct, 'the waters of the Jordan'.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֛ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · הַיַּרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive of the construct chainיַרְדֵּן (H3383).
מִפְּנֵיכֶ֖םbefore youprep מִן + N c pl constr/2mp suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial prepositional phrase of positionפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct מִפְּנֵי + suffix, 'from before you' — the waters withdrew ahead of the advancing people.
עַֽדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Subordinating prepositional phrase of temporal extent, governing the infinitive עָבְרְכֶםעַד (H5704) 'until'.
עָבְרְכֶ֑םyour crossingQal inf constr/2mp suffix · עָבַר (H5674)Infinitive construct with suffixed subject, object of עַד→ Infinitive: names the event marking the duration's end — 'until your crossing'עָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; the drying lasted precisely until the people's passage was complete.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣רasprep כְּ + relative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating conjunction (comparative), introducing the Reed Sea comparisonאֲשֶׁר (H834); with כְּ, 'just as' — the explicit typological link to the Exodus sea-crossing.
עָשָׂה֩didQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: a completed, foundational actעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; recalls YHWH's prior act at the sea.
יְהוָ֨הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of עָשָׂהיְהוָה (H3068).
אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֧םyour GodN m pl constr/2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Appositional genitive further defining יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) + 2mp suffix.
לְיַםto the sea ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · יָם (H3220)Prepositional phrase marking the object acted upon, construct governing סוּףיָם (H3220) 'sea'; construct before סוּף.
ס֛וּףreedsN m sg abs · סוּף (H5488)Genitive of the construct chain, completing יַם סוּףסוּף (H5488) 'reed, rush'; יַם סוּף 'Sea of Reeds' — the Exodus sea, explicitly named as the type for the Jordan crossing.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying יַם סוּףאֲשֶׁר (H834).
הוֹבִ֥ישׁhe dried upHiphil perf 3ms · יָבֵשׁ (H3001)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive divine act, repeating the verb of the Jordan's dryingיָבֵשׁ (H3001) Hiphil; the identical verb used of the Jordan (v. 23a) is now applied to the sea — the two events are verbally, not just thematically, equated.
מִפָּנֵ֖ינוּbefore usprep מִן + N c pl constr/1cp suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial prepositional phrase of positionפָּנִים (H6440); construct + 1cp suffix, 'from before us' — the generation who crossed the Jordan identifies with the exodus generation's experience.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Subordinating prepositional phrase of temporal extent, governing the infinitive עָבְרֵנוּעַד (H5704) 'until'.
עָבְרֵֽנוּour crossingQal inf constr/1cp suffix · עָבַר (H5674)Infinitive construct with suffixed subject, object of עַד→ Infinitive: names the event marking the duration's end — 'until our crossing'עָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; the first-person suffix draws the reciting generation directly into the exodus event as participants, not mere observers.
24

לְ֠מַעַן דַּ֜עַת כָּל עַמֵּ֤י הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ אֶת יַ֣ד יְהוָ֔ה כִּ֥י חֲזָקָ֖ה הִ֑יא לְמַ֧עַן יְרָאתֶ֛ם אֶת יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם כָּל הַיָּמִֽים

so that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of YHWH, that it is mighty, so that you may fear YHWH your God all the days.

Twin purpose clauses closing the chapter — universal (the nations) and covenantal (Israel)לְמַעַן
The chapter's climactic double purpose: the crossing's meaning radiates outward to 'all the peoples of the earth', who are to know 'the hand of YHWH, that it is mighty' (echoing the exodus formula), and inward to Israel's own perpetual, reverent fear — giving the twelve-stones memorial its fullest theological weight.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
לְ֠מַעַןso thatprep · לְמַעַן (H4616)Subordinating conjunction introducing a purpose clause (first, universal)לְמַעַן (H4616) 'for the sake of, in order that'; introduces the first of two purpose clauses closing the chapter — this one addressed to the nations.
דַּ֜עַתmay knowQal inf constr · יָדַע (H3045)Infinitive construct expressing purpose, governed by לְמַעַן→ Infinitive: purposive — 'that... may know'יָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the miracle's ultimate purpose extends beyond Israel to universal recognition.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing עַמֵּי, subject of the infinitiveכֹּל (H3605); construct, 'all the peoples of'.
עַמֵּ֤יthe peoples ofN m pl constr · עַם (H5971)Genitive of the chain, construct governing הָאָרֶץ, logical subject of דַּעַתעַם (H5971) 'people'; plural, 'peoples' — the nations of the earth, not Israel alone, the universal horizon of the verse.
הָאָ֨רֶץ֙the earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive terminating the chainאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; 'all the peoples of the earth' — a deliberately global, missional scope, echoing the exodus's stated aim (cf. Exod 9:16).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of דַּעַת)אֵת (H853), marks יַד יְהוָה as the definite direct object of knowing.
יַ֣דthe hand ofN c sg constr · יָד (H3027)Direct object of דַּעַת, construct governing יְהוָהיָד (H3027) 'hand'; construct, 'the hand of YHWH' — idiom for divine power/agency made visible in the miracle.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
כִּ֥יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction introducing a noun clause in apposition to יַד יְהוָהכִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the content of what the nations are to know — the hand's quality.
חֲזָקָ֖הmightyadj f sg abs · חָזָק (H2389)Predicate adjective of the nominal clauseחָזָק (H2389) 'strong, mighty'; describes 'the hand of YHWH' — the phrase יַד יְהוָה חֲזָקָה echoes the exodus formula (e.g. Exod 13:9; Deut 4:34).
הִ֑יאit3fs independent pron · הִיא (H1931)Subject of the nominal clause (resuming יָד, feminine)הִיא (H1931) 'she/it'; resumptive pronoun for the feminine noun יָד.
לְמַ֧עַןso thatprep · לְמַעַן (H4616)Subordinating conjunction introducing a second purpose clause (addressed to Israel)לְמַעַן (H4616); introduces the second purpose clause, turning from the nations back to Israel's own perpetual response.
יְרָאתֶ֛םyou may fearQal perf 2mp (purposive, with לְמַעַן) · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb of the second purpose clause→ Perfective used purposively: 'so that you may fear/revere'יָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear, revere'; the chapter's final imperative-in-substance — reverent awe as the fitting, permanent response to the demonstrated 'hand of YHWH'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of יְרָאתֶם)אֵת (H853), marks יְהוָה as the definite direct object of the fearing.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Direct object of יְרָאתֶםיְהוָה (H3068).
אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖םyour GodN m pl constr/2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Appositional genitive further defining יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) + 2mp suffix; the covenant relationship, sealed once more at the chapter's close.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing הַיָּמִים, adverbial accusative of durationכֹּל (H3605); construct, 'all the days'.
הַיָּמִֽיםthe daysart + N m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive of the construct chain, completing the adverbial phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; 'all the days' — perpetuity, echoing עַד עוֹלָם (v. 7) and כָּל יְמֵי חַיָּיו (v. 14); the chapter's closing word is fittingly about unending reverence.