Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.” So they took it up and went ahead of them. New Living Translation In the morning Joshua said to the priests, “Lift up the Ark of the Covenant and lead the people across the river.” And so they started out and went ahead of the people. English Standard Version And Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on before the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people. Berean Standard Bible And he said to the priests, “Take the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people.” So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them. Berean Literal Bible And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass over before the faces of the people.” And they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the faces of the people. King James Bible And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. New King James Version Then Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over before the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people. New American Standard Bible And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over ahead of the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went ahead of the people. NASB 1995 And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over ahead of the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went ahead of the people. NASB 1977 And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over ahead of the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went ahead of the people. Legacy Standard Bible And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Carry the ark of the covenant and cross over ahead of the people.” So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of the people. Amplified Bible Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over [the river] ahead of the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went on ahead of the people. Berean Annotated Bible And he (YHWH saves) said to the priests, “Take the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people. So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them. Christian Standard Bible Then he said to the priests, “Carry the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people.” So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then he said to the priests, “Take the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people.” So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them. American Standard Version And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. Contemporary English Version Then Joshua turned to the priests and said, "Take the chest and cross the Jordan River ahead of us." So the priests picked up the chest by its carrying poles and went on ahead. English Revised Version And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. GOD'S WORD® Translation Joshua also told the priests, "Take the ark of the promise, and go ahead of the people." They did as they were told. Good News Translation Then he told the priests to take the Covenant Box and go with it ahead of the people. They did as he said. International Standard Version After this, Joshua instructed the priests, "Take up the Ark of the Covenant and cross over ahead of the people." So they took up the Ark of the Covenant and went on ahead of the people. NET Bible Joshua told the priests, "Pick up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people." So they picked up the ark of the covenant and went ahead of the people. New Heart English Bible Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people." They took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. Webster's Bible Translation And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd he said to the priests, “Take the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people.” So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them. World English Bible Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and cross over before the people.” They took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Joshua speaks to the priests, saying, “Take up the Ark of the Covenant, and pass over before the people”; and they take up the Ark of the Covenant, and go before the people. Berean Literal Bible And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass over before the faces of the people.” And they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the faces of the people. Young's Literal Translation And Joshua speaketh unto the priests, saying, 'Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people;' and they take up the ark of the covenant, and go before the people. Smith's Literal Translation And Joshua will say to the priests, saying, Lift up the ark of the covenant and pass through before the people. And they will lift up the ark of the covenant and will go before the people. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said to the priests: Take up the ark of the covenant, and go before the people. And they obeyed his commands, and took it up and walked before them. Catholic Public Domain Version And he said to the priests: “Take up the ark of the covenant, and go before the people.” And they fulfilled the orders, and they took it and walked before them. New American Bible And he told the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross ahead of the people”; so they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people. New Revised Standard Version To the priests Joshua said, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass on in front of the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went in front of the people. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Joshua said to the priests, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yeshua said to the Priests: “Take the ark of the covenant and cross over before the people”, and they picked up the ark of the covenant and they crossed over before the people OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Joshua spoke unto the priests, saying: 'Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass on before the people.' And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Joshua said to the priests, Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and go before the people: and the priests took up the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and went before the people. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Crossing the Jordan…5Then Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” 6And he said to the priests, “Take the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people.” So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them. 7Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you just as I was with Moses.… Cross References And he said to the priests, Deuteronomy 31:9-13 So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel. / Then Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of remission of debt, during the Feast of Tabernacles, / when all Israel comes before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you are to read this law in the hearing of all Israel. … Numbers 18:1-7 So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. / But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. / And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. … 1 Samuel 4:4 So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. “Take the ark of the covenant Exodus 25:10-22 And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. / Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. / Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. … Numbers 4:5-6 Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it. / They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles. Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. and go on ahead of the people.” Numbers 10:33-36 So they set out on a three-day journey from the mountain of the LORD, with the ark of the covenant of the LORD traveling ahead of them for those three days to seek a resting place for them. / And the cloud of the LORD was over them by day when they set out from the camp. / Whenever the ark set out, Moses would say, “Rise up, O LORD! May Your enemies be scattered; may those who hate You flee before You.” … Exodus 13:21-22 And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. / Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people. Exodus 23:20-23 Behold, I am sending an angel before you to protect you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. / Pay attention to him and listen to his voice; do not defy him, for he will not forgive rebellion, since My Name is in him. / But if you will listen carefully to his voice and do everything I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes. … So they carried the ark of the covenant Numbers 4:15 When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting. Joshua 6:6 So Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests and said, “Take up the ark of the covenant and have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark of the LORD.” 1 Kings 8:3-4 When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the priests took up the ark, / and they brought up the ark of the LORD and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. So the priests and Levites carried them up. and went ahead of them. Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Psalm 78:53 He led them safely, so they did not fear, but the sea engulfed their enemies. Micah 2:13 One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate, and go out by it. Their King will pass through before them, the LORD as their leader. Exodus 25:14 Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. Treasury of Scripture And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. Take up Joshua 3:3 And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. Numbers 14:15 Now if thou shalt kill all this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying, Numbers 10:33 And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them. Jump to Previous Agreement Ahead Ark Covenant Cross Joshua Priests SpeakethJump to Next Agreement Ahead Ark Covenant Cross Joshua Priests SpeakethJoshua 3 1. Joshua come to Jordan2. The officers instruct the people for their passage 7. The Lord encourages Joshua 9. Joshua encourages the people 14. The water of Jordan are divided And he said to the priests, This phrase refers to Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses. Joshua's role as a leader is significant, as he is seen as a type of Christ, leading God's people into the Promised Land. The priests, from the tribe of Levi, were responsible for religious duties and carrying the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing their role as mediators between God and the people. “Take the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people.” So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land. His leadership is marked by faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. 2. The Priests The Levitical priests were responsible for carrying the Ark of the Covenant. Their role was crucial as they were intermediaries between God and the people. 3. The Ark of the Covenant A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Law, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. It was central to Israel's worship and guidance. 4. The Israelites The people of God, who were on the brink of entering the Promised Land after wandering in the desert for 40 years. 5. The Jordan River The body of water that the Israelites needed to cross to enter the Promised Land. It represents a barrier that God would miraculously help them overcome. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsJoshua's instruction to the priests demonstrates the importance of obedience in leadership. As believers, we are called to follow God's guidance even when the path is unclear. The Role of Spiritual Leaders The priests carrying the Ark symbolize the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide and intercede for their communities. Leaders today should seek to carry God's presence and lead with integrity. God's Presence Goes Before Us The Ark going ahead of the people signifies that God's presence leads and prepares the way for His people. We can trust that God is with us in every challenge we face. Faith in Action The act of taking up the Ark and moving forward requires faith. Believers are encouraged to step out in faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promises. Preparation for New Beginnings Crossing the Jordan was a new beginning for Israel. In our lives, we should be prepared for the new things God wants to do, leaving behind past failures and embracing His future plans. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 3:6?2. How does Joshua 3:6 demonstrate leadership and obedience to God's commands? 3. What role do the priests play in Joshua 3:6, and why is it significant? 4. How can we apply the priests' example of carrying the ark in our lives? 5. What does Joshua 3:6 teach about God's presence and guidance in challenges? 6. How does Joshua 3:6 connect with other biblical instances of God's miraculous guidance? 7. What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in Joshua 3:6? 8. How does Joshua 3:6 demonstrate leadership and obedience to God? 9. Why did the priests carry the Ark before the people in Joshua 3:6? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 3? 11. How does the crossing in Joshua 3 compare with contradictory or differing accounts of water-parting miracles elsewhere in the Bible? 12. How did Joshua lead the Israelites into the Promised Land? 13. What are key events in Joshua's life? 14. Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements? What Does Joshua 3:6 Mean And he said to the priestsJoshua, newly commissioned, speaks directly to the spiritual leaders. In Israel’s journey, priests consistently stand at the intersection of worship and warfare (Deuteronomy 10:8; Joshua 1:10-11). By addressing them first, Joshua underscores that victory begins with obedience to God, not military strategy. Compare Moses’ charge to the Levites in Deuteronomy 31:9-12: God’s Word is entrusted to those who model submission before they model leadership. Take the ark of the covenant The ark represents God’s throne among His people (Exodus 25:22). Wherever it goes, He goes (Numbers 10:33-36). Joshua knows Israel cannot cross the Jordan by grit alone; they need the manifest presence of the Lord. The instruction echoes Numbers 4:15, where only consecrated priests may lift the sacred chest. The ark’s centrality reminds us that God’s presence, not human prowess, secures the promise (Psalm 132:8; 2 Samuel 6:2). and go on ahead of the people Placing the ark in front signals that God leads while His people follow (Joshua 3:3-4). The priests’ advance creates a visible gap, emphasizing reverence and trust (cf. Exodus 13:21-22; Deuteronomy 31:8). Practical takeaways: • Spiritual guidance precedes societal progress. • Courage grows when God’s presence is clearly out front (Psalm 23:3-4). So they carried the ark of the covenant Immediate obedience marks true faith (James 2:22). No committee, no delay; the priests shoulder the weight and step forward. Numbers 4:15 and 1 Chronicles 15:2, 12-15 highlight that only sanctified shoulders may bear the ark—God’s work must be done God’s way. Their willingness models servant leadership for every believer tasked with carrying divine truth (Matthew 11:29-30). and went ahead of them Action completes instruction. As the priests move, the miracle of the Jordan’s parting is set in motion (Joshua 3:11, 13-17). God often waits for faithful footsteps before He unveils power (2 Kings 7:3-5; John 2:7-9). When leaders walk in front, the community gains courage to follow, illustrating Paul’s later call: “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). summary Joshua 3:6 shows that God’s presence must lead, holy servants must obey, and the people must follow with faith. When leadership, worship, and obedience align, the impossible—like rivers parting—becomes the pathway into promise. Verse 6. - And Joshua spake. We return now to the ordinary course of the narrative. To the priests. This was because the occasion was an extraordinary one. On ordinary occasions this was the duty of the Kohathites (Numbers 4:15). And went before the people. The people were to "follow the priests as far as they carried the ark, but no further; so we must follow our ministers only as they follow Christ" (Matthew Henry). CHAPTER 3:7-17. THE PASSAGE OF THE JORDAN - Hebrew And [he]יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the priests, הַכֹּהֲנִ֣ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest “Take שְׂאוּ֙ (śə·’ū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take the ark אֲר֣וֹן (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 727: A chest, ark of the covenant הַבְּרִ֔ית (hab·bə·rîṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1285: A covenant and go on וְעִבְר֖וּ (wə·‘iḇ·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on ahead of לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the people.” הָעָ֑ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock So they carried וַיִּשְׂאוּ֙ (way·yiś·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take the ark אֲר֣וֹן (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 727: A chest, ark of the covenant הַבְּרִ֔ית (hab·bə·rîṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1285: A covenant and went וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk ahead לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face of them. הָעָֽם׃ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Links Joshua 3:6 NIVJoshua 3:6 NLT Joshua 3:6 ESV Joshua 3:6 NASB Joshua 3:6 KJV Joshua 3:6 BibleApps.com Joshua 3:6 Biblia Paralela Joshua 3:6 Chinese Bible Joshua 3:6 French Bible Joshua 3:6 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 3:6 Joshua spoke to the priests saying Take (Josh. 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