Joshua 3:7
New International Version
And the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.

New Living Translation
The LORD told Joshua, “Today I will begin to make you a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites. They will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses.

English Standard Version
The LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.

Berean Standard Bible
Now 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.

Berean Literal Bible
And YHWH said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so that they may know that as I was with Moses, I will be with you.

King James Bible
And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

New King James Version
And the LORD said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.

New American Standard Bible
Now the LORD said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they will know that just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you.

NASB 1995
Now the LORD said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you.

NASB 1977
Now the LORD said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Yahweh said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you.

Amplified Bible
The LORD said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to magnify and exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that just as I was with Moses, I will [also] be with you.

Berean Annotated Bible
Now the LORD {YHWH} said to Joshua (YHWH saves), “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel (he wrestles with God), so they may know that I am with you just as I was with Moses (drawn out).

Christian Standard Bible
The LORD spoke to Joshua: “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they will know that I will be with you just as I was with Moses.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The LORD spoke to Joshua: “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they will know that I will be with you just as I was with Moses.

American Standard Version
And Jehovah said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD told Joshua, "Beginning today I will show the people that you are their leader, and they will know that I am helping you as I helped Moses.

English Revised Version
And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to honor you in front of all the people of Israel. I will do this to let them know that I am with you just as I was with Moses.

Good News Translation
The LORD said to Joshua, "What I do today will make all the people of Israel begin to honor you as a great man, and they will realize that I am with you as I was with Moses.

International Standard Version
At this point, the LORD told Joshua, "Today I'm going to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they'll be sure that I'm going to be with you just as I was with Moses.

NET Bible
The LORD told Joshua, "This very day I will begin to honor you before all Israel so they will know that I am with you just as I was with Moses.

New Heart English Bible
The LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the LORD said to Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Now 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.

World English Bible
Yahweh said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And YHWH says to Joshua, “This day I begin to make you great in the eyes of all Israel, so that they know that as I was with Moses I am with you;

Berean Literal Bible
And YHWH said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so that they may know that as I was with Moses, I will be with you.

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah saith unto Joshua, 'This day I begin to make thee great in the eyes of all Israel, so that they know that as I was with Moses I am with thee;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah will say to Joshua, This day I will begin to make thee great in the eyes of all Israel, that they shall know that as I was with Moses I will be with thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord said to Josue: This day will I begin to exalt thee before Israel: that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I am with thee also.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Lord said to Joshua: “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that, just as I was with Moses, so also am I with you.

New American Bible
Then the LORD said to Joshua: Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.

New Revised Standard Version
The LORD said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the LORD said to Joshua, From this day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH said to Yeshua: “From today I shall begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moshe, I shall be also with you
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the LORD said unto Joshua: 'This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord said to Joshua, This day do I begin to exalt thee before all the children of Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so will I also be with thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Crossing the Jordan
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. 8Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the waters, stand in the Jordan.’ ”…

Cross References
Now the LORD said to Joshua,

Deuteronomy 31:23
Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.”

Numbers 27:18-23
And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. / Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. / Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. …
“Today I will begin to exalt you

Joshua 4:14
On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses.

Psalm 75:6-7
For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.
in the sight of all Israel,

Deuteronomy 34:9
Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Joshua 1:16-18
So they answered Joshua, “Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go. / Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. And may the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. / Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words, all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!”
so they may know that I am with you

Exodus 3:12
“I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.”

Judges 6:16
“Surely I will be with you,” the LORD replied, “and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man.”
just as I was with Moses.

Exodus 33:11
Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent.

Numbers 12:7-8
But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house. / I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?”
Exodus 14:31
When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses.

Joshua 1:5
No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

1 Kings 3:7
And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.

2 Kings 2:14
Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over.

1 Samuel 12:6
Then Samuel said to the people, “The LORD is the One who appointed Moses and Aaron, and who brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.


Treasury of Scripture

And the LORD said to Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.

magnify thee

Joshua 4:14
On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.

1 Chronicles 29:25
And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.

2 Chronicles 1:1
And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.

that, as I was

Joshua 1:5,17
There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee…

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Joshua 3
1. Joshua come to Jordan
2. The officers instruct the people for their passage
7. The Lord encourages Joshua
9. Joshua encourages the people
14. The water of Jordan are divided












Now the LORD said to Joshua
This phrase indicates direct communication from God to Joshua, emphasizing the divine authority and guidance Joshua receives. It parallels the way God spoke to Moses, establishing Joshua as Moses' rightful successor. This communication underscores the continuity of God's plan and leadership for Israel.

Today I will begin to exalt you
God's promise to exalt Joshua marks a pivotal moment in his leadership. This exaltation is not for Joshua's personal glory but to affirm his role as leader. It reflects God's pattern of raising leaders at the right time, as seen with figures like Joseph and David. The timing ("Today") signifies the immediacy and importance of the events about to unfold.

in the sight of all Israel
The public nature of Joshua's exaltation is crucial for establishing his authority among the Israelites. It ensures that the people recognize and respect his leadership, which is essential for the unity and success of the nation. This public affirmation is reminiscent of Moses' leadership being confirmed through signs and wonders.

so they may know that I am with you
This assurance of God's presence is central to Joshua's mission. It echoes God's promise to Moses and reassures the Israelites that their journey is under divine guidance. The phrase highlights the importance of God's presence for success and victory, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

just as I was with Moses
By comparing Joshua to Moses, God reinforces the continuity of His covenant and leadership. This comparison not only legitimizes Joshua's leadership but also comforts the Israelites, reminding them of God's past faithfulness. It foreshadows the miraculous events that will affirm Joshua's leadership, similar to those experienced under Moses.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks directly to Joshua, affirming His presence and support.

2. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, witnessing the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua.

4. Moses
The former leader of Israel, whose leadership and relationship with God set a precedent for Joshua.

5. The Jordan River
The physical barrier the Israelites are about to cross, symbolizing a new chapter in their journey.
Teaching Points
Divine Appointment and Leadership
God chooses and exalts leaders according to His purpose. Just as He was with Moses, He promises to be with Joshua, indicating that leadership is a divine appointment.

God’s Faithfulness
The continuity of God’s presence from Moses to Joshua demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness. Believers can trust in God’s consistent presence in their lives.

Preparation for New Beginnings
Crossing the Jordan represents a new beginning for Israel. Believers are encouraged to trust God as they face new challenges and transitions.

Public Affirmation of Leadership
God’s exaltation of Joshua in the sight of Israel underscores the importance of public affirmation in leadership. It reassures the community of God’s chosen leader.

The Role of Obedience
Joshua’s obedience to God’s commands is crucial for his success. Believers are reminded of the importance of obedience in their walk with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Joshua 3:7?

2. How does Joshua 3:7 demonstrate God's promise to exalt Joshua among Israel?

3. What leadership qualities in Joshua 3:7 can we apply in our lives today?

4. How does God's promise to Joshua connect with His promises in Deuteronomy 31:23?

5. In what ways can we seek God's presence to guide us like Joshua?

6. How can we trust God's timing and plan as seen in Joshua 3:7?

7. How does Joshua 3:7 demonstrate God's authority and support for Joshua as a leader?

8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Joshua 3:7?

9. How does God's promise in Joshua 3:7 relate to His promises to Moses?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 3?

11. What does the Bible mention about hornets?

12. How does the crossing in Joshua 3 compare with contradictory or differing accounts of water-parting miracles elsewhere in the Bible?

13. What is the plot of Jordan Crossing?

14. How could the Jordan River have stopped flowing on command as described in Joshua 3:13 without a natural explanation?
What Does Joshua 3:7 Mean
Now the LORD said to Joshua

- Scripture opens with God Himself initiating the conversation, underscoring that leadership in Israel flows from divine command, not human ambition (Genesis 12:1; Joshua 1:1-2).

- The personal name “the LORD” (YHWH) reminds us that the covenant-keeping God who spoke to Moses now addresses Joshua, reinforcing continuity (Exodus 3:14-15).

- God’s direct word gives Joshua absolute confidence to move Israel forward; faith is anchored in revelation, not speculation (Psalm 119:105; Romans 10:17).


Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel

- The timing—“Today”—marks a decisive turning point. God ordains moments when He publicly confirms His chosen servant (1 Kings 1:39-40; Acts 2:33).

- “Begin to exalt” shows a progressive process: Joshua’s reputation will grow as God’s power is displayed, starting with the Jordan crossing (Joshua 4:14).

- The elevation is not self-promotion; it is God’s work for the people’s benefit. True honor comes from the Lord (Psalm 75:6-7; James 4:10).


so they may know that I am with you just as I was with Moses

- The purpose of Joshua’s exaltation is the nation’s assurance of God’s abiding presence. Leadership validates God’s nearness (Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 41:10).

- “Just as I was with Moses” bridges generations: the same miracles, the same covenant promises, the same faithful God (Exodus 14:31; Joshua 1:5).

- Confidence in God’s presence fuels obedience. When Israel trusts that the Lord is with Joshua, they are ready to follow into the impossible—parting waters ahead (Joshua 3:13-17).


summary

Joshua 3:7 reveals God personally affirming Joshua, promising to elevate him so Israel will recognize the same divine presence that guided Moses. The verse highlights God-initiated leadership, progressive public confirmation, and the essential assurance that the Lord remains with His people through every transition.

(7) The Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee . . .--Compare Joshua 4:14, "on that day the Lord magnified Joshua." These words mark the beginning and end of the section. The details that follow in Joshua 4:15, &c., seem to be added by way of appendix. The passage of Jordan, being the principal event, is exhibited by itself; and other particulars of attendant circumstances are given separately. A somewhat similar plan appears to be adopted in Joshua 10, but the arrangement of both narratives is at first sight somewhat complex, and not quite clear.

It is here stated that the passage of Jordan was to be to Joshua what the giving of the law at Sinai was to Moses, "that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever" (Exodus 19:9). But the power which establishes Joshua is the work of the written instead of the spoken word.

Verse 7. - This day will I begin to magnify thee. "Neque enim ante mysterium baptismi exal-tatur Jesus, sed exaltatio ejus, et exaltatio in conspectu pepuli, inde sunlit exordium" (Orig., Hem. 4 on Joshua. Cf. Matthew 3:17; Luke 3:22).

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

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

Joshua,
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ (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

“Today
הַיּ֣וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

I will begin
אָחֵל֙ (’ā·ḥêl)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2490: To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play

to exalt you
גַּדֶּלְךָ֔ (gad·del·ḵā)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1431: To grow up, become great

in the sight
בְּעֵינֵ֖י (bə·‘ê·nê)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

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

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

so
אֲשֶׁר֙ (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

they may know
יֵֽדְע֔וּן (yê·ḏə·‘ūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּ֗י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I am
הָיִ֛יתִי (hā·yî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

with you,
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

just as
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר (ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I was
אֶהְיֶ֥ה (’eh·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

with
עִמָּֽךְ׃ (‘im·māḵ)
Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

Moses.
מֹשֶׁ֖ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver


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OT History: Joshua 3:7 Yahweh said to Joshua Today I will (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 3:6
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