Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant law to come up out of the Jordan.” New Living Translation “Command the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to come up out of the riverbed.” English Standard Version “Command the priests bearing the ark of the testimony to come up out of the Jordan.” Berean Standard Bible “Command the priests who carry the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan.” Berean Literal Bible “Command the priests who bear the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan.” King James Bible Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan. New King James Version “Command the priests who bear the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan.” New American Standard Bible “Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony that they come up from the Jordan.” NASB 1995 “Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony that they come up from the Jordan.” NASB 1977 “Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony that they come up from the Jordan.” Legacy Standard Bible “Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony that they come up from the Jordan.” Amplified Bible “Order the priests carrying the ark of the Testimony to come up out of the Jordan.” Berean Annotated Bible “Command the priests who carry the ark of the Testimony (the ark of the covenant) to come up from the Jordan (flowing down). Christian Standard Bible “Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony to come up from the Jordan.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony to come up from the Jordan.” American Standard Version Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of the Jordan. English Revised Version Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Order the priests who carry the ark of the testimony to come out of the Jordan River." Good News Translation to command the priests carrying the Covenant Box to come up out of the Jordan. International Standard Version "Command the priests who carry the Ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan River." NET Bible "Instruct the priests carrying the ark of the covenantal laws to come up from the Jordan." New Heart English Bible "Command the priests who bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of the Jordan." Webster's Bible Translation Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Command the priests who carry the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan.” World English Bible “Command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, that they come up out of the Jordan.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Command the priests carrying the Ark of the Testimony, and they come up out of the Jordan.” Berean Literal Bible “Command the priests who bear the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan.” Young's Literal Translation 'Command the priests bearing the ark of the testimony, and they come up out of the Jordan.' Smith's Literal Translation Command the priests lifting up the ark of the testimony, and they shall come up out of Jordan. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleCommand the priests, that carry the ark of the covenant, to come up out of the Jordan. Catholic Public Domain Version “Command the priests who are carrying the ark of the covenant to ascend from the Jordan.” New American Bible Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant to come up from the Jordan. New Revised Standard Version “Command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, to come up out of the Jordan.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleCommand the priests who bear the ark of the testimony to come up out of the Jordan. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated “Command the Priests who bear the ark of the testimony and they shall offer up from within the Jordan.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of the Jordan.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Charge the priests that bear the ark of the covenant of the testimony of the Lord, to go up out of Jordan. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Twelve Stones from the Jordan…15Then the LORD said to Joshua, 16“Command the priests who carry the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan.” 17So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come up from the Jordan.”… Cross References Command the priests Joshua 3:8 Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the waters, stand in the Jordan.’” Joshua 3:6 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. Joshua 3:13 When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—touch down in the waters of the Jordan, its flowing waters will be cut off and will stand up in a heap.” who carry the ark of the Testimony Exodus 25:22 And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites. 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. 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. to come up from the Jordan. Joshua 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan. Psalm 114:5 Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back, Psalm 114:3 The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back; Exodus 14:21-22 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left. 2 Kings 2:8 And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground. Isaiah 43:16 Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the surging waters, Hebrews 11:29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned. 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. / They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. Exodus 15:8 At the blast of Your nostrils the waters piled up; like a wall the currents stood firm; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea. Nehemiah 9:11 You divided the sea before them, and they crossed through it on dry ground. You hurled their pursuers into the depths like a stone into raging waters. Treasury of Scripture Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan. Joshua 3:3-6 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… Exodus 25:16-22 And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee… Revelation 11:19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. Jump to Previous Ark Bear Bearing Carry Carrying Command Jordan Orders Priests Testimony WitnessJump to Next Ark Bear Bearing Carry Carrying Command Jordan Orders Priests Testimony WitnessJoshua 4 1. Twelve men are appointed to take twelve memorial stones from Jordan9. Twelve other stones are set up in the midst of Jordan 10. The people pass over 14. God magnifies Joshua 15. The priests commanded to come out of Jordan 20. The twelve stones are pitched in Gilgal Command the priests In the context of ancient Israel, priests held a significant role as mediators between God and the people. They were responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The command given here highlights the authority of Joshua as the leader of Israel, following the death of Moses. It also underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as the priests were to act according to divine direction. who carry the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. 2. Priests The Levitical priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence among His people. 3. Ark of the Testimony Also known as the Ark of the Covenant, it contained the tablets of the Law and symbolized God's covenant with Israel. 4. Jordan River The river that the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land, a significant event marking the fulfillment of God's promise. 5. Israelites The people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were entering the land promised to their forefathers. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsJoshua's directive to the priests underscores the importance of following God's instructions precisely. In our lives, we are called to obey God's Word, trusting in His guidance and timing. Symbolism of the Ark The Ark of the Testimony represents God's presence and covenant. As believers, we are reminded that God's presence is with us through the Holy Spirit, guiding and empowering us in our journey of faith. Faith in Action The crossing of the Jordan required faith from both the priests and the people. We are encouraged to step out in faith, trusting that God will make a way even when circumstances seem insurmountable. Leadership and Responsibility Joshua's leadership exemplifies the responsibility of guiding others in obedience to God. Whether in family, church, or community, we are called to lead by example, pointing others to Christ. Remembrance of God's Faithfulness The event at the Jordan serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises. We are encouraged to remember and recount God's past faithfulness as a foundation for trusting Him in the present and future. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 4:16?2. How does Joshua 4:16 demonstrate God's authority over nature and leadership? 3. What role does obedience play in Joshua 4:16's command to "command the priests"? 4. How does Joshua 4:16 connect to God's promises in Joshua 1:3-5? 5. How can we apply Joshua's obedience in Joshua 4:16 to our daily lives? 6. What does Joshua 4:16 teach about trusting God's timing and instructions? 7. How does Joshua 4:16 demonstrate God's authority and power in the Israelites' journey? 8. What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in Joshua 4:16? 9. How does Joshua 4:16 relate to the theme of obedience in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 4? 11. What did the Ark of the Covenant contain? 12. What are key events in Joshua's life? 13. Joshua 4:18: Does the river's instantaneous return defy known natural processes, suggesting a contradiction with scientific norms? 14. In Deuteronomy 12:5, why does the text insist on a single worship location when Israel's central sanctuary seems to have varied or been established later in Jerusalem? What Does Joshua 4:16 Mean command– The verse opens with a clear directive: “Command.” – God speaks to Joshua, and Joshua must relay the order without delay. – The word underscores divine authority; human opinion is set aside. – Cross references: Joshua receives similar decisive instructions in Joshua 1:9; obedience to a divine command is highlighted in Deuteronomy 31:8 and John 14:15. the priests – Not just anyone, but those set apart for holy service (Exodus 28:1). – Their consecrated role reminds us that spiritual leadership carries weighty responsibility (Malachi 2:7; 1 Peter 2:9). – They model obedience before the people—showing that leaders must heed the Lord first. who carry the ark – The priests are identified by their task: bearing the Ark, the visible sign of God’s presence (Numbers 4:15). – This Ark led Israel into the Jordan (Joshua 3:3) and now signals when the miracle ends. – It emphasizes that God’s presence goes ahead of His people and determines their steps (Psalm 132:8; 2 Samuel 6:2). of the Testimony – “Testimony” points to the tablets of the covenant inside the Ark (Exodus 25:16). – The Ark is more than a box; it houses God’s covenant words, reminding Israel of His faithfulness (Deuteronomy 10:1–2). – Every move of the Ark proclaims God’s unchanging promises (Hebrews 9:4). to come up – The miracle had begun when the priests stepped in (Joshua 3:15–16); it ends when they step out. – “Come up” marks the moment the waters will return, sealing Israel’s passage and closing the door behind them, just as the Red Sea closed (Exodus 14:26–28). – God’s timing is precise: He controls not only the opening but also the closing of paths (Ecclesiastes 3:1). from the Jordan – Leaving the riverbed is a testimony that the crossing is complete and safe (Joshua 4:18). – The Jordan often symbolizes transition—here, from wilderness wandering to promised inheritance (Deuteronomy 11:31). – Stepping out ensures that all glory goes to God, not to lingering human effort (Psalm 115:1). summary Joshua 4:16 spotlights God’s orderly leadership: He commands, consecrated priests obey, and the people witness His power. Each phrase shows the Lord’s faithfulness—directing leaders, affirming His covenant, and finishing what He starts. The verse calls us to trust His timing, respect godly authority, and remember that His presence guides every safe passage. (16) Command the priests . . . that they come up out of Jordan.--Observe that the removal of the priests and the ark of the covenant from their station in Jordan is made the subject of a distinct section, and treated as a distinct event. It need not have been so for the purpose of the mere historical narrative. We might have taken it for granted. But the significance of the event is so marked as to receive a separate notice. We are not suffered to forget by what means Jordan was driven back, and held in check; and the check was not meant to be perpetual. We are reminded that the suspension of the power of death for men has its limits. When the day of grace is over, the waters will "return unto their place and flow over all the banks as before." (Comp. Isaiah 28:16-18; Isaiah 28:20.)Verse 16. - The testimony. The word עֵדוּת though derived from the same root as עֵד witness, would seem rather to have the sense of precept, from the idea of repetition contained in the root. Compare the well known Hebrew particle עוד again. It must refer to the two tables of the law which (Hebrews 10:4) were placed in the ark (see Deuteronomy 10:5, and comp. Exodus 25:16, 21, 40, Numbers 17:10, where this is said to be the testimony). Other things were placed in the ark, such as the manna, Aaron's rod, and these, no doubt, were for a witness to the facts of the Mosaic record. The LXX., however, consistently render this word by μαρτύρια μαρτύριον. The Vulgate here has arcam foederis.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Commandצַוֵּה֙ (ṣaw·wêh) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order the priests הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest who carry נֹשְׂאֵ֖י (nō·śə·’ê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct 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 Testimony הָעֵד֑וּת (hā·‘ê·ḏūṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5715: Testimony to come up וְיַעֲל֖וּ (wə·ya·‘ă·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively from מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the Jordan.” הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃ (hay·yar·dên) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine Links Joshua 4:16 NIVJoshua 4:16 NLT Joshua 4:16 ESV Joshua 4:16 NASB Joshua 4:16 KJV Joshua 4:16 BibleApps.com Joshua 4:16 Biblia Paralela Joshua 4:16 Chinese Bible Joshua 4:16 French Bible Joshua 4:16 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 4:16 Command the priests who bear the ark (Josh. 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