Joshua 3:14
New International Version
So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them.

New Living Translation
So the people left their camp to cross the Jordan, and the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them.

English Standard Version
So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people,

Berean Standard Bible
So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them.

King James Bible
And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;

New King James Version
So it was, when the people set out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people,

New American Standard Bible
So when the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan, with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant before the people,

NASB 1995
So when the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant before the people,

NASB 1977
So it came about when the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant before the people,

Legacy Standard Bible
So it happened that when the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant before the people,

Amplified Bible
So when the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan with the priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant before the people,

Christian Standard Bible
When the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of the people.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of the people.

American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over the Jordan, the priests that bare the ark of the covenant being before the people;

Contemporary English Version
The Israelites packed up and left camp. The priests carrying the chest walked in front,

English Revised Version
And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, the priests that bare the ark of the covenant being before the people;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So they broke camp to cross the Jordan River. The priests who carried the ark of the promise went ahead of the people.

International Standard Version
So the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan River, with the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant in full view of the people.

Majority Standard Bible
So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them.

NET Bible
So when the people left their tents to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them.

New Heart English Bible
It happened, when the people moved from their tents to pass over the Jordan, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant being before the people,

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;

World English Bible
When the people moved from their tents to pass over the Jordan, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant being before the people,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass, in the journeying of the people from their tents to pass over the Jordan, and of the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant before the people,

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, in the journeying of the people from their tents to pass over the Jordan, and of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people,

Smith's Literal Translation
And it shall be in the people's removing from their tents to pass through Jordan, and the priests lifting up the ark of the covenant before the people;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So the people went out of their tents, to pass over the Jordan: and the priests that carried the ark of the covenant. went on before them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the people departed from their tents, so that they might cross the Jordan. And the priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant were advancing before them.

New American Bible
The people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan, with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant ahead of them.

New Revised Standard Version
When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass, when the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan and the priests who were bearing the ark of the covenant went before the people;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when the people picked up from their tents to cross the Jordan, the Priests who were bearing the ark of the covenant were going before the people
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over the Jordan, the priests that bore the ark of the covenant being before the people;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the people removed from their tents to cross over Jordan, and the priests bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord before the people.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Crossing the Jordan
13When 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.” 14So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them. 15Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge,…

Cross References
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.

Psalm 114:3
The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back;

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

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.

Joshua 4:23
For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as He did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over.

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.

Psalm 66:6
He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the waters on foot; there we rejoiced in Him.

Isaiah 51:10
Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea for the redeemed to cross over?

Acts 7:36
He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness.

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.

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.

Psalm 77:16
The waters saw You, O God; the waters saw You and swirled; even the depths were shaken.

Psalm 136:13-14
He divided the Red Sea in two His loving devotion endures forever. / and led Israel through the midst, His loving devotion endures forever.


Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;

bearing the ark

Joshua 3:3,5
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…

Joshua 6:6
And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD.

Deuteronomy 31:26
Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.

Jump to Previous
Agreement Ahead Ark Bare Bearing Bore Broke Camp Carrying Covenant Cross Jordan Journeying Moved Priests Removed Tents
Jump to Next
Agreement Ahead Ark Bare Bearing Bore Broke Camp Carrying Covenant Cross Jordan Journeying Moved Priests Removed Tents
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














So when the people broke camp
The phrase "broke camp" signifies a moment of transition and readiness. In Hebrew, the word for "broke" can be associated with the idea of pulling up tent pegs, symbolizing a readiness to move forward. This action reflects the Israelites' obedience and willingness to follow God's command. Historically, this moment marks a significant shift from wandering in the wilderness to entering the Promised Land, a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. It is a reminder of the importance of preparation and faith in God's timing.

to cross the Jordan
The Jordan River represents a formidable barrier between the Israelites and the Promised Land. In Hebrew, "Jordan" means "descender," reflecting the river's descent from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. Crossing the Jordan is symbolic of leaving behind the old life and entering into a new covenant relationship with God. This act of crossing is a testament to God's power and faithfulness, as He miraculously parts the waters, echoing the earlier crossing of the Red Sea. It serves as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and the journey of faith.

the priests carrying the ark of the covenant
The "priests" are the spiritual leaders of Israel, chosen to carry the "ark of the covenant," which is the most sacred object in Israelite worship. The ark, constructed according to God's specific instructions, contains the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. It symbolizes God's presence, guidance, and covenant with His people. The priests' role in carrying the ark underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and the centrality of God's presence in the life of the community. This act of carrying the ark ahead of the people signifies that God leads His people and that His presence goes before them in all their endeavors.

went ahead of them
The phrase "went ahead of them" highlights the leadership role of the priests and the ark. In Hebrew culture, going ahead signifies leading and guiding. This action demonstrates that God, represented by the ark, is leading the way into the Promised Land. It is a powerful image of divine guidance and protection, assuring the Israelites that they are not alone in their journey. This leadership is a call to trust in God's direction and to follow His lead with confidence and faith. It serves as an inspiration for believers to allow God to lead their lives, trusting in His wisdom and provision.

Verse 14. - Removed from their tents. The word used for "removed" in this chapter is the same as is used of Abraham's removing. It is appropriate to the nature of the removal, for it signifies originally to pull up stakes or tent-pins, and has reference, there. fore, to the removal of a people who dwelt in tents.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So
וַיְהִ֗י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

when the people
הָעָם֙ (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

broke camp
בִּנְסֹ֤עַ (bin·sō·a‘)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5265: To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey

to cross
לַעֲבֹ֖ר (la·‘ă·ḇōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

the Jordan,
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

the priests
וְהַכֹּהֲנִ֗ים (wə·hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

carried
נֹֽשְׂאֵ֛י (nō·śə·’ê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

the ark
הָאָר֥וֹן (hā·’ā·rō·wn)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 727: A chest, ark

of the covenant
הַבְּרִ֖ית (hab·bə·rîṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1285: A covenant

ahead of
לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

[them].
הָעָֽם׃ (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock


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OT History: Joshua 3:14 It happened when the people moved (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 3:13
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