Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. New Living Translation The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did as he was told. English Standard Version And the commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. Berean Standard Bible The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. King James Bible And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. New King James Version Then the Commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so. New American Standard Bible And the captain of the LORD’S army said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. NASB 1995 The captain of the LORD’S host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. NASB 1977 And the captain of the LORD’s host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. Legacy Standard Bible The commander of the host of Yahweh said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. Amplified Bible The captain of the LORD’S army said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, because the place where you are standing is holy (set apart to the LORD).” And Joshua did so. Christian Standard Bible The commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did that. Holman Christian Standard Bible The commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. American Standard Version And the prince of Jehovah's host said unto Joshua, Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. Contemporary English Version "Take off your sandals," the commander answered. "This is a holy place." So Joshua took off his sandals. English Revised Version And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. GOD'S WORD® Translation The commander of the LORD's army said to Joshua, "Take off your sandals because this place where you are standing is holy." So Joshua did as he was told. Good News Translation And the commander of the LORD's army told him, "Take your sandals off; you are standing on holy ground." And Joshua did as he was told. International Standard Version The commander of the LORD's Army replied to Joshua, "Remove your sandals from your feet, because the place where you're standing is holy." So Joshua did so. NET Bible The commander of the LORD's army answered Joshua, "Remove your sandals from your feet, because the place where you stand is holy." Joshua did so. New Heart English Bible The commander of the army of the LORD said to Joshua, "Take your shoes off of your feet; for the place on which you stand is holy." Joshua did so. Webster's Bible Translation And the captain of the LORD'S host said to Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot, for the place on which thou standest is holy: and Joshua did so. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. World English Bible The prince of Yahweh’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals, for the place on which you stand is holy.” Joshua did so. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the Prince of YHWH’s host says to Joshua, “Cast off your shoe from off your foot, for the place on which you are standing is holy”; and Joshua does so. Young's Literal Translation And the Prince of Jehovah's host saith unto Joshua, 'Cast off thy shoe from off thy foot, for the place on which thou art standing is holy;' and Joshua doth so; Smith's Literal Translation And the captain of Jehovah's host will say to Joshua, Put off thy shoe from thy foot, for the place which thou standest upon it, it is holy: and Joshua will do so. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLoose, saith he, thy shoes from off thy feet: for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Josue did as was commanded him. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible The commander of the army of the LORD replied to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. New Revised Standard Version The commander of the army of the LORD said to Joshua, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the commander of the LORD'S host said to Joshua, Take your shoes from off your feet; for the place whereon you stand is holy. And Joshua did so. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And The Commander of the armies of LORD JEHOVAH said to Yeshua: “Loosen your shoes from your feet, because the place in which you are standing is holy.” And Yeshua did so. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua: 'Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy.' And Joshua did so. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the captain of the Lord's host said to Joshua, Loose thy shoe off thy feet, for the place whereon thou now standest is holy. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Commander of the LORD's Army…14“Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?” 15The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. Cross References Exodus 3:5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Acts 7:33 Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. Revelation 1:17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, Genesis 28:16-17 When Jacob woke up, he said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was unaware of it.” / And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven!” Isaiah 6:1-5 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ... Exodus 19:12 And you are to set up a boundary for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful not to go up on the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. Matthew 17:6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror. Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.” 2 Peter 1:18 And we ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. Numbers 22:31 Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown. Ezekiel 1:28 The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. Daniel 10:7-9 Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell upon them, and they ran and hid themselves. / So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless. / I heard the sound of his words, and as I listened, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Acts 9:4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” Revelation 22:8 And I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. 1 Kings 19:12-13 After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice. / When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Treasury of Scripture And the captain of the LORD's host said to Joshua, Loose your shoe from off your foot; for the place where on you stand is holy. And Joshua did so. Loose Exodus 3:5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Acts 7:32,33 Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold… 2 Peter 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. Jump to Previous Army Captain Cast Commander Holy Host Jehovah's Joshua LORD's Prince Remove Sandal Sandals Shoe Shoes Stand Standest Standing WhereonJump to Next Army Captain Cast Commander Holy Host Jehovah's Joshua LORD's Prince Remove Sandal Sandals Shoe Shoes Stand Standest Standing WhereonJoshua 5 1. The Canaanites are afraid2. Joshua renews circumcision 10. The Passover is kept at Gilgal 12. manna ceases 13. An angel appears to Joshua The Commander of the LORD’s army replied This phrase introduces a divine figure, often interpreted as a theophany or Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The title "Commander of the LORD’s army" suggests a heavenly authority, aligning with other biblical instances where God leads His people into battle (e.g., Exodus 14:14). This figure's presence emphasizes God's direct involvement in Israel's conquest of Canaan. “Take off your sandals for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating obedience and reverence. 2. Commander of the LORD’s Army A divine figure, often interpreted as a theophany or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, who appears to Joshua to provide guidance and assurance. 3. Holy Ground The place where Joshua stands, made holy by the presence of the Commander. This echoes the experience of Moses at the burning bush. 4. Gilgal The location where the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River, near Jericho. It is a place of renewal and preparation for the conquest of Canaan. 5. The Israelites The people of God, who are on the brink of entering and conquering the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. Teaching Points Reverence for God's PresenceJust as Joshua removed his sandals, we must approach God with humility and reverence, recognizing His holiness in our lives. Obedience to Divine Instruction Joshua's immediate compliance with the Commander's instruction serves as a model for our own obedience to God's commands, even when they are not fully understood. Recognizing Divine Encounters We should be attentive to moments when God reveals Himself in our lives, understanding that these encounters often come with a call to action or change. Preparation for Spiritual Battles The encounter prepares Joshua for the battles ahead, reminding us that spiritual readiness is crucial for facing challenges in our own lives. Holiness in Everyday Life The concept of holy ground extends beyond physical locations, encouraging us to seek holiness in our daily environments and interactions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 5:15?2. How can we show reverence like Joshua did in Joshua 5:15 today? 3. What does "remove your sandals" symbolize in our spiritual walk with God? 4. How does Joshua 5:15 connect to Moses' encounter in Exodus 3:5? 5. Why is recognizing holy ground important for our relationship with God? 6. How can we discern and respect holy moments in our daily lives? 7. Why did the commander of the LORD's army ask Joshua to remove his sandals in Joshua 5:15? 8. What is the significance of holy ground in Joshua 5:15? 9. How does Joshua 5:15 relate to the concept of divine authority? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 5? 11. What defines the concept of Holy Ground? 12. Who leads the Army of the Lord? 13. Joshua 5:13–15: What evidence supports a divine “commander” appearing to Joshua, and how does this align with other biblical accounts of angelic encounters? 14. Why did the bush burn without being consumed? What Does Joshua 5:15 Mean The Commander of the LORD’s army—“The Commander of the LORD’s army replied…” (Joshua 5:15) • Scripture presents a real, personal being who stands above every earthly force. Other passages show a divine messenger appearing in similar authority—Genesis 18:1–2; Exodus 3:2–6; Judges 13:17–22. • Because He receives worship without rebuke (Joshua 5:14) and speaks as God, many understand Him to be the pre-incarnate Christ. Revelation 19:11–16 later pictures Jesus leading heaven’s armies, reinforcing that connection. • By revealing Himself here, the Lord reminds Joshua that victory at Jericho will come from divine leadership, not military strategy (cf. Psalm 20:7). Take off your sandals —“Take off your sandals…” (Joshua 5:15) • Removing footwear was an act of humility and surrender. Moses heard the same command at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5). • It signified, “You are on My ground now; acknowledge My ownership.” Ecclesiastes 5:1 urges worshipers to watch their steps when they approach God. • For believers today, the outward act translates into an inward posture of repentance and yieldedness (Romans 12:1). For the place where you are standing is holy —“…for the place where you are standing is holy.” (Joshua 5:15) • Holiness is not about geography but God’s presence. When He draws near, ordinary ground becomes sacred. Psalm 99:5 calls all people to “worship at His footstool; holy is He.” • This moment reaffirms that the land Israel is entering belongs to the Lord (Leviticus 25:23). Their conquest must be conducted under His moral standards (Deuteronomy 18:9–14). • New-covenant believers experience the same reality: “Be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15–16), for God now indwells His people (1 Corinthians 3:16). And Joshua did so —“And Joshua did so.” (Joshua 5:15) • Joshua’s immediate obedience contrasts with earlier Israelite hesitations (Numbers 14:1–4). • His response models leadership that submits first to God before expecting others to follow (Joshua 24:15). • The New Testament echoes this attitude: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15); “be doers of the word” (James 1:22). • Joshua’s compliance clears the way for Jericho’s walls to fall (Joshua 6), proving that victories flow from obedient faith, not human prowess. summary Joshua 5:15 reveals the Lord Himself standing before Joshua as Commander. The call to remove sandals underscores reverent surrender, and the declaration of holiness marks the ground—and the coming campaign—as belonging wholly to God. Joshua’s swift obedience shows the only fitting response to divine authority. For us, the passage teaches that when God takes charge, He demands humble, holy submission; in that posture, His people find real victory. Verse 15. - Loose thy shoe from off thy feet. Cf. Exodus 3:6. We have here a clear proof (see also Joshua 6:2) that He who now spoke to Joshua was a Divine Person. The loosing the shoe from the feet is regarded by Origen and other patristic commentators as emblematic of the removal of worldly engagements and pollutions from the soul. Now Jericho was straitly shut up.
Hebrew The commanderשַׂר־ (śar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of the LORD’s יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel army צְבָ֨א (ṣə·ḇā) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign replied, וַיֹּאמֶר֩ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Take off שַׁל־ (šal-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5394: To slip or drop off, draw off, clear away your sandals, נַֽעַלְךָ֙ (na·‘al·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5275: A sandal tongue, a sandal, slipper for כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the place הַמָּק֗וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition where אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you אַתָּ֛ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you are standing עֹמֵ֥ד (‘ō·mêḏ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations is holy.” קֹ֣דֶשׁ (qō·ḏeš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity And Joshua יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ (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 did וַיַּ֥עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make so. כֵּֽן׃ (kên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus Links Joshua 5:15 NIVJoshua 5:15 NLT Joshua 5:15 ESV Joshua 5:15 NASB Joshua 5:15 KJV Joshua 5:15 BibleApps.com Joshua 5:15 Biblia Paralela Joshua 5:15 Chinese Bible Joshua 5:15 French Bible Joshua 5:15 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 5:15 The prince of Yahweh's army said (Josh. Jos) |
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