And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.

JOSHUA 3:17KJV
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Joshua 3:17 (KJV)

What does Joshua 3:17 mean?

Joshua 3:17 describes how the priests carrying the ark of the covenant stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan River while all the Israelites crossed over safely on dry land. The verse highlights that the entire nation was able to pass through the riverbed without difficulty because the waters were held back until everyone had crossed.

In this scene, Joshua is leading the Israelites into the land of Canaan. The priests, carrying the ark (a sacred chest representing God's presence), stand in the riverbed as the people cross. The verse emphasizes the miraculous nature of the crossing, the role of the priests, and the orderly, complete passage of the whole nation, showing God's faithfulness to Israel.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 3:17

  • "Priests" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word refers to those specially set apart for religious duties. Their role here is significant because they are trusted to carry the ark and stand in the river, showing both leadership and faith.
  • "Ark" (אָרוֹן, aron): The ark is the central symbol of God's covenant (בְּרִית, berit) with Israel. Its presence in the river signals that God is with the people as they enter the promised land.
  • "Stood firm" (עָמַד, amad; כוּן, kun): The combination of these words stresses that the priests were not just standing but were established and unwavering, highlighting the stability and security provided by God's intervention.
  • "Dry ground" (חָרָבָה, charavah): This word underlines that the riverbed was completely dry, not muddy or damp, reinforcing the miraculous nature of the event.

Why Joshua 3:17 matters

  • Joshua 3:17 clarifies that the crossing of the Jordan was not just for a few but for "all the Israelites," showing the completeness of God's provision.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of the ark and the priests, making clear that God's presence and leadership were central to Israel's success.
  • This moment connects to earlier miracles, like the crossing of the Red Sea, and sets the stage for Israel's entry into the promised land, reinforcing God's faithfulness to His promises.

Where else these words appear

“ground” Hebrew H2724 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 7:22 All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died.
  • Joshua 4:18 And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before.
  • Ezekiel 30:12 And I will make the rivers dry, and sell the land into the hand of the wicked: and I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I the LORD have spoken it.

“clean” Hebrew H8552 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 47:15 And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.
  • Joshua 8:24 And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword.
  • Isaiah 16:4 Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land.