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.

JOSHUA 3:7KJV
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Joshua 3:7 (KJV)

What does Joshua 3:7 mean?

Joshua 3:7 records God telling Joshua that He will begin to make Joshua great in the eyes of all Israel, so the people will know that God is with Joshua just as He was with Moses. This verse marks a turning point where Joshua’s leadership is publicly affirmed by God before the nation.

In this scene, the LORD speaks directly to Joshua as Israel prepares to cross the Jordan River into the promised land. The verse shows that God is intentionally establishing Joshua’s authority, connecting Joshua’s leadership to Moses’ legacy. The people are meant to see that God’s support for Joshua is just as real and present as it was for Moses, reassuring them as they face a new chapter.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 3:7

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God used throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing God’s covenant relationship with Israel. Its use here highlights the continuity of God’s promises from Moses to Joshua.
  • magnify (גָּדַל, gadal): This word means to make great or to honor. God is not making Joshua proud, but rather raising his status so the people recognize his divinely given authority.
  • know (יָדַע, yada‘): This word means to know deeply or to recognize. God wants the people to truly understand, not just assume, that Joshua is His chosen leader, just as Moses was.

Why Joshua 3:7 matters

  • Joshua 3:7 clarifies that Joshua’s leadership is not self-appointed or merely inherited, but is directly established and endorsed by God, which would have reassured a people used to following Moses.
  • The verse connects the story of Joshua to Moses, showing a deliberate passing of the mantle and continuity in God’s guidance for Israel.
  • This moment sets the stage for the miraculous crossing of the Jordan, making it clear that the coming events are meant to confirm Joshua’s role and God’s presence with His people.

Where else these words appear

“magnify” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
  • Isaiah 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.

“begin” Hebrew H2490 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 20:39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.
  • Jeremiah 16:18 And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.