So the ark of the LORD compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp.

JOSHUA 6:11KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 6:11 (KJV)

What does Joshua 6:11 mean?

Joshua 6:11 describes how the Israelites, following God’s instructions, carried the ark of the LORD around the city of Jericho one time before returning to their camp for the night. This verse shows the people’s obedience to a specific command as part of the unusual strategy for conquering Jericho.

Joshua, the leader of Israel, is directing the people as they begin the process of taking Jericho. The ark of the LORD, a sacred object representing God’s presence, is carried by priests as the people circle the city once. After this single circuit, everyone returns to their camp, setting the stage for the next day’s actions in this well-known story.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 6:11

  • אֲרוֹן (’aron, H727): This word means "ark" and refers to the ark of the covenant, which symbolized God’s presence among the Israelites. Its central role here highlights that the victory will come through God’s power, not military might.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, H3068): This is the personal name for the LORD, emphasizing that the ark belongs to Israel’s God, not just a religious object.
  • סָבַב (savav, H5437): Translated as "compassed," this word means to go around or encircle. The action is deliberate and complete, showing careful obedience to God’s instructions.
  • מַחֲנֶה (machaneh, H4264): This word means "camp," and its repetition in the verse stresses the organized, communal aspect of Israel’s movements and their temporary dwelling as they prepare for what God will do.

Why Joshua 6:11 matters

  • Joshua 6:11 clarifies that the Israelites did not attack or shout on the first day; they simply circled the city once and returned, underlining their patience and trust in God’s plan.
  • The verse emphasizes the centrality of the ark of the LORD, making it clear that God’s presence, not human strategy, is at the heart of the coming victory.
  • This verse sets the rhythm for the following days, helping readers see the buildup and suspense in the story of Jericho’s fall.

Where else these words appear

“about” Hebrew H5362 · used in 19 verses

  • Leviticus 19:27 Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.
  • 2 Chronicles 23:7 And the Levites shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whosoever else cometh into the house, he shall be put to death: but be ye with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.
  • Psalms 48:12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.

“lodged” Hebrew H3885 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Joshua 3:1 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
  • Job 17:2 Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?

“once” Hebrew H6471 · used in 108 verses

  • Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
  • Deuteronomy 9:19 For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.
  • 2 Kings 5:14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

“compassed” Hebrew H5437 · used in 147 verses

  • Genesis 2:11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
  • 2 Samuel 20:12 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.
  • Psalms 48:12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.