Old Testament
Joshua 3:13
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As soon as the feet of the priests carrying the ark of the LORD, the LORD of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan will be cut off. The water flowing from upstream will stop and pile up in a heap.
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And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the LORD of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.
What Joshua 3:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to step into the Jordan River. The moment they do, the waters will stop flowing upstream and will pile up, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This act demonstrates God's power and presence, as the Ark symbolizes His covenant with His people. The priests' faith and obedience are crucial; they must trust that God will fulfill His promise as they take this bold step into the water. This event marks a significant moment in Israel's history, as it signifies their entry into the Promised Land, showcasing God's ability to perform miracles and lead His people. The imagery of the waters being cut off emphasizes God's control over nature and His commitment to His people, reinforcing the idea that faith often requires action, even when circumstances seem daunting.
How to apply Joshua 3:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to act in faith, trusting that God will provide when we take steps toward our goals. Just as the priests had to step into the water, we may need to take risks and trust in God's promises, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: Crossing the Jordan (Joshua 3:1–4:24)
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Joshua
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying Joshua 3:13
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 3:13 mean?
Joshua 3:13 describes how God commands the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to step into the Jordan River. When they do, the waters will stop flowing, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness.
What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in Joshua 3:13?
In Joshua 3:13, the Ark of the Covenant represents God's presence and His promise to the Israelites. Its role in this event highlights the importance of faith and obedience in experiencing God's miracles.
How does Joshua 3:13 illustrate God's power?
Joshua 3:13 illustrates God's power by showing that He can control nature and perform miracles. The stopping of the Jordan River at the priests' feet demonstrates His authority over creation and His ability to fulfill His promises.
What lesson can we learn from Joshua 3:13 about taking risks?
Joshua 3:13 teaches that taking risks in faith can lead to significant breakthroughs. Just as the priests had to step into the water to see God's intervention, we may need to take bold steps toward our goals, trusting in God's guidance.
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