Joshua 3:4

Crossing the Jordan · Joshua 3:1–17
Read Joshua 3

Translations

Modern
But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between yourselves and the ark. Do not go near it, so that you can see the way to go, since you have never traveled this way before.”
Traditional
Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.
Literal
Yet there shall be a space between you and between it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near to it, so that you may know the way that you must go, for you have not passed by this way from yesterday and the day before yesterday.”
Latin
…sitque inter vos et arcam spatium cubitorum duum millium: ut procul videre possitis, et nosse per quam viam ingrediamini: quia prius non ambulastis per eam: et cavete ne appropinquetis ad arcam.

Original

Hebrew
English
But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between yourselves and the ark. Do not go near it, so that you can see the way to go, since you have never traveled this way before.”

Notes

keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between yourselves and the ark: God did this so they would not become careless about his presence. They were to respond to God with deep respect and awe, because God is holy.

Theme notes and profiles

Joshua The Ark of the Covenant

Events

Measurements

  • two thousand cubits: About 3,000 ft (914.4 m)

Glossary

Conquest and Allotment of the Land Joshua, Book of Judges, Book of Numbers, Book of Rahab (Person) Sabbath Day’s Journey Tribe of Dan

Topics

Tabernacle: Carried in Front of the People of Israel in the Line of March the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over in an Appointed Order