Joshua 3:4 “But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between yourselves an…”

Joshua 3:4

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.”

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

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.

World English Bible

Yet there shall be a space between you and it of about two thousand cubits by measure—don’t come closer to it—that you may know the way by which you must go; for you have not passed this way before.”

American Standard Version

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.

Geneva Bible 1599

Yet there shalbe a space betweene you and it, about two thousande cubites by measure: ye shall not come neere vnto it, that ye may knowe the way, by the which ye shall goe: for ye haue not gone this way in times past.

Darby Translation

yet there shall be a distance between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Ye shall not come near it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go; for ye have not passed this way heretofore.

Young's Literal Translation

only, a distance is between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure; ye do not come near unto it, so that ye know the way in which ye go, for ye have not passed over in the way heretofore.'

Bible in Basic English

But let there be a space between you and it of about two thousand cubits: come no nearer to it, so that you may see the way you have to go, for you have not been over this way before.

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Cross references

“a space”

Psalm 89:7 Exodus 3:5 Exodus 19:12 Hebrews 12:28 Hebrews 12:29

Psalm 89:7 · BSB

In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him.

Exodus 3:5 · BSB

“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

Exodus 19:12 · BSB

And you are to set up a boundary for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful not to go up on the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death.

Hebrews 12:28 · BSB

Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

Hebrews 12:29 · BSB

“For our God is a consuming fire.”

“heretofore”

Genesis 31:2 Exodus 4:10 1 Chronicles 11:2 Isaiah 30:33

Genesis 31:2 · BSB

And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed.

Exodus 4:10 · BSB

“Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.”

1 Chronicles 11:2 · BSB

Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

Isaiah 30:33 · BSB

For Topheth has long been prepared; it has been made ready for the king. Its funeral pyre is deep and wide, with plenty of fire and wood. The breath of the LORD, like a torrent of burning sulfur, sets it ablaze.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

3and commanded the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it.

5Then Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”

Read Joshua 3