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◄ Joshua 5:3►

New International Version
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth.

New Living Translation
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the entire male population of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.

English Standard Version
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.

Berean Standard Bible
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.

King James Bible
And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

New King James Version
So Joshua made flint knives for himself, and circumcised the sons of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

New American Standard Bible
So Joshua made himself flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.

NASB 1995
So Joshua made himself flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.

NASB 1977
So Joshua made himself flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Joshua made himself flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.

Amplified Bible
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.

Christian Standard Bible
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelite men at Gibeath-haaraloth.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelite men at Gibeath-haaraloth.

American Standard Version
And Joshua made him knives of flint, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

Contemporary English Version
Joshua made the knives, then circumcised those men and boys at Haaraloth Hill.

English Revised Version
And Joshua made him knives of flint, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the men of Israel at the Hill of Circumcision.

Good News Translation
So Joshua did as the LORD had commanded, and he circumcised the Israelites at a place called Circumcision Hill.

International Standard Version
So Joshua made some flint knives and circumcised the Israelis at Gibeath-haaraloth.

NET Bible
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites on the Hill of the Foreskins.

New Heart English Bible
So Joshua made himself flint knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the Hill of the Foreskins.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.

World English Bible
Joshua made himself flint knives, and circumcised the sons of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and Joshua makes knives of flint for himself, and circumcises the sons of Israel at the height of the foreskins.

Young's Literal Translation
and Joshua maketh for him knives of flint, and circumciseth the sons of Israel at the height of the foreskins.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joshua will make to him swords of stone and will circumcise the sons of Israel at the hill of uncircumcisions:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
He did what the Lord had commanded, and he circumcised the children of Israel in the hill of the foreskins.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He did what the Lord had commanded, and he circumcised the sons of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

New American Bible
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath-haaraloth.

New Revised Standard Version
So Joshua made flint knives, and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath-haaraloth.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
So Joshua made a flint knife for himself, and circumcised the children of Israel the second time at the Hill of the Uncircumcised.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yeshua made for himself a blade of flint and he circumcised the children of Israel again in The Hill of the Uncircumcised

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Joshua made him knives of flint, and circumcised the children of Israel at Gibeath-ha-araloth.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joshua made sharp knives of stone, and circumcised the children of Israel at the place called the Hill of Foreskins.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Circumcision at Gilgal
…2At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again.”3So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.4Now this is why Joshua circumcised them: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of war—had died on the journey in the wilderness after they had left Egypt.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Genesis 17:10-14
This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. / You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. / Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring. ...

Exodus 4:25-26
But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched it to Moses’ feet. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. / So the LORD let him alone. (When she said, “bridegroom of blood,” she was referring to the circumcision.)

Leviticus 12:3
And on the eighth day the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised.

Deuteronomy 10:16
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.

Jeremiah 4:4
Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.”

Romans 2:28-29
A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.

Galatians 5:2-3
Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. / Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.

Colossians 2:11-12
In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. / And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Acts 7:8
Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. And Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.

Genesis 34:14-17
“We cannot do such a thing,” they said. “To give our sister to an uncircumcised man would be a disgrace to us. / We will consent to this on one condition, that you become circumcised like us—every one of your males. / Then we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We will dwell among you and become one people. ...

Ezekiel 44:7-9
In addition to all your other abominations, you brought in foreigners uncircumcised in both heart and flesh to occupy My sanctuary; you defiled My temple when you offered My food—the fat and the blood; you broke My covenant. / And you have not kept charge of My holy things, but have appointed others to keep charge of My sanctuary for you.’ / This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites.

Philippians 3:3
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—

1 Corinthians 7:18-19
Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised. / Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.

Acts 15:1-2
Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” / And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.

Genesis 21:4
When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.

Treasury of Scripture

And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

Joshua

Genesis 17:23-27
And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him…

Matthew 16:24
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If anyman will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

the hill of the foreskins.

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Joshua 5

1.The Canaanites are afraid
2.Joshua renews circumcision
10.The Passover is kept at Gilgal
12.manna ceases
13.An angel appears to Joshua

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

So Joshua made flint knives
Joshua's use of flint knives is significant, as flint was a common material for tools in ancient times, known for its sharpness and durability. This act connects to the covenantal practice established inGenesis 17:10-14, where God commanded Abraham to circumcise every male as a sign of the covenant. The use of flint, rather than metal, may symbolize a return to the original covenant practices, emphasizing purity and obedience.

and circumcised the sons of Israel
Circumcision was a physical sign of the Israelites' covenant with God, marking them as His chosen people. This act was necessary because the generation born in the wilderness had not been circumcised (Joshua 5:5). It signifies a renewal of the covenant as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. This act of obedience is a prerequisite for receiving God's promises, reflecting the importance of spiritual readiness and commitment.

at Gibeath-haaraloth
Gibeath-haaraloth, meaning "Hill of the Foreskins," is a location near Gilgal, where this mass circumcision took place. The name itself serves as a memorial to this significant event. Geographically, Gilgal is situated near Jericho, marking the Israelites' first encampment in the Promised Land. This site becomes a place of consecration and preparation for the battles ahead, symbolizing a new beginning for the nation.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land. He is obedient to God's commands and ensures the covenant is renewed through circumcision.

2.Sons of Israel
The new generation of Israelites born during the wilderness wanderings. They had not been circumcised, which was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants.

3.Gibeath-haaraloth
The location where the circumcision took place. The name means "Hill of the Foreskins," indicating the significant event that occurred there.

4.Flint Knives
Tools used by Joshua to perform the circumcision. The use of flint, a sharp stone, is significant as it connects to ancient practices and symbolizes a return to the covenant's roots.

5.Circumcision
A physical sign of the covenant between God and His people, first instituted with Abraham. It represents obedience, purification, and a commitment to God.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Joshua's actions demonstrate the importance of obeying God's commands, even when they require difficult or uncomfortable actions. Believers are called to trust and obey God's Word.

Renewal of Covenant
The circumcision at Gibeath-haaraloth symbolizes a renewal of the covenant. Christians are encouraged to regularly renew their commitment to God through spiritual disciplines and sacraments.

Spiritual Significance of Physical Acts
While circumcision was a physical act, it held deep spiritual significance. Believers should recognize the spiritual implications of their actions and rituals.

Leadership and Responsibility
Joshua's leadership in ensuring the covenant was upheld is a model for Christian leaders today. Leaders are responsible for guiding others in faithfulness to God's commands.

Identity and Belonging
Circumcision marked the Israelites as God's people. Christians find their identity in Christ, marked by the Holy Spirit, and are called to live as His representatives.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Joshua 5:3?

2.Why did Joshua circumcise the Israelites as commanded in Joshua 5:3?

3.How does circumcision in Joshua 5:3 symbolize covenant renewal with God?

4.What lessons from Joshua 5:3 apply to our spiritual obedience today?

5.How does Joshua 5:3 connect to Genesis 17:10 regarding covenant signs?

6.In what ways can we renew our commitment to God like in Joshua 5:3?

7.Why did Joshua circumcise the Israelites a second time in Joshua 5:3?

8.What is the significance of circumcision in Joshua 5:3 for the Israelites?

9.How does Joshua 5:3 relate to the covenant with Abraham?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 5?

11.In Habakkuk 3:11, does the claim that the sun and moon stood still indicate a literal astronomical anomaly, and does it conflict with other biblical passages like Joshua 10?

12.Joshua 13:13 - How could Israel remain unable to drive out certain peoples if God supposedly promised victory, suggesting an inconsistency with divine intervention claims?

13.Joshua 5:2-7: How could an entire fighting force undergo circumcision en masse without any health risks or attack from nearby enemies?

14.What guidance does the Bible offer for decision making?

What Does Joshua 5:3 Mean

So Joshua made flint knives

• The verse opens with Joshua’s immediate, tangible obedience to God’s prior command (Joshua 5:2). He does not delay or negotiate; he acts.

• Joshua’s example mirrors previous leaders who obeyed promptly—Noah building the ark (Genesis 6:22) and Moses placing blood on the doorposts (Exodus 12:28).

• Obedience is always grounded in confidence that God’s instructions are good, even when they seem difficult (Joshua 1:7-9;James 1:22).

• The use of humble flint knives reminds us that God accomplishes His purposes through simple means, ensuring the glory remains His (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

and circumcised the sons of Israel

• Circumcision was given to Abraham as the outward sign of covenant belonging: “You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you” (Genesis 17:11).

• The generation that left Egypt had been circumcised, but those born in the wilderness had not (Joshua 5:4-5). Renewal of the sign now re-affirms Israel’s identity before entering battle.

• The act underscores three truths:

– Covenant loyalty: Israel publicly declares, “We are the Lord’s” (Exodus 19:5-6).

– Heart reality: Physical obedience points to inner surrender; “Circumcise your hearts” (Deuteronomy 10:16;Romans 2:29).

– Readiness for blessing: Obedience precedes victory—Jericho’s walls fall only after covenant renewal (Joshua 6).

at Gibeath-haaraloth

• The place name means “Hill of Foreskins,” a blunt reminder of what happened there and why. God wanted this moment permanently etched into Israel’s geography and memory.

• Nearby Gilgal becomes headquarters for the conquest. Immediately afterward the Lord says, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you” (Joshua 5:9). The physical hill illustrates the spiritual truth—shame is removed.

• Stones from the Jordan had already been stacked at Gilgal to testify to God’s power (Joshua 4:20-24). Now another memorial rises, testifying to Israel’s consecration. Together they declare: saved by God’s might, set apart by God’s sign.

summary

Joshua 5:3 records a real historical act of obedience that re-establishes covenant identity before Israel’s first battle in the land. Joshua’s swift action with simple flint knives, the nationwide circumcision, and the naming of Gibeath-haaraloth all teach that God’s people must be consecrated before they can conquer. God honors wholehearted obedience, removes reproach, and leads His covenant family forward in victory.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 3. -The hill of the foreskins. The name given to the hill where the circumcision took place.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So Joshua
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ(yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091:Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites

made
וַיַּעַשׂ־(way·ya·‘aś-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make

flint
צֻרִ֑ים(ṣu·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6697:A cliff, a rock, boulder, a refuge, an edge

knives
חַֽרְב֣וֹת(ḥar·ḇō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 2719:Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

and circumcised
וַיָּ֙מָל֙(way·yā·māl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4135:To cut short, curtail, to blunt, to destroy

the sons
בְּנֵ֣י(bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A son

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל(yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

at
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to

Gibeath-haaraloth.
גִּבְעַ֖ת(giḇ·‘aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1389:A hillock

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OT History: Joshua 5:3 Joshua made himself flint knives and circumcised (Josh. Jos)