Jordan River
IsraelRiver in Israel · today Jordan River, Israel/Jordan
Meaning: “The descender (from Hebrew yarad, "to go down")”
The river that Israel crossed to enter the Promised Land under Joshua. Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, marking the beginning of His public ministry.
Location
Overview
The Jordan is the principal river of the Holy Land, flowing south from the slopes of Mount Hermon through the Sea of Galilee and down to the Dead Sea. Its name fits its course — it "descends" to the lowest point on earth.
Israel crosses into the Promised Land
When Israel reached the Jordan at flood stage, the waters were cut off as the priests bearing the ark stepped in, and the nation crossed on dry ground (Joshua 3:14–17).
River of prophets and miracles
Elijah parted the Jordan with his mantle before being taken up (2 Kings 2:8), and at Elisha’s word the Syrian commander Naaman dipped seven times in its waters and was cleansed of leprosy (2 Kings 5:14).
The baptism of Jesus
Above all, the Jordan is where John baptized, and where Jesus himself was baptized — the heavens opening and the Spirit descending like a dove (Matthew 3:13–17).
Events Here
Israel crosses the Jordan on dry ground into Canaan
Naaman is cleansed of leprosy after dipping seven times
Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan
Scripture References
0 versesNo verse references found.
Archaeology & History
The Jordan flows through the Great Rift Valley, the lowest river on earth, ending at the Dead Sea more than 400 metres below sea level. The traditional baptism site, Al-Maghtas (Bethany beyond the Jordan) on the river’s east bank, has been excavated to reveal Byzantine churches and pilgrimage structures and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Frequently asked about Jordan River
Where is Jordan River today?
Today, Jordan River corresponds to Jordan River, Israel/Jordan.
What does the name Jordan River mean?
The name Jordan River means “The descender (from Hebrew yarad, "to go down")”.
What happened at Jordan River in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Jordan River include israel crosses the jordan on dry ground into canaan; naaman is cleansed of leprosy after dipping seven times; jesus is baptized by john in the jordan.
Where is the Jordan River?
It runs along the border between Israel and the West Bank to the west and Jordan to the east, flowing from the north through the Sea of Galilee down to the Dead Sea.
Why is the Jordan River significant in the Bible?
Israel crossed it to enter the Promised Land, Elijah and Elisha performed miracles there, Naaman was healed in it, and Jesus was baptized in its waters.