(Josh. 3:17) Did they cross the Jordan or not?

CLAIM: Joshua 3:17 teaches that the Jews crossed the Jordan, but Joshua 4:4-11 states that they were still in the Jordan. Which is true?

RESPONSE: The priests stayed in the middle of the river. Then, in Joshua 4:4, men from the twelve tribes came back to where the priests were still standing to commemorate God’s deliverance. God wanted them to be witnesses of this event.