Joshua 4:21
Joshua 4:21 in Multiple Translations
Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’
And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?
And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?
And he said to the children of Israel, When your children say to their fathers in time to come, What is the reason for these stones?
He told the Israelites, “When some day your children ask you their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’
And he spake vnto ye childre of Israel, saying, When your children shall aske their fathers in time to come, and say, What meane these stones?
And he speaketh unto the sons of Israel, saying, 'When your sons ask their fathers hereafter, saying, What [are] these stones?
He spoke to the children of Israel, saying, “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean?’
And he spoke to the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?
And said to the children of Israel: When your children shall ask their fathers, tomorrow, and shall say to them: What mean these stones?
Joshua said to the Israeli people, “In the future, when your children and grandchildren ask, ‘◄What do these stones mean/Why are these stones here►?’,
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 4:21
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 4:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 4:21
Study Notes — Joshua 4:21
Context — The Camp at Gilgal
21Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’
22you are to tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ 23For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as He did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 4:6 | to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ |
| 2 | Psalms 145:4–7 | One generation will commend Your works to the next, and will proclaim Your mighty acts— the glorious splendor of Your majesty. And I will meditate on Your wondrous works. They will proclaim the power of Your awesome deeds, and I will declare Your greatness. They will extol the fame of Your abundant goodness and sing joyfully of Your righteousness. |
| 3 | Psalms 105:2–5 | Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced, |
Joshua 4:21 Summary
Joshua 4:21 is about remembering and sharing God's amazing works, like the time He parted the Jordan River, similar to the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31. Joshua wanted the Israelites to tell their children about this miracle so they would never forget God's faithfulness, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:6-7. This verse teaches us to remember and share our own stories of God's faithfulness, like the Israelites did, and to pass these stories down to the next generation, just as encouraged in Psalm 78:4 and 2 Timothy 2:2. By doing so, we can strengthen our faith and trust in God, just as the Israelites were to recall God's deliverance in Joshua 4:22-23.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the stones in Joshua 4:21?
The stones served as a reminder of God's miracle of parting the Jordan River, just as He had done with the Red Sea, as seen in Exodus 14:13-31 and referenced in Joshua 4:23.
Why did Joshua instruct the Israelites to explain the meaning of the stones to their children?
Joshua wanted to ensure that future generations would remember and honor God's faithfulness, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Psalm 78:4, by passing down the story of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and remembrance in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of remembering and sharing God's works, as seen in Psalm 103:2 and 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, to strengthen our faith and trust in Him, just as the Israelites were to recall God's deliverance in Joshua 4:22-23.
What can we learn from Joshua's leadership in this verse?
Joshua's leadership demonstrates the value of intentional discipleship and passing on spiritual heritage to the next generation, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 2:2 and Psalm 145:4, by sharing the stories of God's faithfulness and works.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'stones' in my life that remind me of God's faithfulness and provision, and how can I share these stories with others?
- How can I, like Joshua, intentionally pass on my spiritual heritage to the next generation, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:9-10 and Psalm 78:4?
- What are some ways I can remember and honor God's works in my life, and how can I use these memories to strengthen my faith?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of remembrance and sharing, as seen in Joshua 4:21-23, to my daily life and relationships, just as the Israelites were to recall God's deliverance?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:21
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:21
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 4:21
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:21
Sermons on Joshua 4:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Through the Bible - Joshua by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to God when He performs miracles in our lives. He uses the example of the Israelites crossing the River Jorda |
|
The Open Hand of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of observing a small duck swimming against a powerful stormy ocean. Through this observation, the speaker reflects on the d |
|
Immediate Imputation Part 2 - Death/condemnation Causal Connection by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the doctrine of immediate imputation and its parallel to the doctrine of justification. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the cha |
|
Five Stones - Part 2 by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God and making Him known to all generations. He uses the example of David, who was chosen by God to be king despite |
|
He Shall See His Seed by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the assurance of salvation for those who follow Christ. He uses the imagery of a ship in a storm to illustrate that all who obey Christ's co |
|
Old Men Shall Dream Dreams by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Acts chapter 2 emphasizes the power of older individuals to dream divine dreams and speak into the lives of the next generation. It highlights the importance of gr |
|
Duty of the Present to the Coming Generation. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the duty of one generation to praise and declare God's works to the next generation, emphasizing the importance of transmitting religious knowledge and |






