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Joshua 4:6

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Joshua 4:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’

King James Version KJV

That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?

American Standard Version ASV

that this may be a sign among you, that, when your children ask in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?

Bible in Basic English BBE

So that this may be a sign among you; when your children say to you in time to come, What is the reason for these stones?

Free Bible Version FBV

This will be a memorial among you so when your children one day ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

That this may bee a signe among you, that whe your children shall aske their fathers in time to come, saying, What meane you by these stones?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

so that this is a sign in your midst, when your children ask hereafter, saying, What [are] these stones to you?

World English Bible WEB

that this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask in the future, saying, ‘What do you mean by these stones?’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

That it may be a sign among you and when your children shall ask you tomorrow, saying: What mean these stones?

Translation for Translators T4T

Then pile them up to be a memorial for you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’,

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 4:6

BAB
Word Study

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 4:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לְמַ֗עַן תִּֽהְיֶ֛ה זֹ֥את א֖וֹת בְּ/קִרְבְּ/כֶ֑ם כִּֽי יִשְׁאָל֨וּ/ן בְּנֵי/כֶ֤ם מָחָר֙ לֵ/אמֹ֔ר מָ֛ה הָ/אֲבָנִ֥ים הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה לָ/כֶֽם
לְמַ֗עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep
תִּֽהְיֶ֛ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
זֹ֥את zôʼth H2063 this Pron
א֖וֹת ʼôwth H226 sign N-cs
בְּ/קִרְבְּ/כֶ֑ם qereb H7130 entrails Prep | N-ms | Suff
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
יִשְׁאָל֨וּ/ן shâʼal H7592 to ask V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
בְּנֵי/כֶ֤ם bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff
מָחָר֙ mâchâr H4279 tomorrow N-ms
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מָ֛ה mâh H4100 what? Part
הָ/אֲבָנִ֥ים ʼeben H68 stone Art | N-fp
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Art | Pron
לָ/כֶֽם Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 4:6

לְמַ֗עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
תִּֽהְיֶ֛ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
זֹ֥את zôʼth H2063 "this" Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
א֖וֹת ʼôwth H226 "sign" N-cs
A miraculous sign or wonder, like a beacon or monument. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It means a signal or token of God's power.
Definition: : miraculous 1) sign, signal 1a) a distinguishing mark 1b) banner 1c) remembrance 1d) miraculous sign 1e) omen 1f) warning 2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token. See also: Genesis 1:14; Joshua 2:12; Psalms 65:9.
בְּ/קִרְבְּ/כֶ֑ם qereb H7130 "entrails" Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִשְׁאָל֨וּ/ן shâʼal H7592 "to ask" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
בְּנֵי/כֶ֤ם bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
מָחָר֙ mâchâr H4279 "tomorrow" N-ms
This word means tomorrow or a future time. In the Bible, it is used to talk about what will happen next, like in Exodus 13:14 where it refers to the next day.
Definition: 1) tomorrow, in time to come, in the future 1a) tomorrow (as the day following the present day) 1b) in future time
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: time to come, tomorrow. See also: Genesis 30:33; Judges 19:9; Proverbs 3:28.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מָ֛ה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
הָ/אֲבָנִ֥ים ʼeben H68 "stone" Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
לָ/כֶֽם "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Joshua 4:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 13:14 In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you are to tell him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
2 Joshua 4:21 Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’
3 Psalms 44:1 We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us the work You did in their days, in the days of old.
4 Deuteronomy 6:20–21 In the future, when your son asks, “What is the meaning of the decrees and statutes and ordinances that the LORD our God has commanded you?” then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.
5 Joshua 22:27 Rather, let it be a witness between us and you and the generations to come, that we will worship the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.’ Then in the future, your descendants cannot say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD!’
6 Deuteronomy 11:19 Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
7 Exodus 12:26–27 When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped.
8 Isaiah 38:19 The living, only the living, can thank You, as I do today; fathers will tell their children about Your faithfulness.
9 Psalms 71:18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.
10 Isaiah 55:13 Instead of the thornbush, a cypress will grow, and instead of the brier, a myrtle will spring up; they will make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign, never to be destroyed.”

Joshua 4:6 Summary

This verse, Joshua 4:6, is about the Israelites setting up stones as a reminder of the amazing thing God did for them when they crossed the Jordan River, similar to the way God provided for them in the wilderness, as seen in Exodus 16:4. The stones were to help them remember and tell their children and grandchildren about God's power and love, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:6-7. Just like the Israelites, we can use reminders like these stones to help us remember God's faithfulness and to share our stories of His work in our lives with others, as encouraged in Psalms 107:2. By doing so, we can pass down our faith and the stories of God's work in our lives to the next generation, as seen in Joshua 4:7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the stones in Joshua 4:6?

The stones were to serve as a sign among the Israelites, to remind them of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, as seen in Joshua 4:7, and to testify to the power and presence of the Lord, similar to the way the rainbow served as a sign of God's covenant in Genesis 9:13-17.

How does this verse relate to the concept of remembrance in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of remembering God's actions and faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2, where the Israelites were reminded to recall their wilderness journey and God's provision, and in Psalms 103:2, where the psalmist remembers to not forget God's benefits.

What can we learn from the way Joshua instructed the Israelites to explain the stones to their children?

Joshua's instruction to the Israelites to explain the stones to their children, as seen in Joshua 4:6-7, teaches us the importance of passing down our faith and the stories of God's work in our lives to the next generation, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Psalms 78:4.

How does this verse apply to our lives today?

This verse encourages us to reflect on the ways God has worked in our lives and to share those stories with others, as seen in Psalms 107:2, where the psalmist calls those who have been redeemed to declare the praises of the Lord, and in Revelation 12:11, where the martyrs overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some 'stones' in my life that serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and presence?
  2. How can I, like Joshua, intentionally pass down my faith and the stories of God's work in my life to the next generation?
  3. In what ways can I use my experiences and testimonies to point others to God's power and love, as seen in Joshua 4:7?
  4. What are some ways I can create opportunities to share my faith and the stories of God's work in my life with others, as encouraged in Matthew 28:18-20?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:6

That this may be a sign among you,.... A commemorative one: [that] when your children ask [their fathers] in time to come; or "tomorrow" (g) and so in all time, or any time hereafter: saying, what mean you by these stones?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:6

That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? That this may be a sign among you.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:6

A sign; a monument or memorial of this day’ s work.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:6

Joshua 4:6 That this may be a sign among you, [that] when your children ask [their fathers] in time to come, saying, What [mean] ye by these stones?Ver. 6. That this may be a sign.] We stand in need of all helps. The Israelites had their fringes and phylacteries to immind them; and of all things, God cannot abide to be forgotten.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 4:6

Verse 6. This may be a sign] Stand as a continual memorial of this miraculous passage, and consequently a proof of their lasting obligation to God.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 4:6

6. when your children] Comp. Exodus 12:26; Exodus 13:14; Deuteronomy 6:20.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:6

6. That this may be a sign among you — By this simple device two grand purposes are subserved: (1.) The preservation of national history and religious knowledge; (2.) The religious education of the young.

Sermons on Joshua 4:6

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen 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
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 12:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the Passover feast and the death of the firstborn. He emphasizes that redemption is achieved through the blood of Jesus a
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 13:14-19 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. The Israelites were not initially prepared for warfare, so G
Zac Poonen All Our Children Belong to the Lord by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the act of dedicating children to the Lord, drawing parallels between Old Testament practices like the dedication of the firstborn and the Passover feast to
Compilations A Revival Sermon (Compilation) by Compilations In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the negative influence of worldly distractions, particularly television, on one's spiritual life. He argues that giving one's heart to world
Denny Kenaston Lord, Send Revival by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of revival and the need for God to turn His people back to Him. He references Psalm 80, where the psalmist cries out to God to
Stephen Kaung Sons of Korah #2: Lesson of Faith: Psalms 44 by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus as the source of our faith. He explains that we cannot find faith within ourselves or by looking around us
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