Joshua 4:21

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And he spake {H559} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, When your children {H1121} shall ask {H7592} their fathers {H1} in time to come {H4279}, saying {H559}, What mean these stones {H68}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said to the people of Isra'el, "In the future, when your children ask their fathers what these stones mean,

Berean Standard Bible

Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 4:21 captures a pivotal moment in Israel's history, immediately following their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This verse records Joshua's prophetic instruction to the Israelites, anticipating a future time when their children would inquire about the twelve memorial stones erected at Gilgal. It underscores God's intention for these physical markers to serve as a perpetual reminder of His mighty intervention, ensuring that the miraculous nature of the Jordan crossing and His covenant faithfulness would be diligently passed down through generations, fostering a deep and enduring faith in the God who keeps His promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 4:21 is a direct address from Joshua to the people of Israel, concluding the narrative of the Jordan River crossing and the erection of the memorial stones. Chapters 3 and 4 form a continuous account, beginning with the miraculous parting of the Jordan River as the ark of the covenant entered its waters, allowing the entire nation to cross on dry ground, echoing the earlier Red Sea deliverance. Following this, God commanded that twelve men, one from each tribe, take a stone from the riverbed where the priests' feet stood firm and set them up as a memorial at Gilgal. Verse 21, therefore, serves as the interpretive key for these actions, explaining their enduring purpose not just for the present generation but for all future generations of Israel. It sets the stage for Israel's entry into the land and their subsequent conquests, rooting their identity in God's powerful acts of deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The crossing of the Jordan River marked Israel's definitive entry into the land of Canaan, fulfilling centuries of divine promise. This event occurred after forty years of wilderness wandering, signifying the end of one era and the beginning of another. The act of setting up memorial stones was a common practice in the ancient Near East, often commemorating treaties, battles, or significant events. However, for Israel, these memorials were distinct in their theological purpose: they were not merely historical markers but tangible testimonies to Yahweh's unique power and faithfulness. The location, Gilgal, would become a significant encampment and spiritual center for Israel in the early stages of the conquest, serving as a base from which they launched their campaigns and where they renewed their covenant with God. The cultural emphasis on oral tradition and intergenerational teaching (as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Teaching Your Children")) made the "What mean these stones?" question a natural and expected pedagogical moment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **Remembrance and Memorial**, emphasizing the importance of not forgetting God's mighty acts. The stones serve as a physical anchor for the memory of God's faithfulness and power in fulfilling His covenant promises, particularly the promise of the land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Promised Land")). Secondly, it powerfully underscores **Intergenerational Teaching and Discipleship**. The anticipated question from the children provides a divinely ordained opportunity for parents to transmit the story of God's deliverance and covenant loyalty, ensuring that the next generation understands their identity as God's redeemed people. This echoes the pedagogical pattern established for the [Passover celebration](/exodus/12-26 "Exodus 12:26 - Explaining the Passover") in [Exodus 12:26-27](/exodus/12-26 "Exodus 12:26-27 - The Passover Question"). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Power**, as the explanation for the stones will inevitably point back to the Lord's miraculous drying of the Jordan, a clear demonstration of His control over creation and His active involvement in the history of His people, reminiscent of the [Red Sea parting](/exodus/14-22 "Exodus 14:22 - The Red Sea Crossing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ask (Hebrew, _sha'al'_):** This verb signifies "to inquire," "to question," or "to demand." In this context, it implies a genuine curiosity and a desire for understanding from the children. It's not a casual query but an invitation for a profound explanation, highlighting the proactive role of the younger generation in seeking knowledge about their heritage and faith. The use of _sha'al_ here sets up a pedagogical dynamic, where the children's inquiry triggers the parents' recounting of God's mighty deeds.
* **Stones (Hebrew, _'even'_):** While literally referring to physical rocks, in this context, "stones" carry profound symbolic weight. They are not merely geological formations but consecrated objects, transformed into a "sign" or "memorial." Their ordinariness contrasts with the extraordinary divine act they commemorate, emphasizing that God uses common elements to convey profound spiritual truths and to serve as tangible reminders of His intervention in human history.
* **Mean (Hebrew, _lachem'_):** The KJV's "mean" translates the Hebrew phrase "לָכֶם" (_lachem_), which literally means "to you" or "for you." The full phrase, "מַה הָאֲבָנִים הָאֵלֶּה לָכֶם" (_mah ha'avanim ha'elleh lachem_), is best rendered as "What are these stones to you?" or "What is the significance of these stones for you?" This highlights that the stones are not just historical artifacts but possess an ongoing, personal relevance and meaning for the Israelites, demanding an explanation of their purpose and the divine narrative they represent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes Joshua as the authoritative voice, conveying a divine mandate. It underscores that the instructions regarding the memorial stones are not merely human suggestions but part of God's plan for His people. Joshua, as God's chosen leader, is the conduit for this crucial intergenerational directive.
* **"When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying,"**: This phrase introduces a prophetic anticipation, looking forward to future generations. It reveals God's foresight and His commitment to ensuring that His mighty acts are remembered and understood by those who did not witness them firsthand. The emphasis on "fathers" highlights the primary responsibility of paternal figures in the transmission of faith and historical memory within the family unit.
* **"What [mean] these stones?"**: This is the pivotal question, designed by God to prompt the retelling of the Jordan crossing miracle. It signifies a divinely orchestrated moment of inquiry, where physical objects (the stones) serve as triggers for spiritual and historical education. The question is simple yet profound, inviting a comprehensive narrative of God's power, faithfulness, and covenant relationship with Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 4:21 employs several effective literary devices to convey its message. **Anticipation** is central, as the verse looks forward to a future scenario where children will inquire about the stones, setting up a pedagogical opportunity. This forward-looking perspective highlights God's long-term vision for His people's remembrance. The verse also utilizes **Didacticism**, as its primary purpose is to instruct the Israelites on how to transmit their faith and history to the next generation. The very structure of the anticipated question-and-answer dynamic is a didactic tool. Furthermore, the stones themselves function as powerful **Symbolism**, representing God's faithfulness, His power over nature, and His covenant promises fulfilled. They are tangible symbols of an invisible God's mighty deeds. Finally, the verse is an example of a **Question-and-Answer Format** (or erotapokrisis), a common ancient Near Eastern and biblical teaching method, where a question is posed to elicit a specific, educational response, thereby engaging the learner and embedding the lesson more deeply.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 4:21 serves as a profound theological statement on the necessity of remembering God's past faithfulness and actively transmitting that memory across generations. It reveals God's desire for His people to understand their identity not as a matter of chance, but as a direct result of His powerful and covenantal intervention in history. The stones are not merely historical markers but are imbued with theological significance, pointing to a God who is both omnipotent (drying the Jordan) and intimately involved in the lives of His people (leading them into the land). This intergenerational transmission of faith ensures the continuity of the covenant and prevents spiritual amnesia, reminding Israel that their existence and prosperity are rooted in God's grace and power, not their own might.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching Your Children Diligently")
* [Exodus 12:26-27](/exodus/12-26 "Exodus 12:26-27 - Explaining the Passover to Your Children")
* [Psalm 78:3-7](/psalm/78-3 "Psalm 78:3-7 - Recounting God's Deeds to Future Generations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 4:21 is a timeless call to intentional intergenerational discipleship. In a world prone to forgetting, this verse challenges us to create and maintain "memorials" in our lives—not necessarily physical stones, but practices, stories, and traditions that serve as tangible reminders of God's faithfulness. Whether it's recounting personal testimonies of God's provision, celebrating spiritual milestones, or simply sharing stories of biblical heroes, we are called to anticipate and welcome the "What mean these?" questions from the next generation. Our lives should be lived in such a way that our children and those around us are prompted to inquire about the source of our hope, peace, and resilience. This verse reminds us that faith is not merely a personal journey but a shared heritage, meant to be diligently passed on, ensuring that the mighty acts of God continue to shape the identity and trajectory of future believers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "memorial stones" (events, experiences, or traditions) exist in your life or family that testify to God's faithfulness?**
* **How intentionally are you creating opportunities for the next generation to ask questions about your faith journey and God's work in your life?**
* **What stories of God's deliverance and provision are you actively sharing with your children, grandchildren, or spiritual mentees?**
* **In what ways can your daily life and reliance on God become a "memorial" that prompts others to ask about the hope within you?**

### FAQ
**Why were the stones important if the people had just witnessed the miracle?**

Answer: While the generation that witnessed the Jordan crossing miracle certainly experienced God's power firsthand, the stones served a crucial purpose for future generations who would not have been present. They were a tangible, permanent memorial designed to trigger questions and provide a concrete reference point for the retelling of God's powerful intervention. Just as the [Passover](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover") celebration served as an annual reminder of the Exodus, these stones at Gilgal ensured that the memory of God drying up the Jordan would not fade, but would be actively taught and preserved, connecting every new generation to the foundational acts of their covenant God. The stones ensured that the miracle was not just a past event but a living testimony for all time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The memorial stones of Joshua 4:21, commemorating God's power to make a way where there was no way, find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Jordan crossing, a type of new Exodus into the Promised Land, foreshadows the greater spiritual deliverance accomplished through Christ. While the stones pointed to a physical crossing and a temporal salvation, Christ is the ultimate "memorial" of God's faithfulness and power. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose death and resurrection are the definitive acts of God's salvation, making a way for humanity to enter into the true spiritual Promised Land of eternal life with God. The questions anticipated in [Joshua 4:21](/joshua/4-21 "Joshua 4:21 - What Mean These Stones?") about the meaning of the stones are answered fully in the Gospel. Why did God do this? To reveal His power and faithfulness, ultimately culminating in the sending of His Son. The New Testament church, rather than erecting physical stones, remembers Christ's sacrifice through the ordinances of baptism and communion, which serve as spiritual memorials, prompting believers to recount the story of God's ultimate deliverance through His Son. As [1 Corinthians 11:26](/1_corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - Proclaiming the Lord's Death") states regarding communion, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." Thus, Christ Himself is the living memorial, the ultimate answer to every "What mean this?" question, ensuring that God's greatest act of salvation is proclaimed and remembered until His return.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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?

Psalms 145:4

One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

Psalms 145:7

They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

Psalms 105:2

Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.

Psalms 105:5

Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;