Joshua 4:20

Authorized King James Version

And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵת֩
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
שְׁתֵּ֨ים
And those twelve
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#3
עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#4
הָֽאֲבָנִים֙
H68
stones
a stone
#5
הָאֵ֔לֶּה
these or those
#6
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
לָֽקְח֖וּ
which they took out
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#8
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#9
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן
of Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#10
הֵקִ֥ים
pitch
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#11
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
did Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#12
בַּגִּלְגָּֽל׃
in Gilgal
gilgal, the name of three places in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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