Joshua 4:24

Authorized King James Version

That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְ֠מַעַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

דַּ֜עַת

H3045

might know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עַמֵּ֤י

H5971

That all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יַ֣ד

H3027

the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

חֲזָקָ֖ה

H2389

that it is mighty

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

#11

הִ֑יא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#12

לְמַ֧עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#13

יְרָאתֶ֛ם

H3372

that ye might fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#14

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם

H430

your God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#17

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

הַיָּמִֽים׃

H3117

for ever

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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