Joshua 4:24
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.
Original Language Analysis
לְ֠מַעַן
H4616
לְ֠מַעַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
דַּ֜עַת
might know
H3045
דַּ֜עַת
might know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 18
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַמֵּ֤י
That all the people
H5971
עַמֵּ֤י
That all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יַ֣ד
the hand
H3027
יַ֣ד
the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
7 of 18
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
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חֲזָקָ֖ה
that it is mighty
H2389
חֲזָקָ֖ה
that it is mighty
Strong's:
H2389
Word #:
10 of 18
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)
הִ֑יא
H1931
הִ֑יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
11 of 18
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
לְמַ֧עַן
H4616
לְמַ֧עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יְרָאתֶ֛ם
that ye might fear
H3372
יְרָאתֶ֛ם
that ye might fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
13 of 18
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֥ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
16 of 18
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
Cross References
Psalms 89:13Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.Psalms 106:8Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.Exodus 15:16Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.Exodus 14:31And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.1 Chronicles 29:12Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.2 Kings 19:19Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only.Deuteronomy 6:2That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.
Historical Context
The miracle's impact on surrounding nations is documented in 5:1—Canaanite kings' hearts melted hearing of the crossing. This terror aided conquest, as demoralized enemies faced Israel. Similarly, Rahab's confession (2:9-11) showed reports of God's works generating faith. This pattern continues—the church's testimony of God's saving work attracts some while hardening others. Miracles never merely display power but serve redemptive purposes in God's sovereign plan.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's mighty works in your life provide witness to unbelievers?
- What balance between evangelistic testimony and internal reverence should God's works produce?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The miracle's purpose—'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'—has dual audiences: universal witness and Israel's reverence. God's mighty acts serve both evangelistic (showing His power to nations) and sanctifying (producing fear among His people) purposes. The comprehensive phrase 'all the people of the earth' shows God's concern extends beyond Israel to global gospel witness. Miracles demonstrate divine power, prompting both conversion and reverence.