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?
Original Language Analysis
לְמַ֗עַן
H4616
לְמַ֗עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
תִּֽהְיֶ֛ה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֛ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
א֖וֹת
That this may be a sign
H226
א֖וֹת
That this may be a sign
Strong's:
H226
Word #:
4 of 14
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑ם
among
H7130
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑ם
among
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִשְׁאָל֨וּן
ask
H7592
יִשְׁאָל֨וּן
ask
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
7 of 14
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
בְּנֵיכֶ֤ם
you that when your children
H1121
בְּנֵיכֶ֤ם
you that when your children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מָחָר֙
their fathers in time to come
H4279
מָחָר֙
their fathers in time to come
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
מָ֛ה
H4100
מָ֛ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Cross References
Exodus 13:14And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:Joshua 4:21And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?Psalms 44:1We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.Deuteronomy 11:19And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.Joshua 22:27But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.Isaiah 38:19The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.Isaiah 55:13Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.Psalms 71:18Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
Historical Context
The twelve stones (one per tribe) erected at Gilgal created permanent memorial of Jordan crossing. Joshua also placed twelve stones in Jordan's riverbed (verse 9), creating dual witness. Gilgal became Israel's base camp during conquest, making the memorial strategically located. Similar memorials appear throughout Scripture (Genesis 28:18-22, 35:14; 1 Samuel 7:12), showing physical reminders help maintain spiritual memory. Modern church architecture and liturgy similarly incorporate memorial elements.
Questions for Reflection
- What physical reminders help your family remember and discuss God's faithfulness?
- How can you create opportunities for children to ask questions about faith rather than merely receiving lectures?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The memorial stones' purpose—'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?'—creates teaching opportunities for future generations. Physical memorials prompt questions enabling gospel transmission. The anticipation that children will ask demonstrates intentional catechesis structure. Faith transmission requires not merely information download but dialogue responding to curiosity. Visible reminders of God's works spark conversations passing faith to the next generation.