Translations
Modern
…to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’
Traditional
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?
Literal
…so that this may be a sign among you when your children ask hereafter, saying, ‘What are these stones to you?’
Latin
…ut sit signum inter vos: et quando interrogaverint vos filii vestri cras, dicentes: Quid sibi volunt isti lapides?
Original
Hebrew
English
…to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’
Notes
Joshua told the Israelites two times to get ready to explain to future generations. The stone memorial would help teach them (4:21).
Theme notes and profiles
Events
Glossary
Conquest and Allotment of the Land Joshua (Person) Joshua, Book of Judges, Book of Rahab (Person) Tribe of Dan
Topics
Instruction in Religion Pillar by Joshua, the Crossing of the Jordan River Stones: Memorial Pillars of the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Commemorated by a Pillar of Stones in Gilgal Token: Memorial Stones