Joshua 4:21 net — He told the Israelites,“When your children someday ask their fathers,‘What do these stones represent?’

NET Bible

"He told the Israelites,“When your children someday ask their fathers,‘What do these stones represent?’"

— Joshua 4:21, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Joshua 4:21 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Joshua 4 — Context

18

The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD came up from the middle of the Jordan, and as soon as they set foot on dry land, the water of the Jordan flowed again and returned to flood stage.

19

The people went up from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month and camped in Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho.

20

Now Joshua set up in Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan.

21

He told the Israelites,“When your children someday ask their fathers,‘What do these stones represent?’

22

explain to your children,‘Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground.’

23

For the LORD your God dried up the water of the Jordan before you while you crossed over. It was just like when the LORD your God dried up the Red Sea before us while we crossed it.

24

He has done this so all the nations of the earth might recognize the LORD’s power and so you might always obey the LORD your God.”

Joshua 4:21 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Joshua 4:21 say?
Joshua 4:21 in the NET Bible reads: “He told the Israelites,“When your children someday ask their fathers,‘What do these stones represent?’”
Where is Joshua 4:21 in the Bible?
Joshua 4:21 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Joshua, chapter 4, verse 21.
Who wrote Joshua?
Joshua is traditionally attributed to Joshua (traditional). Traditionally written by Joshua with later additions noting his death and burial. It was written c. 1405–1380 BC.
What is the book of Joshua about?
Joshua is the account of Israel's entry into Canaan under Moses' successor — the crossing of the Jordan, the fall of Jericho, the conquest of the land, and its division among the twelve tribes. It is a record of God's faithfulness to his covenant promise to Abraham.
What are the major themes of Joshua?
Joshua explores themes including Conquest, Faithfulness, Inheritance, Courage, Holy War. These themes shape the meaning and context of Joshua 4:21.
What translation should I read Joshua 4:21 in?
Joshua 4:21 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Joshua 4:21?
Joshua 4:21 reads (NET): “He told the Israelites,“When your children someday ask their fathers,‘What do these stones represent?’” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2