King James Version

What Does Joshua 4:24 Mean?

Joshua 4:24 in the King James Version says “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 Go... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. for ever: Heb. all days

Joshua 4:24 · KJV


Context

22

Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.

23

For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over:

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. for ever: Heb. all days


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's mighty works in your life provide witness to unbelievers?
  2. What balance between evangelistic testimony and internal reverence should God's works produce?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
לְ֠מַעַן1 of 18
H4616

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

דַּ֜עַת2 of 18

might know

H3045

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

כָּל3 of 18
H3605

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

עַמֵּ֤י4 of 18

That all the people

H5971

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

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙5 of 18

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶת6 of 18
H853

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

יַ֣ד7 of 18

the hand

H3027

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

יְהוָ֥ה8 of 18

of the LORD

H3068

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

כִּ֥י9 of 18
H3588

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

חֲזָקָ֖ה10 of 18

that it is mighty

H2389

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

הִ֑יא11 of 18
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

לְמַ֧עַן12 of 18
H4616

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

יְרָאתֶ֛ם13 of 18

that ye might fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֶת14 of 18
H853

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

יְהוָ֥ה15 of 18

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם16 of 18

your God

H430

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

כָּל17 of 18
H3605

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

הַיָּמִֽים׃18 of 18

for ever

H3117

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 4:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 4:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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