Old Testament
Joshua 24:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Joshua said to all the people, "Look at this stone; it will be a witness to us, because it has heard all the words the LORD spoke to us. It will be a witness to you, so you do not deny your God."
Compare translations
And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.
What Joshua 24:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua is addressing the Israelites and pointing to a stone as a symbol of their covenant with God. He emphasizes that this stone will serve as a witness to the promises and commands that God has given them. The stone represents a tangible reminder of their commitment to follow God and the consequences of turning away from Him. By stating that the stone has 'heard' the words of the Lord, Joshua underscores the seriousness of their vows and the importance of accountability. This act of setting up a witness is meant to encourage the people to remain faithful and not deny their relationship with God, even in challenging times. It serves as a reminder that their actions and decisions are observed and have lasting implications. The stone stands as a physical reminder of their spiritual obligations and the need to uphold their end of the covenant with God.
How to apply Joshua 24:27 to your life
This verse encourages us to establish reminders in our lives that help us stay accountable to our commitments to God. Just as the stone served as a witness, we can create practices or symbols that remind us of our faith and the promises we have made. This can help us remain steadfast in our relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: “Choose You This Day” (Joshua 24:1–28)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joshua
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Joshua 24:27
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Joshua 24:27
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 24:27 mean?
Joshua 24:27 means that Joshua is using a stone as a physical reminder of the covenant between God and the Israelites. The stone symbolizes their commitment to follow God's commands and serves as a witness to their promises.
What is the significance of the stone in Joshua 24:27?
The stone in Joshua 24:27 represents a tangible witness to the words of the Lord and the Israelites' commitment to Him. It serves as a reminder of their accountability and the importance of remaining faithful to their covenant with God.
How does Joshua 24:27 relate to accountability?
Joshua 24:27 relates to accountability by highlighting that the stone will witness the Israelites' vows to God. It serves as a reminder that their actions are observed and that they are responsible for keeping their commitments.
What themes are present in Joshua 24:27?
The themes present in Joshua 24:27 include covenant, witness, accountability, faithfulness, commitment, and reminder. These themes emphasize the importance of the Israelites' relationship with God and their responsibilities in that covenant.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.