Old Testament
Joshua 24:27
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Joshua is addressing the Israelites and pointing to a stone as a symbol of their covenant with God.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
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."
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Joshua
1: God Commissions Joshua
After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.
Unlock the full Joshua summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Joshua — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Joshua summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.