4:21a

Then Joshua said to the Israelites: Joshua spoke to all the people of Israel. Earlier in 4:6 he spoke only to the twelve chosen men.

4:21b

In the future, when your children ask their fathers: The word when creates a subordinate clause. In some languages, it may be more natural to use an independent clause. For example:

Years from now your children will ask you why these rocks are here. (Contemporary English Version)

your children: The phrase your children refers to the present and future generations of Israelite children.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

your descendants
-or-
your children and grandchildren

ask their fathers: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as fathers can refer to both mothers and fathers.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

When your children ask their fathers (English Standard Version)
-or-
When your children ask their parents (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
In the future your children will ask (New Living Translation (2004))

4:21c

What is the meaning of these stones?: The children will ask the question What is the meaning of these stones? because they want to know why the stones are there. The children of future generations will see the stones and wonder why they are arranged as a memorial in that place.

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