4:22a

you are to tell them: The clause you are to tell them indicates that the parents of the children must explain to them the meaning of the stones.

In some languages, the quote formula between 4:22a-b may need to be made explicit. For example, you could say:

Then you should explain it to your children. Say to them…

4:22b

Israel: The term Israel refers to all the Israelite people.

crossed: The word crossed means that the Israelite people walked across the Jordan River.

the Jordan: The phrase the Jordan refers to the Jordan River. This phrase is more literally “this Jordan.” The word “this” probably adds emphasis: “this very Jordan River that you see before your eyes.” In some languages it is not natural to include the word “this.” Try to find a natural way to add emphasis. If you can’t find a natural way to do this, then translate it as “the Jordan River.”

on dry ground: The phrase on dry ground refers to the riverbed of the Jordan. This was dry because Yahweh made the river stop flowing.

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