Joshua 20:8

Authorized King James Version

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמֵעֵ֜בֶר
And on the other side
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
#2
לְיַרְדֵּ֤ן
Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#3
יְרִיחוֹ֙
by Jericho
jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine
#4
מִזְרָ֔חָה
eastward
sunrise, i.e., the east
#5
נָֽתְנ֞וּ
they assigned
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
בֶּ֧צֶר
Bezer
betser, a place in palestine; also an israelite
#8
בַּמִּדְבָּ֛ר
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#9
בַּמִּישֹׁ֖ר
upon the plain
a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (
#10
מִמַּטֵּ֥ה
out of the tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#11
רְאוּבֵ֑ן
of Reuben
reuben, a son of jacob
#12
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
רָאמֹ֤ת
and Ramoth
ramoth, the name of two places in palestine
#14
בַּגִּלְעָד֙
in Gilead
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
#15
מִמַּטֵּ֥ה
out of the tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#16
גָ֔ד
of Gad
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
#17
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
גּלָ֥וֹן
and Golan
golan, a place east of the jordan
#19
בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן
in Bashan
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan
#20
מִמַּטֵּ֥ה
out of the tribe
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#21
מְנַשֶּֽׁה׃
of Manasseh
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources