Joshua 22:10

Authorized King James Version

And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙
And when they came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
גְּלִיל֣וֹת
unto the borders
a circuit or region
#4
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן
by Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#5
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
that are in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
כְּנָ֑עַן
of Canaan
kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him
#8
וַיִּבְנ֣וּ
built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#9
וּבְנֵי
and the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
רְאוּבֵ֣ן
of Reuben
reuben, a son of jacob
#11
וּבְנֵי
and the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
גָ֡ד
of Gad
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
#13
וַֽחֲצִ֣י
and the half
the half or middle
#14
שֵׁבֶט֩
tribe
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#15
הַֽמְנַשֶּׁ֨ה
of Manasseh
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#16
שָׁ֤ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#17
מִזְבֵּ֥חַ
altar
an altar
#18
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן
by Jordan
jarden, the principal river of palestine
#20
מִזְבֵּ֥חַ
altar
an altar
#21
גָּד֖וֹל
a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#22
לְמַרְאֶֽה׃
to see to
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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