Joshua 22:14

Authorized King James Version

And with him ten princes, of each chief house a prince throughout all the tribes of Israel; and each one was an head of the house of their fathers among the thousands of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽעֲשָׂרָ֤ה

H6235

And with him ten

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

נָשִׂ֤יא

H5387

chief

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

עִמּ֔וֹ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

נָשִׂ֤יא

H5387

chief

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

אֶחָד֙

H259

of each

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

נָשִׂ֤יא

H5387

chief

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

אֶחָד֙

H259

of each

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

בֵּית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲבוֹתָ֛ם

a prince

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#10

לְכֹ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

מַטּ֣וֹת

H4294

throughout all the tribes

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

#12

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#13

וְאִ֨ישׁ

H376

and each one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#14

רֹ֧אשׁ

H7218

was an head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#15

בֵּית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#16

אֲבוֹתָ֛ם

a prince

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#17

הֵ֖מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#18

לְאַלְפֵ֥י

H505

among the thousands

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

#19

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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