Joshua 22:15

Authorized King James Version

And they came unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, unto the land of Gilead, and they spake with them, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ

H935

And they came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵי

H1121

and to 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

רְאוּבֵ֧ן

H7205

of Reuben

reuben, a son of jacob

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵי

H1121

and to 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

גָ֛ד

H1410

of Gad

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חֲצִ֥י

H2677

and to the half

the half or middle

#10

שֵֽׁבֶט

H7626

tribe

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

#11

מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה

H4519

of Manasseh

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

אֶ֣רֶץ

H776

unto the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#14

הַגִּלְעָ֑ד

H1568

of Gilead

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

#15

וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ

H1696

and they spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#16

אִתָּ֖ם

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#17

לֵאמֹֽר׃

H559

with them saying

to say (used with great latitude)

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 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 might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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

Study Resources

Biblical Maps