Joshua 22:16

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the whole congregation of the LORD, What trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that ye have builded you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the LORD?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּ֣ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָֽמְר֞וּ
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
כֹּ֣ל׀
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
עֲדַ֣ת
the whole congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#5
בַּֽיהוָֽה׃
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
מָֽה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#7
הַמַּ֤עַל
What trespass
treachery, i.e., sin
#8
הַזֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#9
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
מְעַלְתֶּם֙
is this that ye have committed
properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously
#11
בֵּֽאלֹהֵ֣י
against the God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#12
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#13
לָשׁ֣וּב
to turn away
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#14
הַיּ֖וֹם
this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#15
מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֖י
from following
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#16
בַּֽיהוָֽה׃
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
בִּבְנֽוֹתְכֶ֤ם
in that ye have builded
to build (literally and figuratively)
#18
לָכֶם֙
H0
#19
מִזְבֵּ֔חַ
you an altar
an altar
#20
לִמְרָדְכֶ֥ם
that ye might rebel
to rebel
#21
הַיּ֖וֹם
this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#22
בַּֽיהוָֽה׃
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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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