Joshua 22:19

Authorized King James Version

Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַ֨ךְ

H389

Notwithstanding

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

טְמֵאָ֜ה

H2931

be unclean

foul in a religious sense

אֶ֨רֶץ

H776

if the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲחֻזַּ֤ת

H272

of the possession

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

עִבְר֨וּ

H5674

then pass ye over

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

לָכֶ֜ם

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֨רֶץ

H776

if the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

אֲחֻזַּ֤ת

H272

of the possession

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

#11

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

not against the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

שָֽׁכַן

H7931

dwelleth

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

#14

שָׁם֙

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#15

מִשְׁכַּ֣ן

H4908

tabernacle

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

#16

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

not against the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#17

וְהֵאָֽחֲז֖וּ

H270

and take possession

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

#18

בְּתוֹכֵ֑נוּ

H8432

among

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#19

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

not against the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#20

אֶל

H408

nor

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#21

תִּמְרֹ֔דוּ

H4775

rebel

to rebel

#22

וְאֹתָ֙נוּ֙

H854

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

#23

אֶל

H408

nor

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#24

תִּמְרֹ֔דוּ

H4775

rebel

to rebel

#25

בִּבְנֹֽתְכֶ֤ם

H1129

against us in building

to build (literally and figuratively)

#26

לָכֶם֙

#27

מִזְבַּ֖ח

H4196

the altar

an altar

#28

מִֽבַּלְעֲדֵ֔י

H1107

beside

except, without, besides

#29

מִזְבַּ֖ח

H4196

the altar

an altar

#30

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

not against the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#31

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃

H430

our 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

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 22 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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