Joshua 22:21

Authorized King James Version

Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיַּעֲנוּ֙

H6030

answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

וּבְנֵי

H1121

Then 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

רְאוּבֵ֣ן

H7205

of Reuben

reuben, a son of jacob

וּבְנֵי

H1121

Then 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

גָ֔ד

H1410

of Gad

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

וַֽחֲצִ֖י

H2677

and the half

the half or middle

שֵׁ֣בֶט

H7626

tribe

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

הַֽמְנַשֶּׁ֑ה

H4519

of Manasseh

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

וַֽיְדַבְּר֔וּ

H1696

and said

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

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

רָאשֵׁ֖י

H7218

unto the heads

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

#12

אַלְפֵ֥י

H505

of the thousands

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

#13

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?

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