Joshua 22:23

Authorized King James Version

That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לִבְנ֥וֹת
That we have built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#2
לָ֙נוּ֙
H0
#3
מִזְבֵּ֔חַ
us an altar
an altar
#4
לָשׁ֖וּב
to turn
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#5
מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֣י
from following
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#6
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#8
לְהַֽעֲל֨וֹת
or if to offer
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#9
עָלָ֜יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
עוֹלָ֣ה
thereon burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#11
וּמִנְחָ֗ה
or meat offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#12
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#13
לַֽעֲשׂ֤וֹת
or if to offer
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
עָלָיו֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
זִבְחֵ֣י
offerings
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#16
שְׁלָמִ֔ים
peace
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
#17
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#18
ה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#19
יְבַקֵּֽשׁ׃
himself require
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of peace reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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