Joshua 22:26

Authorized King James Version

Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַנֹּ֕אמֶר
Therefore we said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
נַֽעֲשֶׂה
Let us now prepare
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
נָּ֣א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#4
לָ֔נוּ
H0
#5
לִבְנ֖וֹת
to build
to build (literally and figuratively)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ
us an altar
an altar
#8
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
לְעוֹלָ֖ה
not for burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#10
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
לְזָֽבַח׃
nor for sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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