Joshua 22:27

Authorized King James Version

But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּי֩

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֵ֨ד

H5707

But that it may be a witness

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

ה֜וּא

H1931

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

בֵּינֵ֣ינוּ

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּבֵֽינֵיכֶ֗ם

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּבֵ֣ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

דֹּֽרוֹתֵינוּ֮

H1755

between us and you and our generations

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

אַֽחֲרֵינוּ֒

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

לַֽעֲבֹ֞ד

H5647

us that we might do

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

עֲבֹדַ֤ת

H5656

the service

work of any kind

#12

בַּֽיהוָֽה׃

H3068

in the LORD

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

#13

לְפָנָ֔יו

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#14

בְּעֹֽלוֹתֵ֥ינוּ

H5930

him with our burnt offerings

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

#15

וּבִזְבָחֵ֖ינוּ

H2077

and with our sacrifices

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

#16

וּבִשְׁלָמֵ֑ינוּ

H8002

and with our peace offerings

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

#17

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#18

יֹאמְר֨וּ

H559

may not say

to say (used with great latitude)

#19

לְבָנֵ֔ינוּ

H1121

that your 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

#20

מָחָר֙

H4279

in time to come

properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter

#21

לְבָנֵ֔ינוּ

H1121

that your 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

#22

אֵין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#23

לָכֶ֥ם

#24

חֵ֖לֶק

H2506

Ye have no part

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

#25

בַּֽיהוָֽה׃

H3068

in the LORD

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

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 peace 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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 22 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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