Joshua 22:27
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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 25
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עֵ֨ד
But that it may be a witness
H5707
עֵ֨ד
But that it may be a witness
Strong's:
H5707
Word #:
2 of 25
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
ה֜וּא
H1931
ה֜וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 25
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
בֵּינֵ֣ינוּ
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
4 of 25
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵֽינֵיכֶ֗ם
H996
וּבֵֽינֵיכֶ֗ם
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
5 of 25
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵ֣ין
H996
וּבֵ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
6 of 25
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
דֹּֽרוֹתֵינוּ֮
between us and you and our generations
H1755
דֹּֽרוֹתֵינוּ֮
between us and you and our generations
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
7 of 25
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
אַֽחֲרֵינוּ֒
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵינוּ֒
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
8 of 25
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
לַֽעֲבֹ֞ד
us that we might do
H5647
לַֽעֲבֹ֞ד
us that we might do
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
9 of 25
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּֽיהוָֽה׃
in the LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָֽה׃
in the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 25
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְפָנָ֔יו
before
H6440
לְפָנָ֔יו
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
13 of 25
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
בְּעֹֽלוֹתֵ֥ינוּ
him with our burnt offerings
H5930
בְּעֹֽלוֹתֵ֥ינוּ
him with our burnt offerings
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
14 of 25
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
וּבִזְבָחֵ֖ינוּ
and with our sacrifices
H2077
וּבִזְבָחֵ֖ינוּ
and with our sacrifices
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
15 of 25
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
וּבִשְׁלָמֵ֑ינוּ
and with our peace offerings
H8002
וּבִשְׁלָמֵ֑ינוּ
and with our peace offerings
Strong's:
H8002
Word #:
16 of 25
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
17 of 25
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לְבָנֵ֔ינוּ
that your children
H1121
לְבָנֵ֔ינוּ
that your children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
19 of 25
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מָחָר֙
in time to come
H4279
מָחָר֙
in time to come
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
20 of 25
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
לְבָנֵ֔ינוּ
that your children
H1121
לְבָנֵ֔ינוּ
that your children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
21 of 25
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Joshua 24:27And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.Genesis 31:48And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;Deuteronomy 12:11Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:Joshua 22:34And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.
Historical Context
Memorial stones and altars were common in Ancient Near Eastern culture as witnesses to treaties and covenants (Genesis 31:45-52, Joshua 4:4-7). This altar follows that pattern—a visible reminder of invisible covenant bonds.
Questions for Reflection
- How do physical memorials (baptism, communion, church buildings) serve as witnesses to spiritual realities?
- What steps can we take now to ensure future generations maintain both doctrinal purity and covenant unity?
- How does this altar model the difference between biblical symbolism and unbiblical innovation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us—The altar's true purpose is revealed: it functions as a witness (עֵד, ed), a memorial testimony to covenant unity despite geographical separation. The phrase "our generations after us" shows multi-generational thinking—they built for children not yet born.
That we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings—The eastern tribes affirm they WILL perform all these sacrifices, but at the legitimate tabernacle in Shiloh, not at this memorial altar. The altar testifies to their right and intent to worship at the central sanctuary.
That your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD—The altar serves as physical evidence of covenant membership, preventing future exclusion based on geography.