Joshua 22:28

Authorized King James Version

Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאָמַ֡רְנוּ

H559

Therefore said

to say (used with great latitude)

וְהָיָ֗ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּֽי

H3588

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

וְאָמַ֡רְנוּ

H559

Therefore said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֵ֛ינוּ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דֹּֽרֹתֵ֖ינוּ

H1755

to us or to our generations

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

מָחָ֑ר

H4279

in time to come

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

וְאָמַ֡רְנוּ

H559

Therefore said

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

רְא֣וּ

H7200

again Behold

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

תַּבְנִית֩

H8403

the pattern

structure; by implication, a model, resemblance

#13

מִזְבַּ֨ח

H4196

of the altar

an altar

#14

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#15

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

עָשׂ֣וּ

H6213

made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#17

אֲבוֹתֵ֗ינוּ

which our fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#18

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

#19

לְעוֹלָה֙

H5930

not for burnt offerings

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

#20

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#21

לְזֶ֔בַח

H2077

nor for sacrifices

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

#22

כִּי

H3588

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

#23

עֵ֣ד

H5707

but it is a witness

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

#24

ה֔וּא

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

#25

בֵּינֵ֖ינוּ

H996

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

#26

וּבֵֽינֵיכֶֽם׃

H996

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty 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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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