Joshua 22:30

Authorized King James Version

And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel which were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spake, it pleased them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁמַ֞ע

H8085

which were with him heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

פִּֽינְחָ֣ס

H6372

And when Phinehas

pinechas, the name of three israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֗ן

H3548

the priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וּנְשִׂיאֵ֨י

H5387

and the princes

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

הָֽעֵדָ֜ה

H5712

of the congregation

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

וְרָאשֵׁ֨י

H7218

and heads

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אַלְפֵ֤י

H505

of the thousands

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#10

אִתּ֔וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

הַ֨דְּבָרִ֔ים

H1697

the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#13

אֲשֶׁ֧ר

H834

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

#14

דִּבְּר֛וּ

H1696

spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#15

וּבְנֵ֣י

H1121

and the 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

#16

רְאוּבֵ֥ן

H7205

of Reuben

reuben, a son of jacob

#17

וּבְנֵ֣י

H1121

and the 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

#18

גָ֖ד

H1410

of Gad

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

#19

וּבְנֵ֣י

H1121

and the 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

מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה

H4519

of Manasseh

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#21

וַיִּיטַ֖ב

H3190

it pleased

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

#22

בְּעֵֽינֵיהֶֽם׃

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 22 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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