King James Version

What Does Joshua 22:18 Mean?

Joshua 22:18 in the King James Version says “But that ye must turn away this day from following the LORD? and it will be, seeing ye rebel to day against the LORD, th... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But that ye must turn away this day from following the LORD? and it will be, seeing ye rebel to day against the LORD, that to morrow he will be wroth with the whole congregation of Israel.

Joshua 22:18 · KJV


Context

16

Thus saith the whole congregation of the LORD, What trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that ye have builded you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the LORD?

17

Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD,

18

But that ye must turn away this day from following the LORD? and it will be, seeing ye rebel to day against the LORD, that to morrow he will be wroth with the whole congregation of Israel.

19

Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God.

20

Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye rebel to day against the LORD, that to morrow he will be wroth with the whole congregation of Israel—This verse expresses the principle of corporate solidarity in covenant judgment. The Hebrew word for "wroth" (קָצַף, qatsaph) describes fierce divine anger that breaks out against the entire community for one group's sin (compare Joshua 7:1, "the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel" for Achan's individual sin).

The phrase "to day... to morrow" emphasizes the immediacy of divine response to covenant violation. The delegation fears that if the Transjordan tribes rebel today, judgment will fall on all Israel tomorrow—they are pleading for repentance to avert national catastrophe.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel understood itself as a corporate covenant entity, not merely individuals. One tribe's apostasy endangered the entire nation (Deuteronomy 29:18-21). This corporate accountability explains the urgency and fear in the delegation's appeal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the New Testament principle of church discipline reflect this same concern for corporate purity (1 Corinthians 5:6-7)?
  2. Why is it loving, not legalistic, to confront potential sin that might bring judgment on the whole community?
  3. How do we balance individual liberty in Christ with corporate responsibility for the church's witness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאַתֶּם֙1 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תָּשֻׁ֣בוּ2 of 16

But that ye must turn away

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הַיּוֹם֙3 of 16

this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֖י4 of 16

from following

H310

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

בַּֽיהוָ֔ה5 of 16

against the LORD

H3068

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

וְהָיָ֗ה6 of 16
H1961

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

אַתֶּ֞ם7 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּמְרְד֤וּ8 of 16

and it will be seeing ye rebel

H4775

to rebel

הַיּוֹם֙9 of 16

this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בַּֽיהוָ֔ה10 of 16

against the LORD

H3068

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

וּמָחָ֕ר11 of 16

that to morrow

H4279

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

אֶֽל12 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל13 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲדַ֥ת14 of 16

with the whole congregation

H5712

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל15 of 16

of Israel

H3478

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

יִקְצֹֽף׃16 of 16

he will be wroth

H7107

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 22:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 22:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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