King James Version

What Does Joshua 22:22 Mean?

Joshua 22:22 in the King James Version says “The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transg...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)”

Joshua 22:22 · King James Version

Salvation

Context

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.

21

Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

22

The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)

23

That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require it;

24

And if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, What have ye to do with the LORD God of Israel? In time: Heb. To morrow

Read Joshua 22 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know—This solemn oath formula repeats "the LORD God of gods" (אֵל אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה, El Elohim YHWH) twice for emphasis, invoking God's supreme authority as witness. The threefold divine name—El (mighty God), Elohim (gods/judges), YHWH (covenant name)—represents the fullest affirmation of monotheistic faith.

If it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day)—The eastern tribes invoke a self-maledictory oath: if we built this altar for idolatry or rebellion (מֶרֶד, mered, or מַעַל, ma'al), may God destroy us immediately. This demonstrates absolute confidence in their innocence—they stake their lives on their pure motive.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Self-maledictory oaths were common in Ancient Near Eastern treaty contexts, where parties called down curses on themselves if they violated agreements. This formula proves the eastern tribes understood the gravity of the accusation and were willing to die if guilty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does appealing to God as ultimate witness demonstrate faith that truth will prevail?
  2. What does their willingness to accept immediate judgment reveal about the authenticity of their defense?
  3. How can we cultivate this kind of transparent integrity that invites divine examination (Psalm 139:23-24)?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אֵ֣ל׀1 of 20

“God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀2 of 20

“of gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בַּֽיהוָ֔ה3 of 20

“The LORD”

H3068

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

אֵ֣ל׀4 of 20

“God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀5 of 20

“of gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בַּֽיהוָ֔ה6 of 20

“The LORD”

H3068

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

ה֣וּא7 of 20
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

יֵדָ֑ע8 of 20

“he knoweth”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל9 of 20

“and Israel”

H3478

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

ה֣וּא10 of 20
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

יֵדָ֑ע11 of 20

“he knoweth”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אִם12 of 20
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בְּמֶ֤רֶד13 of 20

“if it be in rebellion”

H4777

rebellion

וְאִם14 of 20
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בְּמַ֙עַל֙15 of 20

“or if in transgression”

H4604

treachery, i.e., sin

בַּֽיהוָ֔ה16 of 20

“The LORD”

H3068

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

אַל17 of 20
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תּֽוֹשִׁיעֵ֖נוּ18 of 20

“save”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

הַיּ֥וֹם19 of 20

“us not 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

הַזֶּֽה׃20 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 22:22 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 22:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 8:39Deuteronomy 10:17Psalms 44:21Job 10:7Jeremiah 17:10Jeremiah 12:3

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