King James Version

What Does Joshua 22:25 Mean?

Joshua 22:25 in the King James Version says “For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.

Joshua 22:25 · KJV


Context

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

25

For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.

26

Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD—The eastern tribes reveal their deepest fear: future generations west of the Jordan might exclude their descendants from covenant participation because of geographical separation. The phrase "no part in the LORD" (אֵין חֵלֶק לָכֶם בַּיהוָה, ein chelek lakhem b'YHWH) denotes disinheritance from covenant blessings.

So shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD—The verb "cease" (שָׁבַת, shavat) means to stop or desist. They fear their grandchildren will be prevented from worshiping at the tabernacle, effectively excommunicated from Israel's covenant community despite being legitimate tribal members.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse reveals that the altar was built proactively to prevent future division, not to cause present schism. The eastern tribes understood that physical distance from the sanctuary could lead to spiritual estrangement over generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does concern for future generations' faith motivate present decisions and safeguards?
  2. What modern parallels exist where geographical or cultural separation threatens covenant unity?
  3. How can we proactively preserve spiritual unity across differences without compromising biblical truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וּגְב֣וּל1 of 23

a border

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

נָֽתַן2 of 23

hath made

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָֽה׃3 of 23

For the LORD

H3068

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

בֵּינֵ֨נוּ4 of 23
H996

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

וּבֵֽינֵיכֶ֜ם5 of 23
H996

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

בָּנֵ֔ינוּ6 of 23

and children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

רְאוּבֵ֤ן7 of 23

of Reuben

H7205

reuben, a son of jacob

בָּנֵ֔ינוּ8 of 23

and children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

גָד֙9 of 23

of Gad

H1410

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

אֶת10 of 23
H853

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

הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן11 of 23

Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

אֵין12 of 23
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לָכֶ֥ם13 of 23
H0
חֵ֖לֶק14 of 23

ye have no part

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

יְהוָֽה׃15 of 23

For the LORD

H3068

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

וְהִשְׁבִּ֤יתוּ16 of 23

cease

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

בָּנֵ֔ינוּ17 of 23

and children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֶת18 of 23
H853

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

בָּנֵ֔ינוּ19 of 23

and children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לְבִלְתִּ֖י20 of 23

from

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

יְרֹ֥א21 of 23

fearing

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֶת22 of 23
H853

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

יְהוָֽה׃23 of 23

For the LORD

H3068

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


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 22:25 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 22:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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