King James Version

What Does Joshua 22:27 Mean?

Joshua 22:27 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Joshua 22:27 · KJV


Context

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.

28

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.

29

God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn this day from following the LORD, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for meat offerings, or for sacrifices, beside the altar of the LORD our God that is before his tabernacle.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us—The altar's true purpose is revealed: it functions as a witness (עֵד, ed), a memorial testimony to covenant unity despite geographical separation. The phrase "our generations after us" shows multi-generational thinking—they built for children not yet born.

That we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings—The eastern tribes affirm they WILL perform all these sacrifices, but at the legitimate tabernacle in Shiloh, not at this memorial altar. The altar testifies to their right and intent to worship at the central sanctuary.

That your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD—The altar serves as physical evidence of covenant membership, preventing future exclusion based on geography.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Memorial stones and altars were common in Ancient Near Eastern culture as witnesses to treaties and covenants (Genesis 31:45-52, Joshua 4:4-7). This altar follows that pattern—a visible reminder of invisible covenant bonds.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do physical memorials (baptism, communion, church buildings) serve as witnesses to spiritual realities?
  2. What steps can we take now to ensure future generations maintain both doctrinal purity and covenant unity?
  3. How does this altar model the difference between biblical symbolism and unbiblical innovation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
כִּי֩1 of 25
H3588

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

עֵ֨ד2 of 25

But that it may be a witness

H5707

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

ה֜וּא3 of 25
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

בֵּינֵ֣ינוּ4 of 25
H996

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

וּבֵֽינֵיכֶ֗ם5 of 25
H996

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

וּבֵ֣ין6 of 25
H996

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

דֹּֽרוֹתֵינוּ֮7 of 25

between us and you and our generations

H1755

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

אַֽחֲרֵינוּ֒8 of 25

after

H310

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

לַֽעֲבֹ֞ד9 of 25

us that we might do

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֶת10 of 25
H853

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

עֲבֹדַ֤ת11 of 25

the service

H5656

work of any kind

בַּֽיהוָֽה׃12 of 25

in the LORD

H3068

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

לְפָנָ֔יו13 of 25

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְּעֹֽלוֹתֵ֥ינוּ14 of 25

him with our burnt offerings

H5930

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

וּבִזְבָחֵ֖ינוּ15 of 25

and with our sacrifices

H2077

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

וּבִשְׁלָמֵ֑ינוּ16 of 25

and with our peace offerings

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

וְלֹֽא17 of 25
H3808

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

יֹאמְר֨וּ18 of 25

may not say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְבָנֵ֔ינוּ19 of 25

that your 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

מָחָר֙20 of 25

in time to come

H4279

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

לְבָנֵ֔ינוּ21 of 25

that your 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

אֵין22 of 25
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לָכֶ֥ם23 of 25
H0
חֵ֖לֶק24 of 25

Ye have no part

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

בַּֽיהוָֽה׃25 of 25

in 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 22:27 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 22:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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