King James Version

What Does Joshua 22:28 Mean?

Joshua 22:28 in the King James Version says “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 sa... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Joshua 22:28 · KJV


Context

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.

30

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. pleased: Heb. was good in their eyes


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—The eastern tribes envision a future scenario where their descendants face exclusion. They can point to the memorial altar and say, "Look at the pattern (תַּבְנִית, tavnit) of the LORD's altar"—proving their fathers intended to worship at the legitimate sanctuary.

Which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you—The repetition of "not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices" (third time) emphasizes the altar's non-cultic function. It witnesses TO the true altar, not competing WITH it. The memorial points to Shiloh, not away from it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The word tavnit (pattern) is the same term used for the tabernacle pattern shown to Moses (Exodus 25:9). The eastern altar was likely a replica in appearance but entirely different in function—a visual testimony rather than a functional sanctuary.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do our churches and practices serve as 'patterns' or witnesses to future generations about what we believed?
  2. What safeguards can we build now to help our children defend their covenant participation decades from now?
  3. How does this vision for multi-generational faithfulness challenge short-term thinking in modern Christianity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וְאָמַ֡רְנוּ1 of 26

Therefore said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וְהָיָ֗ה2 of 26
H1961

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

כִּֽי3 of 26
H3588

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

וְאָמַ֡רְנוּ4 of 26

Therefore said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֵ֛ינוּ5 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאֶל6 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דֹּֽרֹתֵ֖ינוּ7 of 26

to us or to our generations

H1755

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

מָחָ֑ר8 of 26

in time to come

H4279

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

וְאָמַ֡רְנוּ9 of 26

Therefore said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

רְא֣וּ10 of 26

again Behold

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת11 of 26
H853

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

תַּבְנִית֩12 of 26

the pattern

H8403

structure; by implication, a model, resemblance

מִזְבַּ֨ח13 of 26

of the altar

H4196

an altar

יְהוָ֜ה14 of 26

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁר15 of 26
H834

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

עָשׂ֣וּ16 of 26

made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֲבוֹתֵ֗ינוּ17 of 26

which our fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לֹ֤א18 of 26
H3808

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

לְעוֹלָה֙19 of 26

not for burnt offerings

H5930

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

וְלֹ֣א20 of 26
H3808

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

לְזֶ֔בַח21 of 26

nor for sacrifices

H2077

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

כִּי22 of 26
H3588

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

עֵ֣ד23 of 26

but it is a witness

H5707

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

ה֔וּא24 of 26
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

בֵּינֵ֖ינוּ25 of 26
H996

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

וּבֵֽינֵיכֶֽם׃26 of 26
H996

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


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 22:28 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 22:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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