King James Version

What Does Joshua 22:34 Mean?

Joshua 22:34 in the King James Version says “And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LO...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God. Ed: that is, A witness”

Joshua 22:34 · KJV

Context

32

And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again.

33

And the thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and did not intend to go up against them in battle, to destroy the land wherein the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt.

34

And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God. Ed: that is, A witness

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God—They name the altar Ed (עֵד, 'witness'). This memorial testifies to shared faith across the Jordan. That the LORD is God (ki YHWH hu ha-Elohim) echoes Elijah's cry (1 Kings 18:39) and Moses' declaration (Deuteronomy 4:35, 39).

Monuments serve memory. Israel erected many witness-stones: Jacob's pillar (Genesis 28:18), the twelve stones from Jordan (Joshua 4:20-24), this altar. Physical reminders help spiritual forgetfulness. The Lord's Supper functions similarly (1 Corinthians 11:24-25): 'this do in remembrance of me.' We need tangible helps for abstract truths.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The altar Ed stood near the Jordan as a permanent reminder of tribal unity. Unlike typical altars for sacrifice, this was purely memorial. Similar witness-monuments appear throughout ancient Near Eastern cultures, marking treaties and boundaries. Israel baptized this practice for covenant purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. What physical reminders help you remember God's faithfulness and your covenant identity?
  2. How can memorial practices prevent future generations from drifting from truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַֽיִּקְרְא֛וּ1 of 13

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וּבְנֵי2 of 13

“And the 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

רְאוּבֵ֥ן3 of 13

“of Reuben”

H7205

reuben, a son of jacob

וּבְנֵי4 of 13

“And the 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

גָ֖ד5 of 13

“of Gad”

H1410

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

לַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ6 of 13

“the altar”

H4196

an altar

כִּ֣י7 of 13
H3588

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

עֵ֥ד8 of 13

“Ed for it shall be a witness”

H5707

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

הוּא֙9 of 13
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

בֵּֽינֹתֵ֔ינוּ10 of 13
H996

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

כִּ֥י11 of 13
H3588

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

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 13

“between us that the LORD”

H3068

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃13 of 13

“is God”

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

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 22:34 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 22:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 22:27Isaiah 43:10Matthew 4:10Joshua 24:271 Kings 18:39

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