And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.

JOSHUA 22:11KJV
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Joshua 22:11 (KJV)

What does Joshua 22:11 mean?

Joshua 22:11 reports that the Israelites heard a message: the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had built an altar near the Jordan River, on the border facing the land of Canaan, at the place where the Israelites crossed into the land. This news is presented as something significant and potentially concerning to the rest of Israel.

The verse sets the scene after these eastern tribes had returned to their land across the Jordan, having helped the other tribes conquer Canaan. The focus is on what the rest of Israel hears—news of an altar built by their fellow Israelites, but on the opposite side of the river, which could raise questions about unity, worship, or loyalty. The verse introduces a situation that will soon lead to tension and investigation among the tribes.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 22:11

  • The word for "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) refers to a structure for sacrifices or offerings. In Israel's context, building an altar outside the central sanctuary could be seen as a serious matter, possibly even a challenge to proper worship.
  • The phrase "over against" (אֶל־מוּל, el-mul) means "opposite" or "facing," emphasizing the altar's location directly across from Canaan, not hidden but visible to all.
  • The word "passage" (עֲבֵר, avar) refers to the crossing point of the Jordan, reminding readers of the historic entry into the Promised Land and highlighting the symbolic importance of this location.

Why Joshua 22:11 matters

  • The verse signals the beginning of a misunderstanding that could threaten the unity of Israel, as building an altar elsewhere might be seen as breaking faith with God’s instructions.
  • By specifying the tribes and the location, Joshua 22:11 highlights the geographical and relational boundaries that were sensitive issues for the Israelites after settling the land.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the conflict and dialogue that follow, showing how quickly rumors or actions could lead to serious concerns among the tribes.

Where else these words appear

“borders” Hebrew H1552 · used in 5 verses

  • Joshua 13:2 This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,
  • Joshua 22:10 And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to.
  • Ezekiel 47:8 Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.

“against” Hebrew H4136 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • Numbers 8:3 And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • Joshua 19:46 And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho.

“Gad” Hebrew H1410 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 30:11 And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 2 Samuel 24:5 And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:

“Reuben” Hebrew H7205 · used in 68 verses

  • Genesis 29:32 And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.
  • Numbers 13:4 And these were their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.
  • Joshua 21:36 And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,