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 22:27KJV
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Joshua 22:27 (KJV)

What does Joshua 22:27 mean?

Joshua 22:27 explains that the altar built by the eastern tribes was meant to be a visible reminder—a "witness"—between them and the rest of Israel, showing that they too serve the LORD with offerings and sacrifices. The verse emphasizes that this was to prevent future generations from being told they have no share in worshiping the LORD.

In this verse, the leaders of the tribes east of the Jordan are speaking to the other Israelites, explaining why they built an altar. They want to make sure that their descendants and the descendants of the western tribes remember that both groups are united in serving the LORD, even though they live on opposite sides of the river. The concern is that, over time, distance might lead to division or exclusion from worship.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 22:27

  • "witness" (עֵד, ʿēd): This word means more than just a reminder; it is a formal testimony or proof. Here, the altar itself stands as evidence of shared faith and unity.
  • "generations" (דּוֹר, dôr): This word points to the long-term concern, showing the tribes are thinking about their children and grandchildren, not just the present moment.
  • "service" (עֲבֹדָה, ʿăvōdāh): This word refers to the work or worship done for the LORD, highlighting that the altar is about shared religious duties, not rebellion or separation.
  • "part" (חֵלֶק, ḥēleq): This word means a share or portion. The fear is that future Israelites might claim the eastern tribes have no rightful share in the LORD, which would cut them off from the community and worship.

Why Joshua 22:27 matters

  • Joshua 22:27 clears up the misunderstanding that the altar was built for rebellion or as a rival place of worship; it was actually meant to preserve unity and shared worship.
  • The verse highlights the importance of visible reminders and shared symbols in keeping a community together across generations and geography.
  • This explanation connects to the wider story, where suspicion and potential conflict are resolved through honest communication and a focus on shared faith.

Where else these words appear

“come” Hebrew H4279 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 30:33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
  • Joshua 3:5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.
  • 1 Samuel 28:19 Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

“witness” Hebrew H5707 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 31:44 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
  • Joshua 22:28 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.
  • Proverbs 19:28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

“part” Hebrew H2506 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 14:24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.
  • 1 Samuel 30:24 For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:21 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.

“offerings” Hebrew H8002 · used in 84 verses

  • Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
  • Leviticus 9:22 And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.
  • Judges 20:26 Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.