Old Testament
Joshua 22:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When they reached the Jordan River, in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben, the children of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built a large and impressive altar there by the Jordan.
Compare translations
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.
What Joshua 22:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who had settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, constructed a significant altar. This act was not merely for worship but also served as a symbol of their identity and unity with the rest of Israel. The altar was impressive and visible, indicating its importance. The tribes wanted to ensure that their descendants would remember their connection to the covenant community of Israel, even though they lived apart from the main body of the nation. This act could have been misunderstood as a rebellion or a separate worship practice, which later led to tensions. The construction of the altar highlights the importance of maintaining unity and communication within the community of believers, as well as the significance of shared symbols in expressing faith and identity.
How to apply Joshua 22:10 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of maintaining our identity within a community of faith. Just as the tribes built an altar to signify their connection, we should find ways to express our faith and unity with others, ensuring that we communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Joshua 22:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Joshua 22:10
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 22:10 mean?
Joshua 22:10 describes how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built a large altar by the Jordan River. This act symbolized their identity and unity with the rest of Israel, despite living on the eastern side of the river.
What is the significance of the altar in Joshua 22:10?
The altar built by the tribes in Joshua 22:10 served as a visible symbol of their connection to the covenant community of Israel. It was meant to remind future generations of their shared faith and identity.
Why did the tribes build an altar in Joshua 22:10?
The tribes built the altar in Joshua 22:10 to express their unity with the rest of Israel and to ensure that their descendants would remember their ties to the covenant community, despite their geographical separation.
What themes are present in Joshua 22:10?
Joshua 22:10 highlights themes of unity, identity, worship, and communication within the community of believers. It emphasizes the importance of shared symbols in maintaining connections among God's people.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.