Old Testament

Joshua 22:14

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

With him were ten leaders, one from each of the chief houses of all the tribes of Israel. Each was the head of his father's house among the thousands of Israel.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And with him ten princes, of each chief house a prince throughout all the tribes of Israel; and each one was an head of the house of their fathers among the thousands of Israel.

What Joshua 22:14 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see a significant moment in the history of Israel where ten leaders, representing the chief families from each tribe, accompany a key figure. These leaders are not just ordinary men; they are heads of their respective households, indicating their importance and authority within the community. This gathering highlights the unity and organization of the Israelite tribes as they navigate their journey in the Promised Land. The presence of these leaders suggests that decisions made during this time were not taken lightly, as they involved the input and agreement of multiple tribes. This verse emphasizes the importance of leadership and representation in communal matters, showing that significant decisions were made collectively rather than by individuals alone. It also reflects the structure of Israelite society, where family lineage and tribal affiliation played crucial roles in governance and community life.

How to apply Joshua 22:14 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of strong leadership and collaboration in our communities. Just as the leaders of Israel came together to make decisions, we should seek to involve others in our decision-making processes, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering unity.

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.

A painting of Lamech holding his newborn son Noah outside a tent, with a plow and tools lying on the ground nearby

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

An old color photograph of Nablus in a green valley below Mount Gerizim, with people resting on rocks in front.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Joshua 22:14

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 22:14

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 22:14 mean?

Joshua 22:14 describes a gathering of ten leaders from the chief families of Israel who accompany a key figure. This highlights the importance of leadership and collective decision-making among the tribes as they navigate their journey.

What is the significance of the leaders in Joshua 22:14?

The leaders mentioned in Joshua 22:14 represent the heads of their households from each tribe, indicating their authority and the structured governance of the Israelite community. Their presence underscores the importance of unity and collaboration in making significant decisions.

Who are the ten leaders in Joshua 22:14?

The ten leaders in Joshua 22:14 are princes from each chief house of the tribes of Israel, each representing their family and tribe. They play a crucial role in the governance and decision-making of the Israelite community.

How does Joshua 22:14 reflect community values?

Joshua 22:14 reflects community values by emphasizing leadership, representation, and the importance of collective input in decision-making. It shows that significant choices were made with the agreement of multiple tribes, highlighting the value of unity.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.