Old Testament
Joshua 22:25
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For the LORD made the Jordan a boundary between us and you, the children of Reuben and Gad. You have no share in the LORD. So your children might cause our children to stop fearing the LORD.
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For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.
What Joshua 22:25 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker is addressing the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who settled on the east side of the Jordan River. The speaker emphasizes that God has established the Jordan as a boundary that separates them from the other tribes of Israel. This separation is significant because it implies that the tribes of Reuben and Gad do not have a share in the worship and blessings of the Lord that the other tribes experience. The concern is that the children of Reuben and Gad might lead the children of the other tribes away from fearing and obeying the Lord. This reflects a deep worry about the spiritual influence and unity among the Israelites, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with God and the dangers of division. The verse serves as a reminder of the need for communal faithfulness and vigilance in upholding the worship of God, especially in the face of potential influences that could lead to spiritual decline.
How to apply Joshua 22:25 to your life
This verse encourages us to be mindful of the influences we allow in our lives and communities. It reminds us to prioritize our relationship with God and to be vigilant against anything that might lead us or others away from faithfulness. Maintaining unity in worship is essential.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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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.
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Keep studying Joshua 22:25
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Key themes
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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 22:25 mean?
Joshua 22:25 explains that the Jordan River serves as a boundary between the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the other tribes of Israel. This separation indicates that the tribes on the east side do not share in the worship and blessings of the Lord, raising concerns about their influence on the faith of the other Israelites.
What is the significance of the Jordan River in Joshua 22:25?
In Joshua 22:25, the Jordan River is significant as it represents a physical and spiritual boundary established by God. This boundary emphasizes the separation of the tribes of Reuben and Gad from the rest of Israel, which raises concerns about their potential influence on the faithfulness of the other tribes.
What does 'you have no share in the LORD' mean in Joshua 22:25?
The phrase 'you have no share in the LORD' in Joshua 22:25 means that the tribes of Reuben and Gad are viewed as being outside the communal worship and blessings that the other tribes experience. This highlights the concern that their separation could lead to a weakening of faith among the Israelites.
How does Joshua 22:25 relate to community and faithfulness?
Joshua 22:25 highlights the importance of community and faithfulness by showing how separation can lead to spiritual decline. The verse serves as a reminder that maintaining unity in worship is crucial for the spiritual health of the entire community.
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